IRIS CLAIRE'S POV
"Hey, mom? I gotta go now, okay?" I shouted from inside of the house.
"Did you eat breakfast, sweetie?" she shouted back at me from the garden. My mother is a huge fan of flowers so our house basically looks like a florist's home.
"Nah, I'm good. I'll just eat at school."
"Take care, sweetheart!"
I grabbed my backpack and wore my Penny loafer shoes. I am extra early today. I don't know, I guess I'm just a little excited, knowing my life is in danger.
It's a walking distance to school. I went out of the neighborhood, looking around. I still don't trust the security in this cul-de-sac.
I need a new camera. The guy who took my wallet also took my camera. They've got my evidence. At least, I'm still alive. But what's the point of it anyway if I'm being threatened? I just have a really bad feeling about it. Maybe we should call the cops. If it's for the better, then I'll convince Noah. I can't believe he almost noticed how I knew his name. And it doesn't even suit him! Noah's a good boy's name. Argh, Claire, you're impossible! And he keeps on calling me Iris. That boy!
When I reached the campus gate, I ran towards the main building. Where can I find him? I don't know anything about him!
"Ohh, watch out!" I almost landed on the ground when I bumped onto someone. I looked up to see the guy who's now helping me to stand up. He's got his one arm wrapped around a skateboard.
"Iris?" I looked beside him and saw another man, taller than this one in front of me. I rolled my eyes. He's the only one who's got the nerves to call me on my first name.
"Noah, you know this girl?" His friend smiled at me, scanning my entire existence from head to toe.
"Yup. It's her." Noah replied to his friend.
"Oh, the troublemaker!" I heard them laughing.
Dude! I am literally standing here in front of them and they were laughing at me.
"Hi, I'm Claire." I smiled with my eyes.
"Hey there, Claire. I'm Hans. You single?"
That was smooth... and unpredictable. I acted like he was just joking. I think he was.
"Stop it, dude! Iris is off limits." Noah pushed his friend and crossed his arms.
"Iris? You have a pet name for her? That's wild." Hans smirked but Noah just shrugged off.
I began to walk away. My tummy is rumbling and I cannot afford to wait a minute longer.
"Where are you headed?" Noah called so I motioned my finger to the cafè.
"Wait up!"
The two boys are walking behind me, talking about things I obviously couldn't hear. I swear to God, they're experts in talking about secrets.
"Mind if you guys tell me what's going on? What are you talking about?"
Noah shushed me, "Not for a lady."
When we reached the shop, I stood in line and ordered. Noah followed me around while his friend sat down in front of a circular table with a lacey umbrella for cover. This is a small and cozy stall where they sell baked goods and hot drinks.
"You didn't eat?" he asked me while I was paying.
"Nope, I was in a hurry."
I took my cookies and warm milk and headed on the table. "Aren't you guys gonna eat something?"
"Just eat up, will you?" Noah answered.
"Yeah, big boys don't like a little snack." Hans chuckled.
They are just watching me take a small messy bite from the cookie... which was awkward. Darn. I put down my food and pursed my lips. Noah might have felt my embarrassment so he started talking.
"So, Hans, uhm, we, actually, know someone who could help us with our little situation." Noah opened the topic.
"Uhm, actually, about that, Noah... I've decided. We should tell the cops. I don't care if that push their limits and do something terrible. Telling the cops is the best thing that I could do."
"Hold on. Do you even hear yourself? They won't believe us! And you'll be in more danger, especially your family!"
"We'll try! At least... I could do something helpful."
"No, that's basically a suicide. Believe me. Cops are not—"
"You weren't the one who got harassed!" My voice wasn't loud but it sounded mad.
"Listen to the girl, Noah." Hans agreed and smiled.
"Fine! Right after class, we'll go to the station." he finally surrendered.
"You're the boss, Claire." Hans saluted.
"Shut up, she's not making any sense. Bet the cops won't even buy our story. I mean, look at me, I'm pretty sure they know my bad record." Noah smirked.
"Stop the gambling, will you, Noah?" his friend commented.
"Yeah, make a change." I agreed which made him quiet.
"Oh, I will, Iris. I'll drop the fuck out of this fucking school." he said with an emphasis.
"You really are serious about dropping out, aren't you?" I can't make him leave. He has to help me!
"You're not gonna make me change my mind."
"And you're not seeing my point here, Noah!"
"Stop the fight, love birds." Hans interrupted and stood up.
But before he could even move an inch, I harshly stood up, letting the world know my anger and disappointment. Noah seemed to be just watching me.
"Now you're leaving? That's good. Stay away from me, princess." I heard him scoffed.
"No, you stay away from me, Noah. You don't know anything!" I know he wouldn't be able to understand what I was trying to say but God, I hope he is smart enough to pick up.
Hans just stared at us during our petty, mindless fight. He must have hated the loud voices, wrinkled foreheads, and glaring eyes between me and Noah.
I took my cookies away and headed out. None of them talked back. I ran in my department building. Good thing is we go to different buildings. I've always been in Class A. I don't know about them but I think they're in the lowest section. Poor thing. I went to class and spent the day without my mind. I couldn't wait for this subject to end.
Noah said we'll go to the police station after class. I plan on going alone now. I hate him! It's fine if he's not willing to help me anymore. When the school bell rang, I stood up and grabbed my bag. I was the first one who got out the door. And to my surprise, Noah was outside the room, standing, just waiting. I pretended that I did not see him and continued walking. "What the hell, you don't know me now?" he ran up to me and chuckled, touching my shoulder.
"Nah, you don't want my plan, right?" I timidly spoke.
"I told you, we'll go. Stop sulking."
"But you think it's a bad idea." I faced him, looking angry.
"It is. But what can I do, you're the fucking boss here." I grinned and walked away. He was just following me.
"Where's Hans?"
"He's not around."
"So, we're alone? Again?"
"Oh, so you don't want my presence anymore? Why, babygirl?"
Holy shit. I felt my blood rushed up on my gentle cheeks. The nerve of this boy!
"S-Shut up, Noah. I'm only doing this with you to save myself!"
"You're really something. I've got my eyes on you, Iris." he threatened.