Chapter six: First rule, don't judge

I grabbed my bike keys from the display case, I looked at my watch and realized I was so going to be late for class. “You are late.” Mandy acknowledged from the kitchen. “Yes, I know. Thanks. Mom.” I replied, rummaging through my bag.

“You came in very late last night.” I glanced up. “Are you keeping an eye on me now?” I asked.

“No, I’m just observant, and plus no one can miss that fancy car of his.” I just shrugged and carried on searching for my bike keys.

“You should be careful.” I dropped my head back in irritation. “What are you going to tell me now to stay away from him because, his bad news?” Mandy didn’t think I was funny as she just stared at me, bored. “Not him. Giselle.”

“Oh, yeah. I almost forgot about the psycho ex-girlfriend. The girl who is still obviously in love him even after he dumped her.”

“Then you should know what she is capable of doing.”

“I’m not afraid of a girl who has issues getting over her ex. And she shouldn’t be worried because there is nothing going between Corbin and I. We are only acquaintances.” I finally got my keys and made my way out.

The lecturer ignored my rude entrance, to his late class and let me continue to my seat. It didn’t help to ask out about, on which topic we were, I was already late. I pulled out my workbook and tried to catch up which I eventually did.

“Miss Roux.” The lecturer suddenly called. “The Principal will like to see you in his office, before the end of today.” That was a weird request, why would he want to see me? I’ve passed all my test and first semester with flying colors.

I packed up my things after we got dismissed and decided to go see the principal before, I the start of my second class of the day. The receptionist greeted me and then let me through to the principal’s office. “Miss Roux.” The principal greeted shaking my hand when I entered his office.

“You are probably wondering why I asked you to come and see me.”

“Definitely.” I was trying to calm my nerves, trying not to freak out. I worked my butt off for the following few years, returning to school to get my school certificate and then to get into University.

“Well, Miss Roux I have seen your marks and I’m here to tell you that we are offering you a bursary.”

Excuse me, what? “A bursary?” The Principal nodded. “We would like you to apply for the bursary. You have proven yourself to us. With your record of excellence marks.” In a million years I would never have thought that this day would come.

“And we also have learned that you are paying off a scholarship.” I nodded. “Well, Camille. This would definitely help you out a lot.” I nodded, once again.

“How is this going to work?” I asked.

“We would like you to fill in this forms and bring them back to us as soon as possible. We would keep a watchful eye over you from now on.” I nodded. “I would expect nothing less.” The Principal smiled and nodded.

I took the papers and slipped them into my workbook. “Keep up the good work, Miss Roux.” He said shaking my hand before I left his office.

Mr. Thompson waited outside the classroom. He handed each of us a safety suit and goggles. “Today, we are going to do a little practical work.” Finally. I have been dying to get my hands on some engines. Apart from Mike’s garage. “Hope everything is alright.” Mr. Thompson said to me as he handed me my suit. He probably saw me exit the principal office. I just nodded taking the suit and goggles from him.

Everyone was already dressed when I entered the mechanical room. “Okay, time to choose your work buddy.” Mr. Thompson announced, entering the room. I watched as all the popular guys immediately jumped ahead and chose their buddies. Why are they always afraid of nerds? These boys can actually teach them something and actually make them pass if they pay attention.

“Eddy, right?” I asked walking up to the guy that had more brains than any guy around in this room, except for Mr. Thompson that is.

He nodded. “Camille.” He replied. “Want to be work buddies?” I asked.

“You don’t want to be one of their buddies?” He asked referring to the “popular” guys. “Nah, I actually want to pass the class and not get pregnant.” Eddy smiled at me.

We slipped on our working gloves and followed Mr. Thompson. He handed out our work papers and gave us some insight about the engines and what we were going to do. And what he will be expecting from us this semester.

Class got dismissed a little bit later than usual and I had to let Mike know that I was on my way. I was halfway out of my safety suit when I bumped into Corbin. “What’s with the suit?” He asked with both brows raised. “Mechanical class.” I replied, looking at my phone scanning through my contacts for Mike’s number. “Corbin.” I complained when he grabbed my phone from my hand. “Are we now in kindergarten?” I asked punching him in the ribs.

“Ow, what was that for?” He didn’t look happy as he rubbed his ribs.

“For my phone you took.” I said holding out my hand. “Come on, I need to call your father. I’m late for my shift.”

“I’m sure he will understand.”

“He probably will but I don’t want to misuse his goodness and trust.” I tried to pass him but he blocked my way. “Camille, you need to relax.”

“And you need to get out of my way.”

“I thought we buried the hatchet between us last night.”

“Nothing happened, last night. We had dinner together, yes the company was pleasant. But we have to face the reality.”

“Like what?”

“Like that, for instance.” I said motioning towards Giselle who was looking, more like glaring at us. I heard him sigh when his gaze landed on her watching us with narrowed eyes. “I’m not in the mood for any trouble because some psycho ex-girlfriend can’t accept that you don’t want her and wants to ruin my life.” Corbin looked taken back.

“I’m not a girl who wants to get messed with. I’m here to learn, to pass and to graduate so that I can go out there and make a life for myself.”

“I think we all want that.” Corbin replied frowning.

“Then you will understand what I’m getting at.”

“You don’t want me talking to you.”

“Not with that phoenix around.” Corbin quirked an eyebrow. I don’t want her digging around in my past so she thinks that she can use it against and put me where I was a few years ago.

“Are you afraid of her?” He questioned.

“No, I’m afraid of what I’m going to do to her.”

“Corbin?” I heard her calling. “Your bitch is calling.” I winked at him and then took my chance to walk off.