On Monday, the math test came up, but I was surprised that Catherine didn't bring up cheating as she had intended. I had a rush of relief. I had been shocked by the shift in her attitude after we had spent hours in her room the day before studying for the test. It was as if one night had changed her, and I was thankful for the change. A nagging voice in my mind, however, warned me to be cautious. I kept thinking that she might be acting, waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. I was alert and prepared for any unforeseen turns.
However, an unbelievable occurrence this morning made me feel a little more relaxed. Everyone in class was as surprised as I was when Catherine had defended me against Emma. Emma stood in my way as I was walking to class, her gaze focused on the bandages covering my legs.
"Catherine should have gotten more than just your leg beaten. Your arms, maybe. Or worse, gotten you completely paralyzed," she mocked.
It seemed Catherine had told her about what she did to me last week and Emma was completely eager for a response. I didn't let myself fall for her little trick, though. Emma grabbed my arm and spun me around when I attempted to pass her.
"I'm talking to you, little maid. How dare you walk away from me." she said angrily.
"Emma, I don't have time for this. "Please move aside," I said, not really in the mood.
At that moment, Emma looked so furious. The next thing was her hand reaching out and slapping me across the face, "you think you can talk back now huh?"
she said angrily.
I looked up at her feeling angry, but I didn't say a word because I was worried about my injured legs. My eyes locked with Emma and the boys on either side of her, but I remained silent. Still trying to avoid any kind of conflict, I took a right turn to walk passed them because they were blocking my way to class, but Emma pulled me back.
"Where do you think you're going?" She said, signaling the boys to hold me in place, "I'm not done with you yet."
Emma pulled out a rod, and I just knew she planned on hurting my still-healing legs even more. She lifted her arm to strike, just then, Catherine rushed in and shoved her away.
"What's wrong with you, Emma?" Catherine screamed, clearly upset.
Emma was confused, "What am I doing wrong? The question is, What's wrong with you? Why did you stop me from teaching her a lesson?
Catherine stood still for a moment, she turned to me. Her eyes reflected a mixture of disbelief at the turn of events. She never would have thought that she'd ever defend me against her best friend. Then she looked at Emma again.
"I won't hurt Lucy again," she said.
Emma's response was filled with disdain. "Is that a joke?"
Catherine's expression remained firm. "It's not. I don't want to see you playing any dirty tricks on Lucy again."
Emma's voice rose in rebellion. "Or else? You're going to fight me for your little maid?"
Catherine's eyes flashed with warning. "You try it, and I won't be kind to you."
She turned to the boys holding me. "Let her go."
As they released me, Catherine asked, "Are you okay?"
But before I could respond, Emma lunched forward with the rod, intending to strike us both. Mark Intervened Just in time, holding the rod mid-air, stopping Emma's attack in its tracks. He swiftly took the rod from Emma and tossed it aside.
"Mark? What are you doing here?" Emma asked, shocked to see him.
Given her secret crush on Mark and her reluctance to show it due to her friendship with Catherine, Emma's shock and embarrassment at being caught in her cruel act were evident.
The words that followed after from Mark clearly showed his anger. "The question is, what were you trying to do?"
Emma tried to downplay the situation. "It's not what you think, trust me."
"Oh really now," Mark said sarcastically, "Then what is it?"
Before Emma could respond, Catherine spoke up, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Well done, Emma. You really tried to hurt me. How could you?"
Emma shot back, her anger rising. "Come on, Cat, don't act like a saint now just because Mark is here. He must know you're just as terrible as I am."
The tension between them rose, and Catherine lunched at Emma. "Shut your trash mouth."
Mark held Catherine back, his grip firm but gentle. "Don't let her get under your skin. We should let the school authority handle it," he advised, looking into her eyes.
It was a rare moment of physical contact between them, and I noticed Catherine's cheeks flush as she looked down, trying to hide her reaction.
Emma, obviously upset about how Catherine defending me. And Mark taking our side, "So, after all these years, Mark finally defends you. You must feel like you've won a trophy, right, Cat?" Her tone was laced with anger and jealousy.
Mark's expression remained firm. "Enough talking. It's time to go to the principal's office."
He gestured for Emma and Catherine to lead the way. As they walked ahead, Matthew scooped me up in his arms and carried me to the school clinic. As we turned to leave, my eyes met Mark's, and our eyes locked until he was out of sight.
As Matthew lifted me into his arms, I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. Being close to him, I noticed the details of his face – his starry eyes and the concern etched on his face as he rushed to my side. It was a surreal moment, feeling like I was precious to him. Despite the pain, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and warmth. It might be crazy to say, but, the pain was worth it.
Emma and the boys who helped her received suspensions, forced to reflect on their actions for the rest of the week. Upon their return, they'd face detention for a month – a consequence of their cruel behavior.