by S. J. Black
“You just spoke to Jasper like...like…” Heidi spluttered over her words.
“Like?”
“Like you were talking to me, idiot!” Heidi huffed. She easily kept up with Zara’s quick pace, thanks to her regular hockey practice.
“Yeah, well, don’t worry, we’ll get back to our old ways soon enough.”
Zara reached the outside of the main building, towards the Newton tower. She was already seven minutes late to her Econ class and she could feel her fingers twitch with anxiety. Frowning, she tilted her head towards Heidi as they walked.
“You don’t have Econ,” Zara noted.
“Correct,” Heidi said.
“So why are you following me?”
“Because I have an insatiable thirst for gossip and we’re not done talking about Jasper.”
Zara let out a frustrated exhale. “There’s nothing to discuss.”
“What were you thinking? He’s going to annihilate you.”
“Don’t you think you’re over-exaggerating? Just a little?” Zara pinched her fingers together, holding it up to Heidi’s face.
“Rashford looked like he was going to end your Barcourt education. For good.”
“And how’s he going to do that? Hm? Growl at me some more?”
As much as Zara kept up the bravado in front of Heidi, she could feel her stony resolve crack piece by piece.
“You don’t know him,” Heidi said.
“Sounds ominous.”
“I’m serious.”
“Since when do you care? We don’t even like each other enough for you to be giving me warning messages,” Zara curled her mouth in anger.
“I’m not -” Heidi started. She looked away, cursing under her breath. “Look, I’m just saying it’s a good idea if you kept a low profile. I’ve seen the way he blows up when something doesn’t go his way.”
“What, like now?” Zara lifted her eyebrow. She stopped walking, crossing her arms defensively. Heidi faced her with a firm look.
“That wasn’t anger.”
Zara gave out an empty laugh, looking up at the sky. “Oh, pray tell.”
“That was his normal day,” Heidi bit out.
Zara returned Heidi’s stare. “What? Did you go out with him or something?”
“No,” Heidi scoffed in disgust. “Never.”
“Then what?”
“He-...it’s…” Heidi struggled. Her face flustered with discomfort, tightening beneath the surface. “He used to pick on me.”
A line of confusion etched between Zara’s brow. Someone had picked on Heidi? The same Heidi that made her life a living purgatory ever since she started?
“You?” Zara baulked. “He picked on you? Wow, excuse me if my sympathy is running a little low this year.” She walked faster, moving towards the Newton tower. If she was lucky, she could catch the crux of her assignment.
“You don’t have to be an asshole about it, I’m just trying to to help.”
“How?” Zara scoffed.
“I don’t know, just giving some advice. It’s your funeral,” Heidi shrugged. “Look, I may not have been the nicest person to you -”
“Understatement.”
“But I’m trying to be a decent person here. He’s an asshole.”
“That’s public knowledge, Heidi,” Zara turned the corner, only a few metres away from the Newton entrance. She stopped, turning to face Heidi’s concerned face. “Look, is that all?”
“Are you not even a bit curious?”
“About what?” Zara said plainly.
“About what he did?”
“What did he do, Heidi?” Zara rubbed her eyes tiredly. This conversation wasn’t something she wanted to entertain on an early Monday morning.
“He nearly destroyed my high school experience. The second and third year he would trip me over every chance he would get, putting things in my hair and...and last year he nearly tried to get me expelled. Jasper tried to get expelled for cheating. Cheating! I don’t cheat, Zara. You know that,” Heidi exclaimed thunderously.
Zara nodded in agreement. That was something they had in common - the only thing. She was always a place behind Zara in the academic class rankings.
“So,” Heidi exhaled. “I’m just saying...someone like him...he’s bad news. He picked on me for a reason so miniscule, but I paid the price for it. For my whole high school experience.”
“I don’t get it. What did you do?”
Heidi grimaced, her face tightened with mirth. “I said I wouldn’t go out with him. Not in a million years.”
“And he condemned you to a life of childish taunts and bullying?” Zara frowned. “Sounds like something a man with a small dick would do.”
“Whatever, look, this all started when we were thirteen, Zara. Thirteen! And he made me pay for it for four years. Just do us all a favour and keep your mouth shut, okay?” Heidi exhaled, crossing her arms.
“Oh, so this isn’t about me?” Zara nodded in understanding.
“What are you talking about?”
“‘Do us all a favour?’ You’re worried he’ll come after you, is that it?”
“It’s an understandable concern, you twit.”
“I’m late,” Zara waved her hand dismissively. She moved towards the Newton tower. Heidi didn’t follow. Zara could feel her weighted stare press into her back as she entered the large, white building.
She was overreacting.
Jasper Rashford was just one pathetic man-child, and Heidi was warning her like he was the devil incarnate.
It wasn’t a bad comparison to be fair.
Chapter Two
Zara opened the door to her Economics class, already ready to profuse out a string of apologies.
“So sorry I’m late -”
“I should hope so. What time do you call this?” Mr. Ainsley lifted an unimpressed eyebrow.
“Time to get a watch?” Zara smiled awkwardly.
“Indeed,” he muttered unflinchingly. “Take your seat. You are next to Theo,” he motioned to the right side of the classroom.
Her eyes drifted to Theo Hamlish’s handsome, roguish face, framed with a set of thick, black hair. His dark, ombre eyes twinkled in amusement. Zara felt her hands clench in annoyance.
She had enough of the bloody Barons. She didn’t want to look at another arrogant, self-entitled, privileged man for the next two hours.
“Is there somewhere else? -”
“No, there isn’t. Now please take your seat before this becomes a real disruption to my class, Miss Haife,” Mr Ainsley said gruffly.
Compelled with no other choice, she made her way reluctantly to her desk, pointedly ignoring the handsome Baron that was grinning at her. Zara dumped her bag unceremoniously onto the table.
“We meet again,” Theo chuckled. His head rested on his hand as he lounged confidently in this chair.
“Shut up,” Zara whispered. She sat down begrudgingly, taking her notepad and pencil case out.
“What are the chances we are in the same three classes?” Theo mused.
“You should ask yourself that. Are you sure you don’t have any stalker tendencies that I should know of?” Zara muttered, her gaze not wavering from the front of the class.
“Not that I know of.”
“So it’s a coincidence that you take Economics, Music and Maths?” Zara bit the inside of her cheek.
“Fate is a complex and mysterious woman.”
“I suppose I should be grateful that my fourth subject is Baron free,” Zara inhaled.
“What is your fourth subject again?”
“Why?”
Zara turned to Theo, carefully analysing his expression. She contemplated lying to him, hoping he would make a last-ditch attempt to attend her classes, but looking at his expression, she could tell that he had a built in bullshit detector.
“Curiosity,” he shrugged. But she noted there was an intensity there.
“English,” she revealed.
A flash of su
rprise illuminated in his dark eyes. But as quickly as it came, his expression returned to its usual haughty grin.
“Well, that is a shame.”
“Indeed,” she rolled her eyes, turning back to the class.
“...understanding the power of monopolies on consumer purchases…”
“I noticed your friend was without his muzzle today,” Zara quipped.
“...the key to being critically aware…”
Theo chuckled under his breath. She could feel his stare press into her temple. “I presume you’re talking about Jasper?”
“Do you own any other pets?” She said innocently.
“Unfortunately, you caught my friend on a bad day. He’s usually...neutral most of the time.”
Zara murmured disinterestedly. It felt like an itch she wanted to scratch.
Jasper’s furious grey stormy eyes intrigued her; the unabashed arrogance and entitlement poured from his expression. It irked her.
Jasper Rashford’s face was typical of his breeding - aristocratic. The defined, chiseled cheekbones resting high on his face, accompanying his deep-set, brooding eyes.
Rich, elitist and handsome.
A stuck-up brat, Zara thought.
“But on a serious note, don’t take it personally,” Theo said. “You know, if it bothered you or anything.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“I mean that truly,” he smirked.
“What is it with you guys?”
“I’m sorry?” Theo’s brows furrowed.
“You just have this incredible habit of tormenting everyone around you,” Zara huffed.
“Really?” Theo said with surprise. He placed his hand over his chest in gratitude. “Thank you.”
“Shut up.”
“Okay, okay,” Theo smirked. “It’s our motto, what can you do? We’re creatures of habit.”
“Is that what you tell yourself at night?”
“Among other things,” he winked.
“Ew,” Zara rolled her eyes.
Theo leaned in closer on the desk, analysing his desk partner’s expression. “What do you really want to ask me?”
Zara turned, mulling over her words. “Are you sure you can handle it?”
“I can handle the truth.”
“Fine,” she said brightly. “What was Jasper’s problem earlier in the hall?”
He leaned back, exhaling like a load was taken off his shoulders. “That’s all? That’s all you want to know? I’m giving you the portal of secrets here and you go for the lowest hanging fruit?”
“Are you going to answer me or not?”
“Truancy,” he popped. His dark, expressive eyes twinkled in interest. “That’s what he was pissed about.”
“Come again?” She frowned.
“Someone very kindly told Headmaster Defoe that Jasper was absent in...a lot of his classes,” Theo trailed. “He was just scoping the person out.”
“All that barking and growling because someone snitched on him ditching class?” Zara lifted the corner of her mouth in disgust. “Dear God.”
“What?” Theo laughed.
“I can’t -”
“I’ve had just about enough of your little conversations, Miss Haife and Mr Hamlish!” Mr Ainsley exclaimed loudly. They both jumped. The rest of the class turned around to face their desk. Zara felt like her face was on fire.
“Won’t happen again, sir,” Theo said charmingly.
“It better not. I might have to separate you both if this carries on,” he sighed in frustration.
Zara perked up at the thought. Theo nodded fervently, raising his hand placatingly. “She’ll behave. I’ll make sure of it.”
Zara’s head whipped around to Theo’s. The audacity of this man.
“Hm,” Mr Ainsley said dismissively before returning to his lecture. The rest of the class simmered back into their normal routine.
“I should smother you with this backpack,” Zara muttered quietly. Her eyes watched Mr Ainsley like a hawk. Every word felt like the next step to detention.
Theo didn’t reply, but she felt his amused smirk taunting her mind.
“I have no idea how a girl like Annie is dating a boy like James,” Zara whispered. She stilled.
Shit. Did she say that out loud?
She saw Theo’s expression turn into one of shock.
“Oops,” Zara winced. “I wasn’t supposed to say that out loud.”
“Damn, you don’t beat around the bush,” he let out a surprised laugh. The action made his eyes shine in a way that sent butterflies to Zara’s stomach.
Damn him.
Damn him and his brilliant smile.
It wasn’t fair.
Genetics couldn’t escape privileged pretty boys.
“You don’t like Annie or something?” Theo said curiously.
Zara’s mouth dropped. “Are you joking? I love Annie, just not so crazy about your friend.”
“You don’t like the Barons.”
“God, you are smart.”
Theo chuckled lightly, and Zara found it hard not to join in. Despite being part of the odious Barons, Theo’s energy was...different. He preferred being carefree, relaxed - something she wouldn’t have guessed if she had to describe a Baron.
The corners of her mouth lifted in a reluctant smile, softening her face.
“Ah, she smiles,” Theo noted.
“It’s not a foreign concept,” she stuck her tongue out.
“You should do more of it.”
“Whatever you say, your highness,” she chuckled. Her cheeks flamed, casting a telltale blush over her cheeks. She quickly cleared her throat. They needed a subject change. Now. “So, looking forward to the Winter Ball?”
The Winter Ball was a staple of Barcourt tradition. Elegant gowns, a chance to dance away the anxieties and stresses of private education and be a teenager. It was an event scheduled every December but due to the scandal of last term; they had postponed the ball to January.
And it was in approximately two months’ time.
Theo smirked mischievously. “Is this your attempt in asking me out?”
“What! God, no!” Zara whispered quickly. “I was just making conversation, but you know what? Never mind. My mistake.”
“Wait, wait, wait,” he grinned. “I’m sorry, I’ll behave. Yes, I plan on going. How about you?”
“Go away.”
“Zara, come on,” he laughed. He was fully enjoying her pouting expression.
“Shoo.”
“Answer my question.”
“I’m not answering.”
“Oh, come on,” he chuckled. He leaned in closer, poking the side of her ribs lightly. She sharply inched away.
“Stop that.”
“Come on, I need an answer.”
“Go away.”
“Zara!” he trailed, poking again.
“Quit it, you buffoon!”
“That’s it!” Mr Ainsley roared, slamming his textbook onto the table with a harsh thud. He pointed to the exit, wearing a crimson angered frown. He resembled a sweaty lobster, Zara thought.
“Headmaster’s office. Now.”
∞∞∞
Zara sat outside the headmaster’s office, her mouth tightly shut. She crossed her arms, her back set straight - she was brimming with annoyance.
“You look tightly wound,” Theo said. He was relaxing casually on his chair, without a care in the world.
“You know you really are insufferable.”
“I’ve been told I’m a handful,” he turned to Zara with a knowing smile. “In more ways than -”
“Okay, yes, enough! Thank you!” Zara raised her voice, blushing.
He chuckled, leaning back in his chair. She glanced at his form in the corner of her eye. It was really a wonder that someone with his track record could act so calm and composed in front of the headmaster’s office. Headmaster Defoe was someone that she never wanted to cross. A handsome face framed those ominous eyes, but she couldn’t describe
it. There was something...off. She had hoped to avoid figuring out why.
Unfortunately, fate had a unique plan today.
“Why are you not nervous?” She frowned. She released her arms from their defensive position, allowing herself to relax slightly.
Theo drummed his fingers on the chair next to him, following a mindless rhythm. “I suppose the novelty has worn off.”
“So this isn’t your first time?”
“God, no,” Theo scoffed lightly.
“So breaking the rules is a habit of yours.”
“Oh, most definitely.”
“I guess it must be nice to be a rich and carefree Baron.”
Theo’s brows furrowed, a dark line etching in the middle of his tanned forehead. “You’re one to talk. I’m sure Daddy paid for that diamond bracelet there,” he nodded to her wrist.
Zara placed a hand defensively over her mother’s bracelet wrapped around her wrist. It was an heirloom. A reminder of Mother’s presence, no matter where she was. Not just some frivolous purchase by a rich girl - if that was what he was implying.
“That’s none of your business.”
He raised his hands up. “Hey, I’m not attacking you. I’m just saying, be careful of throwing stones in glass houses.”
“I’m not like you. I wasn’t born with money, none of my family were.”
“So you’re ‘New Money’,” Theo surmised.
“Nothing was handed to us. My family worked hard for what they have,” she bit back.
“As did mine,” Theo lifted an eyebrow.
Neither of them said anything. Both of them stared at each other, anticipating a fiery retort from the other party.
Zara shook her head, looking away. “Spoilt brat.”
“I’m anything but, darling.”
“You’re a Baron.”
“Well done, nothing gets past you,” he snorted.
“I’ve seen what you and your friends do. Terrorising students, pushing people around, getting away with God knows what, just because you can,” Zara said passionately.
She didn’t know why she was spilling her guts to Theo, but there was no stopping her now. She had a load to get off her chest. Jasper Rashford had pushed her buttons today and Theo was going to hear her out - whether he liked it or not.
