If evil had a laugh, she thought it would sound like his


Violet


One week later


After lunch, I made the decision that I’d need to visit my Chemistry professor about her most recent test in office hours if I was going to do well on the next unit. She gave me an 87 on the unit of Compound Molecules, which was an exceptional score, but I was aiming for higher marks. Balancing my textbooks in one hand and carrying my purse in the other, I managed to reach the front of the classroom without knocking over any diluted vials or toxic chemicals onto the floor.

From what I could see, Ms. Greenwich was engaged in a heated conversation with a male student whom I had never seen on campus before. As I stood off to the side, waiting for their encounter to be finished, I noticed with officious curiosity how the sides of his neck were painted with tattoos along with his forearms and chest. The thought had never crossed my mind until now, but seeing this man made me wonder what possessed people to permanently sketch this many emblems into their skin. Surely, there were alternative forms of expression they could rely on to illustrate what they felt were life’s deeper meanings.

My contemplation of the topic culminated once I saw the aggravated student slide off all the papers on Ms. Greenwich’s desk in one swift motion and throw the container of pens and Expo markers across the room. Startled by his behavior, my back came into contact with the wall as I felt my breath hitch in my throat when he laid his icy blue eyes on my figure.

I was deceived by the fairytales I used to read as a child into believing that people with blue eyes were compassionate and trustworthy, but there was nothing clement or sensible about this man before me. I felt uncomfortable underneath his gaze and was the first person to break eye contact, giving the rest of my attention to my books.

I can't be too sure, but I believe this action of mine was what withdrew a scoff from his lips.

“Change my grade Ms. G from an F to a D, or else I'll have my father complain to the school and get you fired,” was the last thing the big Bad Wolf said to her before leaving the classroom.

Neither Ms. Greenwich nor I knew how to carry on a conversation without it being awkward after that.

---

Although the rest of my classes went by smoothly, I was still shaken up over this afternoon’s events and decided to meet up with Hugo to take my mind off things. When I entered The Dead Poet, I found that he had his body turned toward the drinks and decided to take advantage of the opportunity to surprise him.

“Hey there, handsome,” I whistled, quickly gaining his attention. I bit my lip afterwards to conceal the idiotic smile that threatened to spread across my face.

“Holy shit. Don't sneak up on me like that,” Hugo breathed airily as he scratched the back of his neck with the hand that wasn't holding a washcloth. “You sneaky girl. What brings you here, love?”

I shrugged my shoulders while running a hand through my hair. “I dunno. I guess I just really wanted to see you. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I quite like your company,” I confessed to him with redden cheeks as I found a seat on one of the wooden stools.

“And I enjoy yours, but I'm sure you already knew that,” Hugo replied, dropping his left eye in a wink. “But, hey. I think my shift ends around 7 today. How would you feel about joining me for dinner afterwards?” He offered, and I swear I felt my heart leap at the proposal.

“Yes, I'd love to,” I accepted his offer with a meek smile, hoping my apparent eagerness didn't make me sound too desperate.

“You're free to hang out here until then if you want, but don't feel like you have to,” He told me while spraying Kleenex on the shiny wooden surface and wiping down the bar.

“I think I'll go to the library for a bit and come back later. I have this retake I need to study for in Chemistry…” I trailed off, meeting his eyes with a nervous smile.

“Don't study too hard now,” Hugo warned teasingly, and I couldn't help but laugh on my way out. “See you later Violet.”

I turned back around to tell him “goodbye” but became distracted by the sound of the doors opening. In walked none other than Harry and the infamous boy who nearly gave Professor Greenwich a panic attack this afternoon. A part of me wasn't all that surprised to see that the two of them were acquainted with each other, but I couldn't suppress the feeling of my stomach churning once I learned the guy’s name was Rodney. More likely than not the same Rodney who gave Esther those bruises a couple of weeks back.

“Little Red, you good?” Harry asked me with concern laced in his voice. “You look like you've just seen a ghost.”

My throat went dry as my attention shifted to Rodney who wore a cocky smirk over his lips. I closed my eyes before nodding my head and bidding Hugo adieu. I brushed past the two men without another word but internally cringed at the sound of Rodney’s laughter.

I was almost certain that if evil had a laugh, it would sound a lot like his.

Notes

This is the first time readers are being formerly introduced to Rodney King. What are your first impressions?

Love
-M

P.S - The next chapter will focus on the Violet's dinner with Hugo :)