"Hey, hold on." Mimi, where is your name badge?" Patricia Thomas said as she seized her.
The rapid pace of Amy Rivers' footfall came to an abrupt halt. When she felt her chest, she discovered it was totally devoid of everything.
"Oh no. When my clothes are washed, my mother always takes them off for me. Today I was in such a rush that I completely forgot to put it on."
"What should we do then?" Patricia Thomas stood in front of Amy, protectively asking. Then she looked around like a thief, to find an escape route… "Ah crap, Atlas is also there."
The director of their junior high school was referred to by the nickname Atlas. Everyone referred to him in such a manner because he was tall, extremely skinny, and incredibly detailed.
Amy Rivers's anxiety levels spiked up at the mention of this director's name. Atlas was notorious for being a law enforcer at school and would even denounce female students who had made alterations to their skirts or uniforms. Given that today was also the school's opening ceremony, she was likely to be disciplined.
Amy attempted to cover it up by pulling at the strap of her school bag and stuttering out, "P-Pat, you cover for me."
"Okay. Who knows, we could even have some kind of success!"
To get through the group of pupils being checked at the school gate, Patricia Thomas blocked half of Amy's body with hers as they proceeded like they were conjoined twins toward the school entrance.
However, they had not made it far when Atlas's authoritative voice echoed, "Pull off the uniform collar." The opening ceremony will be filmed and posted on the school's official website later. Don't you know how you present yourself represents our whole institution?"
Amy Rivers stood even closer to Patricia now, clutching the strap of her school bag in a death grip as if it could save her life.
"You, what's wrong with your skirt?"
"Sir, my school skirts aren't dry yet, so I donned a pair of skirts that are quite similar...," she said.
"Are you telling me that you need more than two school skirts?"
Amy Rivers leaned even more forward, lowering her head even deeper. She felt like she would get caught anyway; it was better to start practising her lines.
"Stop right there."
Amy was so horrified that she froze in place like a rabbit that had suddenly been startled. If one were to raise her chin, they'd realize that her pupils were blown wild with fear, almost swallowing the white. She dared not even lift her head up to confirm her guess—
Not me; it mustn't be me. She murmured like a prayer.
"I'm talking to you."
Atlas got a little closer, and the student on duty responsible for taking names down followed immediately behind him. "The lad with the undercut," Atlas said. Where is the name badge you were given? Which class are you from?"
At Atlas's words, Amy was greatly relieved-though not completely. She was still scared. After that, she overheard Atlas remark, "I have said this time without number, wear your name tag before coming to school. Is this such a difficult task to accomplish? Who else doesn't have it?"
Me.
Amy Rivers's posture was very rigid. She dared to admit her wrong in her head but didn't dare to step forward. It felt like the seconds were passing by like years. She even thought that a hand would suddenly materialize, pluck her from the throng, and bring her before Atlas.
Think of the devil, and the devil will appear– an arm really did materialize and seize her, making her utter "sorry" unconsciously. However, in the next instant, that hand went down her arm and grabbed hold of her hand. Her fingers were forcibly opened immediately after that, and a metal name tag that had retained some of its holder's heat was inserted.
By now, Amy was already calm enough and knew by default who this person was by touch alone. When she glanced up, she was greeted with a kind and composed visage, just as she had anticipated. This person was clad in what seemed to be a high school uniform, complete with a red armband. His brows were wrinkled just slightly as he stood in the bright sunshine.
It was none other than her infamous brother, who lived in the same house as her. Her large eyes became even more, bigger from both happiness and shock. In the sunlight, her amber-coloured eyes took on the appearance of clear amber beads. Jeffery's touch has always made her happy and frightened because anytime they come in contact, it was as if she'd been shocked by electricity. Subconsciously, she wanted to say something to Jeffery. But, the next second, she hurriedly stifled the word "Jeffy" back inside her throat.
Their eyes locked for an instant before Jeffery Howard broke the connection. He glanced away with the same composure and indifference that he'd always had. It seemed that the only relationship between them was between a senior on duty and a student who had broken the rules. Jeffery Howard gave his watch a quick peek and reached into his pocket to get a pen. He was getting ready to write pupils' names down on a list for being late.
Because everyone focused on Atlas and the other kid being reprimanded, nobody saw the private exchange that had just taken place. Amy Rivers's name was etched on the name badge she had in her hand, which read "Apple Valley High, Amy Rivers." She stared at the badge, brows twitched into a frown before hastily pinning the rectangular metal plate to her shirt.
As soon as she removed her hand from her side, she saw a set of perceptive eyes observing her. Amy Rivers turned her head and flashed a warm grin in his direction. She was born with a set of puppy eyes, which are known for their innocence and purity; coupled with her gorgeous face, it was difficult for people to be cruel to her.
"You're almost late." Despite this, Atlas still chided: "Hurry in."
"Okay." Amy Rivers compiled by nodding her head and saying, "Thank you, director."
It was just in time to hear the school's sirens ringing. Amy should have just hurried in as advised, but she couldn't help but catch a proper glimpse of the senior on duty. Jeffery Howard looked like the figures you would see in comics, standing among the crowd in all his tall glory; he looked like he had just walked out of a Bollywood action movie.
Amy stood in a trance for a while before remembering there was always a roll call before opening assembly. She hurriedly made her way to class, anxious about being late. Meanwhile, Patricia Thomas, whom Amy seemed to have forgotten after interacting with Jeffery, was pondering about something else. She suddenly said to Amy, "Mimi~ I saw it just now."
Ah, it seems they were still caught in the end–Amy lamented in her heart.
Amy weighed her options, then settled on acting dumb." Hurry! We might not make it to class in time." Amy blurted out before breaking into a run.
Out of breath from chasing after Amy, Patricia warned, "Don't- - Avoid the topic. Tell me honestly; why does senior Jeffery have your name badge?"
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