Chapter 9
“If it wasn’t you, then why are you apologizing like it was? For a second, I thought I had mistaken someone–that it wasn’t Calvin who hit me, but you.”
I murmured. “But it happened because of me…”
“He’s the one who threw the punch. Why does it have anything to do with the reason he hit me? Did you ask him to hit me or force him to do it?”
No. None of that.
“Then what are you apologizing for?” Mike asked.
Confusion flickered in my eyes..
I didn’t know anymore. Since I was a child, my mom always told me she didn’t divorce my dad because of me, so I needed to apologize to her.
My dad said he couldn’t hold his head up because I wasn’t a son, so I had to apologize to him too.
Then, Calvin offended my new friends because of me, and I felt like I had to apologize to them as well.
After all, they all said it was because of me.
A club member spoke up, “Honestly, Ashley, you’ve been used to getting manipulated. Why do you take the blame for everything?”
Nobody gave me the cold shoulder because of Calvin.
“By that logic, if I rob a bank and say I did it for you, you’d have to help me pay it back, right? Well, then, I guess I’ll do it!”
That line had everyone bursting into laughter.
The heavy atmosphere lifted, and the lively energy returned. They went on, one after the other.
“Seriously, you’re letting yourself carry too much guilt. Are we in the Stone Age? You’ve got to believe in yourself! You’re a queen, shining bright! Stop listening to that scumbag’s manipulation!”
“An ex acting up like that! We always thought he treated you badly, but we didn’t want to say anything. Glad you broke up! Best breakup ever! Made that jerk whine!”
They were defending me.
Mike said, “See, Ashley? You don’t owe anyone an apology.”
My eyes stung a little.
But when I saw his panda eyes, I couldn’t help but laugh through the
tears.
“Is your face gonna be ruined? You do rely on it to make a living, after all.”
He was momentarily stunned and then dramatically groaned.
“This is bad.”
It was the first time I’d tried joking with someone.
Seeing that Mike wasn’t seriously hurt, and with everyone having class. tomorrow, they went back with peace of mind.
When Mia walked in. she only saw me and Mike.
She didn’t even look at me, just went straight to Mike.
“It wasn’t right for Calvin to hit you. I’ll compensate you–just don’t call the police, and we can settle everything quietly.”
She definitely didn’t want her son to have a criminal record.
But at the same time, she didn’t want Mike demanding too much.
“Of course, if you really want to call the police, it’s not a huge deal. After all, it was just kids messing around. Calvin is more seriously injured.
“I just hope you’ll make the right choice.”
At that point, a flicker of concern passed through her eyes.
After all. Calvin had been the one to start it, but in the end, he was the one who got hurt more.
Mia had never let her son suffer, even though she knew he was in the wrong. It was impossible for her not to feel sorry for him.
“Of course, there should be compensation,” Mike said politely.
“Not just for medical bills, but for emotional distress, and even compensation for the time I missed from class and part–time jobs…”
The costs he listed were not polite.
Mia’s smile faltered a little.
“Well, if you do want to call the police, sure, everyone’s injuries aren’t serious–it’s not a big deal.”
Mike paused before adding. “But at least he’d have to spend a few days in detention, right?
“It would help him calm down.”
Mia’s proud expression finally showed signs of panic.
