Third Chance Mate

3. Bullied

Astrid's POV:

"Look who's here," As I walked through the school hallway, I couldn't avoid the taunts and jeers from my classmates. It was a daily ritual. Ignoring them, I hurried towards my classes, but then I encountered Benson, the school's resident troublemaker, who seemed to believe the whole world revolved around him.

"What do you want, Benson?"  I asked, my irritation growing by the second.

I'm running late for class, and the last thing I want to do is stand here and entertain this group of immature bullies. I'd rather sit in one of the corners and play a phone game than get into a fight with them, which I know will lead nowhere.

His evil sneer only fueled my anger, but I tried to walk away. Standing my ground, I refused to show fear. Why should I when there was nothing to fear?

"Oh, you have the voice to respond to me. That's intriguing; let us see what more you have" His evil sneer disgusted me, and I began to back away from him.

"Ah, you have some backbone," Benson said with a malicious grin. "It's curious, though, how someone like you was chosen to defend the pack's borders, even if you're inferior to the rest of us or even humans."

"Whatever you want to think, I don't care about your opinion," I muttered and began walking away without looking back.

When they saw me turn my back on them, they began calling me insults like "disgrace," "wolfless," "witch," and so on, but I didn't care. Even his minions joined the play, laughing along Benson.

Their remarks no longer pain me since they are not my family, and their opinion no longer bothers me. If they were someone I loved or cared about, I would have been devastated beyond words, but they are just strangers who have no bearing on my life.

I walked over to my seat and sat down. Fortunately, our teacher hadn't arrived yet, or I would have been in big trouble.

I sat in the farthest corner, where I wouldn't draw much notice and could study quietly.

Mr. Daze entered the room and began lecturing. I was paying close attention and took notes on whatever I thought was significant. Despite his detailed explanations, his droning voice struggled to capture the interest of the students around him.

After finishing Mr. Daze's class, I proceeded to my next class, which I was looking forward to. Edward and I have literary have only one class together, and I have to wait a week for that. The week's wait was worth it.

I immediately gathered my belongings and proceeded to my next class, where I took my regular seat in the farthest corner.

I kept my gaze fixated on the entrance, waiting for him to enter the classroom.

It had been fifteen minutes, and there was still no sign of him. I grumbled and took my book, reasoning that I'd rather finish my homework until he arrived.

To my surprise, our lecturer never showed up. It was a rare opportunity to finish my work quickly.

I was in the middle of finishing my task when I heard other student hooting. I recognised them, so I quickly shifted my focus from the books to the door. Edward entered the room with his friends, just as I had thought.

Watching him run his fingers through his hair, my heart pounded. I kept my eyes on him as he made his way towards me.

I gulped as he locked his gaze on mine, and I could feel my heartbeat in my ears. He began to walk towards me, but his attention was drawn to his phone.

Phones were not permitted in the school, but being Alpha's son has its advantages.

I remained rooted in place, waiting for him to approach.

I stood still, waiting for him to come to me. He did, and as he stood in front of me, I swallowed hard.

"Hey, Astrid," he called out to me. My heart leaped, and I made space for him to sit beside me.

But he shifted his gaze to the seat next to mine.

"Hey, Charlotte," he greeted her.

I leaned forward and peered over Edward's shoulder to check if Charlotte was sitting there. She is the type of person who pretends to be a goody-two-shoes in order to get in every boy's pants. She clearly has feelings for Edward. Previously, she was with Bensen, but when Edward began to notice her, she deserted him in order to get in Edward's good books.

"Edward, Hello, I'm sorry, I didn't notice you were standing here." She lied, as she always does. "I was really studying for my exams. Every point counts, you know." She spoke as if she were the nerd. As if no one knows how she manages to pass her tests.

She seduces boys in order to get them to help her pass the examinations. I'd rather fail than be ranked in that manner.

"Oh, I understand how difficult things may be for you. Can I take a seat here?" he asked, motioning to the seat near her.

With her artificial lashes on, she blinked her gray eyes at him. She made room for him to sit, and he took a seat beside her.

I was disappointed, so I piled my bag and books on the seat beside me and pretended to study while keeping an eye on them.

I pretended to be studying while my entire focus was drawn to them. I could see Edward showing her something on his phone from the corners of my eyes, and she laughed.

I clenched my teeth in frustration as I watched them laugh and giggle. It made my heart hurt.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Because there was some event that others would stay here to prepare for, but I, being the least interested in those things, decided not to participate.

I'd rather rest before heading to a restaurant and patrolling the boundaries.

While I was putting my belongings in the bag, I heard them speaking again

"Are you going to accompany me tonight?" I wanted to know where they were heading because Edward had asked, but I had zoned out by the time they named the location.

"How can I say no to you, Edward? Of course I'll come," Charlotte flashed him with her hundred-watt smile.

My mood had already been shattered, so I decided to divert my focus to something more intriguing.

I put on my headphones, which could keep me isolated from both the human and werewolf worlds, and began walking out of the school.

Arriving home, I found my mom already at work. I seized the opportunity to take a quick nap.

When I woke up, it was time to head to the restaurant. I gathered my things and left.

On my way there, I ran into my brother.

"Hey Skylar," I said, smiling and hugging him.

"Astrid, where are you going in a hurry?" he asked.

"I have to go to the restaurant," I said.

"Too bad, I got you some chocolate cake; I think I'll eat this alone," he teased as he showed me the bag.

I laughed and said, "You'd better save the majority for me. I'll come looking for it."

"I don't think you'll find any, but I can try," he grinned."You should do that and keep it away from Lance. If he sees that, he will not leave us anything."  I told, As I resumed my run.

I arrived at my restaurant, a family diner, hurriedly changed into my waitress outfit, and began serving tables.

While doing so, I noticed Edward and his buddies, as well as Charlotte, waiting for someone to come take their orders at one of the tables.

I reminded myself that no task is insignificant and began walking towards their tables to accept orders.

"Hello, sir, my name is Astrid Jones, and it would be my pleasure to serve you all today," I said again.

"Oh, it's you, Astrid?" Edward gave me a compassionate look, but I didn't need it. "I didn't realise you worked here," he said, and I could tell he was uncomfortable bringing up the subject.

But I could tell Charlotte and his other friends were having a good time.

"That's my job now, sir, if you'll excuse me; shall I take your orders?" When I asked, she nodded and dismissed me.

I went into the kitchen and placed their orders, patiently waiting for them to be made while humming odd beats.

Someone tapped me on the shoulder.

I was taken aback when I noticed Edward standing behind me.

"Astrid, I-I want to tell you something," he stuttered.

I gave him a firm look.

"Yes, I am listening," I said, folding my hands over my chest and giving him my undivided attention.

He fumbled with his hands and turned to face me.

"I.... I love you, Astrid; please tell me you love me too," he said.

I stood there, perplexed.

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