Chapter 4
You’re up at the crack of dawn, on your way to the schoolhouse. It’s a chilly morning, and you draw your shawl tightly around your shoulders with a shiver. You’re lost in thought, and you don’t see Bill until you’re almost on top of him.
“Good morning, Y/N,” he greets you, tipping his hat. You yelp in surprise, clutching your books close to your chest.
“Oh, good morning Bill,” you laugh, “you’ll have to excuse me, I have a lot on my mind this morning.”
“I see,” he chuckles. “I hope you’re not concerned about last night. I didn’t mean to let that hooligan frighten you.” Well, you’re certainly hung up about last night, but likely not in the way Bill imagined.
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all!” This is also a lie. Despite the town gossip, you didn’t have any ill will towards Bill before last night, but seeing the way he treated Octavius, you don’t want anything to do with him now. Bill, you have begun to realize, is the type of man to put himself in power just to take advantage of and abuse those beneath him.
“That’s good to hear. I’m so terribly sorry we were interrupted last night. Say, I was wondering if I could talk to you…” Oh god. You aren't ready for this discussion at all, not this early in the morning anyway.
“I, uh, would love to, except I really do need to be going-”
“Nonsense, it will only take a few minutes of your time!” Ugh, did he ever let anyone finish their sentences? He reaches out and takes your hand, much to your annoyance. He really has gotten a big head, thinking he can just come in and take whatever he wants. Well, that’s not going to work with you, not at all.
“I really am sorry, Bill, but I simply must be going,” you insist, your tone defiant. You snatch back your hand, wrapping it around your books. A flash of anger comes across Bill’s face, and he balls up his fists. For a moment, you think he’s going to slap you. Then, the anger passes.
“Fair enough! Educating the youth is, after all, a noble pursuit,” he chuckles nonchalantly. You roll your eyes. What would he know about noble pursuits? In fact, what does he know about anything? Likely very little, since he’s never taken the time to listen to anyone.
“Indeed, have a good day Bill!” And you hurry off, grateful for the excuse to escape. You’re almost out of earshot when you hear Bill mutter under his breath.
“Octavius.”