HOYDEN

It was my fourth move this year, and I'd had enough of it all. The constant unpacking and unpacking of my belongings. Always a different apartment. This time, at least I had my own room and could spend as much time there as I wanted, except, of course, for schoolwork, which I reluctantly attended. I was more of a gifted student than an ambitious one. I loved sitting in front of the computer and skateboarding. I wasn't a good girl, and that was precisely why my mom and I kept moving. It was all my fault; I was the one who was constantly misbehaving at my current schools. I'd sometimes beat up a peer, smuggle drugs, or hack into the school computer system and change all the data. I was never one for the faint of heart; even as a child, I loved getting into mischief. But last time, I really went too far. I broke into the school to pull a prank and was accused of theft. My mother and I had to flee again. On the way to our new apartment, we didn't say a word to each other. Upon arrival, my mother, as usual, began job hunting, and I began unpacking. Fortunately, the weekend was starting, so I had plenty of time to organize my things and furnish my room. That evening, my mother returned from her job search and announced that she had a job at some foreign company, as a secretary. She was very excited. We had dinner together, and for the first time in a long time, we had a normal conversation. It wasn't just a few words, but a normal conversation between mother and daughter.

"Viktoria, I have a favor to ask of you. This job is really important to me, and I'd like to work here a little longer, so try not to pull the same tricks you did at previous schools," my mother said, or rather, asked.

"I'll try, but I'm not promising anything," I replied, and went to my room.

We spent the weekend exploring the town and exploring various interesting places, like museums, historical sites, and, of course, restaurants where you can eat something real, because my mom couldn't cook at all. I have to admit, it was one of the best days of my life, and I never expected my mom to dedicate so much time to me.

When Monday arrived, we both made coffee and started getting ready to go out. I didn't want to be someone else, so, as usual, I put on black combat boots and a black tight blouse. My mom, on the contrary, was elegant and perfectly made up. She dropped me off at school and headed off to her job. As she drove away, she stopped for a moment and said,

"Just remember to behave like a proper girl."

"Okay, bye, I'll meet you at home," I replied and headed for the door.

As soon as I walked in, I noticed everyone was looking at me strangely. I felt a little strange, but I tried not to show it. Besides, I always felt this way when entering a new school. First, I went to my locker to get the books I needed. All the girls were dressed in a completely different style than me, each in tight pants and blouses, only the boys wore combat boots, and not many of them. "What kind of discrimination is this?" I thought, closing my locker. I went to my computer science class and sat down at the first available computer. Suddenly, a handsome brunette approached me and said,

"This seat is mine. "

Remembering my mother's request, I didn't say a word; I just walked away to find something else. Not to mention the fact that I wanted to punch him in the face, but I held back. A moment later, the teacher entered the classroom and began his boring lesson on how Word works. I couldn't listen; preschoolers knew the rules of that program, but I couldn't help it. I was seething, but my mother's plea was stronger than my temper. I decided that now I would do everything I could to make everything alright. Before the next lesson, I knew I had a bully at this school. And I found out when I was leaving class and someone said,

"You're already screwed at this school..."

When I turned around, I saw a brunette I knew from computer science.

"We'll see," I replied and went on my way.

The next class passed without any surprises. But as I was leaving school, I saw my bully, who asked,

"Skateboard or rollerblades?

" "What?

" "I want to challenge you. Do you choose rollerblades or skateboard?

" "Believe me, you don't want to challenge me," I replied and headed home.

"Victoria Parker, this is your fourth school. In the first one, you fought, in the second you hacked into the school computer, in the third there were drugs and theft... it's getting better and better, I wonder what you'll come up with in this one.

" "Nothing." "I replied and left.

I returned home, where my mother was waiting for me. During dinner, she asked,

"How was school today?

" "It was awful. This school is kind of backward," I replied, and after a moment added, "And if you're wondering if I did anything wrong, don't worry, I've never been this good at any school."

My mom couldn't believe what I'd told her. Her eyes widened and she looked at me strangely. However, I preferred to avoid her questions and left the table with the excuse that I had to do my homework. I went to my room and looked through my books. I didn't have any major problems with math; in fact, it was at a lower level than in my previous schools. I completed the rest of my subjects without any major problems. "I'm becoming a genius," I thought, and sat down at the computer. Suddenly, the phone rang and my mom called,

"Viktoria, it's for you!"

I went downstairs and picked up the phone.

"Yes?

" "Hi, it's me, your stalker. If you don't want to get into trouble at school tomorrow, meet me at the nearby park right away," I heard a male voice say.

I didn't say a word, I just hung up. I didn't really know what to do. I didn't want to deal with this guy, but on the other hand, I didn't want to get into trouble at school because my mom wouldn't be able to handle another move. I figured it was better to get screwed by this smartass than by the principal.

"I have to leave, I'll be back in an hour," I told my mom and headed for the agreed-upon meeting place. Ten minutes later, I arrived. A group of skaters were waiting for me.

"What do you want from me?" I asked, approaching the brunette.

"You have to prove you're worthy of wearing that outfit."

"That's stupid. What does gingerbread have to do with a windmill? Stop discriminating against people.

" "We don't discriminate against them. But people who skate or rollerblade can wear pants like that. Have you seen any girl at school who dresses like you? Or maybe you just want to attract attention?" the stranger replied.

"I already told you not to risk it when it comes to a duel with me.

" "I want to see for myself. If you succeed, we'll leave you alone."

What was I supposed to do? I had to agree, otherwise they wouldn't let me live, and sooner or later I would have been kicked out of that school. It turned out my tormentor's name was Marcin, because he'd introduced himself to me at first. Then the duel began. I knew I'd win, having competed many times and practically never taken my skates or board off my feet since I was seven. Marcin showed off his best skills, but I still had better tricks. When it was my turn, I showed off my true Victoria Parker skills, and just as I suspected, I won. As I left, I said,

"I hope you'll leave me alone now and stop nitpicking about my outfit."

I got home and went straight to bed. I couldn't sleep, so I sat down at the computer and decided to log on GG and talk to someone. I was about to start a conversation with someone when a nondescript "Hacker" suddenly showed up. He started talking to me, and we even liked each other. I was exceptionally nice to him, and he was to me too. It turned out we lived in the same city. We talked for about three hours, and then we both decided it was time to call it a day because we had school.

The next day, I set off for my new place. On the doorstep, I met Marcin, who approached me again.

"You can't live without me, can you?" I said.

He ignored my joke and simply asked,

"Where did you learn that?

" "What?

" "Skateboarding.

" "Here and there," I replied, and started to leave, but he stopped me and said,

"More there than here.

" "Maybe," I replied, and went to class.

I was sitting alone, as usual, listening to what the Polish teacher had to say. We were discussing Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Suddenly, the teacher asked me,

"And you, Victoria, what do you think of Romeo's actions?

" "Only a fool drinks poison before checking his beloved's pulse.

" "You think so?

" "Yes," I replied, waiting for the teacher's reaction.

"I see you can come up with something different from others. And I like that," she replied, and went back to teaching.

During the next break, a girl approached me; she looked nerdy and from a good home.

"Tell me, what do you have against Marcin?" she asked, slamming her locker in my face with a loud bang.

"What the hell are you talking about?

" "I want to know what's your relationship with him?"

"You know, if you want to know, ask him," I replied, and left.

I returned to class, furious. I couldn't believe I'd get involved in some kind of love game at this school. I sat there, paying attention like never before in math class.

"Okay, now for problem 6. If anyone solves it, they'll get an A," the teacher announced.

I read the problem and concluded there was something wrong with me, because I knew how to solve it. I volunteered, and indeed, I managed to do it. I got an A and, pleased with myself, sat down at my desk. Then I had four more classes, during which nothing interesting happened. After sitting at school all day, I decided to walk home. I went inside and saw Marcin, who was arguing heatedly with my mother.

"A friend has come to see you," my mother announced and left.

"What now?" I asked.

"Teach me how to drive like that," the boy managed.

"You have to practice, practice a lot. And at our age, there's no time for that anymore."

"Did you talk to Mandy?

" "Who?" I asked, not quite grasping the connection. "Oh, yes, you're right. She asked what was going on between us.

" "And what did you tell her?" Marcin continued.

"That we had rough sex... I'm kidding, I told her to ask you if she wanted to know.

" "She's mean," he said suddenly.

"I didn't have to deal with people like that at my previous schools," I replied, and after a moment added, "Now go back to your place, because I still have a lot of classes. And stop bothering me.

" "You don't have any classes, except lessons, your mom told me.

" "Listen, we really are too old to learn to skateboard. You won't learn anything anymore.

" "Want to make a bet?" the boy asked suddenly.

"Okay, what about?

" "About that if you teach me three difficult tricks in a month, you'll wear a dress for the next month, a short dress.

" "I only have one," I replied.

"Then you buy a few more, and I'll give you one as a gift," the boy offered.

"Okay, and if you don't learn three tricks in a month, what's in it for me?

" "Then for a month I'll be at your beck and call, regardless of the time, place, or circumstances; I'll always help you.

" "Fine," I replied, shaking his hand. After a moment, I added, "We'll start tomorrow, because I have another appointment today.

" "A date?

" "No, meeting up with an online friend.

" "So, tomorrow after school?" he asked, looking a little confused.

"Yes, I'll take my board and meet you at the park after school," I replied, and said goodbye to the guy.

That evening, I met up with my online friend and we had another long chat. He asked what my plans were for tomorrow, and I told him about learning to skate. He wanted to meet up, but we both didn't have time for the next month, so we postponed our meeting for a while. He blew me an online kiss and told me he really liked me and that it felt like we'd known each other for years. Actually, I really liked him too and loved talking to him.

The next day, I was summoned to the principal's office. Mandy was standing there with a stupid grin on her face.

"Hello, is something wrong?" I asked as I entered the principal's office.

"Last night, someone was hanging around the school checking all the security. Mandy thinks that person was you.

" "That's strange, because I spent the entire afternoon and evening at home in front of the computer, and I think that's physically impossible," I replied as calmly as I could, even though I was seething inside.

"Do you have an alibi?" the nasty brunette asked.

"My mom can attest to that. Besides, my computer displays the time of the conversation with the person I spoke with yesterday, every minute, so if you'd like to come over and check on me, I don't see any problem with that.

" "Okay, let's say I believe you, but I'll still keep an eye on you. Now get back to class.

" "Thank you and goodbye," I replied politely and went back to class.

During the lesson, I wanted to get back at that nasty scheming girl, but nothing came to mind. So I decided to leave her alone for now, but if she really bothered me, she'd remember me for the rest of her life.

After class, Marcin was waiting for me in front of the school.

"I heard what happened today...

" "You mean about the visit to the principal?

" "Yes. I said Mandy was nasty and not worth getting involved with.

" "Look, I don't even want to know her. If the poor girl weren't head over heels in love with you, she'd leave me alone." But she's simply consumed with jealousy, because instead of being interested in the school's beauty, you prefer... skateboarding.

Every day after school for a month, I taught an ambitious student how to skateboard. Mandy gave us peace of mind, but I knew perfectly well it was just the calm before the storm. In the evenings, I talked to "Hacker," who became my online boyfriend. We really hit it off and couldn't wait to meet in person.

It was the day Marcin was supposed to take his skateboarding exam. That morning, I walked into school and saw a boy skateboarding down the school hallways. He wasn't doing very well. Suddenly, the skateboard flew out from under him and hit my hand. I quickly grabbed the wound to stop the bleeding, but it didn't work. Suddenly, a crowd gathered around us, along with the principal.

"How many times have I told you not to skateboard in the schoolyard? Tomek, you'll report to me, and you probably know perfectly well that this will be your third reprimand.

" "But he wasn't the one riding." "I said as the principal was about to leave.

"If it's you, you'll go to the nurse first, and then come see me."

When the school terror had left and the crowd had dispersed, Tomek said,

"I owe you an apology and thanks. I don't know how I'll repay you. My mother would kill me if she found out.

" "Okay, if you want to repay me, then grab your skateboard and take me to the nurse."

On the way to the office, we met Marcin, who couldn't believe his eyes.

"Wictoria? Tomek? What happened?

" "Hey brother, I was skateboarding and she got hit. She took the blame...

" "You little punk, do you know what she could face for even a stupid offense??? She's in a worse situation than you are when it comes to her relationship with the principal."

"Marcin, stop it, nothing like that happened.

" "If she gets expelled from school because of you, you'll be a dead man. Our mother won't recognize you," my older brother threatened.

"Stop it! They can't expel me from school for something like that. Skip the lectures and take me to the nurse's office.

" "Okay, come on, you little brat, go to class.

" "He's your brother, you shouldn't treat him like that.

" "He's nothing but trouble. It would be his third reprimand and expulsion from school. It's only thanks to you that he saved his ass.

" "Give it a rest," I said, and went to the nurse's office. It turned out my wound wasn't deep and just a simple bandage would suffice.

"So?" Marcin asked as I left the office.

"Don't worry, I'll live. It'll heal by the wedding," I replied, heading to the principal's office. I went inside and sat down across from the head of school.

"Are you aware that you broke a certain law in our school?" the man asked.

"Yes, and I'm very sorry about that. It won't happen again. I only hurt myself, not anyone else. I know that's not enough punishment for me, and I think I should get a reprimand or be suspended, even for a month. It was very wrong of me. I've already apologized to that boy, and now I want to apologize to you, Mr. Principal," I said with fake tears in my eyes.

The principal didn't know what to do. He was confused by my behavior, probably expecting something different from me, that I would be rude and deeply offended, that he was pointing out my behavior. After a moment of silence, he replied,

"I've noticed you're trying very hard when it comes to your grades. I'd even say you're on par with Mandy academically, and she's the best student in the school. The teachers aren't complaining about you; on the contrary, they say you have an imagination. So next time, use it if you plan on taking the board to school." As punishment, you'll be suspended for one day, and since this is your first offense at this school, I'll give you a reprimand.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Principal, I promise it will never happen again," I replied and headed for the exit. When I closed the door behind me, Marcin was waiting for me.

"So what? Did they kick you out?

" "No, but I have the whole day off tomorrow." He suspended me.

"How did you do it? Maybe you can teach me something?

" "Personal charm," I replied, and we both entered the classroom, where the teacher was conducting a lesson.

"I see you've been keeping Wiktoria company the whole time, so maybe now you can do your homework on the blackboard," the teacher said, and we both stood in front of the blackboard.

"You know it, I explained it to you yesterday, it's the same thing, just different numbers," I whispered to the boy. We both solved everything perfectly and could return to our seats in peace.

"I have to admit, I'm impressed. Even Mandy couldn't quite solve that problem, and you... well, keep it up," the teacher replied, and returned to the lesson.

By break, the whole school was talking about me. Everyone who hadn't witnessed the incident was making up all sorts of tall tales, it made me laugh. Mandy was furious that she'd only gotten off with a one-day suspension. Tomek thanked me again and apologized for everything, and Marcin was strangely pleased. I didn't know why, but I found out during his skateboarding exam because, of course, he'd won a bet. Starting tomorrow, I had to wear a dress every day for a whole month.

"I wonder what your legs are like?" the brunette joked.

"Sleek, damned shapely." "I have to go now, I'm meeting my online boyfriend. See you tomorrow."

I skateboarded home and sat down at the computer. I started a conversation with "Hacker," and we agreed to meet tomorrow at a nearby restaurant. He invited me to dinner. I couldn't wait to meet him. My mom was gone because she was away on business for two days. I knew she wouldn't even know about the suspension, and as for the hand, I was going to tell her I'd crashed on the skateboard.

The next day, I slept until 10:00, having had a day of total laziness. I had to wear a dress to meet "Hacker," because, after all, a bet is sacred, and I had to keep my word to Marcin. I dressed in a blue strappy dress, flip-flops, and a white sports hat. I put on some light makeup and was ready to go. "Hacker" was already waiting for me, as he thought he'd recognize me. I wasn't so sure, but he just insisted. I left the house and headed to a nearby restaurant, where I'd agreed to meet. I went inside and looked around. There weren't many people there. Of my friends, the only one I saw was Marcin. I thought to myself, though, that he couldn't be my online boyfriend. The handsome guy stood up and walked over to me.

"Well, I have to admit, you were right about your legs; they're really shapely. Are you waiting for someone?" he asked.

"A friend.

" "Or maybe 'Hacker'?"

I didn't know what to say. Only one thought kept running through my mind: he was my online boyfriend.

"How do you know?

" "Because I am. I liked you from the start and didn't know how to say it, so I decided to find you another way.

" "And you've been lying this whole time?"

"No, because you never asked. I didn't tell you everything, and you never told me anything about yourself either. You didn't mention your father, why you were kicked out of school, or many other things.

" "You're right, but I didn't know you, so I didn't mention it," I replied.

I wanted to lash out at him, but I kept trying.

"So, are we going to eat something, or are we just going to stand here?" Marcin asked suddenly.

Then I sat down at the table with him. He was being a gentleman, even offering me a chair, and then he sat down himself. We ordered dinner and started eating.

"When did you realize I was Wiktoria?" I asked.

"The day we made the bet. You said you had a date with your online friend. I had a date too, and when, as "Hacker," I asked what you were doing today, you told me all about the bet.

" "You clever guy, you didn't even let on that it was you.

" "I can be intelligent." But admit it, you liked me online?

"Well, since I've become your online girlfriend, then obviously I do.

" "So maybe we should change it to real life?" he asked after a moment's thought.

"Me and you together? Mandy will have heart palpitations and we'll have to call an ambulance for help.

" "If we don't, nothing will happen; at least he'll give us some peace," Marcin replied, and we both burst out laughing.

Suddenly, he took my hand, became serious, and asked,

"So? Is there a chance we could be together? I like you, and I guess I can't help it...

" "I never thought you might have feelings for me. You've always treated me like a friend, but why not try? We actually got along well online.

" "Great," he replied, and kissed me on the lips.

We went back to our meal. During our date, we talked about all sorts of things like never before. I met a different Marcin then. He was kind, charming, and understanding. The best part was that he wasn't interested in my past. He knew everything, but it didn't matter to him at all. What mattered was what was happening now. After we finished eating, he ordered dessert and paid for everything. Then he walked me home. He kissed me gently and waited for me to come in.

A few weeks passed, not even a month, because I was still wearing dresses. I even got one from Marcin, but somehow I never wore it because it wasn't very appropriate for school. One day I heard the doorbell and saw Mandy.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"I wanted to talk to you...

" "About what?

" "About our relationship. We should treat each other differently," Mandy said.

"Listen to me, you're neither cold nor hot to me, I'm completely indifferent to you, and it's fine as it is. I'm happy with this arrangement. Besides, I don't trust you and I don't want to get into any close contact with you. We're talking business, and I don't need anything more from you," I replied, and tried to close the door, but she stopped me, saying,

"It's better to have me as a friend..."

"I don't have any friends, and I don't need them at all."

Then the persistent girl left. I didn't want her as an enemy or a friend, because I still didn't trust her. I knew she was up to something, and I found out the next day when I entered the school with Marcin. Immediately on the threshold, I was summoned to the principal's office for a conversation. I went in and said, "Good morning."

"I have irrefutable proof that you broke into the school yesterday and stole the keys to the computer lab," Mr. Parker replied.

"I was home all day yesterday."

"Yes? Then watch the video recorded by our camera."

Then I saw a girl in black combat pants and a hat just like mine, but her face was hidden.

"It wasn't me," I replied as calmly as possible.

"The evidence speaks for itself. So I'm asking you to leave the school while we investigate, but I don't think there's anything more to be said about this matter. Besides, Mandy found those keys on your terrace, and your past speaks for itself.

" "I didn't do it! If it were me, I probably would have used those keys immediately.

" "I asked you to leave the building if you don't want me to call security. Oh, and don't be surprised if the police show up at your house," the principal replied.

I left Marker's office and headed for the exit.

"Honey, what happened?" Marcin asked.

"Apparently I broke into the school yesterday and stole the keys from the computer room. They have a videotape, but it wasn't me... I spent the entire afternoon at home, in front of the computer."

"It's all my fault. If I could meet you, you'd have an alibi," the boy replied, hugging me.

"I have to go now. I can't stay at school because I'm not allowed to," I replied, and left.

When I returned, my mother bombarded me with a hundred questions, which I calmly answered. She knew perfectly well I couldn't have done that because I was home, and besides, we'd been sitting around watching TV together all evening.

"Do you know who it could have been?" she asked after a moment.

"I suspect Mandy. She was at my place yesterday, so she could have figured something out. Besides, it wasn't me... I know what I'll do!!!

" "What?

" "I can use a scanning program, and then it will recognize the person on the tape, or at least confirm that it wasn't me.

" "So what are you waiting for?"

"The police, because he's supposed to be here," I replied.

The authorities arrived early in the afternoon. They started asking me questions, which I calmly answered. Finally, I suggested they use this program. It turned out they didn't have such complicated programs.

"Then you should start," I replied, handing them the disk with the scanner. "This program won't show who he was unless you have his picture in your memory, but at least it will confirm it wasn't me. You just have to upload my picture, and here it is.

" "We can do it here, since we have the recording tape, if you have the right equipment," the police commissioner suggested.

Then we went to my room. I took a picture of myself with my digital camera in the same pose and wearing the same clothes. I transferred it to the computer, connected the film, and started scanning. It turned out the girl who broke in was 3 cm taller than me and a bit fatter.

"See, it wasn't me.

" "To find the culprit, we'd have to interview the entire school." "

Or just the class," I replied, turning off the computer.

"Can you tell us who brought the keys to the principal?

" "Mandy. She even came to my house yesterday afternoon. She wanted to be friends with me, but I turned her down. Besides, she was my boyfriend's girlfriend," I said without hesitation, because now I was absolutely convinced it was her doing.

The next day, it turned out I was right. Now Mandy was the one in trouble, but as the heiress of a vast fortune, she only paid a fine and was transferred to another school. After those few months, the teachers finally warmed up to me, as did my mother. Of course, as you can see, I'd changed and even become student council president. And what about Marcin and I? Of course, we stayed together. Even at university, because by some miracle we both got into psychology. After a while, we even moved in together, and we'll see what happens next. For now, we have a summer session and plans for a joint vacation.