2. Everyone Hates Me Now

I sit up on my bed, staring blankly at the letter in my hand. The school's logo is emblazoned on the top, and the words "Expulsion Notice" are stamped in bold red letters. My eyes scan the page, reading the words that seem to leap off the page.

"Dear Student,

After a thorough investigation into the allegations of misconduct, including the affair with your sister's boyfriend, the school administration has made the decision to expel you from our institution, effective immediately.

This decision is final and non-negotiable. Your actions have brought shame to our school and set a poor example for your peers.

Sincerely,

[Principal Dickson]"

I feel like I've been punched in the gut. Tears stream down my face as I read the words over and over, hoping they'll change. But they don't. I'm being expelled. No school will want to accept me now. My future is ruined.

I collapse onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. How can this be happening? I'm innocent, but no one believes me. The weight of the accusations and the expulsion is crushing me. I don't know what to do next. My life is over.

I'm curled up on my bed, tears still streaming down my face as I stare blankly at the expulsion letter. The weight of my situation is crushing me.

Suddenly, I hear a knock on my door. I shout, "Who is that?! Just leave me alone!" The knocking persists, and I grit my teeth. Who could be so insensitive?

I storm to the door and fling it open, revealing Brielle standing there with a smug grin on her face.

"Hello, sister," she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Don’t tell me you were crying. Care if I come in?"

“Yes I was!” I glare at her, my anger boiling over. "What do you want, Brielle? I’m sure you can see I'm busy being miserable thanks to you?"

Brielle's grin widens. "Oh, I'm sure you're just devastated about the expulsion letter. Such a shame."

I take a step closer to her, my fists clenched. How did she know?

"You're enjoying this, aren't you? You ruined my life, and now you're gloating."

Brielle's expression remains calm, but a flicker of satisfaction dances in her eyes.

"I'm just telling the truth, sister. You should be grateful I'm looking out for you."

"Looking out for me?" I laugh, the sound bitter. "You're destroying me, Brielle. And for what? So you can keep your precious secret safe?"

Brielle's smile falters for a moment, and I see a glimmer of unease. But she quickly regains her composure.

"You have no idea what's at stake, sister. Just be grateful I took care of the problem."

I seethe with anger, my words barely above a whisper. "You're not going to get away with this, Brielle. I'll make sure everyone knows the truth."

“Ohhhh,” Brielle's grin returns, and she turns to wanting to leave. "I'm shaking in my boots, sister. What are you going to do? I’m scared!”

I take a step closer to Brielle, my eyes locked on hers. "You think you're so clever, don't you?" I say, my voice low and menacing. "But I have a surprise for you. I have a backup recording, and it's going to blow everything wide open."

Brielle's smile falters, and she takes a step back. "You wouldn't dare," she hisses.

I smile, a cold, calculated smile. "Try me," I say. "I give you till tomorrow to tell everyone the truth. If you don't, I'll make sure everyone knows what really happened."

Brielle's face twists in anger, but I can see the fear lurking beneath. "You wouldn't dare." she repeats, her voice rising. "You think you can threaten me? I'm not afraid of you."

Just then, her phone rings, cutting through the silence. She looks at the screen and smiles, a sly, triumphant smile. "Hey, Adrian," she says, her voice sweet and flirtatious.

Adrian? My Adrian?

My heart sinks as I watch her, shock passing through my body like a wave. She looks at me, her eyes glinting with triumph, and I feel like I've been punched in the gut. Even Adrian is on her side.

I realize too late that Brielle's secret isn't just about her affair with Adrian; it's about how deeply entrenched he is in her web of deceit. And with him backing her up, my chances of proving my innocence seem to slip further away.

The realization hits me like a ton of bricks, and for a moment, I feel defeated.