The warm air was replaced by the cool water, enveloping me like a vice. I felt the rush of water past my ears, and my stomach lurched as I fell deeper.Flapping my arms and feet, I pulled myself to the surface, my eyes shooting daggers at her."ERIN!" I yelled fiercely, my heart pulsating under the cold water. I squinted from the flakes of water clouding my vision; my hand swept across my face, wiping the droplets of water clinging to my skin.Erin was across the pool at the corner, sniggering—the sound cruel and ear-piercing like a Disney villain. Her shoulders shook uncontrollably with mirth as she found pleasure in my reaction."You bitch!" I yelled louder, my body trembling with anger, my breathing ragged. "You are a psycho.""I've been told that..." she waved casually, leaning on the wall, a mischievous smirk curling her lips.Huffing, I swam to the edge of the pool, attempting to climb onto the tile, but my legs felt weak, and I fell back into the water.When she noticed my stru
"Erin! ERIN!" I shrieked, my voice shrill and fierce with fury. I darted across the corridor and hastened down the stairs, scanning the room frantically for the culprit, but she was nowhere to be seen. When I couldn't find her, I stood there, looking down at myself in dismay. My cleavage was accentuated by my pink lace bra, and my exposed skin and thigh, all thanks to Erin's mischief. What will she gain by emptying my closet,and letting me walk half naked? Infuriated, I blew out a big gush of breath and bit on my lips as if my life depended on it. I needed something to wear; I couldn't just stand there in my scanty clothing. I looked to my left, towards the pool area where I had gotten drenched in the first place. Maybe Erin was there... but why was I searching for her when I should be finding my clothes? I scampered to the area, and to my surprise, I found what I was looking for. Inside the pool were all of my clothes—tank tops, jeans, sweatpants, even undies and bras. Every f
Sarah... Sarah, open up..." Mr. Clinton called out, knocking on my door. "Are you clothed?" Reluctantly, I sat up on my bed, still thinking of a way to explain myself because I knew he had tons of questions for me. "Sarah..." he called out again because of my silence. "I... I'm still half-naked, but you can come in..." I trailed off, my voice turning into a whisper as I mouthed, "Not that I have anything to wear anyway..." He entered the room, his face a mix of disapproval and disappointment as he saw that I was still half-naked despite his earlier expectation that I would have gotten dressed by now. "You seem unmoved by the earlier commotion, huh..." he remarked with his arms crossed. "Mr. Clinton, it isn't what you think..." I started, but he interrupted since I wasn't getting straight to the explanation. "What was that stunt you pulled out there, and why are your clothes all over the place?" He reprimanded, a frown etched on his face. "Erin did it," I interjected, st
She turned around to leave but halted at the door, tilting her head. "Sarah, if I were you, I would leave this house now and fast," she said, probably as a warning, her voice dripping with malice. "And why should I leave now and fast?" I asked, mimicking the tone of her voice, trying to act all calm and collected. She chuckled, the sound cruel and whispering of secrets, probably a new torture to unleash. She flashed me a smile without responding and made her way out of the room. With a loud bang, she slammed the door behind her, leaving me drowning in the meaning of her vague words. What is she planning to do now? As if messing with my closet wasn't enough... My heart started pulsating with implications; I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as a pang of unease washed over me. I couldn't help but feel concerned by her words from earlier. Why does she want me to leave? No matter how I tried pretending to be nonchalant, her last words kept hitting me like a hammer, breaking d
As I followed Mr. Clinton, Erin's hand slipped into mine, her grip tight. I tried to shake her off, but she held firm. "Let's go, Sarah," she whispered with her usual smile.Mr. Clinton led us to a small study off the main hallway. The room was dimly lit, with only a single bulb casting a warm glow upon us. He gestured for us to sit, and I reluctantly took a seat, trying to extricate my hand from Erin's grasp."So, Sarah," Mr. Clinton began, his voice stern. "I hear there have been some... issues with your behavior.""What issue?" I demanded, trying to get my tone steady despite Erin's grip tightening around my arm.Mr. Clinton's eyes narrowed at me as he noticed my struggle with Erin. Then his gaze shifted to Erin, whose expression was unreadable."There is something going on between the two of you. I know I said that I wouldn't intervene, but I can't help it; you two are acting strange." He said, eyeing us suspiciously, his gaze darting between the both of us. "I noticed something,
Her loud outburst reverberated all over the room, her breath ragged as her anger crawled to the surface. "You had no idea how your kind ruined my life," she said through gritted teeth, her voice cracking. "My mother had to go through all of that because of people like you who think their beauty is a free pass." "Erin... I..." I started, my voice hesitant. Erin's gaze snapped to mine, her eyes blazing. "Don't. You. Dare. Sympathize. With. Me. Don’t justify your fake love," she spat, shortening the distance between us. "Erin, I understand your pain, but don't you think you are taking this too far?" I raised my voice with a hint of exasperation. Then I let out a sigh and added softly, "I have nothing to do with your past, and you can't lump me in with them. I'm not—" "Save it!" Erin spat, her hands shaking. "You're just like them – using your looks to manipulate, to control." I swallowed hard; her words pricked me like a thorn trapped in my skin. But I saw beyond her anger; her
"What? You did?" I asked as my eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"He nodded and averted his eyes away from me. His expression turned thoughtful. "I decided to eavesdrop since it was obvious there was more going on than met the eye."I let out a sigh of relief; it felt like a heavy load had lifted off my head. He saved me the long explanation; I wouldn't have to convince him anymore."But wait, you heard our conversation and you didn't barge in to confront her? Why?" I asked, curious as I stared at him intently.He remained silent, his expression unreadable as he stared into nothing in particular. "Well..." he began, his voice hesitant. "I knew Erin for years. I mean, I thought I knew her, but I guess she is not the same girl who worked for me for three years," he replied, his voice dripping with disappointment."I thought I knew her too," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Still, inside, I was beaming with relief. Now that Mr. Clinton knows, she will be too afraid to continue p
XAVIER'S POVI stood outside Erin's door, my fist clenched and ready to knock. The morning sunlight streaming through the hallway windows did little to ease my tension. Yesterday's revelations still simmered in my mind—Erin's calculated games, Sarah's unwitting vulnerability. I wouldn't let it continue.My knock was firm, a declaration of intent. Erin's door creaked open, and she gazed up at me with feigned innocence. And I saw right through it."Can I come in?" I asked, keeping my voice as calm as possible, but my intention was very clear. My gaze was burning with intensity.Erin nodded with a wry smile and allowed me in; her fingers were clinging together, her lips pressed into a thin line.I also saw right through that; she was feigning nervousness.I took a deep breath to control my emotions; my gaze returned to her, my expression calm and collected, but I was inwardly brewing with anger."Erin... what did Sarah do to you? Why do you want to hurt her?" I locked eyes with her, and