Chapter 4: Shoved Aside

Rosa’s POV

Two weeks. That was how long it took for my life to completely fall apart.

Two weeks since I was expelled.

Two weeks since my aunt slammed the door in my face.

Two weeks since Gary Beaumont destroyed everything I had, and I began living off the streets, barely living.

My body was growing weaker each day; even standing felt like a battle. I was barely feeding.

My stomach cramped painfully as I walked down the sidewalk, clutching the thin jacket wrapped around my body even though it did nothing to prevent the cold.

My reflection in a shop window made me pause. I barely recognized the girl staring back at me. My hair was tangled, my cheeks had hollowed, and dark circles bruised the skin under my eyes.

I looked nothing like Rosa Caldwell, the school's brilliant nerd. Nothing like the girl from weeks back.

I looked away as fast as I could, then continued my walk.

I was starving, dying slowly, and there was only one person who had the money that could help me survive.

Gary.

My body was shaking as I walked toward the café across the street, which I had been watching for nearly an hour.

He was there. Sitting at an outdoor table with the same group of friends who had laughed at me two weeks ago.

They were drinking expensive coffee and joking loudly, like nothing had happened, like they hadn’t destroyed someone’s life.

My legs could barely carry me as I forced myself to cross the street.

When I finally stopped in front of their table, the conversation slowly died down as Gary looked up.

For a brief second, confusion crossed his face before recognition flickered back.

“Wow,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “Look who it is.”

His friends turned toward me, and their expressions shifted from curiosity to amusement almost instantly.

“Damn,” another guy muttered. “She looks rough.”

Bunch of evil, deranged psychopaths!

I ignored them and focused on Gary. “Can I talk to you?” I asked.

Gary raised an eyebrow. “About what?”

“Privately?”

“Speak or leave us alone.” He scoffed.

“The money,” I said. I hated how small my voice sounded.

He frowned. “What money?”

My fingers clenched at my sides.

“The money I gave you, my savings, remember?”

I could remember the moment clearly.

Two months ago, Gary had told me he was struggling with tuition fees.

I couldn't believe it because the Beaumont's were loaded, but he had looked so ashamed and vulnerable, and I believed him.

I gave him everything I had saved over the years. Every dollar.

“You promised you’d pay me back,” I said.

Gary blinked slowly, then laughed. “Pay back?” he asked. “Are you serious?”

His friends started snickering.

“I gave you my life savings,” I insisted. “Please… I just need it back.”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

My eyes widened as I stepped back in horror. “Yes, you do!” What did he mean by that?

“Nope,” he said casually.

“You asked me for it,” I pointed at him. “You said you needed help with tuition.”

Gary shrugged. “Sounds like something you imagined. You look like you've gone crazy.”

Realizing he was just going to keep toying with me, I resigned to begging. “Gary, please. You've taken it all, do you wish that I die too?”

He didn't respond.

“I’m not asking for anything else—just the money I gave you.” My voice cracked.

He rolled his eyes. “God, you’re still going on about that?”

“Because I need it! I'm dying!” I retorted.

He heaved a sigh. “And why exactly do you need this imaginary money from me?”

I almost cussed him out.

Because I was homeless.

Because I hadn’t eaten properly in days.

Because I was barely surviving.

“I have nowhere to go,” I admitted.

For a brief moment, Gary looked at me like he felt pity. His eyes scanned my messy hair, my thin frame, the worn clothes hanging loosely on my body. Then his lips curved into an annoyed frown.

“This is getting embarrassing,” he muttered.

I blinked. “I just need my money back… I'm begging you.”

Gary exhaled and then stood up, his face devoid of emotion.

“Move,” he said.

“What?”

“You’re blocking the way.”

My heartbeat tripled. What did he mean? He was my last hope. “Gary—”

“Move,” he repeated, his voice colder now.

I didn’t move. I couldn’t. I was desperate, and he was the only light at the end of my tunnel.

“Please,” I begged.

That seemed to be the final straw.

He shoved me hard, and my body stumbled backward before I could catch my balance.

The back of my body slammed against a metal pole, and a sharp cry escaped my lips as I collapsed onto the ground.

The world spun violently, and my vision blurred. Then a strange pain twisted deep inside my stomach.

I gasped, clutching my abdomen. This pain wasn't normal; it was too intense.

I looked up at Gary and his friends. “Please,” I begged, my voice barely steady. “It hurts so bad.”

They stared at me for a moment. Then one of them laughed: “She’s being dramatic again.”

Gary shook his head in irritation. “Come on,” he said to the others, and just like that, they left like I wasn't even there, begging for my life.

“Gary!” I called, and that's when I felt warm liquid trickling down my legs, and my breath hitched.

I managed to look down, and then I saw it. Blood was soaking through my dress.

A horrible realization crept into my mind.

“No…” I gasped as the pain in my stomach intensified.

Tears filled my eyes as panic clawed at my chest.

“Gary!” I yelled with everything within me, but they were already sliding into their cars.

My vision began to darken as the pain in my stomach grew worse.

Tears slid down my temples as I struggled to stay conscious.

With the last bit of strength I had, I whispered, “Please… someone help me.” Then everything went black.