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The bell rang, and before the sound even faded, Sarah bolted from her seat. Her heartbeat drummed against her ribs as if trying to break free. This isn't real. This can't be real. Let me be dreaming. Please, let me be dreaming she said to herself.
She pushed through the hallway, clutching her books to her chest, her breath sharp and ragged. She didn't even notice Adrian calling after her until a hand tapped her shoulder.
Sarah spun, eyes wide.
"Sarah!" Adrian's voice cracked with worry. "What's wrong with you? You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you okay? Are you hurt? Tell me what's going on."
His face was pale, his brow furrowed. Confusion and fear were written all over him.
"They're back," Sarah whispered, trembling. "They came back to haunt me. Kim. Rose. They're here, Adrian. I thought I escaped them—I thought—" Her voice broke.
Adrian's eyes widened. "Wait… you mean the new students?"
"Yes!" she cried. "Them. Don't you remember what I told you? That I had to run because of what they did to me—on Valentine's Day…"
Realization flickered across Adrian's face. His lips parted, and then he nodded slowly. "That was them?" His voice dropped, almost in disbelief.
Sarah could barely breathe. "Yes. It was them."
Adrian reached forward, gripping her shoulders with steady hands. "Listen to me. It's okay. They won't hurt you again. I promise you, Sarah. I'll be there for you. No one will touch you." He pulled her into a hug, his voice a whisper in her ear. "I swear it."
But when Sarah looked past his shoulder, her blood froze. Rose and Kim were walking straight toward them, Rose's eyes gleaming with something unreadable.
Sarah shoved Adrian lightly and muttered, "I… I have to go." Without another word, she hurried away, her hair falling like a curtain to hide her panic.
Adrian reached after her. "Sarah!" His voice echoed in the hall, but she didn't turn back. With a sigh, he whispered to himself, "Maybe she just needs space…"
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The day dragged into torture. Biology, Chemistry, Physics—everywhere Sarah went, Rose was there. Sitting in the corner of the room. Walking just behind her. Smiling that calm, unbothered smile. But never once speaking. Never once acknowledging her.
It unsettled Sarah more than outright cruelty. Does she… not remember me? Or is this some game?
Relief only brushed her when she convinced herself that maybe, just maybe, Rose had forgotten her.
Until the cafeteria.
Sarah sat alone, tray untouched, rehearsing excuses in her head. If Adrian came, she'd smile and pretend everything was fine. She needed normalcy.
But then a shadow fell across the table.
She looked up, ready to say This seat is taken—and her throat closed.
Rose.
The same tilt of her head, the same predator's smile.
"Long time no see," Rose said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness.
Sarah's fingers tightened around her fork. "I—I don't know what you're talking about."
Rose chuckled softly, leaning in. "Oh, let me refresh your memory. You were Cinderella. The girl who ran from the ball." Her smile widened. "And I was the one you left behind."
Sarah's chest constricted.
"And you know what Kim thought of you back then?" Rose whispered, so only Sarah could hear. "A creep. A nobody. Someone who'll always stay in the dark. That's what he said."
Sarah's world tilted.
"Oh, and by the way…" Rose sat back casually. "Still doodling in your books? Or have you given up pretending anyone will ever look at you the way you want?"
Before Sarah could answer, Rose stood with her tray—and with a deliberate flick of her wrist, sent the food crashing down onto Sarah's lap.
Gasps rippled through the cafeteria.
Adrian rushed forward instantly. "Sarah!" He bent down, trying to wipe the mess. His face burned with anger. "Are you blind?!" he snapped at Rose.
Kim appeared, sliding to Rose's side, his hand on her arm. "She already apologized. It's not like Sarah doesn't deserve it." His voice was low, dangerous. "Don't yell at my woman."
The words cut deeper than the food stains.
Rose smirked, her eyes never leaving Sarah's.
Adrian clenched his fists, trembling with rage. But Sarah grabbed his sleeve, shaking her head. Her voice was small, hollow.
"Don't. It doesn't matter. I'm… I'm used to it."
The cafeteria was silent, watching.
And for the first time since she'd moved here, Sarah realized there was no escape.
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