Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Kyla's POV
The following day, I was hesitant about going to school. Faking sickness was the next best thing, but neither my aunt nor my uncle would believe my false story.
There was no need to even try. I got dressed in baggy clothes which practically spelt "No attention."
I arranged my bags and headed downstairs. My uncle had already got his things, rashly waiting for me in the car.
"Guess no breakfast then."
Hurriedly, I thought of what to put in my empty stomach. Then, I grabbed the first thing I laid my hands on, toasted bread, and ran towards the car. He grunted in annoyance at my tardiness, but thankfully didn't scold me for it
****
After a boring and quiet ride, he finally stopped in front of my school. I got out of the car and offered a short wave before walking into school. This was just the beginning of my torment; I could feel it.
“Such baggy clothes. So ugly.” I heard two girls discussing as I brushed past them towards my locker.
"I'm sure she feels like she's on top of the world. Having Richard all to herself,” her friend adds, and they snicker.
"Not only that, but Stein will also be in her reach. Two hot guys for sure a boring girl. Tch, how disappointing."
"That's not even the highlight of it. I think it's the fact that Riley, her so-called friend, wouldn't even talk to her. My curiosity is piqued. I can't wait to find out why this evening."
I slammed my locker and the sound echoed through the hallway. I passed them a scowl before walking away. Neither of them deserves a reaction from me.
I just have to do the next best thing. Find Riley and explain things to her. I find her in the theatre interviewing someone else for her reality show.
My heart shattered at the sight, but I took a deep breath and marched towards them.
"Umm Riley, can I talk to you for a second?" I requested keeping my voice low.
"Actually no. I'm in the middle of something." She stopped her camera and the girl snickered.
"I won't be long, please. It's really important."
"Okay then, say what you have to say then you can leave."
"I'm sorry about Friday night. I want you to know I don't want any part in this silly dare."
Riley started giggling before bursting out into laughter. "That's funny because I could've sworn you made no move to stop it."
"I did. You were there."
"That was child's play. You made no effective move Kyla because I realized deep down you want it. You pretend to be this quiet girl who hates attention and all but secretly I think you crave it. You're glad Richard and Stein will be all over you so don't play the pity card with me,” she spat out. I moved back slowly unable to believe my ears.
"You can't seriously believe that Riley. You know me. I would never do something like that."
"You would and you did. You know how much I love Stein. For years I've been mustering up the courage to tell him scared he might reject me and after all that, what happens. You get him under one night. We both know you won't be able to resist his charms so please, spare us both the hypocrisy."
"That's not true,” I said close to tears.
"Actions speak louder than words. Your actions are what I'm currently interpreting so don't try to deny it. Be happy with your newfound popularity and please don't try to redeem yourself or appease your conscience. Not with me,” she repeats in a tone of finality.
"Now please go. I am really busy." I turned around and walked away, feeling desperate. Suddenly, my phone chimed. A new notification came up.
Someone uploaded a voice recording. I opened it up and my argument with Riley was on replay. I gasped and turned to the girl. She smirked and shook her head slightly.
"Oh no. She only complicated matters even more." I sniffled and ran off.