Chapter 41
Lucy's POV
I arrived at school today, and people couldn't stop murmuring and staring at me. They were still the same old faces, except for a few additions and one of the brother's close friends, Darren.
“Isn't that Xander's ex-girlfriend?”
“She is, and what is she doing here?”
“Didn't she ditch him?”
“Damn! She's pretty.”
Those were a few of the many statements they were making about me. A strange girl with purple hair waved, and I stopped and turned, thinking it was someone different. But then she pointed at me. Ok... This is weird. Without hesitating, she walked up to me and greeted me, a smile on her face.
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Ariana's POV
I'm guessing this is the Lucy they've all been talking about, which is weird because she looks pretty natural. Wait... Who am I kidding? She's the daughter of one of the richest businessmen in new Orleans. Of course, she has to look natural! Well, nice Ariana mode activated.
"Hi...” I greeted cheerfully. “Welcome back. It's so nice to see you.” I said with a smile.
“Hi... “she greeted nervously, then looked at my hair.” That hair color isn't natural, right?” She asked.
“No. I dyed it that way.” I replied.
“Oh... For a second I thought it was... I wish it was.”
“I wish it was too. Then I'll be the great fairy of Neverland.” I said, breathlessly. She chuckled.
“There are no fairies with purple hair in Neverland, but I'm willing to take you on this one. Hi, my name's Lucy... Lucy Sanders.” She said, extending her hands for a shake. I took it.
“I'm Ariana, Ariana Campbell. I've heard quite a bit about you.” I said, and she froze, dread slowly creeping up her face.
“I don't suppose what you've heard includes me being a cheap whore, right?” I raised my brows at that.
“No... Just that you're Xander's girlfriend.” I said simply. “Come, let me introduce you to a few people you might not have seen.”
“Thanks... You seem nice.” She complimented.
“Well, what can I say... I am nice.” I said, and she grinned, then walked her over to the place where I stood earlier, with Natalie and the rest.
“Since this used to be your school, I guess you will be a bit familiar with some of the faces here. That's Darren...”
“Hi.”
“Mira....”
“Hi"
“Natalie.” I completed. She waved at all of them. “Darren, it's so nice to see you again. I see you finally came back.” Lucy said.
“I guess I did.” He answered wryly. Then she turned to me.
“Thanks for the introduction, but I'll be going now.” She smiled and was about to leave when Xander came in.
“Hey, Natalie. Hi Lucy.” He greeted. Lucy stopped and weirdly looked at Natalie.
“You're the Natalie. “She said, wryly. Natalie nodded.
“Yes.. why?”
“Nothing, I have to go now. Bye guys.” She said and hurried out of the scene. We all glanced at each other and shrugged. But Natalie and I knew there was some more than that.
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“Why did you walk up to her? “Natalie asked while we were on our way to class.
“I wanted to see how well she would respond to new people, and she did just fine,” I answered.
“Is that a good sign, or a bad one?”
“It is a good sign... But not for long. With Tricia being that close to her, it won't be long before she starts planting dangerous thoughts in her head and Lucy might not be able to resist.”
“So... Whatever we have to do has to be now before things get out of hand, isn't it?”
“Yeah... But wait...Did you notice how she froze when Xander came around and spoke to you first?”
“Yeah... I did.. she stared at me strangely, kind of.”
“It only means one thing. Tricia is beginning to plant those thoughts. To make Lucy hate you... Or basically, see you as a bad person.”
“So quick? The girl just got back!”
“The faster the better. Now we need to find a way to sneak up on that.”
“I have any idea of that, but I can't do it alone.” I stopped and looked at Natalie.
“What are you suggesting?” I asked her.
“When we go out for a short break, you'll find out. In the meantime, we need to find Bella and beg her to help us on this one... Because we can't do it alone.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I mused.
“And....” Natalie said, raising her brows. I smirked.
“I'm in.”
“Good. Come on, let's go to class.” She said and dragged me to class.
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“What!? Are you kidding me? I can't do it!” Bella said the second she heard what Natalie planned to do. I have to admit, even I had second thoughts as well.
“You guys don't know Tricia; she'll take this to the extreme.” Bella tried to convince us. I looked at Natalie.
“Bella might be correct on that one... Don't you have a better idea, other than that??”
“Trust me, this is the only way to catch Tricia red-handed and still keep Lucy out of harm's way.”
“What if something goes wrong? Who'll take the blame then?” Bella asked.
“Let the blame be on me,” Natalie said.
“What?” I said.
“I'm sorry...but I can't do it. I can't risk it. Tricia is dangerous. If something goes wrong, things will get really bad.”
“Things are going to get even worse if we let Tricia do what she wants! For goodness sake, we don't know what she's thinking, we can't even guess. The least we can do is to give her an idea, so it'll be easier to nullify it... And unless you have a better idea, this is what we are going to use.” Natalie said with a note of finality.
Bella and I exchanged glances. Natalie was right. We don't know exactly what she's thinking but it will be targeted at Lucy again.
“Okay... Fine. I'll do it. But you have to promise me that nothing will go wrong.”
“I'll try... But I can't promise anything.” Natalie replied. Bella nodded and after checking there was no one other than the three of us left the locker room, leaving the two of us in the room.
“This shit had better work,” I muttered underneath my breath.
“It had better....” Natalie muttered beside me.
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Bella's POV
After leaving Natalie and Ariana, I went over to our hideout was and of course, Tricia and Celine were there... With Tricia was operating her phone. Once I walked in, she looked up at me.
“Hey Bella, where have you been?” She asked. I shrugged.
“In the restroom. “I lied and went over to seat with them. Then, acting out of coincidence, dropped the topic.
“About Lucy... You've got anything yet?” I asked and rubbed my fingers. She looked at me and shrugged.
“Not yet....but soon. I'm still playing it over in my head.” She replied. Oh, thank God.
“I did think of something, but I don't know if it might be of help,” I suggested. She looked up at peered at me.
“And what would that be?” she asked.
“Oh something simple, but Lucy's going to get all the blame in the end.”
I watched as Tricia gained interest.
“I'm listening....”
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“Wow. Why didn't I think of that?” Tricia exclaimed after I finished narrating Natalie's plan to her.
“It's so perfect that even if something goes wrong, Lucy gets all the blame.”
“I told you it would be.”
“I didn't know you were such smarty pants. I can't wait to begin it.”
“Wait... Today?” I asked, “won't you give it some time?”
“The earlier the better...” Then stood up and began to walk out of the room. “Excuse me, but I have fishes to fry. “She said and walked out of the room.
I glanced at Celine. She looked at me and shrugged.
“Whatever... She can do whatever she wants.”
“This is crazy...” I muttered underneath my breath.
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Natalie's POV
“Hey...” Ariana nudged me in class. I glanced at her. “I just got a text from Bella. Tricia has agreed to it and is planning to do it today.”
“Today?” I repeated. That was faster than I thought.
“Yeah, today... She said she just left to search for Lucy.”
Speaking of which, where's Lucy? I thought as I glanced around the class.
“She isn't in our class, she's in Mira's. Why don't we ask her?”
“Okay, please text her, and let's hear her reply,” I said, and Ariana nodded. She managed to text her while we waited for her reply. Soon, the phone dinged, and Ari picked it up.
“She said Lucy just left the class.” Ariana read out loud. We glanced at each other before raising our hands for an excuse.
Once granted, we stumbled out of the class into the empty hallway and stopped.
“Now how the hell are we going to find Lucy in this large school?” I asked aloud.
“Let's check the garden first. Lucy might be there.” We walked to the garden and quietly searched it. We eventually found Lucy sitting on one of the chairs placed there, as if waiting for someone, but she was alone. We waited a while and soon saw Tricia approaching her.
Lucy seemed stunned to see her and tried to leave the scene, but of course, Tricia stopped her and forced her to listen to whatever she had to say.
“Too bad we can't hear her from here,” I muttered as we hid in the bushes.
“Good thing I brought my binoculars,” Ariana replied. I looked at her scoffed.
“We still won't hear whatever they are saying.”
“But we'll see what they are doing. Now let me do my work..” she said as she placed it over her eyes. She studied them for a while before whispering.
“She's dragged Lucy's phone from her... And she's typing in a number.”
“She even knows people?” I whispered back.
“We have to change that number,” Ariana muttered. I smirked.
“I have an idea for that as well.”
“Okay... She's kissed Lucy, and she's leaving. Mission accomplished.” She said and dropped the binoculars. We hid in the bushes for a while longer, making sure that Lucy left and there was no one in sight.
“Lucy will never forget whatever it is that Tricia said,” Ariana said on our way to class.
“We need to find a way to get that phone and change the number. But first, we need to find Lucy.”
“That's true... Can you believe it? Tricia already has this thing mapped out.”
I glanced at her and scoffed. “That's what evil stepsisters do,” I replied, and she snickered.
Soon the bell rang, and the once empty hall was filled with students going in and out of their classes. We stopped and searched, looking for Lucy in the mess.
“Found her!” Ariana piped up and pointed in the direction. I saw her, and she kept turning back, her body filling jittery.
“Good. Since she already likes you and not me, it'll be easy for you to distract her.”. I said.
“What do I do?” She asked.
“What you always do. Come on, we don't have time.” I said and dragged her with me. Once we got close enough, we disengaged and I hurled Ariana forward with, me blending in with the crowd and her hitting Lucy, making them fall but most, importantly her phone. I pretended to be at my locker while I watched as Ariana did.
Eventually, she managed to distract Lucy and took her phone without her knowing. Then bade Lucy goodbye and, looking for and finding me, walked towards me with a frown, phone in her hand.
“We seriously had to use that move?” She asked and stretched the phone towards me. I collected it.
“At least it worked,” I replied, and she scoffed. “Now here's the problem... Her phones are locked. How are we going to deal with that?”
“If going back to Lucy is part of the plan, I'm out. I barely survived back there. Maybe we should ask Xander.”
“And risk him knowing our plans, no thanks,” I replied. I turned on the phone and began guessing her possible passwords. Then finally one entered.
“Wow, it's open. Guessing passwords might be easier than I thought.” I said as I went to her contacts.
“Wait... What is her password?”
“Xander... Xander is her password.” I said as I deleted the number and put in a new one.
“All done,” I announced. “Now we just have to return this phone... Hey Xander!” I said as I saw him in the hallway. I walked towards him and so did Ariana.
“Hey girls. Good afternoon.” He greeted us as we got towards him.
“Hi.”
“So, why'd you call me?”
“We wanted you to give this to Lucy,” I said and gave him her phone. He looked confused. “It fell from her bag, and she didn't know. Luckily, we were behind her.”
“Well... Um, okay.”
“Yeah, thanks,” I said and left the place, heading to our next class. I and Ariana gave each other fist bumps.
“Now time for the real deal,” I muttered as we walked into our next class.
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School's over and we were all out, going home. Mira, Ariana, and I stood in the parking lot, waiting for our drivers while other cars zoomed past, having small talks in between.
“So... When is Darren taking you out on another date?” Ariana asked Mira.
“Soon, probably on the weekend. But we've been doing lots of visiting lately. He likes to come over and spend dinner with us.”
Aww, so romantic. You two suit each other. I wonder when the girl beside me will get some of that action.” Ariana said, stressing the last words and I knew she was talking to me.
“Seriously Ariana. You have to stop doing that.”
“I'll stop when you get yourself a boyfriend.” She said.
“You don't even have a boyfriend!”
“But I've fallen in love before... Lots of times.” Mira just kept chuckling and came to Pat us at the back.
“Slow down now... Let's not rush this.” She said soothingly. “We don't want to force Natalie into something she doesn't like, do we?”
“No, we don't,” Ariana answered.
“Then let's wait.” She replied. “Oh look, my driver's here already. Bye girls, see you tomorrow.” She said and got in.
“Bye.” I waved back, and once again I and Ari were left alone.
“You think Tricia is going to call in tonight?” Ariana asked.
“Well, she has to. Whatever time is good. Let's just get this over and done with.” I said as my driver pulled up and we got in.
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Lucy's POV
I huffed as I walked into the room and dropped my bag. I had got a message on my phone saying someone wanted to see me urgently and I took an excuse and left the class. Only to find out it was that stupid, super mean Tricia! I had tried to leave, but she dragged me back and started spilling lots of nonsense about me still Loving Xander and wanting to get back with him, but with Natalie in the way... And then forcefully typed a number in my phone before leaving.
Argh! I screamed and scattered my hair. I can't believe I'm still thinking about that stupid plan... She sure knows how to get in my head whenever she wants to. Maybe a call with the therapist will do. After that, I'll take my pill and go to sleep... That should help. But first, I need to run a warm bath. I peeled off my uniform and stepped into the shower, letting the warm water caress my skin and forcing myself not to think... It never helps. After what seemed like ages in the bathroom, I finally came out, wore some clean clothes, and made to look for my phone.
I couldn't find it. That's weird, I remember putting it in my bag after Xander returned it to me... How can it not be here?? I searched for a bit, searching everywhere for it.
“Looking for this?” A voice spoke from the doorway. I looked up, and it was Tricia... And she was with my phone.
“Yes? And why is it with you?” I asked.
“I don't know... Oh, I saw it lying lonely on the table there and decided to keep its company. We had a very fun time.” She said and giggled. I became furious and went over to snatch it from her.
“Give me that! Why don't keep your own phone company.” I said, holding it closer to me. She giggled but didn't leave the room. Instead, she walked in.
“What are you doing here? This isn't your room!”
“Take it an easy cupcake, I know it's not mine. I'm not dumb, or dense.”
“Then leave!”
“I came to ask about what I told you earlier... Have you thought of it?”
“Oh that... Guess what? I'm not doing it. Find someone else.” I replied.
“I would... But no one loves Xander the way you love him... And I'm positive with what I told you, you'll win him back wholeheartedly.”
“And hurt someone else in the process... I'm sorry, but I'm not like you.” Tricia stared at me.
“I can't believe you've forgotten that easily... All the fun times you had with him, the kisses, sleepovers, dates... I know you'd kill to have that again. And here I am, giving you the opportunity and you want to flounce it?”
“I'm over that Tricia,” I said, my voice quivering. “You're right, they were fun moments, the best I ever had, but unlike you... I learned to move on. It was fun while it lasted and it's better than right now everyone just stays on their separate lanes.” I said.
“You're not over him... And guess what? I don't think he's over you as well. Just do what I tell you and you'll see... Rumor has it that he's just dating her so he can sleep with her, but you, my dear step sister... He loves you truly. All you need is a little push. And that plan is perfect.”
“I'm not doing it, Tricia... Go away.” I muttered, my lips quivering. Tricia sure knows how to get in my head. She dropped her shoulders as if she was disappointed and made to leave but stopped halfway. And turning back, were pictures in her hands. She threw them at me.
“Take a look at that... I mean, look at it... Those are pictures of you and Xander and all the fun moments! You loved it... And you can have it again. You just need to get Natalie out of the way and boom! You two will be together again!” She said aloud, panting afterward.
I dropped to my knees as I looked at the pictures, tears fighting my way out of my eyes down my cheeks. I would be lying if I said I was over him... But it was time to move on. Two wrongs can't make a right.
Tricia squatted beside me, stroking my hair while I let out tears.
“I know what you're thinking... You don't want to do this because you don't want to hurt anyone. But, what's love without pain?” She asked rhetorically. “And why let another girl reap where she did not sow?”
I stopped crying and took in a deep breath, then stared at Tricia.
“You'll think it will work?” I whispered. She smiled smugly.
“Positive.” She replied. I looked at my phone and opened it, clicking on the last saved number. My hands shaking, I dialed the number.
“Hello.” A thick voice boomed, and I almost screamed. Tricia steadied me and prodded me to go on.
“Hello, who's this??” the voice boomed again.
“Hi,” I said, almost in a whisper. “I'd like you to do something for me.”
“I'm listening....”
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Tricia's POV
“...Thanks bye,” Lucy said and disconnected the call. I almost laughed but kept my cool.
“See? It wasn't that hard. In the twinkle of an eye, Natalie will be gone, and you'll have Xander to yourself again. Isn't that wonderful?” I asked cheerfully.
“It's great... Leave my room, Tricia.” She said sternly.
“Totally...” I said sweetly and stood up, smiling, before closing the door behind me.
The fake act dropped the second I got out. Ah.. it was too easy, one of the reasons I like having her around.
Time for phase two.
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Ariana's POV
“I just received a text message. Lucy has already called.” I said aloud. “Damn, Tricia is faster than we thought.”
“More reason we need to act faster,” Natalie replied, wearing her jacket. I glanced at her.
“Where are you going?”
“Out. If this plan has to succeed... I need to be out.” Then went to her wardrobe and brought out a GPS phone.
“I remember this... We used it a lot when we were kids.”
“You only act when I call you with this. It'll make tracking me easier. I have to go now. I need to see someone before I probably kill myself.”
“Okay... Good luck.” I said.
“Thanks... I need all the luck I can get.” She said and walked out of the room. I sighed and laid back on the chair. Well, that's Natalie for you, always taking it on herself to do the right thing. I just hope she gets out of this one alive.
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Natalie's POV
I had called Xavier before leaving the house and right now I'm just going to see him. If I'm going to do something this crazy, at least I need to see the people that I love one last time... Although I'm praying, this is not the last time I get to see them, but then I don't want to leave room for surprises.
I had gotten to the basketball court at the park where we planned to see each other and he was already there, waiting for me. He saw me and waved, and I rushed over to meet him. Then pulled him into a hug.
“That. Was. Unexpected.” He spaced out, slowly hugging me.
“I know. Just really needed to do it.” I said against him. After a while, we separated.
“So, why'd you call me here?”
“well... I wanted to see you.”
“Guess we've seen each other now.”
“Yeah... We sure have.” I said and he chuckled. “Um, why don't we get some ice cream and talk?” I suggested.
“Okay... Cool.” He said, walking ahead. I followed him.
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We went to an ice cream restaurant and sat there, quietly taking our ice cream.
“You still haven't told me why you called me here.” He said after a while.
“I already told you. I wanted to see you.”
“That's all?”
“That's all,” I replied, and he stared at me, stunned. “That's the strangest reason I've ever heard.” He muttered, and I chuckled.
“It's not strange when you have lots of things on your mind,” I replied.
“And what are you thinking about?”
“Things I can't tell you just yet...” I replied and he slowly nodded. I sighed and glanced at my watch. Sooner or later they'll be striking out, I needed to part ways with Xavier.
“I'm sorry, but I have to go home now.” I suddenly said.
“What? But we just got here.” He tried to protest. I chuckled.
“I know... I kind of sneaked out of the house. They'll be worried.” I said.
“Okay... Let's get going then.” He said, and I nodded. We paid for our treat and walked out of the restaurant, ambling along the Walkway, talking and laughing as we did.
It was so much fun... And I was slightly sad, it was going to end soon. After a while and just as we were about to get to the street where my house was. I stopped.
“It's okay... Thanks for walking me up to this point.” I said.
“You're sure you don't want me to walk you home?” He asked.
“Definitely. Thanks for going out with me too.”
“You're welcome.” He replied but didn't move. Then as a parting gift, I leaned in and kissed him. It was supposed to be a soft brushing of the lips but the second they had contact, desire rose, and I subconsciously deepened the kiss. Xavier was only stunned for a second before he reciprocated. It was the most exciting kiss I ever had, every cell in my body tingled for more, and I wanted more but I knew we had to stop or else we would be embarrassing ourselves and that would be on the streets as well.
“So... “I started and stopped, with Xavier staring hard at me. I chuckled and blushed slightly. “I have to go now. Good night.” I whispered.
“Good night.” He said, but he didn't leave. I look it as my cue to leave and started walking away. I felt sad for no reason, but I knew it was for a good cause. Nearing my house, I glanced around. They are going to be here any minute from now. I mentally prepared myself. Just as I expected, firm hands dragged me by the shoulder and yanked me to the side. I unconsciously made to scream, but he put another hand in my mouth preventing that from happening.
Before I knew it, a handkerchief was pressed against my nose, and I was forced to inhale whatever was put in it. It took a while but after moments of struggling, I began to lose consciousness and felt myself being dragged into a parked car before finally blacking out.
One thing's for sure, I didn't get home tonight, and I didn't know where I was taken to as well.