Season 4 Chapter 1

After spending two weeks in Japan, I finally returned to Germany; I met Hana Sis a few times and felt it was finally time to move on. Time ran out of my hands like sand; only one month was left before the deadline, but my plans seemed to fail due to unwanted circumstances. Among all these stress, I forgot one significant barrier to my success: Karl. Jules informed me that Karl had already been discharged from the hospital while I was back in my hometown. I was also warned regarding Bianca, who recently returned from her Paris trip.

It was Sunday; I was heading towards the Beach after meeting Thomas when I noticed something peculiar. Karl and his sidekicks were threatening someone. I couldn't see the face correctly, so I stood behind Karl and grabbed his neck, pulling him back; Julie was standing there trembling in fear. Karl struggled to free himself from my grip as I frowned, looking down at Julie.

Me: Why is it that whenever I meet you, you are constantly surrounded by problems? (I said, raising my brow, questioning Julie. Karl's sidekicks ran away, leaving him behind as soon as they saw me)

Karl: HEY! Leave me alone, you bitch!! You don't know what I will do to you if you don't let me go! (He screams while pinching my fingers to free himself)

Me: Karl….I think you are forgetting something. (I said while staring at him coldly) This area doesn't come under school property, so I am not bound to follow the rules. (I told, finally letting him go and punching his face hard. His nose starts bleeding as he steps back)

Karl: (wiping his nose) You wait, I will remember all this. (He said before escaping)

Julie stood there shivering and crying; instead of feeling sympathy for her, I felt frustrated at her pathetic self, this woman who could not even stand up for herself; how was she supposed to take responsibility for the whole team? I decided to join this team initially, but now, I don't want such a loser to lead me. I punched the wall beside her hard to take out my anger, making Julie feel surprised at the situation.

Me: Seriously, it's beyond pathetic. I can't stand how you constantly whine and moan like a freaking baby. Grow the hell up already. How on earth do you expect to lead a team when you can't even manage your own incompetence? It's like watching a circus clown attempting rocket science. Do everyone a favour and spare us from your insufferable immaturity. (I said while frowning)

Julie: (her eyes sparkle with tears, as she locks eyes with me, nervously biting her lower lip) I hate you….

Me: (chuckling) Oh, you hate me, the only one busting their ass for this sorry excuse of a team? Seriously, do you even possess a functioning brain up there? (I tapped her head condescendingly) You spineless creature, it's time to wake up from your fairy tale land. In the real world, fairies don't run the show. (I spoke mockingly, a sneer on my face)

Julie: Do you even know why I despise you? It's because you're the only person who truly bullies me. Every word you utter feels like a dagger, and I don't deserve this treatment. I've never hurt you, so why do I deserve such disrespect? I may be weak, but I'm trying my best. I can't tolerate your harsh words anymore; they make me doubt myself, and my ears bleed. (She pushes me away) As much as I need you, keep within your limits or leave. I can no longer bear your words; they're tearing me apart. (She wipes her tears)

I stared at her in disbelief; this was the second time she had stood up for herself; unfortunately, each time she felt threatened, it was due to my interference. I have turned into a villain in her story; it was effective, and I was satisfied and hurt at the same time, to the extent that it confused me. I could no longer recognize myself; Anne Elizabeth, who had vowed to protect the weaklings from bullies, had turned into a devil who loves devouring innocence. I could notice Julie being slowly corrupt because of me, and it saved me unknown happiness, but it didn't feel as good as I thought it would be; instead, I was angry at myself.

Julie cast a resentful glance my way, her short legs carrying her swiftly into the distance. I remained rooted in place, observing the increasing gap between us. The palpable distance between our worlds weighed heavily on my heart; we were like water and oil, impossible to blend. With a deep breath, I dismissed the unwelcome thoughts and redirected my steps toward the beach.

Seated on the warm sands, I fixated on the gentle, blue waves, lost in my contemplations. An unexplained sense of loneliness enveloped me, a feeling I detested. As my thoughts spiraled, a tap on my shoulder disrupted my solitude. Looking up, I encountered a familiar face – Paul, his smile dispelling the shadows of isolation. He settled beside me, his gaze fixed on the water.

Paul: I haven't seen you in the past two weeks; I was starting to worry. (he expressed genuine concern)

Me: (I sneered staring at his face) Aw, big brother was missing me.

Paul: (He rolled his eyes) Nevermind, I take back my words.

Me: Tsk, you are boring. (I said while pouting)

Paul: Unfortunately, I am not a crack head like you. (he laughs)

Voice: Paul?...(We both looked up to find a girl around my age approaching our direction)

A statuesque black woman stood before us, her striking, long black hair elegantly braided. Her visibly muscular physique boasted prominent facial features—her nose sharp, eyes piercing, and lips full. Paul blushed in her presence while I couldn't help but admire the perfection of her physique.

Paul: Hope… (he stood up feeling shy) What are you doing here?

Hope: I came to meet my father, ah… (her eyes fell on me) You both know each other?

Me: (I stood up, extending my hand for a greeting) Nice to meet you; I am Anne Elizabeth.

Hope: (She shakes hands with me) I Always wanted to meet you. Unfortunately, we are in different sections. You are an icon. (she says with admiration)

Me: Ah….you are making me feel embarrassed. (I said while blushing)

Hope: Sorry….but I genuinely admire your guts; fighting against all odds is not easy. I always wanted to play football. (she sighed)

Me: (my eyes sparkled with excitement; Hope brought new hope for me) You know, you can always try; we have room for new players.

Hope: Uhm…(she hesitated) I would love to…but unfortunately I cannot. Irina doesn't like when I mix with other people, she is possessive about me.

Me: What?.....Irina?...(I murmured, as the name struck me, it was the same woman that Thomas was describing)

Hope: Anyways, I should go now. Bye….(She says while hugging Paul)

Paul: Wait….I am coming with you. (he followed Hope, leaving me behind)

I thought of meeting Lotte before returning to the restaurant, it was already a hectic day, and I felt it was better to keep all these bullshits for tomorrow.

To be continued....

[Hey guys >^< I am back with the new season of I thought I was a devil! Meanwhile I am also working on a new project called Secrets of Thalassia! Hope you will enjoy the new story as well!]