Season 4 Chapter 18

Paul: Meet you after classes. (He said before kissing her lips and waving her goodbye)

Hope: (she blushes hard kissing back) Take care. (We stood there feeling cringed watching their intimacy. I felt like vomiting. We stared at Hope with disgust) What? (She raises her brow getting confused) Come on, stop overreacting, it was just a kiss.

Bella: You are making me feel jealous. (She pouts)

Choon Hee: (she hugs Bella tightly) Don't worry Bel! I am here for you! (She rubs her cheek against Bella's cheek)

Bella: Leave me alone...(she pleads)

Jules: Ah…..love birds. I wonder when my crush will notice me. (She sobs)

Christina: You have a crush? (She tilts her head)

Jules: Of course I do! And he is super handsome and talented!!! He is the best man in this whole universe!! (She says getting excited)

Me: I agree. (I said nodding)

Jules: huh? (She stares at me)

Me: N-Nothing. (I hesitated before looking away)

Victoria: You both have a crush on same man or something? (She rolls her eyes)

Jules: What? Anne, do you have a crush on Leo? (She bit her lower lip, I could notice slight jealousy in her eyes)

Me: I don't have a crush on him, I just know him well. That's why I agreed. (I rubbed my forehead) We already have lots of work to complete, so it's better we should move on from this useless topic.

Jules: Are you sure that you are not trying to avoid my question? (She inquires)

Victoria: (she pats Jules' shoulder) Don't fight over a guy. We have better problems in life.

Julie: It must be nice to have crushes. (She pouts)

Christina: What are you complaining about? You already have- (I grabbed her mouth from behind before she could complete her sentence)

Julie: Huh? (She gets confused)

Me: N-Nothing. (I stammered) I think we should head towards our respective classes before we get late. (I started sweating while Christina struggled to free herself. Other members of the club stared at each other with meaningful look while our innocent Julie felt bewildered)

As we were busy laughing, someone watched us from far distance, she clenched her fist. Irina's eyes were filled with loneliness and vulnerability. Neither did she approached us, nor did she tried causing any trouble like last time but her eyes remained fixed on Hope. She bit her lower lip, there was hint of disbelief, betrayal and jealousy before she retire from the spot.

Karl has been suspended for a week. " Peace!" or that's what I thought. Bianca has finally returned from her Paris trip after a month's vacation. She was blonde girl with long hair, green eyes, her skin was light with a pinkish-undertone. Her skin was smooth, and her attitude was as long as her nose. Unknown to the change in environment, I walked out of class during lunch break and went to search Lotte. It's been a while since I spent time with her. Placing my hands inside my pocket, I walked down the corridor. It felt like Lotte was hiding from me on purpose. I was near Hope's classroom when I noticed Lotte standing quietly watching some commotion. There was a large crowd standing outside the classroom, and it was hardly visible what was happening amid the ongoing chaos.

Me: Lotte! (I waved at her excitedly)

Lotte: (she turns towards my direction hearing my voice, but instead of being happy, she frowned) Go away!! I hate you!! (She shouts before hissing like a stray cat and running away)

I stood there stunned by the sudden change of events. "What's going on?...." I thought to myself, I had the impression that my bonding with Lotte was getting stronger and she was opening her feelings to me but...it felt like we returned back to zero progress. I was about to follow her, when a familiar voice changed the direction of my attention.

Bianca: Look whom we have here. (She says loudly)

Irina: What do you want? (She frowns)

Bianca: You bitch. I knew you are a crazy motherfucker. How dare you slap my poor baby? (She says while grabbing Irina's cheeks)

Irina: (she slaps away Bianca's hand) It would be better if you put a lease on your dog, I mean boyfriend. He is lusting over other women behind your back. Not only did he touch me inappropriately, he also tried to manipulate me against my friend.

Bianca: (instead of getting angry, she laughed) So what if he did? Know you place. (She glared at Irina) Hey Caroline, how did you even consider such an idiot as your friend? (She says with a hint of mockery)

Caroline: (she stands beside Bianca wrapping her arms around Bianca's arm) I was blind. (She snickers while staring at Irina) But I am glad that Hope finally opened her eyes and became wiser.

Irina: (her jaw hardens, her eyes were filled with disgust mixed with sadness) Shut up, you betrayer. Don't you dare say anything regarding Hope!! (She pushes Caroline away making both of them fall on the ground with a thud) I hate you!!

Bianca: (she stood up dusting herself) Has this whore finally lost her screws? How dare you push me! Do you know who I am?! My father words for the Smith real-estate empire! He doesn't even need to lift his finger to make your whole family disappear overnight!!

I stood among the crowd for a long time contemplating if I should interfere or not, but then it felt like the water was getting over head and somebody needed to control the mess. I walked towards them, standing beside Irina after hearing 'Smith' name in the conversation.

Me: I guess you have embarrassed yourself enough. (I said staring at Bianca)

Irina: I don't need your help. (She glares at me while stepping away from me)

An aura of tension lingered between us, evident in Irina's wary gaze and cautious movements. She seemed acutely aware of the scrutiny upon her, her body language betraying a self-conscious unease. Absently, she rubbed her right arm, her eyes locked onto mine, fraught with suspicion.

Bianca: (she blushes hard staring at my face) Who is this handsome guy? I never saw his face before in his school. (She touches my arm without permission and squeezes them) Dang, your body is far better than Karl...(she smiles) Instead of standing up for that ugly whore…why don't you spend some time with me? Just name your price. (She said before her hand moved towards my chest)

Me: (I quickly reached out and gently grasped her hand, halting her movement. My complexion drained of color as a wave of nausea swept over me.) Miss (I managed to say, my voice tinged with revulsion) I am a girl.

Bianca: Come on, don't lie. There is no way that you are a female. (She gasped in disbelief )

Irina: Stop molesting him, I mean her. (She clears her throat trying to suppress her laugh before pulling me away) Go and harass your boyfriend instead.

"Bitch, are you trying to protect me or make fun of me?." This whole situation made me realize one thing, that I am flat chested and I shouldn't have interfered in this matter and get molested by a creepy sexual assaulter. "Oh wait those are two things….not one"...nevermind that isn't the main issue here. The main problem is, "I AM NOT A MAN!!!!" I wanted to scream at their faces but felt embarrassed.

Bianca: I can't believe you're actually a 'She'! Gross. What kind of woman has muscles like that? You look like a man, it's disgusting. There's nothing feminine about your body. You know what? You two are actually made for each other. (She and her side-kicks laughed mockingly.)

Me: (I rubbed me forehead getting frustrated) I don't even have that much of a big muscle, and even if I did…..I don't owe you an explanation.

What the fuck was this turn of events, I just got involved in this mess to pull Irina out of troubles but somehow I am getting insulted? And on top of that, this brat is more frustrating than Karl.

Hope: Is this a circus? (She stands in front of Bianca) I wasn't informed regarding the clown show in front of our classroom. (She said while folding her arms) Leave before I inform the class teacher. (Even though Hope seems soft, she was actually the class representative and had great influence in her class)

Bianca: (she hesitates) Come on Hope, do I even give a fuck about our teachers? They are all scared of my daddy.

Hope: Your face says otherwise. (She rolled her eyes) Leave before I lose my mind.

Caroline: Come on Hope, I thought you were smarter. But finding you taking the side of a sore loser aches my heart. (She laughs)

Irina tightly pressed her upper lip against her lower lip, struggling to contain her rising anger. All eyes were fixed on her, waiting for her composure to crack. Her body trembled, betraying the intensity of her suppressed emotions. Old memories flooded Irina's mind, and she fought to hold back tears, refusing to show her vulnerability to those who were eagerly awaiting entertainment.

Me: (I noticed the change in her emotions and sighed while pressing the bridge of my nose) Before calling others names, why don't you look at your inner self? You are the real loser who choose luxury over loyalty. (I glared at Caroline)

Caroline: You! (She gets agitated)

Bianca: Let's leave, there is no point of continuing this argument. (Her eyes fixed on me) I will remember your face. (She says before flipping her hair and walking off along with her side-kicks)

The crowd dispersed leaving Hope, Irina and me. There was an awkward silence. Irina stood there for a minute trying to get her emotions together before opening her lips then pressing them hard against each other.

Irina: You don't need to meddle in my business. (She says before turning her back)

Me: Uhm…..(I hesitated wanting to say something when Hope patted my shoulder)

Hope: Leave her alone. (She said before entering the class, her voice was filled with fatigue and a hint of coldness mixed with longing for her bestfriend)

Irina lingered for a moment, her back turned to me, seemingly expecting Hope to step in and offer solace. Yet, only emptiness filled the void. She grappled with the realization that her actions had driven their friendship to this breaking point, yet denial still clung to her like a stubborn shadow. Anger welled within her, directed both inward for her own mistakes and outward towards me for inadvertently disrupting their bond. Silently, she retreated, burdened by the weight of her guilt, her shoulders sagging beneath its oppressive weight.

Something didn't feel right to me. It was the first time I saw Irina so defeated and quiet. When a strong person falls low, their pride is crushed, and they become so vulnerable that there are high chances of taking the wrong step. My heartbeat loudly, 'lub-dub….lub-dub'…..I could feel my pulse throbbing, it felt like the time itself was slipping away from my palms. My adrenaline rushed due to anxiety and without thinking twice, I grabbed my cellphone and entered an empty classroom, dialing Thomas's number.

Thomas: Hey Anne….I am kind of busy right now….Can I call you later? (His said in a low voice)

Me: Thomas…..(my voice started breaking as I spoke explaining him everything, I knew that if something happens to Irina, neither Hope nor I can forgive myself)

Thomas: Understood. (This was the first time I heard his serious expression, he disconnected the call without further delay)

As Irina made her way out of the school grounds, a disorienting fog enveloped her thoughts, swirling around her like a thick mist. Her eyes, once vibrant and determined, now drifted aimlessly, lost in a sea of uncertainty. The pallor of her face mirrored the emptiness within, drained of all emotion, like a canvas stripped of color. A cacophony of thoughts clamored for attention, each one vying for dominance in her troubled mind. Her body quivered involuntarily, as if bearing the burden of unseen forces, while her weary legs dragged along, each step a testament to the weight of her exhaustion.

As she stood on the verge of stepping onto the main road, a familiar figure suddenly loomed before her. It was Thomas, his brow glistening with sweat, his breath ragged from what appeared to be a hurried sprint from his school. Irina gazed at him with a mixture of surprise and weariness, her mind struggling to make sense of his sudden appearance. Without a word, Thomas stretched out his arms towards her, a silent invitation. Irina's exhausted body yielded to the pull of his embrace, collapsing against him as the weight of her emotions flooded out in tears. In that moment, enveloped by his warmth, the fog in Irina's mind began to dissipate, clarity slowly dawning upon her troubled thoughts.

Irina: She looks so happy without me…..makes me wonder if anyone will be bothered even if I disappear. (Her voice broke down as she spoke, her eyes sparkled with tears, she held on Thomas's shirt and stared in his eyes as if desperately searching for answers)

Thomas: (he sighs and stroked her head to comfort her) You are truly cruel. Even after knowing my feelings for you…..yet you choose to say such words in front of me. (He hugs her tightly)

Irina: I know I am a monster….I thought I was protecting her. But in reality I was just ruining her desires. (She voice choked as tears flowed down from her eyes)

Thomas: (he gently cups her cheeks, his eyes filled with sincerity as he reassures her) You're not a monster. You're a strong, protective, and loyal person. To me, you're nothing less than an angel. It's okay to have trouble with communication sometimes. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. (He acknowledges softly, his voice filled with understanding) And I know that Hope understands your struggles.

Irina: Hope hates me. (She bit her lower lip) I know she despises me now.

Thomas: You are wrong. (He kissed her forehead reassuring her) Hope cares for you more than anything else. So shake those negative thoughts out of your mind, instead go and clear misunderstandings with your bestfriend.

Irina: (she stares at Thomas mesmerized) Hey…..Tommy…..

Thomas: (he blushes slightly) Y-Yea?

Irina: Why are you looking so handsome today? (She says bringing her face closer to his lips)

Thomas: (he goes red leaving Irina) W-What? (He gulps his spit getting nervous)

Irina: Can I kiss you? (She smiles) You are mine right? You love me don't you? (She holds his collar, her tone was filled with affection mixed with desperation)

Thomas: Irina…..(he gently holds Irina back, his voice tender yet firm) Irina, I understand you've been through a lot lately, and I can see this might be a result of feeling loneliness. It's okay. But perhaps it's best if you go back home now. ( He gazes away, a pang of hurt evident in his expression. Deep down, he longs for her love, but he knows her feelings are influenced by her sadness.)

Irina: Ah… You're right (she begins, her voice soft, tinged with self-consciousness) But it's not entirely true. (Thomas listens intently as Irina continues, her words hesitant yet earnest) I've… I've had feelings for you since the very first moment I saw you. (he admits, her cheeks flushing with color) Crying under the rain, after those boys… after they bullied you. (Her gaze meets his, revealing the depth of her emotions. Your bright eyes ( she murmurs, a hint of awe in her voice) They captured my heart right then and there. (There's a moment of silence as Irina gathers her thoughts, her fingers fidgeting nervously) But I… I don't know if it's affection or… or mere obsession. ( she confesses, her voice barely above a whisper) All I know is that I don't want to lose you. (With trembling fingers, she reaches out and gently wraps her pinky finger around his, a silent plea for understanding and acceptance) And when I saw you talking to Anne…. (she continues, her voice tinged with vulnerability) I felt… I felt jealous. I was afraid… afraid that you'd leave me too, just like… just like everyone else.

Thomas: (he smiles holding her hand and kissing her palm) You don't know how much overwhelmed I am feeling right now. There are butterflies in my stomach. It's fine even if it's mere obsession, as long as you want me.

Irina's lips meet Thomas's tenderly, a silent affirmation of her feelings, before she pulls back slightly, her eyes locking with his in a moment of shared intimacy. Thomas stared at her awestruck, his cheeks flustered.

Irina: No (she whispers, her voice barely audible above the gentle rustle of the breeze) It's not mere obsession. It's so much more than that. And I want to earn that love, and to do that I need to change myself first...so Thomas…..will you be patient and help me walk on the right track? (She pulls his hand and puts it against her cheek embracing him) Please?.....

Thomas: (he nods) I promise that I will be always there beside you. (He smiled)

Irina: Thank you. (She blushed)

I finally went back to class, knowing that everything went smoothly between both of them, I looked at Hope and nodded slightly reassuring her that Irina was fine. She sighed in relief before returning to her class.

In the evening, after dinner I was busy doing my usual exercise routine. Jules sat on my bed munching on some peanuts, while I lift dumbbells. My eyes fell on my reflection on the mirror as I stared at my body for sometime, the morning incident rushed through my mind triggering my insecurities. Recently, I feel conscious regarding my appearance and there is dissatisfaction. This never happened before until I hit puberty. I glanced at my chest then my eyes moved towards Jules, subconsciously comparing our bodies, something ticked me off. I sat beside her and snatched the bowl of peanuts from her hand.

Jules: (she gets irritated) Seriously?

Me: (putting the peanuts in my mouth) Hey….do I look like a man? (I asked out of curiosity)

Jules: Only a penis is missing. (She smirks)

Me: (her words pissed me as I smacked her back) Shut up and get out of my room. (I frowned)

Jules: Ouch! Fine….(she pouts before leaving)

I sighed before standing in the balcony, and lighting a cigarette.

To be continued...