Chapter 25: The Party

Without a second thought, Marie turned on her heels and hurried back toward the stage.

"I'm not going in there. I'm not going…"

"Hey! Stop," the guy called out, his voice sharp as he quickened his pace to catch up.

"Leave me alone!" she shouted, her pulse racing. She broke into a run, her heart pounding so violently it drowned out the world around her. There was only one person who could help her. Steffy.

Her legs wobbled as she scrambled up the stairs.

'I'm not going to be his sex slave again. Never again.'

"Marie!"

She felt his hand wrap around her arm. A sharp pain twisted inside her chest. Shivering, she sucked in quick, shaky breaths and tried to wrench free. But his grip tightened. A strange sensation spread through her skin, crawling up her veins.

It wasn't just fear. She thrashed against his hold. "Let me go!"

"What's wrong with you?" he demanded, his voice exasperated. "I'm not going to hurt you!"

His sudden outburst made her flinch. "Marie! I am not going to hurt you!"

"Leave me alone!" she yelled back.

By now, students had gathered around, craning their necks to see what was happening.

Yolo let out a slow breath and softened his tone. "Look, I don't want to scare you. I was just sent on an errand."

His voice may have sounded calmer, but Marie knew better. The principal was a criminal. And anyone connected to him couldn't be trusted.

"You don't know anything," she said, shaking her head. "So just—just let me be!"

"But—"

"You heard her, Yolo. Let her go."

Yolo's grip loosened immediately at the sound of a familiar voice. Marie exhaled shakily. Steffy. Relief washed over her as she darted behind Steffy's back. Yolo, however, didn't seem as rattled. His face remained calm.

"Steffy, what a surprise," he said smoothly.

Steffy's eyes flicked to Marie. "What's the matter? Did this asshole assault you?"

Marie shook her head. "H-he told me the principal—"

"Shh, it's okay now. I get it," Steffy murmured, her voice soothing at her erratic breathing.

Steffy wrapped an arm protectively around Marie's shoulder as she turned her attention back to Yolo. "Hey, everyone," she called out, her tone carrying authority, "the show's over. Get back to work."

The students quickly scattered, leaving only the three of them standing in the middle of the stage.

Yolo sighed. "I'm sorry I scared you. That wasn't my intention."

"You're such a jerk!" Steffy rolled her eyes. "If a girl says no, then back the hell off."

"I'm just following orders, Steffy."

Marie hesitantly met Yolo's gaze. "I-I'm sorry too," she said quietly. "But please, just tell Mr. Seson you didn't see me anywhere."

Yolo tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "And why's that? Do you have a secret?"

His words made her stomach drop. 'Does he know?'

"Just do what you're told," Steffy interjected, grabbing Marie's hand and pulling her away.

"Fine," Yolo called after them. "But we'll talk later, Steffy!"

"Just go away, Yolo!"

Marie stole a glance at him as Steffy led her backstage.

"Are you all right?" Steffy asked.

"Thank you, Steffy. B-but who was that guy?"

"Just a friend," Steffy replied simply.

Marie bit her lip. "Do you think he'll be okay? What if the principal—"

Steffy turned, placing both hands on Marie's shoulders. "You worry too much. Don't worry about Yolo. He'll be fine," she assured her. "Now, come help me with the tarp. We need to hang it at the center of the stage later."

Later that evening, Steffy and Marie entered the venue of the Acquaintance Party. Marie fidgeted. "I told you we were late. I shouldn't have come…"

Steffy laughed lightly. "Shut up, Marie Joyce. We're only ten minutes late."

"—as I was saying, I welcome you to this evening's Acquaintance Party. I hope you all have fun!"

A thunderous round of applause followed as Steffy and Marie slid into their seats.

Steffy barely paid attention. Her eyes were locked on Teacher Greg as he descended from the stage.

Dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, the man was breathtaking. His tight-fitting pants did little to hide the muscles underneath. And Steffy knew—hidden beneath all that fabric—was an even finer prize waiting to be tamed.

'Let's play later, sir Greg.'

As if sensing her thoughts, he glanced in her direction—and winked. Steffy grinned.

"Hey, Steffy, are you even listening?"

She quickly cleared her throat and faced Marie. "Of course, I am."

Marie frowned. "I don't know why I'm even here."

Steffy leaned in. "Because I want you to have fun. Maybe make some friends. You know, talk to someone other than me."

Marie looked horrified. "No. You know I can't."

"Marie, you look gorgeous in that sexy backless dress I gave you," Steffy said, exasperated. "And Elizabeth did a great job on your makeup. All you have to do is smile and show them that you're not who they think you are."

Marie's hands tightened in her lap. "Except I am. The principal abused me for three years and—"

Steffy exhaled and grabbed her hand. Their eyes met. "You don't need to talk about it if you don't want to. But I promise you, I'll help you, Marie Joyce." Steffy's voice was firm, resolute. "That horny prick is going to get what he deserves. But for now, enjoy the night. Make friends. You'll be fine."

Marie's expression softened upon hearing that. Finally, she nodded. "Okay. I will."

"—Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome this school year's classroom officers! A round of applause, please."

Steffy stood. "Come on," she said, offering Marie her hand. "It's our time to shine."

Marie hesitated for a moment before finally taking it. And together, they walked toward the stage.