Chapter 21: Whispers in the Shadows

The school corridors buzzed with whispers, the air thick with gossip. Mona had taken it upon herself to spread more venom about Mary, weaving lies that cast a dark shadow over her character.

"She's not who you think she is," Mona said to a group of classmates during lunch. Her voice was low but sharp, ensuring every word reached eager ears. "Her grades are slipping because she's too busy living a wayward life. Do you know how many guys she's been involved with? And she's always acting like she's so innocent."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the group. Mona smirked, pleased with the attention. "I'm just saying, if you don't want to end up in trouble like her, stay far away. You don't want her bad luck rubbing off on you."

By the end of the day, Mona's words had spread like wildfire. Classmates avoided Mary, their whispers and furtive glances cutting her deeper than any insult. Some even went as far as switching seats when she entered the class.

Sophie, overhearing Mona's tirade in the cafeteria, couldn't hold back her anger any longer. She stormed up to Mona, her fists clenched.

"You've got some nerve spreading lies about Mary!" Sophie shouted, her voice echoing across the room.

Mona feigned innocence, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Lies? I'm just telling the truth, Sophie. People deserve to know who they're dealing with."

"Shut up, Mona! Mary is nothing like what you're saying, and you know it."

Mona's smirk deepened. "Believe what you want. But when everyone else figures out the truth, don't come crying to me. I'm just looking out for people."

The heated argument quickly escalated, drawing the attention of nearby students. Harsh words were exchanged until a teacher intervened, pulling Sophie away before things got physical. Mona walked away, a satisfied glint in her eyes.

That afternoon, Sophie found Mary sitting alone under a big tree at the middle of the school. Her shoulders were slumped, her face pale. Sophie approached cautiously, her anger replaced by concern.

"Mary, we need to talk," Sophie began, her voice soft but urgent.

Mary looked up, her eyes filled with confusion. "What is it, Sophie?"

Sophie hesitated. "Mona's been saying awful things about you. She's telling people that your grades are slipping because of… some wayward lifestyle. And she's spreading lies about you being with guys. She even told people to avoid you because you're 'trouble.'"

Mary's face fell, her hands trembling slightly. "Why would she say that? None of it's true!"

"I know, Mary," Sophie said quickly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know it's all lies. But you need to understand—Mona is trying to isolate you. She wants everyone to turn against you so you feel completely alone."

Mary's voice wavered. "But why? What have I done to her?"

Sophie sighed, her expression troubled. "I think it's more than jealousy now. Mona's playing a bigger game. She's trying to make sure no one stands by you, so when Ryan steps in, pretending to care, you'll feel like he's your only option. He'll gain your trust, and…"

"And what?" Mary whispered, her heart sinking.

Sophie hesitated, her voice heavy with worry. "I don't know what they're planning, but it's not good. You have to stay strong, Mary. Don't let them get to you. I'll stand by you, no matter what."

Tears welled in Mary's eyes as she nodded. Sophie's words gave her a sliver of comfort, but the weight of the rumors and isolation bore down on her.