My second chance

In an office.

Ms. Marian sat behind her desk, fingers tapping lightly on a stack of files.

Lucas stood stiffly in front of her, hands clenched in his pockets.

A knock broke the silence.

"Enter," Ms. Marian said.

The door swung open Sienna walked in, dripping with fake innocence. 

She covered her lips dramatically.

"Ms. Marian, you called for me? Did I do something wrong?"

Ms. Marian studied her sharply.

"Sienna Mason, Class A5. Sit down."

Sienna glided to the chair and perched herself like a princess.

"All right, Sienna. Lucas claims you ruined another student's dress. 

What's your motive?"

Sienna's expression shifted instantly wide-eyed and offended.

"Oh my, why would I ever do such a thing? How could someone be so cruel? 

I was in the library the whole time. 

You can ask the librarian I even borrowed a book during those hours. 

You can check my records, Ms. Marian."

Under the desk, Sienna's phone lit up. 

From where Lucas stood, he caught a glimpse a photo of him and Sienna kissing. 

On her instagram. just another clip to post it.

His stomach twisted. He clenched his fist in his pocket so hard it's shake.

Ms. Marian made a quick call to the library desk. After a short confirmation, she set the phone down with a sigh.

"Lucas sterling... it seems she's innocent. You remain the only suspect. 

Do you have anything else to say before I press charges?"

Lucas closed his eyes, forcing himself not to shout.

"No, ma'am."

Ms. Marian turned to Sienna.

"You may leave."

Sienna stood, flicked her hair back, and shot Lucas a victorious smile before sauntering out.

When the door shut, Ms. Marian softened her voice.

"Lucas... this is your first offense. You're one of my best students. 

Top marks, never late. What made you do this?"

Lucas didn't answer. He glared at the floor, fighting the rage clawing at his throat.

Ms. Marian sighed.

"I'm giving you detention for now. But if you step out of line again, 

I'll have no choice but to expel you. Understand?"

Lucas nodded once, curtly.

"Dismissed."

He walked out. In the hallway, Sienna was waiting leaning against the wall with a cruel grin.

"Well, well, well... how did it go, darling?"

Lucas shot her a look so cold she actually flinched.

"Get lost. Don't ever come near me again."

He shoved past her.

Sienna chuckled under her breath.

"Oh, Lucas... you never know what I capable off."

At my house.

I locked myself in my room for days no calls, no food, no words for anyone.

Outside my door, Mom knocked gently.

"Rose... please open the door, sweetheart..."

I did not answer.

Then Mom sat beside Dad on the couch, hugging her knees.

"Honey... I'm so worried. It's been two days. She hasn't eaten. 

She won't even look at us."

Dad rubbed her shoulder.

"Want me to break the door down?"

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Mom peeked out the window, surprised.

"It's Ms. Marian..."

They quickly welcomed her inside. Ms. Marian sat down with a heavy sigh.

"How is Rose?"

Mom shook her head.

"She hasn't come out once."

"I'm truly sorry for everything that's happened," Ms. Marian said quietly.

Then she straightened, forcing a hopeful smile.

"But... I do have good news. Your daughter has been selected for an internship at Glam and Glow."

Mom's eyes widened hope sparking for the first time in days.

"Really?"

Ms. Marian nodded, handing over a crisp document.

"Here's the parental consent form. If you sign this, Rose doesn't have to come back to school for three months. She can rest for a bit, and when she's ready, she can start right away. It's the best I can do for her now. Good luck."

Mom pressed her hands together, overwhelmed.

"Thank you, Ms. Marian. Truly."

They walked her out, then Mom practically ran back to my door.

"Rose! Baby, I have good news!" She slipped the envelope under the door.

"Rose... you've been chosen, my love. You did it you're going to Glam and Glow!"

Inside, I sat up, blinking away dried tears.

"No way..." I whispered, staring at the letter.

I flung the door open Mom rushed in and scooped me into her arms.

"Congratulations, my baby..."

Moments later, Lily burst in too tackling us both in a giggling hug.

Mom cupped my tear-streaked face.

"Listen to me this is your chance. Do it wisely. Make them regret ever doubting you."

I laughed through my sniffles.

"Hehehe... I will. I promise. I'm gonna be the next big thing!"

That night felt endless.

At dinner, Lily and I ate like we hadn't seen food in a week.

Okay, yes, I didn't eat for two days, but come on my sister was acting like she'd starved for a century!

"Rose! That's my mushroom!"

I grinned, popping it in my mouth.

"You've eaten this before."

"MOM! She ate my mushroom!"

Mom sighed, half laughing.

"There, there we have plenty for tomorrow. Eat nicely, you two."

Yup. This is my family loud, messy, and full of laughter.

Later that night, I video-called Zera.

"ROSE! Is that you?!"

I smiled. "Yup, it's me!"

"You scared me!! You didn't reply to my messages, you didn't answer my calls! Where were you? Are you okay?!"

I smirked mischievously.

"Guess what I got selected for an internship!" I held up the letter.

"No way, Rose! Congratulations! Are you gonna go tomorrow?"

Zera's eyes were huge with excitement.

"Yup! I'm so excited. And so happy."

We laughed and rambled about random things until Zera's face turned serious.

"You know... Lucas—"

"Agh! Nope! Don't talk about him or even say his name to me ever again."

Zera stared at me, concerned. "But—"

"Zera... please. Not now. Okay?"

She nodded reluctantly.

"Okay, okay... goodnight. I'll call you tomorrow."

I lay on my bed, hugging my pillow, giggling to myself.

Yup... my life is perfect.