chapter 4

Leigh burst into the classroom, nearly ripping the door off its hinges. Her eyes were wide with panic as every head in the room snapped toward her.

"Mrs. Taylor!" she gasped, rushing up to the teacher's desk. She leaned in close, whispering, "You need to end this class—Camelia's out there. She's going to hurt someone... again!"

Mrs. Taylor blinked in disbelief. "Cami?"

"I'm serious! She's after Genesis. You have to come—now!" Leigh insisted, tugging her arm.

Without hesitation, Taylor followed her out, leaving the class buzzing with confusion. A few students even got up from their desks, curiosity getting the better of them.

When Leigh reached the hallway, she froze in horror.

"Oh no…" she choked, her hand flying to her mouth.

Cami was on top of Genesis, fists tangled in hair, yanking and clawing with terrifying force.

Genesis screamed, "Someone stop her! Stop! Ahhh!"

Leigh fumbled for her phone and hit record.

Mrs. Taylor rushed in. "Boys, hold her down!"

Two students sprang into action, dragging Cami off Genesis, though she fought them like a wildcat.

"Let me go, you idiots!" she screamed, tears mixing with rage as she struggled against their grip.

"Get her to the dispensary. Now," Taylor ordered.

Still screaming, Cami was hauled down the hallway, her voice echoing until it disappeared. Taylor turned to Genesis, now curled on the floor.

"Are you okay?"

Genesis touched her scalp—hair fell out in her hand. Her eyes widened before she broke down.

"Do I look okay?!" she sobbed. "My hair's gone! I spent years growing it!"

"I'm really sorry…" Taylor began.

"Sorry doesn't cut it!" Genesis shrieked, getting to her feet. "You better expel that psycho! Before she sets this entire school on fire!"

She stormed off barefoot, clutching her ruined boot in one hand.

Taylor sighed and turned to Leigh.

"Stop filming. This is serious."

Leigh slowly lowered her phone... but her thumb quietly hit save.

<< DISPENSARY >>

Cami's eyes fluttered open, staring at the ceiling in a daze. Her head ached, her thoughts scrambled.

She sat up quickly. Taylor and Leigh were beside her, their faces unreadable.

"Mrs. Taylor?" she whispered.

"Cami, are you feeling better?"

Cami touched her forehead. No fever. But then—memories returned like a slap.

"Did I… did I hurt someone?" she asked, voice trembling.

Taylor sighed and glanced away.

Cami turned to Leigh. "Tell me. Please."

Leigh bit her lip. "You fought Genesis. She's really mad."

Cami buried her face in her hands. "No, no, no! Not her. I'm so doomed."

She scrambled out of bed and grabbed her bag.

"I have to apologize. Right now!"

Taylor reached out. "Cami, wait. You need rest—"

"I can't rest knowing I hurt someone. I have to fix it!"

She bolted out the door.

Taylor turned to Leigh. "Should we tell her?"

"Not yet," Leigh replied. "Let's give her a little more time."

Taylor exhaled and pulled out her phone—her eyes widened at the number of missed calls.

<< MELODY'S TASTY >>

Jordan stepped into the newly opened restaurant. It was the fifteenth place he'd checked this week.

He was used to people staring—his perfect face drew eyes like a magnet.

Approaching the cashier, he pulled down his hoodie.

"Hi," he said with a soft wave.

The young woman blinked twice, clearly stunned. "Uh… hi. I'm Momo. Can I help you?"

"I was hoping to speak to your boss."

"Ah, she's on vacation. Won't be back for a while, I think."

Jordan sighed. "Damn. I was looking for a job."

Momo's eyes lit up. "Leave me your number—I'll call you the moment she returns. She should be back this week."

She handed him a notepad. As he scribbled, Momo watched dreamily.

How can someone be hot, cute, and gorgeous all at once? That should be illegal.

He handed her the paper. "Thanks. I'll be waiting."

As he left, her smile lingered. But less than a minute later, a sleek black Lexus pulled up.

A woman in heels stepped out.

Momo's eyes bulged. "No way—the boss?!"

She immediately grabbed her phone and dialed Jordan.

<< CAFETERIA >>

Cat approached Genesis's table with a nervous smile.

"Don't stain these chairs with your desperate ass," Genesis snapped. "Go cry to Clover."

"I haven't seen him since yesterday. I—"

"We don't care," Maggie added coldly. "Go back to your loser boyfriend."

"I just missed you girls—come on, I was gone for one day!"

But Genesis and Maggie stood and left.

Cat's eyes darted around the cafeteria—then she spotted Clover.

Her rage flared.

She stormed to his table and slammed her hands down.

"Why've you been ignoring me?! After what your dad did yesterday—"

"What do I care?" Clover scoffed. "You agreed to screw me in his office, remember?"

"You said he was out of town!"