Chapter 021
HANNAH
I used to wish every day could be Halloween or the masking ceremony. That way, I could wear a mask all day, and nobody would recognize me.
But that was impossible.
Meaning that wherever I went, PEOPLE would spot me and recognize me despite my efforts to blend in with my environment.
And with people come great problems. Unfortunately for me, my problems followed me everywhere, especially my biggest ones—bullies.
Here's something about the bullies in my life: they are like glitter; they get everywhere and are hard to get rid of.
And today? Not so different from other days.
For the first time in many years, I woke up in a room that wasn't mine. To say that I felt different would be an understatement.
I had breakfast with Willa, disappointed that the triplets left for a pack meeting without informing me. At least, they should have texted or told me a little about the details of their meeting with their father last night.
"We should go shopping," Willa suggested as I drank my tea at breakfast. "And I also think our nails will look flawless after a professional manicure. Plus, you need a distraction from all that happened yesterday."
"What?" I wiped my mouth with a napkin and turned to face her. "You want us to go shopping?"
"Yes," she nodded, gesturing to a maid to clear the table. I scrambled to grab a piece of French toast as the maids rounded the table.
"I wasn't done eating," I grumbled, stuffing the bread into my mouth. "Gosh, that tastes good."
Willa eyed me with a look of disgust for a second before it turned to amusement. "I've never seen anyone eat as much as you do."
"Well, it's not every day you get to eat in an Estate." I chuckled and wiped my mouth again. "So, what were you saying about shopping?"
"I think it would be a nice way to pass the time before my brothers return, don't you think?"
"Ummm… It's a good idea, I guess." Except it wasn't. I didn't have any money to go shopping, and even if I did, I would have rather saved it for the Red Moon festival. It was fast approaching, and I would hate it if my mum had to get me an outfit this year.
"Then, shopping it is," Willa said.
I agreed since I had nothing else to do. Also, I could not remember the last time I went shopping. My mother got me most of my clothes from the thrift store since she always received some of their discount coupons.
After breakfast, I waited for Willa to get dressed. A few minutes later, she came down in an elegant dress paired with a scarf around her neck and fancy slippers. Seeing her only made me realize I would never understand fashion.
She laced her hand in mine, and we swung our arms as we walked down the stairs, continuing our gossip from where we had stopped and giggled like kids who were just offered candies.
Our laughter echoed through the hallway, but I paid no mind. This was the one place I was free to be myself, be happy, and not fear running into Asher or being bullied by anyone. Willa's home was a refuge, a place where I could shed the armour I wore at school and be Hannah without fear of judgment or rejection.
The drive from the Estate to the mall was not long, and we arrived in no time. The security personnel at the door bowed as he swung the door open, and we walked in.
Just like the school I attended, the territory managed Helix Mall. Therefore, no pack had ownership rights over it, and the neutral ground provided a welcome respite from the constant tensions and rivalries between the different packs. Several people from different packs came to shop here because of their luxuries. They wanted to buy the best things, so they showed off their wealth and enjoyed themselves.
I couldn't help but gawk in awe as Willa and I walked around. The corridors were lined with high-end stores, such as designer boutiques and upscale department stores. The marble floors shone like mirrors, and the chrome accents added a touch of sophistication.
We strolled through the mall, taking in the sights and sounds. I had never been here before, but Willa suggested we shop here. I asked her where the jewellery section was, and she pointed me in the right direction. I released her hand and walked towards the sparkling displays, scanning the shelves for something that would catch my eye.
Just as I found a pair of beautiful earrings, I heard a familiar voice behind me. I froze, a familiar feeling of dread washing over me. I knew that voice, and I could recognize it even in my sleep, mostly because that voice terrorized me several times.
"Ugh," the voice said in total disgust. "What is she doing here?"
I turned slowly, hoping I was wrong about who it was, even though I knew I wasn't. There could be only one person with such a sickening voice.
And I was right.
There, standing and staring at me as if I had just made her sick, was Julia—and her minions.
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