Chapter 35 In Peril
Zoe was shorter than me, petite and delicate. I was tall for a girl. In confrontations, my height made Zoe look up at me, which I liked. No point in being resentful.
"Zoe, whether I saw it or not is beside the point. The important thing is you're aware of your actions. Keep a clear conscience. You can't interrogate me. Back off and don't push my buttons."
I walked past her, and she spat out, "You'll get what's coming to you."
I often wondered why Zoe hated me so much. If it was about Daniel, that was long over. Daniel and I weren't even friends now. Why did she still hate me?
Her affair with John was dirty. Anyone else would struggle to hide it. How did she have the nerve to question and threaten me?
If she was cheating, she should be more low-key. Acting so brazenly, even if I didn't catch it, someone else might. And with Brad in the mix, was she not worried about me or him catching on? Zoe was really out of her mind.
John's gaze that day kept haunting me. I thought about writing a will, stating if something happened to me, the prime suspects were John and Zoe. At least the police would have a clue.
For the next two days, I was super cautious, afraid John might harm me. Brad said I seemed paranoid and kept asking what was wrong, but I didn't tell him. This was my problem. If there was danger, I'd handle it myself. I couldn't drag Brad into it.
On the third night, a Friday, my favorite day, Mia wanted barbecue, and I was craving it too. We quickly agreed, dressed up, and went to the food street next to the school.
The school was big, and there was a shortcut to the food street at the back. But several streetlights were broken, making it very dark at night. Mia and I didn't want to take the long way around the main gate, so we took the shortcut.
To boost our courage, we exaggeratedly laughed and talked loudly, telling whatever was in the darkness to stay away.
But what was meant to come eventually came. Halfway there, a shadow appeared, approaching us like a ghost. Despite the dim light, I recognized John, who had made me nervous for days. My scalp tightened; this guy was up to no good.
He approached with a vicious grin. "What do you want?" Mia's voice trembled as she pulled me back slowly. John was coming for me, so no need to drag Mia into this.
I pushed Mia. "Mia, you go first. He's here for me."
Mia, brave as ever, held my hand despite her fear. I was touched and vowed to be her ride-or-die for life if we got through this.
"You, get lost. I'm looking for Jane," John said, waving his hand impatiently. He wasn't as tall as Brad but was muscular and clearly a fighter. I was toast!
"No way, I'm not leaving," Mia insisted.
"Then don't blame me," John said, halting just a few feet away, chewing on a piece of grass like a thug. "Some people just have a death wish."
"Bullying girls, what kind of man are you?" Mia shot back, fearless.
"I don't care," John said, approaching slowly.
I pushed Mia behind me, trying to remember self-defense moves. Should I go for his throat, gouge his eyes, or kick him in the groin? The videos said a groin kick was the most effective.
I regretted not having a stun gun. If I had one, I'd zap John if he got any closer.
Before I could decide, John lunged at me. "Dare to bully Zoe? I'll teach you a lesson."
Hitting a woman was despicable. I steeled myself, closed my eyes, and swung my hands out, ready to scratch or claw. I had to fight back, even if I knew I'd lose. A struggle before death was a matter of pride.
Just as I was about to strike, I heard a scream. Opening my eyes, I saw John flying through the air, landing on the curb, writhing in pain. Someone was pounding him relentlessly.
The John who was about to beat me up was now being beaten helplessly, only able to scream and cover his head.
The crisis was over. Seeing John beaten like a stray dog made me so happy. If it weren't for the setting, I'd have grabbed pom-poms and cheered.
After countless punches, the person finally stopped. John lay on the ground, wailing, completely defeated.
From the darkness, a tall, imposing figure walked towards me, wearing a dark shirt and pants, with a face like it was carved from stone. He loomed like a redwood, sturdy and swift, radiating a commanding presence.
His dark eyes scanned me from head to toe. When he saw my slightly disheveled hair, a thin anger rose in his eyes. He walked back and stepped on John's neck. "Dare to bully my girl? You asking for trouble?"
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