Chapter 45

Valerie POV

"Laura, I was surprised to hear about your arrangement with Frank. I didn't see it coming. I looked at her with curiosity, trying to understand the situation better. 'Laura?' I asked, seeking clarification."

"'That's enough, Valerie,' she said, her voice laced with frustration. 'Frank...' She sighed, her eyes scanning her phone with a sense of urgency, her pacing quickening with each step."

"'Frank is my partner, so why would I hesitate to be intimate with him?' she asked, looking up at me with a hint of defensiveness. I felt a mix of emotions—surprise, concern, and disappointment—but tried to approach the situation with empathy. 'Okay, just be careful,' I said, trying to offer a supportive and non-judgmental response."

"Clara stopped by last night, dropped off a letter, and sped off in a hurry—typical Clara! I teased, handing the letter to Laura. Her cheeks flushed with excitement, and she looked like she was bursting with joy. 'What's the big news? Were you expecting it?' I asked, crossing my arms in a playful stance."

"I watched with curiosity as Laura opened the envelope, her face lighting up with a mix of amusement and delight. She chuckled and giggled, her eyes scanning the contents of the letter, her joy infectious."


"Laura, I strongly disapprove of your actions, and I wish you would stay away from Frank. While this may seem like a trivial matter, I assure you that I will not tolerate any harm or manipulation. Please be cautious and respectful in your interactions."

"'Ta-da!' she said with a sneer, tearing the paper into pieces. 'What's she saying, Laura?' I asked in a low tone, my eyes fixed intently on hers. 'It's a threat, and I don't intend to be intimidated,' she replied, her voice firm and resolute."

"I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her boldness. 'Oh? And what exactly are you going to do about it?' I asked, my tone neutral.

Laura's eyes flashed with determination. 'I'll handle it; don't worry. I'm not going to let anyone bully me or dictate my relationships.'

I nodded, impressed by her confidence. 'Good for you. But be careful, okay? We don't know what we're up against.' Laura nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. 'I will. Thanks for looking out for me.'

I smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. 'Anytime, Laura. We're in this together.'"

"I excused myself to the kitchen, rummaging through the utensils. 'Laura, have you seen my favorite ceramic plate?' I called out, my voice carrying through the wall. 'Yes, it's under my wardrobe,' she replied, prompting a chuckle from me. 'I need to whip up something quick before my growling stomach starts protesting!'"


"I quickly grabbed the plate and began preparing a sandwich, my stomach growling in anticipation. As I worked, I couldn't help but think about the strange letter and Clara's ominous warning. What did she mean? And why was she so insistent that Laura stayed away from Frank? I hope she wasn't going to harm Laura.

I shook my head, focusing on the task at hand. I sliced the bread, added some turkey and cheese, and topped it off with a dollop of mayo. Just as I was about to take a bite, Laura appeared in the kitchen doorway, a curious look on her face.

'Find what you were looking for?' she asked, eyeing the sandwich. I nodded, taking a bite. 'Yeah, thanks. Hey, can I say you something?'

Laura raised an eyebrow. 'What is it?'

I suggest you discuss Clara's threat to you, like telling him.

"Hey, I've got something to share with you," I said, taking a bite of my sandwich. "Clara sent me a weird letter, warning me to stay away from you. I'm thinking maybe you should know about it, so you can... you know, tell her to back off."

I chewed slowly, watching Laura's expression. "It's just a suggestion, but I think it's better if we're both on the same page. Plus, I'm getting a bit tired of her drama."

"I took another bite, awaiting Laura's response. But instead of addressing my suggestion, she seemed to shift her focus inward, her expression resolute. 'I'll handle Clara myself,' she said firmly, her voice convincing. 'No need to involve Frank.' Her boundaries were clearly drawn, and I was taken aback by her assertiveness."

"I nodded, respecting her decision. 'Okay, got it. You handle Clara; I'll handle the sandwich,' I said with a smile, taking another bite.

Laura chuckled, a hint of tension dissipating. 'Sounds like a plan.'

We ate in comfortable silence, the only sound being the clinking of utensils on plates. I couldn't help but wonder what Laura had planned for Clara, but I knew better than to pry. Laura was a force to be reckoned with, and I had no doubt she could handle herself.

As we finished up, Laura pushed her plate away and leaned back in her chair. 'Thanks for lunch and for understanding,' she said, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.


"I smiled, feeling a sense of unity. 'Not now, Laura. I know you're not one to back down, but remember that Clara's actions have consequences. If you confront her, the school management might get involved, and you could risk being expelled,' I said, my voice low and urgent as I held her close and grasped her wrist. 'Think about the repercussions, Laura. Is it worth risking your education and future?'"

"Laura's eyes narrowed, and her jaw set in determination. 'You think I'm afraid of Clara or the school management?' she whispered, her voice laced with defiance. 'I've had enough of her bullying and threats. It's time someone stood up to her.'

I held her gaze, my grip on her wrist tightening. 'I understand how you feel, Laura. But please think about the consequences. You're a brilliant student with a bright future ahead of you. Don't let Clara's antics ruin it for you.'

Laura's expression softened, her eyes searching mine. 'You really care about me, don't you?' she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, my heart beating faster. 'Of course I do. We're friends, Laura. And friends look out for each other.'”