Chapter 48

Laura POV

"We the girls want to party! Yeah, we want to party!" The victorious chant echoed through the hallway as I walked in, my legs trembling with fear. I couldn't steady myself on the floor, the place felt oppressive, but Valerie's hands on my shoulders provided a comforting anchor, allowing me to move forward. "Val, are you sure these girls aren't going to cause a scene?" I asked with a shaky tone, hugging my books tightly to my chest.

"Calm down, Laura, they only bark but don't bite." I heard Clara's voice piercing through the remaining students' voices,

"Clar... " I stuttered, glancing sideways to avoid a mutual gaze with her. "Can someone scream 'rejection'!" Clara's voice was laced with mockery as she led the girls in a chorus of mockingly sung insults aimed at me. "That's enough, Clara. Leave Laura alone."

Clara's smile faltered, but she quickly recovered, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, come on, Valerie. Don't be such a spoilsport. We're just having a little fun."

"Fun? You call humiliating someone fun? That's not what friends do, Clara. And that's not what this school is about."

"Did you just speak of school?" Clara's voice was laced with malice. "Laura's attendance in this school is counted, she snapped, slapping her hands on my face. Very soon, Laura won't be in this school anymore," she giggled, shrugging her shoulders in a mocking gesture. I stumbled backward, almost losing my balance.

"Please, Clara, let me be," I begged, stooping to pick up my books when she kicked them away. I sighed, crawling to retrieve them, but she repeated the same action, my anger igniting like a flame in my veins as I rose up, my fists clenched tightly, indulging in the dark heat of fury. But I held back, "Please, keep out of my way," I warned, my voice trembling with restrained anger, but she stood firm, blocking my path.

Clara's eyes gleamed with a mischievous light, her smile taunting me. "Oh, come on, Laura. Don't be such a wimp. Fight back."

My anger surged, my fists clenched tighter, but I refused to give in to her provocation. I knew that's what she wanted - to get a rise out of me, to make me lose control.

Valerie stepped forward, her voice firm. "Clara, that's enough. Leave Laura alone."

Clara's smile faltered, but she didn't back down. "Mind your own business, Valerie. This doesn't concern you." It concern's me, whenever it involves Laura whom I cherish so much about.

"I felt my adrenaline surging through me. I pushed her to the side, walking past her like a dejected soul, weighed down by deceit. I hate that lady so much," I groaned, punching the surface of my book while climbing the stairs. "Laura, you don't have to be so angry," Valerie muttered, holding me close. "Moreover, Clara could see you and feel victorious with your expression."

I nodded, taking a deep breath as Valerie's words sank in. I realized that Clara was trying to get a rise out of me, to make me lose control. But I wouldn't give her the satisfaction.

"Thanks, Valerie," I said, my voice calmer now. "You're right. I won't let her get to me." Valerie smiled, her eyes warm with encouragement. "That's the spirit, Laura.

I smiled back, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Valerie and the others. Together, we continued up the stairs, our footsteps echoing through the hallway.

As we reached the top, I saw Clara watching us from across the hall, a smirk on her face. But I didn't let it faze me. Instead, I held my head high, my heart filled with a newfound sense of confidence and belonging.

"Laura," Frank called out as he walked towards me, his eyes darting back and forth nervously. He tried to pull me into a hug, but I pushed him away. "What is it? Are you stalking me?" I asked, my voice laced with suspicion.

"Come on, Laura, I love you," he said, his voice dripping with deceit and nonchalance. "The whole situation is creeping me out, and I have to choose between you and my pack. And I think choosing my pack is the best option."

"You're choosing your pack over me?" I asked, my voice shaking with hurt and anger. "After everything we've been through together?"

Frank shrugged, his eyes avoiding mine. "You're not one of us, Laura. You have a pack. And my pack comes first."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "So, you're just going to abandon me? Like everyone around me? “

Frank's expression faltered, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of the boy I thought I knew. But it was quickly replaced by a cold, hard mask.

"I'm not abandoning you, Laura. I'm just making a choice. And you should understand that."

I laughed, a bitter, mocking sound. "Understand? You think I'll understand choosing your pack over me? Never."

With that, I turned and walked away, leaving Frank and his pack behind. I knew I'd never be able to trust him again.

"Leaving behind the heartbreaks that were once my pawns of joy, I juggled my phone up, running out of the school premises, my mind racing with thoughts, hatred piercing through me like a dagger. Damian's rejection came fresh to my mind, followed by Frank's rejection."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I ran out of the school gates, the warm sun on my face a stark contrast to the cold ache in my heart. I couldn't believe it - first Damian, now Frank. It seemed like no one wanted me.

I ran blindly, not knowing where I was going, just needing to escape the pain. Finally, I stumbled upon a huge tree and collapsed onto the branches.

As I cried, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see a lady on a black long gown, her eyes filled with concern.

"'Laura, what's wrong?' she asked, her voice soft. Her face was unfamiliar to me. 'Who are you?' I asked, my voice shaking."