Just one paper. That's all I have left to analyze. The first thing I notice it's that has been crumpled before—I have to open it back; because of this, it has some little tears on the ends, but nothing that keeps me from being able to read its content.

It's a handwritten note in what seems to be a black felt-tip pen. A thick one, considering how big letters look like. It contains a simple but ominous message. 'The Burden of Breaking Hearts is not supposed to fall. Anyone who attempts to brings it down shall die trying.' I'd like to believe it's a metaphor, but, considering how cruel the members of that twisted club can be, I wouldn't be surprised if its tone were serious.

Now, I'm ready. I can start uploading all the shit on all social media. I promise, those fuckers will have a lot of explaining to do.

***

For the first time in a while, I walk through the school halls with my head up high. I have nothing to lose now. I can't wait to see that crooked club's members experience comeuppance for their nasty actions and attitude, and fall in such a deep hole that they'll be hardly able to get out of it.

Nonetheless, they don't seem to realize what I've done. Peri and Brix, joined by Tre, stare at me with disgusted looks. They must've been the first ones to discover the exposé. I can hear Brix mutter something clear at me. "Traitor." Too bad it perfectly applies to her. How she and the others played me is appalling to say the least.

I'd like to stay silent to see her fall from grace on her own, but choose to rub salt in the wound. "Fuck off, idiot. You and Peri have never been true friends. I'm better off on my own." I leave after she gives me the middle finger, only for me to yawn at her. She's pitiful, like that stupid club.

No-one even wants to taunt me anymore. They know it'd be a waste of time they can use in something far more resourceful, such as studying and pursuing their passions. I don't even mind being excluded from parties. Good for me. I can go back home and watch the exposé gain more traction as time passes.

***

Things promise to escalate as I find an invitation to a party in the trash. I could make confetti out of it, but I have a better idea. I'll go there and... crash it. I have to be subtle about it, though. They'll be forced to confront their own demons and take responsibility for what they did.

I start planning everything to the closest detail in order to be ready to wreak havoc properly that day. The only thing Mom, Dad and Ella know is that it's an escape room themed party. It's obviously a lie, but it's the most believable to me.

I choose a total black outfit that, in my opinion, goes well with the theme. A long sleeved turtleneck, black trousers, black combat boots and a black beanie. I also add a pair of oval sunglasses. I start studying a good hairstyle that matches the rest. After countless attempts, I settle for a braid leaning to the left. I like it.

Now, all I have to do is wait until Friday. I promise myself I'll have a lot of fun. I don't know about the other invitees, though.

***

The party is at the school's basement, in that same area where I took part in my first and last ever meeting with The Burden of Breaking Hearts. Predictable, but not so much. I make sure my sunglasses perfectly cover my eyes and wear a black mask to cover my mouth and part of my nose.

I expect someone to ask my generalities; however, they only want my invitation. Thank God I made copies of it yesterday after school. They let me in without too much fanfare. Good. They're too stupid to realize it's me.

I scan the halls to see some activities that can raise suspicion. So far, everyone seems to enjoy themselves. Out of a sudden, I notice a fight. I hide behind a pillar to listen to the argument, which can be potentially explosive. I mean, it's a super secret club whose foundations are crumbling from the inside.

"You're so stupid, Periann! You can't even keep your stupid friend out of your business. Why the fuck would you even invite her to join?" Ashlea is a fury. She curses all the time and her veins could burst at any time.

"Don't insult me, Ashlea! How the fuck dare you? You don't get to talk to me like that." Peri, though despising me, doesn't seem to like the idea of her close circle being disrespected in the way Ashlea does.

"So what? You know you and Brix are close to the bottom of the social ladder. You would be totally worthless without our club." I still can't believe my ex friends sacrificed their dignity over an after school club in order to fit in. Was it worth it, after all?

Now, I'm no longer sure I just want The Burden of Breaking Hearts to fail. As much as I originally planned to get back on Peri and Brix, I feel like they've been blackmailed into staying and distancing themselves from me. It's unlikely I'll forgive them and I won't forget what happened, but we need closure. If this friendship had to end, it shouldn't have been in these terms.

I go back to eavesdropping until I find the right moment to intervene and cause trouble for the other attendees. I overhear Meghan say spiteful words to Brix. "Brix, you know how low you think of Lyndall. You only played a part with your stupid friend, didn't you?"

"Why the fuck do you care, Meghan? And, anyway, I acted according to the club's guidelines. Have you forgot?" Oh, gosh. This gets creepier by the minute. Too bad I can't film or record anything. I'll get caught. I have to hope Brix or Peri leaves some diary pages unattended for me to steal.

Hope, Meghan's friend, jumps in. "That was simply not enough, Brix. You know."

"Not enough? Not enough? Who do you think I am, a pawn? I didn't sign for that." Brix' voice becomes louder and louder, until it sounds like a cry of desperation. The rest of the gang surrounds her and Peri. This is turning sour. I think they're going to bully my ex friends out, alienating them from the rest of the school. They did the same with me. I'll stop this madness right now.

I find the perfect way to distract the angry mob. I whistle thrice. The group scatters to find the source. I stand still and quiet at my pillar. I wait two minutes before resorting to the next distraction tactic: imitating the blare of a siren. I remember practicing it for a school play until I perfected it.

Some club members become irritated. Ashlea and Meghan suggest there could be an intruder. They're close to catching me, but this doesn't mean I'm unprepared.

The next move is even bolder. I scream on the top of my lungs. This time, I catch Peri's attention. "Someone is in danger!" she yells, hoping to be taken seriously. However, the rest, excluding Brix, snub her, to the point that they even leave the room to keep searching for the yell.

This is my time.