[Encore]

Ashley is now cornered. She has no other choice than answering my question. After Kasey dropped the bomb, it's only a matter of time before it explodes. She has the chance to detone it or cause further disarray. Still, I'm confident that she'll tell the truth, regardless of how much she has to lose.

"You know why I don't like you, right?" She starts off, much to my chagrin. "You always act all high and mighty, pretending you know each and every of our problems, when you're nothing but a stranger whose only interest is nosing around." I don't know what her rant is meant for; still, she's being petty.

"I asked you a question, Ashley," I point out. "Please answer." I give her a hard stare, knowing she'll glare at me one moment or another. Instead, she doesn't. The only look she can put on is a puzzled one. I'm sure she doesn't like being ordered off.

She groans. "Fine. Yes, I've always been the third wheel. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Especially with Kasey. After he left me behind for Brittany, I was upset. He even stopped studying with me! When they lost touch, I was happy."

Anna, Lee and Lily grimace at Ashley's confession. They can't believe her growing jealousy is what made her and Kasey drift apart, and history is repeating all over again. I think she's jealous of me. She fears Kasey might lose interest in her because of me.

"So, Ashley, you're jealous, right?" I taunt. She, however, scowls. "Shut up!"

I ignore her and burst laughing, followed by the other inmates. I'm surprised when Anna finally takes that resting bitch mask off. I'm even shocked that they find this situation funny. As much as I'd like to sympathize for either Ashley or Kasey, I choose to stay neutral. They have issues that need to be sorted out.

"Just admit it, Ashley, don't make yourself a laughing stock. Jealousy is not something you can hide that easily." Not that this is a positive thing. If I were Ashley, I'd seriously wonder if there isn't any other pent-up anger from past situations. I seriously doubt Kasey is the only responsible of her distress.

"Don't test my patience!" She snaps, making Amy wake out of her daydream as a result. The latter stifles a yawn, only to earn confused looks from Lily and Wendy, and the usual glare from Ashley. What the fuck is her problem?

"Ashley, it's you who's testing my patience. This is a game, and you have to abide by the rules. If it's a problem for you, then your loss. You won't be able to back off anyway." Whoever thinks that she'll lower her head after these words is wrong.

She, of course, doesn't relent. "You know what? I was meant to go on a date with Kasey, but then he chose Brittany over me! He said we should keep being friends, but at this point, it's just bullshit." She throws ice-cold daggers at who's supposed to be her best friends.

At this point, I'm glad I put up this little game. This way, I can see the inmates' true colors. I thought Ashley only had beef with me, but it turns out that she's nothing less than a vendictive bitch.

Since I've already had enough of her, I decide to move on. "Wendy, your turn. Are you ready?" She nods fiercely. As I expected, she doesn't fear facing the truth.

"Good. I assume you and Amy are friends, right?" I ask, convinced that they're more than simple acquaintances and that they tell each other everything.

Oh boy, I couldn't be more wrong.

"Friends? We just share an apartment. Amy and I are in good terms, but not enough to be considered friends," she explains, leaving me shocked. What does Amy think? Does she see Wendy as just a roommate? Or is Wendy's feeling one-sided and, as a result, Amy is convinced that they're friends?

Too many questions at the time. I need to make the situation clearer.

"Okay, I guess I'll have to ask Amy what she thinks. But let's focus on one thing at the time. You didn't have any major arguments lately, or am I wrong? The last time I passed by to collect the money, Wendy, you looked uneasy."

"You noticed, right?" Wendy blushes in embarrassment, caught between two fires and not knowing how much her next words are going to weigh.

"That was pretty obvious," I comment. "It's understandable, though. Having to choose between trusting a stranger like me and your roommate, who has known you for more time that I have for sure, is nerve-wrecking..." Wendy doesn't seem to catch my sarcasm and just stares at me dumbfounded.

Even Amy is confused at my words. What happened to her pointed glares? Is she realizing that she needs to trust people more? Or is she worried that Wendy's secret could put a strain on their relationship as acquaintances?

Wendy is now stuttering. "A-Actually... Amy and I... we... we've known each other for only six months. She moved in... because..."

Amy raises a hand to cut her off. "There's no need to go that far, Wendy. He's just putting extra pressure on you." She turns to me. "Seriously, D- I even forgot your name! Just ask me a question and let's get over this, okay? This is embarrassing."

"Amy, please..." Wendy intervenes, but that's not enough to prevent Amy from panicking.

I, in turn, say, "Let's not make things more difficult than they already are, okay? Amy, if you really want me to ask you a question, remembet that there's no turning back."

"No turning back," she repeats. Then, she exhales, rubs her head and adds, "At this point, I can't hide anymore. Wendy, I moved in at yours just because I didn't want to stay with parents anymore. I was just done with them."

"But, why?" asks Wendy. "I get that you don't trust them anymore, but you never told me explicitly why. I need to know. Please, Amy, I beg you, tell me the truth." She can barely retain tears and swallows to avoid sobbing.

Amy is torn. Telling the truth can take her to two different paths: sorting out her issues with Wendy and possibly finding a way to talk to her family again, or just moving out. There's no other options.

"Wendy, I'm a lesbian. I'm not even supposed to come out in such an abrupt way. I didn't tell you because you fear you would judge me." She can't even find the strength to say sorry. She feels like it's pointless, that Wendy will never forgive her for hiding her true self.

Wendy, on the other hand, is petrified. She knows that the wrong choice of words might cause serious issues.

I advise, "Maybe you shouldn't suggest Amy talk to her parents again unless she wants, Wendy. Given that they're racist, I'm pretty sure they're homophobic, as well."

Wendy shakes her head. "You're not wrong, Daejung. They don't accept her for what she is. Her mother suspected she's lesbian, but never really voiced that in front of her husband. That bigot-" She cuts herself off, fearing that she might have crossed the line. I understand her position, though. Society isn't ready to accept that sexuality can't be chosen or imposed.

For the first time ever, Amy shows gratitude toward me. "Thank you so much. I'm not looking to be accepted by my family, just for some peace. If they keep insisting that my place is among them, it's their loss," she states, sadness in her eyes. She laughs nervously to push away the increasing tension; it seems to work, but only on her part.

Anna and Lee glare at each other, but, while the former's stare is out of pure anger, the latter's is pervaded by a sense of despair. I'm sure they're minutes away from losing each other.

It's time to find out whether there's going to be a "happily ever after."