I dedicate this chapter to everyone reading this book.
***
******

Emerald's POV

I went to the bathroom after leaving Mrs Carol's office.
"So, you're here". A voice came from behind while I was rinsing my hands.

I looked through the mirror to see Melanie. What does she want? I brought out my phone to catch a thief.

"Flaunting your phone". She said in disbelief as she laughed hysterically.

Let's say for now.

"Mel I'm not your problem". I say facing her. I wanted her to say something because I know she knows something about this.
Maybe she could confess something.

"No, You are". She says with much fury.

Why does she hate me? That's a question for later. Focus!

"You acted all tough and smart but you are none of those". She smiled with so much pride.

What does she mean? I raise a brow propelling her to say more.

"You know. It didn't take me anything to slip my phone into your bag. You are dumb and now you have to apologise to me. Isn't that the best thing that can ever happen to me? I'm awaiting your apology Emerald" She laughed wildly turning on her heels.

"I should be waiting for yours". I say making her stop in her track.

"What do you mean by that?" She asks turning fully to face me with her arms crossed over her chest.

I play the audio I just recorded and she was staring at me with so much hate.

"I was flaunting my phone you know. To catch the real thief". I say just to scare her.

She steps away from the door.

"Go. You can tell them for all I care". She says even when I see she's shaking.

"Let's meet in class then". I say before leaving.
***
******

Getting to the class, my desk was already full of writings saying
Bitch. Rot in hell. You're a thief. Die! and so many more.

"How can she walk so confidently back into this class?" A girl said loudly enough for me to hear.

"She's shameless. If it were me, I would just die". Another said.

I'm half dead. There's no need dying again. Thank God Drake is no where in sight.

When everyone was settled in the class, I started.

"I'm really sorry for the inconveniences I put you all through. I apologize from the depth of my heart". I ended.

I could see the shock in Melanie's eyes.

"So you're admitting you stole the phone?" A boy asked.

"Yes". I answered

"Why are you doing this?" Melanie asked standing from her seat causing everyone to snap there heads to her.
"She didn't steal the phone. I misplaced and she kept it for me. Case closed". She lied.

She walked towards me and pulled me out of the class to the hallway.

"Don't pull me. I'm not a toy". I pull my hands away from her grip.

"Why did you do that? You could have just exposed me why are you taking the blame? You think I would thank you? Well you're wrong. You see, I am..."

"Shut up Mel, I don't want you to thank me. Save it. Besides you also helped didn't you?" I ask wondering why she did that.
Was it guilt?

"It's not like you would like it if I go back and play the audio, I did it because,...
Why did I do it??

"I don't know". I said when I didn't know what to say.

"Was it pity that made you not to do it?" She asks with so much fury.

"No...I don't know. Maybe I do pity you". I admit.

"Thank you and I'm sorry, I also don't need your pity". She says wiping the tear that managed to escape her eye.

I wrapped my arms around her pulling her into a hug.

"Don't hug me". She says pulling away.
"I hate hugs and this doesn't mean we're friends". She reminds me.

"Why do you hate me?" I ask

"Because Drake gives you the attention I yearn for". She admits with pain in her eyes.

"No one pays attention to me. Is it my parents, my sister who is in love with books, my friend, the person I like, name them therefore I decided to put it all on you".

I was shocked the way she opened up to me.

"Should we be friends now? Let's start afresh. Uhm?" I ask waiting for her response.

"I don't want to be friends with you". She says through gritted teeth before walking away.

I tried my best. She's just something else.
***
******
Melanie's POV

Friends my ass! I never said I was lonely.
You might be wondering why I did that. I was planning on getting a step closer to Drake by painting her black but now I don't know.
I have to tell Drake about my feelings before Emerald tells him.

The automatic bell rang for lunch. Perfect timing.
I rush to the class and see Drake giving her a reassuring smile like he believes her.

Did she tell him??!
She flashed me a smile.
I guess she didn't tell him anyways but I don't trust her.

"Drake, I have something to say". I called him totally shutting her off.

"Should I say it here?" I ask unsure.

"I also have something to say. Emerald didn't steal your phone. You know she doesn't steal".

Oh! Why don't you shut up and hear me out before you start defending her.
A voice said in my head.

"You're still here? At least give us some privacy". I said curtly but she didn't move an inch.
And she wanted to be friends. I know there's something behind it, her intentions are never true.

"Drake has my money with him". She responded.
Oh!
I really don't like this.

"Can you talk?" He asks impatient now.

"I know it's to sudden and that's why we need privacy. I like you. I like you so can't you like me too?" I confessed.
Stupid Mel! Why here of all places?

"Uh... Excuse me". Emerald left quickly.

"Sorry Mel". He apologized before running after Emerald.

What was he sorry for? Leaving me unanswered or not reciprocating the feelings.

I ran after him. I have to be answered now.

They were in the cafeteria.

"Emerald!" He called while she spun to talk to him.

"What?" She asked slightly angry.

"Why did you run?" He asked

"I didn't run, I gave you guys space. There's a difference". She noted.

"Drake you have to answer me". I press on the matter.

"I don't have any feelings whatsoever okay?" He answered pissed off.
Now all eyes where on us.

"Who is it then?" I ask.

He pulled Emerald into a hug and kisses her forehead.

"Oh no. Poor girl".
"What would she do now?"
"She's stupid! It was obvious he liked Emerald. She should have thought twice before blurting nonsense".
"I should ask her out since she needs a boy so bad".

Tears pooled down my eyes and I ran out of the cafeteria. I've never felt this worse.
I noticed someone ran after me into the bathroom but I didn't care. I wanted to cry myself to sleep.

"Mel, you did well. There are better boys out there". Nora cheered me while I turned to her.

"Leave me alone Nora!" I say bumping my shoulder into hers while leaving.
****
Emerald's POV
What do you do when someone confesses to you.
I think I know!
I ran out of the cafeteria.

A/N:

End of chapter!!

I'm grateful to everyone reading this book. I'm so happy this book has made it up to over 600 reads. I wouldn't have gone this far without you guys.
Love y'all.
💖

Divy.