Clara hardly slept. Could you really blame her? All she could think about was the book Ralph had shown her, which was now safely hidden under her pillow. She got up, she washed in the large tub the room provided and she changed back into her dress from the evening before. She knew she looked like a mess, but couldn't really care less. She was upset over what happened with Toby, and confused about what the book meant. Is this why David sent her here? To find that book? Clara took a deep breath and left the room, preparing herself for the hell that was about to be unleashed.
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Vanessa was in the dining room as Clara had hoped, plucking away the stalk of a cherry which was crushed between her teeth. Clara walked in, suddenly feeling very brave. That bravery disappeared however, when she saw that one of Vanessa's hands were on Toby's shoulder who was staring down at his plate as if he wanted to burn holes through it. He looked up when Clara entered and her cheeks flushed red at his gaze. He quickly looked away and Clara felt angry. How dare he kiss her then pretend it didn't happen!

Clara purposely went and sat opposite him, forcing him to look at her. She met his gaze as she reached across the table for the plate of toast. She saw Toby swallow hard, before turning her gaze to Ralph who was seated beside him. Clara gave him a smile which he returned. He had told Clara last night that Vanessa was such a bitch that he was forced to dine with her regularly to quench her loneliness. It was a relief having him here.

Toby caught on and gave Ralph a menacing look. Clara bared her teeth. How dare he-

"Let's speak of why you are here, shall we?" Vanessa spoke sweetly. Clara dropped her napkin and bent down to pick it up. Under the table she saw Vanessa rubbing her foot up Toby's leg.
Clara set her jaw and sat back up, certain she looked as red as a tomato.

Vanessa continued. "If I'm being honest, I'm not entirely sure why David sent you to me. I may be the devil, but I don't know everything, despite how hard I try." She gives Clara a knowing look as she says that, making Clara feel itchy in her body. "I know nothing,"
Vanessa went on. "Apologies for that."

Clara stared at her. Liar. Clara had seen the book, she had read what it said. Said about her. The book was currently in Ralph's back pocket from when she had given it to him when bumping into him on her way back to the library before coming for breakfast. She had wanted to see if she could find anything else about this said 'saviour' but so far she'd come across nothing of use.

She was playing a game, Clara knew. Therefore Clara would play back.
"You kept us over night just for that?" She spat.

Vanessa's eyes flicked to Toby. "That, amongst over things."

Clara wanted to throw up at the look she gave Toby. The look that suggested-

Clara abruptly stood from the table, disturbing her drink as she did so, getting it all down her dress.
She was looking at Toby who had gone white of face. "Please tell me you didn't." She begged, feeling tears threatening to spill.

Toby looked down at his hands, saying nothing. Saying everything.

Vanessa was watching them like a starving man watching food. Clara wanted to smack the look right off her gorgeous face.

Clara's body began to tremble with anger. "You make me sick."

Clara didn't feel satisfied when he flinched, she only felt hollow. So this was the answer to her dying question. Toby never liked her, why would he when he had someone like Vanessa to go to? There was clearly no competition.

Vanessa pouted. "Oh dear, I feel I have stirred up some precious feelings. Do forgive me."

"Shut up." Toby hissed, surprising everyone. "Leave Clara alone."

Clara laughed sharply, earning his gaze again. "Now your done with her your gonna defend me? Real nice Toby."

Toby's face hardened. "If you knew, you wouldn't be saying half these things-"

"How dare you." Clara shouted, slamming her hand on the table. "How dare you turn this around to make me look like the bad guy. Whilst you were in her bed I was-"

"I didn't sleep with her!" Toby yells, standing up and slamming his own hands on the table. Both of them had heaving chests and wide eyes. They must look like a pair of crazed animals right now.

Clara was watching him. Watching the way his long fingers curled and uncurled on the table, the way his cheeks flushed red with anger, the sweat dampening his hair to is forehead.

Beautiful.

Vanessa was standing suddenly, looking like hell in the form of a girl. Which, she technically was. Today she wore a simple deep blue dress with her hair loose around her shoulders as usual. Whereas before she looked pretty and innocent, she looked crazed and pissed.

"I made a deal with you!" She yelled at Toby. "I keep your secret, you make them believe-"

Ralph laughed sharply, cutting her off and grabbing everyone's attention. "I knew you were desperate, but even that is low for you."

Clara was sure Vanessa was going to kill Ralph then and there, but luckily the door flew open, raging down debris and smoke.

Clara ducked and smiled.

Just in time.

*Writers note*
Go check out my other story, The bad boy and the geek!