THE BRIDGE BETWEEN US

Breaking points

CHAPTER TEN : Breaking points

Amara's hand shook as she sat outside the principal's office, waiting for Ms. Turner to finish her call. Her backpack felt heavier than ever, each strap a reminder of everything she was now carrying: Threats, secrets, and fear.

Ethan was beside her, but his presence offered little comfort. His face was pale, jaw tight, as though he was bracing for something he couldn't stop.

" I shouldn't have come", Amara muttered quietly, not wanting to admit how terrified she felt.

"You had no choice", Ethan replied. "Not anymore".

Inside the office, Ms. Turner closed the door behind her.

"Amara", she began, her voice measured. " You've been involved in an Incident that risks school safety and reputation. This isn't a minor issue. I need honesty".

Amara swallowed. She could tell half the story the truth would only dig her deeper.

"I didn't"... she started, but Ms. Turner raised a hand.

"Don't speak yet", she said. "I want to understand the full scope".

Minutes stretched into an hour.

Amara's phone vibrated constantly, messages from unknown number coming in, Unreadable but urgent.

You're slipping.

Decide soon.

One mistake, and it's over.

By the time she was finally dismissed, tears blurred her vision. Her ankle throbbed from the P.E incident, her heart ached from exhaustion, and the weight of Lucas's secrets pressed down on her chest.

Outside, she found Lucas leaning against the wall, hood up, expression unreadable.

"You should've stayed home today", he said quietly.

"I can't", she whispered. " They're watching me Lucas. Everything I do, it's like I'm already too deep".

He stepped closer. "And you are".

Her eyes widened. "What do you mean".

"You think the incidents are random? That the threats are just someone messing around? This isn't about jokes or school drama. It's about control. And you're part of it now , whether you like it or not?

Ethan appeared suddenly, breathless. "Amara let's go".

Lucas's eyes flicked to him, cold and unreadable. "You're making it worse".

"You've been lying to her!" Ethan shouted.

"I'm keeping her alive" Lucas shot back.

Amara's head spun. Alive? Lying? She didn't know who to believe anymore.

Before she could speak, a commotion erupted from the main entrance. Students gathered pointing, phones out. Someone had whispered her name.

Her heart hammered as she turned her phone on.

A new message appeared:

Tomorrow, everyone will see who you really are.

Amara's fingers trembled. She realised something chilling:

This wasn't just about school anymore. It was about survival.