Episode 4
626 Words
You know what hurts the most?
He acts like he cares— but somehow, he's still the same monster.
I slammed my locker shut harder than necessary, frustration burning inside me.
Why is everything so messed up?
Just then—bang.
Something hit the locker behind me.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I snapped without thinking.
Then I froze.
William.
He raised both hands slightly, surprised. “Hey… relax.”
I blinked, instantly regretting my words. “S-sorry,” I muttered.
Why are you apologizing, Sofia? Get a grip.
He smirked. “Wow. You can apologize now?”
I ignored the comment. “Do you need something?”
He stepped closer, that familiar confidence in his eyes. “I—”
“Sofie!” Jessie’s voice cut in.
Thank God.
She and Julian stopped beside me, both eyeing William cautiously.
“What’s going on here?” Julian asked coldly. “Are you bothering her again?”
“No, Julie, it’s not—” I started.
“What?” William interrupted, moving toward Julian instead.
"Why don’t you mind your business?”
He reached out and tapped her shoulder.
Julian slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me.”
Something dark flashed in his eyes.
He grabbed Julian by the collar, shoving her against the locker. Gasps echoed through the hallway.
“Who do you think you are?” he growled.
Julian didn’t look away.
“Someone better than a fake rich boy who bullies people to hide his miserable life.”
The hallway went silent.
Whispers spread.
William’s face hardened.
“Take that back,” he warned.
She laughed bitterly. “Everyone knows now. The scary William Jamesmith working as a sales boy.”
That was it.
He shoved her hard. Julian fell, hitting the floor, a small cut opening on her forehead.
“William, stop!” I screamed, rushing forward.
He shoved me back, then grabbed Julian by the arm—
“Enough!” Ted’s voice thundered as he pulled William away.
William struggled, breathing hard, eyes wild.
“Let go of me!”
Ted held him firmly. “You’re done.”
William ripped himself free, glaring at everyone. “You’re all trash,” he spat before storming away.
I dropped to my knees beside Julian.
“Oh my God,” I whispered, panic rising.
Ted looked down at us. “I warned you girls,” he said coldly.
“William doesn’t care who gets hurt.”
Jessie suddenly stepped forward, trembling but fierce.
“Then tell him to leave us alone!” she cried. “We didn’t do anything to deserve this!”
Tears streamed down her face as she looked at Julian. “Look at what he did!”
For a moment, Ted said nothing. Then he turned and walked away.
Julian swayed.
“Sofia…” Jessie whispered.
Julian collapsed.
My heart stopped.
******
Williams POV
I punched the wall as soon as I turned the corner.
“Damn it!”
Ted followed me, anger clear on his face.
“You crossed the line,” he said. “She’s a girl, William.”
“I know!” I snapped. “She pushed me.”
“That’s not an excuse,” he said quietly. “We promised never to hurt a girl.”
Although Ted can be the bully type, he never hurt a girl and that a heart.
I ran a hand through my hair, breathing hard.
“I lost control,” I admitted. “I didn’t mean to—”
Ted sighed, then pulled me into a brief hug. “You’re better than this.”
Am I?
All I could see was Sofia’s face—
the fear in her eyes.
And for the first time…
it hurt.
- Writer
