Chapter6:The warning
1011 Words
Chapter 6 - The Warning.
The school bell rang for closing, Aria and Mabel packed their bags ready to leave when Lucy offered to walk with them.
Mabel eyes landed on the corner where Lucy Joseph waved them over.
They walk over when Vanessa blocked their way flocking with her were are loyal friends.
Aria throat went dry.
"You are standing in my way". Aria said quietly trying to sidestep her.
Vanessa glossy lips curved up in a not do good smile ". No darling, you are standing in mine"
" Can you please not start, Vanessa". Mabel said.
"Ohhhh you already started it when you gained Damien's attention or you don't know am Mrs Carter to be"
"As if that is true". Lucy said from behind them.
"Good for you" Aria muttered trying to by pass her.
Isabella released a laugh blocking her way.
Vanessa’s eyes flicker with a small smile.“Hey charity case. You think you can talk back here? Let me give you a little tip, new girl. This isn’t school you came from. Here, people know their place. And yours is definitely not near Damian.”
Ah. There it was. The warning she has been expecting
Aria’s pulse skipped, and for a second she wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it. She’d only been here a few days. She didn’t want to be near Damian — he was arrogant, cold, and cruel. He was the last person she’d choose to associate with.
“I’m not interested in him,” Aria said evenly, keeping her tone low. “So you don’t have to worry.”
“Oh, poor girl.” Vanessa stepped closer. “That’s not how it works. Damian notices you. Which means everyone else does too. That makes you a problem. And I don’t like problems.”
Aria forced herself not to step back. If she gave ground now, she’d never stop giving it.
“Then maybe your problem is with Damian,” she said before she could stop herself, “not me.”
Student around turned to look at them shocked at Aria's outburst
Isabella gasped. Melissa’s jaw dropped. Marielle actually flinched.
For the first time, Vanessa’s look surprise at a commoner challenging her.
But victories in Golden high comes at a price.
Vanessa’s eyes darkened. She leaned in, her whisper meant only for Aria: “I don’t know how things worked in your middle-class fantasy land, but here? Girls like you don’t survive unless I let them. And right now, I don’t feel very generous.”
Aria heart skipped.
So she did the only thing that made sense: she stood tall, lifted her chin, and said in a calm, steady voice, “Then I guess you’ll just have to get used to me.”
Everybody gasped.
Vanessa blinked, stunned at the audacity.
Vanessa stepped back, her smile snapping perfectly back into place. “Brave words. We’ll see how long you last.”
With that, she turned on her heel, her minions following like shadows.
"Guess I underestimate the new girl". Vanessa said between grit teeth.
"I told you let teach her a lesson or too but you said she will fade like others did" Isabella replied her.
Vanessa stomped her foot.
"I think I need to stand my ground and put her in her place"
Melissa smirked "if course you should, you are Damien Carter wife"
Vanessa smiled
"Be ready Aria Lane"
Aria exhaled shakily, only realizing then that her hands were trembling
Lucy appeared at her side almost instantly, her blue eyes wide with admiration. “Aria… my Goodness" and threw her arms around her
“You defended yourself baby girl,” Mabel spoke out.
“And you just declared a war” Lucy whispered. “And at Golden high, Vanessa Bryan does not lose wars especially when it comes to Damien Carter."
She had meant what she said. She wouldn’t let Vanessa walk all over her. She had promised herself that she wouldn’t bend to bullies again
But deep down, a chill settled in her chest. Because even she knew: wars weren’t won by words alone.
That evening, as Aria walked home with Mabel and Lucy, she couldn’t stop replaying the scenes with Damien and Vanessa earlier.
For once, she hadn’t been the victim. For once, she had turned the tables.
Mabel hugged her. “I’ve never been more pro
Mabel hugged her. “I’ve never been more proud of you.”
Lucy smirked. “You’re officially dangerous now. Damien’s not going to like it.”
Aria swallowed. “Yeah… I know.”
Deep down, beneath the fear, something stronger was beginning to grow.
Aria got home that day and felt a spark of relief ever since she resumed Golden high.
She went in to the kitchen to help her mom.
"You seem to be in a high spirit this evening, Aria."
Her mom smiled at her.
" Yes mom I just feel kinda calm this evening mom.
What are we making I will help you"
"Sure baby" her mother replies her.
After dinner that night Aria went into her room to prepare for the next day for the first time she feels elited to go to school cause they have a test to take.
The next morning Aria woke up ready for whatever will happen for the day after challenging Damien and Vanessa.
She got to school and start getting the usual side talks and comment searching for Mabel and Lucy with her eyes roaming round the school compound.
Isabella and Melissa walked up to Aria.
"Not this early" she whispered under her breath
"Watch your back scholarship girl". Isabella smirked at her and broke into a laughter with Marielle
Aria didn't bother replying them and walk away when she sighted Mabel.
The bell rang for starting of class.
Damien walk in and only spared Aria a glance while Vanessa gave her a look that says "you are done for"
Aria looked away and hoped no trouble today but only if she knew that the test will bring trouble.
- Writer
