ACCIDENTAL ALPHA

CHAPTER 11/ INTO THE UNKNOWN

Ava walked across campus, her backpack slung over her shoulder, and her eyes fixed on the path ahead. She couldn't shake the feeling that everyone was staring at her, their eyes following her like a shadow. She quickened her pace, her heart beating slightly faster.

As she turned a corner, she noticed a familiar face - the girl she had stood up for against the bullies a few days ago. But to her surprise, the girl didn't smile or thank her or even acknowledge her presence. Instead, she quickly looked away and hastened her pace, taking a different route as if to avoid Ava altogether.

Ava felt a pang of confusion and concern. Why was the girl behaving like this? Had she done something wrong? She continued walking to class, her mind replaying the encounter. The feeling of being watched persisted, and she couldn't shake off the sense that something was off.

Ava's confusion turned to alarm as she noticed even Sarah avoiding her. Sarah hurried past her without a glance, without a word. Ava's heart raced as she quickened her pace to catch up with Sarah.

"Sarah, wait up!" Ava called out, her voice firm but concerned.

Sarah slowed down, her eyes hesitant. "Hey, Ava... what's up?"

Ava's eyes narrowed. "Why do I feel like you did that on purpose, like you're trying to make see that you're trying to avoid me?"

Sarah's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "Of course I am, I know what happened between you and Sophia... I know you two had a fight."

Ava's mind raced. "What are you talking about? What fight?"

Sarah's eyes darted around, as if fearful of being overheard. "I don't know if I should be talking to you, Ava. People are saying... they're saying you had something to do with Sophia's death."

Ava's eyes widened in shock. "What? No, that's not true! I had nothing to do with it!"

Sarah's expression was a mix of fear and uncertainty. "I don't know what to believe, Ava. But I know Sophia, and she wasn't a bad person. She didn't deserve to die."

Ava's heart was racing, her mind reeling with the implications. "Sarah, listen to me. I had nothing to do with Sophia's death. I swear it. And what you just said about her not deserving to die is not true either, but I wouldn't go to that extent of killing her and you of all people should know that".

Sarah's eyes filled with tears as she continued, her voice trembling. "Sophia's friends told me that eyewitnesses saw you coming out of the woods, Ava... with bloodstained hands. And that was when they found Sophia's body. How can I believe you had nothing to do with it?"

Ava's mind raced as she tried to process the accusations. "That's not true, Sarah! I didn't hurt Sophia, I swear."

Sarah shook her head, her expression a mix of fear and disbelief. "I don't know what to think, Ava. But I do know that the police will be investigating Sophia's death, and they'll be looking for answers. And with your history... I'm just saying, it doesn't look good for you."

Ava felt a chill run down her spine as Sarah's words hit her like a cold splash of water. She knew that the rumors and suspicions about her involvement in Ethan's death had never fully gone away, and now it seemed like they were coming back to haunt her.

"You're right, Sarah," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The police will be investigating, and I'll have to face their questions. But I'm telling you, I had nothing to do with Sophia's death. And I'll do whatever it takes to prove it."

"And you know it would take more than just words to make me believe you Ava" Sarah said.

Her eyes narrowed, her voice cold. "I know about Ethan's death, Ava. And how convenient it was that you were the only one there, with no witnesses to contradict your story."

Ava's heart raced as she felt the familiar sting of accusation. "Sarah, it was an accident. I've told you that a million times. I would never think of hurting Ethan. "

Sarah's skepticism was palpable. "An accident? Really? Then why didn't you even get a scratch? Not a single bruise or cut? It's like you were... untouchable."

Ava felt a lump form in her throat as she saw the doubt in Sarah's eyes, even in her best friend's eyes. "Sarah, I'm telling you the truth. I didn't hurt Ethan. And I won't hurt you either."

Sarah's gaze lingered on Ava's, searching for something. "I want to believe you, Ava. I really do. But the evidence... it just doesn't add up."

Ava felt a pang of sadness and frustration. Even her best friend was accusing her, doubting her. She didn't know how to make them see the truth.

Ava's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes filled with tears. "You too, Sarah? You're also going to believe the rumors and doubt me?"

Sarah's expression was torn, her eyes apologetic, but her words were already spoken. Ava didn't wait for a response, she just turned and walked away, leaving Sarah standing there, her words hanging in the air.

Ava felt a stinging sensation in her eyes as tears began to form. She walked faster, her heart heavy with the feeling of betrayal. She thought Sarah, of all people, would believe her, would stand by her. But now, it seemed like even her best friend was against her.

She didn't know where she was going, she just knew she needed to get away from there, away from the accusations and the doubts. She felt like she was living in a nightmare, and she didn't know how to wake up.

Her mind raced as she walked, her thoughts consumed by the events of the previous night. She had a nagging feeling that she had seen Sophia, talked to her, maybe even argued with her... but her memories were hazy and unclear.

She stopped dead in her tracks, her heart pounding in her chest. Did she really kill Sophia? The thought sent a chill down her spine. No, she couldn't have. She wouldn't have. But the doubt lingered, taunting her.

Ava's hands trembled as she ran them through her hair, trying to remember anything concrete about the previous night. But her memories were shrouded in a thick fog, refusing to reveal any secrets.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She needed to focus, to think clearly. She couldn't let fear and doubt consume her. But the questions lingered, haunting her: What happened last night? And what did she have to do with Sophia's death?

Ava's heart sank as she heard the sirens and the commanding voice. She knew she was the one they were after. With a sense of resignation, she slowly turned around, her hands raised behind her head. Tears streamed down her face as she saw the police officer approaching her, he slowly handcuffed her.

Ava's eyes widened in shock as the police officer handcuffed her and began leading her away from the campus, away from the curious stares of her classmates. But instead of heading towards the police car, he surprisingly turned into the woods, pulling her along with him.

"Where are we going?" Ava asked, her voice laced with fear and confusion.

The officer remained silent, his grip on her arm firm. Ava's mind raced with terrifying thoughts. Was she being framed? Was this some kind of setup?