Karma

I need the video

Riele's POV.

Strolling along the streets on my way back home, my mind was consumed with thoughts of crafting the perfect costume for Halloween that would suit me.

Something different, and somewhat scary.

Somehow, it's a lot to ponder on especially when it's just four days away. It always seems to catch me unaware.

Damn Jordan that couldn't remind me sooner.

Letting out a sigh, I found myself gazing skyward, where fluffy white clouds drifted lazily. It's like it called me to look even without my realization.

However, my daze was interrupted by the sudden whizz of a car speeding by on rubber tires. Every slight movement of people and things always seems to evoke a casual curiosity in me.

As I continued along the sidewalk, a steady stream of unfamiliar faces passed me by, each lost in their own world. The only constants were the shopkeepers, steadfastly manning their stores, striving to make ends meet.

Once again, my focus was drawn back to the road as another car zoomed past, its tires humming against the smooth, black asphalt.

Once more, a heavy sigh escaped my lips as I trudged along the familiar path home, the weight of loneliness settling upon my shoulders. Another evening awaited me, devoid of any warm welcome or familial presence, all in the name of my parents going out for business.

"RIELE!"

My name echoed through the air, jolting me from my thoughts. I turned on my heel to find the source of the interruption, my annoyance evident as I laid eyes on the familiar figure.

"What is it, Jules? Have you been following me?” I questioned, my brow furrowing at the notion of being trailed by someone I had little patience for.

"I just needed to speak with you,” she replied, her tone tinged with impatience.

My brow raised as I awaited her explanation. “About what?”

"You know what, Riele,” she snapped rudely, her frustration palpable.

I'm not happy with her tone, but I'll play along.

"I’m not sure I follow, Jules. Could you enlighten me?” I said in pretense.

An exasperated sigh escaped her lips as she met my gaze with intensity. “Cut the act, Riele. I know you’re aware of what I’m referring to. You're playing me for a fool!”

I shook my head at the stupid girl in front of me. "You’ll have to be more specific, Jules. I’m not in the habit of indulging wild accusations.”

With a resigned sigh, she relented. “I need the video. Please, just hand it over.”

I couldn’t help but scoff at her audacity, eyeing her incredulously. Here she was, attempting to assert authority over me as if she held all the cards. Bad move, girl.

“And why, pray tell, should I give you the video?” I retorted, my disbelief plain on my face.

"It’ll ruin me, Riele. It’ll ruin everything about me,” she pleaded, desperation seeping into her words.

I nodded, acknowledging the truth in her statement. She was the epitome of popularity at school, with boys trailing after her every move like lovesick puppies.

I shook my head. Nah. The boys won't like her anymore once they find out her little dirty secret.

As a streetcar rumbled past, its wheels clattering against the tracks, I maintained my gaze, unyielding in my resolve. “Why should I care if your reputation is tarnished, Jules? I don't get it. It’s of no consequence to me,” I declared, my indifference clear in my tone.

She nodded, resignation coloring her features. “Yeah, I suppose I forgot that you only look out for yourself,” she conceded, a note of bitterness tainting her words as she glared at me.

I couldn’t help but smile at her feeble attempts to assert herself in the face of my dominance.

Right now, to me, she was like a beautiful painting in a shattered frame, desperately trying to conceal her flaws from the world.

"Since you’re well aware of my indifference, then you must also understand that I’ll be using this video as leverage against you,” I stated matter-of-factly. “And sooner rather than later, I’ll begin to leverage it for my own gain.”

She averted her gaze, a clear indication of her unease. “I suppose that’s to be expected,” she conceded reluctantly.

"Good. So, you’ll comply with my demands,” I asserted, ensuring she understood the terms of our agreement.

She met my gaze once more, resignation evident in her eyes. “I don’t believe I have much of a choice, Riele,” she admitted defeat.

I nodded in satisfaction. “Excellent. As long as you do as I say, your secret remains safe,” I assured her, turning my attention to a passing streetcar.

"Fine,” she relented, her tone defeated, making me turn to her. "I’ll do whatever you want, Riele. But just remember, karma has a way of catching up to you.”

I couldn’t help but smirk at her warning. "Well, sadly, yours is already here."

ASHLEY POV.

Dragging myself down the staircase, each step felt heavier than the last, burdened by the nagging thought of my boyfriend’s potential infidelity. It was a relentless assault on my mind as it kept hitting my brain like a barrage of bullets.

It's hard not to believe when Riele said so herself. Despite clinging to a glimmer of hope that her words are mere fabrications due to lack of concrete evidence, I highly doubt my optimism.

While there’s a certain comfort in shedding light on the truth or rather, being out of the dark, it’s a bitter pill to swallow knowing that Riele was the one to illuminate the darkness.

The wish to just live my life without any tamper seems to be far-fetched with Riele circling. She always likes to meddle.

"Hey, Mom,” I greeted as I entered the dining room, attempting to mask the turmoil brewing within me.

She returned my greeting with a warm smile, though I could detect the strain beneath the facade. I knew she had her own share of troubles to contend with.

I looked to see dinner is already served completely on the table, and honestly, it looks yummy and enticing, but my appetite is saying something opposite.

Reluctantly, I pulled out a chair and sank into it with a heavy sigh, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me like an oppressive blanket.

"Are you okay?” My mom’s voice cut through the silence, sensing my mood.

I nodded tersely. "Yeah, mom." I don't want to give her any more things to worry about.

Her gaze lingered on me, probing for the truth beneath my stoic facade. “Your mind seems to be elsewhere,” she observed, her intuition sharp as ever.

I met her gaze briefly, offering a strained smile. “Nothing to worry about…”

The shrill ring of a phone shattered the tense atmosphere, causing a momentary pause in our conversation. I made no move to answer, indifferent to whether it was my phone or hers.

"It's yours,” my mom informed me.

With a resigned sigh, I retrieved my phone from my pocket. Yeah, I know. I really don't want to pick up any calls.

"Won't you answer it?" My mom asked.

"I will," I answered her with an annoyed tone.

Glancing at the caller ID, a wave of reluctance washed over me as I recognized my boyfriend’s number. He was the last person I wanted to speak to at that moment.

"Ashley,” my mom’s warning tone snapped me out of my reverie, prompting me to reluctantly answer the call.

"Ashley?" His voice greeted in a surprised tone. I wonder.

"Yeah," I answered.

"I wasn't expecting you to pick since I kinda noticed, since today, you've been avoiding me like the plague."

I sighed but didn't answer.

"Everything alright?” Joel’s concerned voice broke through the phone line.

I let out a weary sigh, feeling the weight of the conversation settling on my shoulders. “Perhaps I should be asking you that, Joel. Why do you think I’m avoiding you? Have you done something to warrant it?” I countered, attempting to navigate the conversation with caution.

"No, of course not, Ashley. I haven’t done anything wrong. I was just curious,” he responded defensively, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Fine,” I conceded, not wanting to prolong the discussion any further.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my mom stealing worried glances in my direction, her concern palpable even from across the room.

I heard him sigh. "Look, baby, there is no need for you to work yourself out on my question, but is there something I should be worrying about?"

I scoffed at his question. This guy won't give up. "Why should there be anything for you to worry about, Joel?” I retorted, feeling a twinge of frustration creeping into my voice.

"It’s just your behavior lately. It’s got me a bit concerned. Can we meet at school tomorrow and talk about it?” he suggested, his tone pleading.

Fine, whatever,” I acquiesced, feeling drained by the conversation.

"Alright, then. I love…” His words trailed off as I abruptly ended the call.

I'm so not in the mood for any sentimentality.

"Is everything okay between you and Joel?” My mom’s concerned voice broke through the lingering silence.

I turned to meet her gaze, offering a reassuring smile. “It’s nothing for you to worry about, mom. Just some minor things.”

Her eyes softened with concern. "Remember, sweetheart, you can always confide in me. We’re in this together, after all. We only have each other.”

I returned her smile, grateful for her unwavering support. “I know, mom. Thanks.”

She nodded with a smile. "You should eat before your food gets cold."

I nodded in agreement, directing my attention to the plate of spaghetti adorned with rich red sauce before me.

Despite the knots of uncertainty twisting in my stomach, I need to conjure my appetite where ever it is. I need to eat this food, especially knowing it would surely bring a smile to my mother’s face.

I also have to be ready to face Joel tomorrow. Somehow I'm gonna need to get the truth out of him.