TWIST OF FATE

CHAPTER 3; You are the worst!!

The sky above Manela was painted in soft lavender and streaks of peach from the rising sun. The air was brisk and scented faintly of wet grass from the previous night's drizzle. Birds chirped softly, fluttering from rooftop to tree branch, while a soft morning breeze brushed the quiet streets like the opening notes of a drama yet to unfold.

In a quaint, two-bedroom apartment tucked into the heart of the neighborhood, Shane paced the tiled floor of his room, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. He drew in a long breath and dialed Haness’s number. The call was barely answered when a sharp, venomous voice exploded from the other end.

"You’ve got the nerves to call me sweetheart, huh?" Haness's voice crackled with anger. Her tone was high-pitched, cutting through the phone like a razor. "I have waited a full month, Shane! My wardrobe is still the same. What kind of boyfriend are you?! You're horrible!"

"Haness, calm down, please," Shane replied, his voice trembling slightly. He tried to keep his tone low and soothing. "I know... I know I haven’t fulfilled my promise yet. But you have to understand—I barely have enough money to feed my family right now. Just be patient, okay? Once I have it, I promise I’ll take care of you."

There was a moment of silence before Haness's scoff sliced through again. "So, you consider your worthless family more important than me, huh?"

Shane's knuckles whitened as he clenched the phone tighter. "Haness, don’t go that far. Please don’t insult my family. That’s not okay."

"Whatever!!" she snapped, her voice dripping with contempt. "I’m giving you two days. TWO DAYS, Shane."

Shane sighed, his lips pressing into a flat line. "Alright. I've heard you. But listen—my family wants to meet you. Please be ready by tomorrow."

"The hell?!" she screamed. "You want me—me, Haness—to step her gorgeous foot into that wretched house of yours? You're heartless! What do you want people to say about me, huh? That I’m going to be the wife of that poor home? I'm never stepping into that house. If they really want to see me, I’m available at my place tomorrow."

The line cut abruptly. Shane stared at the screen, his chest rising and falling quickly with restrained frustration. He felt like a balloon slowly losing air, deflating into nothingness.

He arrived home around twilight, the orange sky casting golden glints across the white ceramic floors. He went straight to his room where Kemmy was curled up in a warm knit blanket, fast asleep on his bed.

"Kemmy, aren’t you going to your room?" he asked, gently nudging her shoulder.

Kemmy blinked awake, her lashes fluttering. Her hair was tousled, and she rubbed her eyes before sitting up. "No... Why did you come home late?"

"I was busy with something," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze.

She yawned and tilted her head curiously. "Okay. By the way, we’re meeting your girlfriend tomorrow, right?"

"I don’t think so, Kemmy," he replied, lowering his voice.

Kemmy narrowed her eyes. "Why not? What happened?"

"She said she’ll be busy tomorrow." Shane’s voice lacked conviction.

Kemmy scoffed and stood, folding her arms. "Busy to meet her new family? Cool."

"Just forget it, Kemmy," Shane said quickly. "Anyway, how was school today?"

She rolled her eyes and flopped back onto the bed. "Interestingly annoying."

He chuckled. "Yeah... sometimes it’s not easy being the new one."

Kemmy sprang up, animated. "Can you imagine! A girl named Cassie tried to boss me around today, some annoying guys mocked me, and guess who I saw? The guy who bumped into me! Christian. People think he’s the most handsome guy in school."

Shane laughed, amused by her fiery rant.

The next morning, the sun rose behind misty clouds, casting a silvery glow over the town. A knock echoed through the hallway.

Shane opened the door and froze. Standing there in full glam—shiny pink top, designer jeans, heels clicking like stiletto blades—was Haness.

"I thought you weren’t coming?" Shane smiled weakly.

Haness strutted inside without answering, her eyes scanning the modest living room with a curled lip.

"I’m staying here for two months," she declared flatly, tossing her handbag onto the couch.

Shane blinked, stunned. "Really...?"

"Or don’t you want me here?" she asked, folding her arms.

He forced a grin. "No, of course not. You’re welcome."

Kemmy entered the room, wearing her school uniform—neatly pressed white blouse tucked into a navy skirt. Her hair was tied in a low ponytail, and her eyes widened at the sight of the stranger.

"Good morning, bro," she said slowly.

Haness turned, her gaze icy and assessing. "Who's this?"

"Oh... Haness, this is my sister Kemmy. Kemmy, this is Haness, my girlfriend," Shane said, his voice awkward.

Haness gave Kemmy a slow, disdainful look. "Kemmy, huh? Get me some soap. I need a shower. This place already feels disgusting."

"Rea—" Kemmy started, but Shane quickly cut in.

"Uh—I’ll do it. Kemmy’s rushing to school."

"Whatever. And take my bags to my room," Haness added, plopping onto the sofa.

Kemmy tugged Shane outside, fuming.

"What the hell was that, Shane?!" she hissed.

"Don’t mind her—"

"I DO mind! This is the girl you’ve been hiding for three years? How did you cope? She didn’t even ask for Mom or Dad! You’ve got a lot to explain when I get back!"

Kemmy stormed off down the path, her polished flats tapping indignantly against the concrete.

Inside, Shane found his parents standing stiffly, their faces clouded with suspicion.

"Good morning, Mom and Dad," he greeted, trying to ease the tension.

Harrison raised an eyebrow. "And who is this?"

"Oh, that’s Haness, my..."

"Can’t she introduce herself?" Kate cut in, her voice cold.

Haness sauntered in, chewing gum lazily. "I’m Haness, Shane’s girlfriend."

Harrison nodded curtly. "Nice to meet you."

"Take me to my room, Shane," Haness snapped. "And don’t waste my time!"

As she walked off, Harrison turned to Shane, his eyes narrowed. "Don’t tell me that girl is your fiancée."

Kate crossed her arms. "What shame are you planning to bring to this family, Shane? That girl insulted us the moment she stepped in. She’s not staying here. Find another place for her."

"Please, Dad, I’ll talk to her. She won’t do that again. She’s only staying for two months," Shane pleaded.

"Two months?! Shane, we can’t feed five mouths!" Kate protested.

"Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll take responsibility," Shane said quietly.

"Where will she sleep?" Kate asked.

"With Kemmy."

Kate’s face said everything.

The wind whispered across the school courtyard as morning sunlight spilled through the branches of the flame trees. Kemmy stepped through the school gates with a stiffer posture than usual. Her ponytail bounced with every step, her school satchel lightly swinging against her side. Though the sky was bright and cheerful, Kemmy’s thoughts were wrapped in stormy clouds.

Her mind flashed back to Haness’s entitled face, the tone she used with her mother, and Shane’s silence in the middle of it all. Her knuckles tightened around the strap of her bag. She tried to shake it off—today was school, a new start.

As Kemmy walked toward the hallway, voices rose behind her.

"Hey, Mickey Mouse!" a sneering tone rang out from behind.

Kemmy stopped. Her back stiffened, and her jaw clenched.

She turned slowly. Cassie stood there, leaning against the doorway like she owned the building. Her glossy brown hair was styled perfectly, falling in waves over her designer school uniform. Her group of fashionably dressed followers giggled behind her.

"You didn’t hear me? I’m talking to you, i***t!" Cassie barked, stepping closer.

Kemmy raised an eyebrow, her tone cold. "What did you just say?"

Cassie smirked, her arms folded across her chest. "I said i***t. Do you know who I am?"

Kemmy stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. Her breathing had slowed—controlled, deliberate. "You are nothing, my friend. Absolutely nothing."

There was a silence. Even the wind seemed to pause.

Gasps rippled through the hallway as students slowed their steps to eavesdrop. Some exchanged wide-eyed glances. Sonia, standing just around the corner, clutched her books to her chest with a worried look.

Kemmy turned and walked away, her sneakers thudding softly against the tiled floor.

Cassie wasn’t done.

"Nothing, huh? Then what are you? Answer, Kemmy!" she shouted, storming after her.

Kemmy turned abruptly. The sunlight caught her face, illuminating her fierce eyes. "No, Cassie. You ask yourself that question. As for me? I am... and will be your worst nightmare. So, watch out."

Cassie scoffed with an uneasy laugh. "You're funny, Kemmy. Guess I didn't introduce myself properly. I'm Cassie Velmont—the daughter of the richest man in Manela. When I speak, things happen. So, don’t play cute. Tread carefully."

Kemmy gave a slow, sarcastic smile. "Spare me. You think your money and face define you? I spit on both. You’re loud because you’re hollow inside."

More gasps. Even the usually indifferent prefects nearby turned to look.

Cassie’s lips quivered slightly before she forced a laugh. "YOU ARE THE WORST!!" she screamed, spinning on her heel and storming toward the cafeteria.

Kemmy’s shoulders rose and fell as she took a long breath, calming herself. But beneath the fire, her stomach twisted with anxiety. Had she just made an enemy she couldn’t afford?

Later, in class, she sat flipping through her notebook, her mind only half on the words. She knew eyes were on her—some impressed, some stunned, some planning revenge.

A boy approached her desk, his smile gentle. He wore his uniform neatly, his chestnut hair falling lightly over his brows.

"Hey, Kemmy," he said softly.

She looked up, surprised by his calm voice. It was warm, soothing—like a quiet breeze in the middle of chaos.

"Hi," she replied.

"That was pretty brave out there. You handled Cassie like a boss. I’m impressed," he said, offering a handshake. "I’m Lawrence."

Kemmy hesitated, then shook his hand. His palm was warm and firm.

"I’m Kemmy. Nice to meet you."

They shared a smile. For the first time that morning, Kemmy felt at ease.

They talked through break time—about teachers, subjects, random music tastes—and Kemmy found herself laughing more than expected.

Just as the bell rang, Sonia appeared, a little breathless.

"Hey, Kemmy! I’m sorry I didn’t show up earlier. I had kitchen duty. But wow, you were amazing today. Cassie won't forget that in a hurry."

Kemmy smiled. "Thanks, Sonia. I guess I just couldn’t take it anymore."

"I understand. Just be careful. Cassie’s not used to being challenged. She’s going to come at you again."

Lawrence nudged playfully. "Don’t worry. Our warrior here can handle it."

Sonia raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so you’re her knight now?"

Kemmy laughed. "We’re just classmates."

As they stepped out of class after final period, Lawrence’s phone buzzed.

He frowned at the screen. "It’s my dad. I need to run. But wait for me at the school gate tomorrow?"

"Sure," Kemmy said, smiling.

He jogged off, leaving her with Sonia.

"He's nice," Sonia said with a mischievous grin.

"He is," Kemmy replied, feeling her cheeks flush.

Just then, a familiar voice echoed from behind.

"Who dares touch the lion’s tail?!" It was Christian, strolling in with his ever-present entourage—Jake, Jimmy, and several others.

"Kemmy!!" they sang in unison like a boyband.

"Has she gotten a trophy yet?" Jimmy joked.

"She should’ve gotten one for bravery," Jake added, smirking.

Kemmy rolled her eyes and kept walking.

Christian stepped in front of her, walking backward with a sly smile. "You feel like a queen today, huh? Roaring at the mighty Cassie."

"Did you just say ‘queen’? Christian, please, the only thing royal about you is your oversized ego," Kemmy retorted.

"Ouch!" Jake shouted, mock-staggering.

Christian just smiled. "You got fire, Kemmy. But remember, even fire can be put out."

Kemmy raised an eyebrow. "You mean like your tiny candle-sized self-esteem?"

His friends burst into laughter.

Christian grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Okay, okay. I walked into that one. But you’re still shameless, Kemmy."

"Explain," she challenged.

"You're pretending not to care about Cassie, but I can see it in your eyes. You pity her."

"No. I pity your generation. Always talking, never thinking," she snapped, brushing past.

As she walked away, she could still hear them laughing and calling after her.

Her mind returned to home—specifically, to Haness. She quickened her steps.

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