Episode 3: “Everyone Was Watching… Almost”
678 Words
FRIDAY NIGHT — THE BLACK & GOLD PARTY @ NOVA’S HOUSE
If Rocksville High had a capital city, it was this party.
Gold lights. Black outfits. Glitter in the air and rumors in every corner.
The music was already shaking the windows. Someone had climbed onto a table. Someone else was already crying in the bathroom. Classic.
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CASSIE’S POV (The Gossip Queen/School Blogger)
I adjusted my camera lens and smiled.
Tonight’s drama was practically writing itself.
Nova’s house always delivered chaos.
And something felt... off.
Rumors were already swirling about Liam skipping cheer practice. Nova’s shade on i********:. Emily’s outfit clash with Zoe. Oh, and Charlotte Brown apparently showing up in public?
Yeah. Something was definitely brewing.
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LEAH’S POV (Charlotte’s Bestie)
When I saw Charlotte at the entrance, I nearly choked on my soda.
“Girl, what the hell are you doing here?” I hissed, dragging her away from the doorway.
“I… don’t know,” she said, clearly panicking.
“Yes, you do,” I whispered. “This has Liam Walker written all over it.”
She gave me a look.
I gave her a look.
We both knew.
“Okay. Just don’t do anything I would do,” I warned, then pushed her toward the dancefloor. “And text me if you need a getaway ride.”
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EMILY’S POV
“Did you see what Charlotte’s wearing?” Nova whispered, disgusted.
I froze. “Wait—Charlotte’s here?”
Nova pointed. “Right there. Near the DJ booth. Hiding like a raccoon.”
My jaw clenched.
She told Mom she was going to Leah’s for a ‘study night.’
Why would Charlotte come to my circle’s party?
And why was Liam missing again?
No. No. No.
I didn’t like this.
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JACE’S POV (Liam’s Best Friend)
I found Liam outside, leaning against Nova’s dad’s fancy car.
“Bro. You disappeared again. Nova’s about to throw a stiletto at someone.”
He chuckled. “Let her.”
“Wait,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Is this about the hoodie girl again?”
Liam didn’t answer. Just looked off toward the pool area.
“Oh my God,” I groaned. “You’re seriously crushing on Charlotte Brown?”
“I’m not crushing,” Liam said.
“Right,” I replied. “You’re just inviting her to elite parties and staring at her like a Nicholas Sparks character.”
Liam grinned and walked off.
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CHARLOTTE’S POV
The lights. The crowd. The noise. It was all too much.
But then I saw him—moving through the chaos like he didn’t belong to it.
Liam.
He brushed past Emily, Nova, Cassie, the whole school… and stopped in front of me.
No one else existed for that second.
“You came,” he said, that low voice barely heard over the music.
“I almost didn’t,” I breathed.
He stepped closer. “Come with me. Somewhere quieter.”
And I followed.
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MEANWHILE – ACROSS THE ROOM
Cassie: Phone in hand.
Emily: Eyes scanning.
Nova: Whispering in someone’s ear.
They were watching everyone… except the right people.
For now.
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POOL HOUSE — MINUTES LATER
Liam and I stood by the pool, alone. Again.
Same tension.
Same heat.
But this time, it felt more dangerous.
He looked at me like he was reading a book no one else could open.
“You don’t belong here,” he said.
“I know.”
“But I’m glad you came.”
Then silence.
Not awkward. Just… charged.
And just as he reached for my hand—
FLASH.
A camera shutter.
We both jumped.
“What was that?” I whispered.
Liam stepped in front of me, shielding me. But no one was there.
Or so we thought.
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CASSIE’S POV (AGAIN)
From the shadows, I smirked and scrolled through the zoomed photo.
It wasn’t a kiss.
Not yet.
But the hand-holding?
Oh, this would break the internet.
I wasn’t gonna post it.
Not yet.
But if someone pissed me off?
Well, secrets don’t keep themselves.
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