“Why not?”I demanded through clenched teeth, trying to pull away.Then he leaned in close to my ear.
“Because we have a little secret, you'd want to keep quiet too.”His voice was unnervingly close, causing me to flinch.I fought to regain my composure, still trapped in his grip.
“Can we skip to the point?”I tried to sound irritated, but my heart raced.Zane began to circle me, a smirk forming on his lips.
“See that guy?”he said, positioning himself behind me and leaning down to rest his head on my shoulder while pointing at Jake.“This guy has a little video he made that would be quite embarrassing for your little friend.Wouldn't you want to prevent that?”He stepped around to face me, and the others closed in, V wrapping her arm around Zane’s.
“What video are you talking about?”My patience was wearing thin, and I wanted nothing more than to escape theVipers.
“Long story short: your friend Emily had a little rendezvous with Mr.Jake here, and thanks to the brilliant suggestion of our lovely V, he recorded their 'summer adventure.'We've all seen it, and let me tell you, your friend is… well, let's just say it's quite a sight,” he said, grinning maliciously.My jaw dropped, eyes wide with disbelief.
“I don't believe you!”I shouted, but Jake’s smug smile confirmed my worst fears.
“Secret for secret, blondie,” Jake said as the bell rang, and they sauntered off to class.
I would commit homicide; I would strangle Emily with my bare hands.Fuming, I dashed into class, my heart racing.Math was next in room 206.
As I entered, panting, my gaze darted around for Emily.Professor Baldi's eyes were fixed on me, just like the rest of my classmates.Emily’s expression was one of shock, her mouth agape.I attempted to regain my composure, smoothing down my messy hair.
“Sorry, Professor.The principal called for me.”My voice came out shaky, betraying my guilt.
“Good morning to you too.I was informed.You may take your seat,” he replied calmly.I made my way to the desk where Emily had saved a spot for me, shooting daggers at her with my glare.
“What happened to you?You look like you've seen a ghost,” she whispered as I settled in.Her words ignited the fire of my anger, but I kept my eyes forward, knowing that if I faced her, I'd erupt.
“Will.Talk.Later.”I enunciated each word, my tone laced with menace.
She continued to poke me with questions, so I shifted seats,
counting down the minutes until class ended, replaying the earlier events in my mind.When the bell finally rang, students quickly packed their bags.I seized Emily’s arm, squeezing hard enough to leave marks.
“Ouch!You're hurting me!”she protested.
“Come with me.NOW,” I insisted.
“Alright, alright, but please ease up.That really hurts,” she replied, reluctantly following me to the private bathroom on the lower levels.Thankfully, it was empty; I would have slammed the door if it weren't.
“Get in!”I ordered.
“Ouch!Stop!I didn't do anything!”she cried out.
“Did you sleep with Jake?”I shot back, my arms crossed defiantly as I fixed my gaze on her.
“What?”She looked taken aback, struggling to connect the dots between my trip to the principal and my sudden accusation.
“Answer me!”I pressed.
“How do you know about that?”
“Oh my gosh, so it's true?Emily, really?Jake?”
“What?You said he was hot!”she tried to defend herself.
“No, no, no!Not with theVipers!They're bullies!How did you even get involved with Jake?”
“What's the fuss?It's not like I'm picking a husband.He's hot, the sex was wonderful, and it was just once.He never called me again,” she dismissed, as if it were no big deal.
“He recorded it!”I shouted, my voice echoing, hoping no one was lurking outside.
