3

Riele's POV.

Walking along the streets on my way home, I couldn't help but try to come up with an idea of a costume that will 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.

I sighed, and my eyes faced the sky, looking as a few big white clouds drifted. It's like it called me to look even without my realization.

Instinctively, I looked away from the sky as a car whizzing past on rubber tires got my attention. Every slight movement of people and things always seems to evoke a casual curiosity in me.

I looked around seeing different unknown people walking passed me. The only thing same are the people that stays in their shops to earn a living.

Another car passed gaining back my attention. Automatically, my eyes always follow each car as it whirred over the smooth black asphalt.

I sighed again knowing I'm going back home with no one waiting for me. I'm going to spend another day being all alone in the name of my parents going out for business.

"RIELE!"

I furrowed my brows, as I heard my name. I turned around to see who called, then I sighed annoyingly at the familiar face.

"What is it, Jules? Were you following me?" I asked frowning my face at the idea of her following me.

"I just needed to speak with you."

I furrowed my brows. "About what?"

"You know what, Riele." She said rudely.

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

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said in pretense.

She clenched her jaw. "I know you know, Riele. You're playing me for a fool."

I shook my head at the stupid girl in front of me. "Be specific with what you want."

She sighed. "I need the video. Please hand over the video."

I scoffed at her, looking at her like she was crazy. Look at this girl trying to play all commando on me.

"And why should I give you the video?" I asked her.

"It'll ruin me, Riele. It'll ruin everything about me."

I nodded. The famous girl in school, that all the boys like to hover around.

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

Now, and then, a street car rattled past over street tracks.

'Why should I care if you're ruined, Jules? I don't get it." I told her as a matter of fact.

She nodded. "Yeah, I kinda forgot you care about no one but yourself."

I smiled, seeing how she was trying her best to talk back at me.

Right now, to me, she's a perfect picture with a broken frame, and she's scared for anyone else to realize it.

"Since you know about my indifference then I'm sure you know that I'm gonna be using the video as leverage against you. I'm also sure you know that sooner I'm gonna start blackmailing you."

She looked away from me. "It is expected."

"So, you'll do whatever I want." I made it known.

She looked back at me. "I don't think I have a choice, Riele."

I nodded. "Good. As long as you do whatever I want, your secret is safe." I said as I looked at a street car rattling by.

"Fine." I heard making me turn to her. "I'll do whatever you what, Riele, but remember your karma will catch up to you."

I smirked. "Well, sadly, yours is already here."

ASHLEY POV.

Trudging down the stairs to my dining room, the thought of my boyfriend cheating on me kept hitting my brain like a bullet.

It's hard not to believe when Riele said so herself, even though there is a bit of hope that she's lying since there wasn't any evidence, though I highly doubt that.

As much as it's nice to not be in the dark, it's somehow disappointing to know Riele brought me into the light.

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, getting to the Dining.

She smiled at me, and through her smile, I could tell she was trying to be strong since I know she has her problems.

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.

I grabbed a chair with a sigh and sat on it.

"Are you OK?" My mom asked sensing my mood.

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

"Your mind seems to be in a deep state." She pressed.

I looked at her. "Nothing to worry about....."

A phone ringing cuts me off, but I ignored it, not caring whether it was mine or my mom's.

"It's yours." My mom said.

I sighed. 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 taking out my phone.

Looking at the caller ID, I sighed again to see it was my boyfriend. He's the last person I want to talk to right now.

"Ashley." My mom warned.

I answered the call.

"Ashley?" He said 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.

"Is there a problem?" He asked.

I sighed. "I should be asking you that Joel. Why must you think I'm avoiding you? Did you do anything wrong?" I asked playing smart.

"O..of course not, Ashley. I didn't do anything wrong. I was only wondering."

I sighed. "OK." I'm not wishing to prolong this further.

I noticed my mom stealing glances at me.

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?"

"It was just a thought due to your weird attitude. Can we meet at school tomorrow, then?"

I nodded. "Of course. No problem."

"OK, then. I lov...."

I hung the call before hearing the sentence fully.

I'm so not in the mood for it.

"Are you having issues with Joel?" My mom asked.

I looked at her. "It's nothing to bother yourself about, mom."

"But, you know you can talk to me, right? We only have each other."

I smiled. "I know, mom."

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

I equally nodded facing the spaghetti in red sauce on my plate.

I, right now, need to conjure my appetite where ever it is. I need to eat this food, especially knowing how happy it'll make my mother.

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