As I descended the dimly lit staircase, the scent of dinner wafted through the air, mingling with the tension that clung to my skin. It was a strange feeling—this need to join the others, to pretend that everything was normal. But I couldn't afford to raise suspicions. Not now, so I was going to eat dinner first before getting out.
Just as I reached for the doorknob to the dininng hall, Elise materialized out of thin air. She threw herself at me, arms wrapping around my waist in an unwelcome embrace. I staggered back, caught off guard, and then instinct took over. With a swift motion, I disentangled myself from her grasp, sending her sprawling to the floor.
"What do you want?" My voice dripped with anger. How could Elise be so blissfully ignorant? Her school—the very institution she represented—was cheating, and here she was, acting like we were best friends.
