The day isn't over yet, and already so much has happened. Veronica can't get out of her awe when she enters her brother's room and he runs up to her and hugs her tightly, as if he's afraid she'll push him away. The 17-year-old is so shocked that she just strokes his back, guessing that something really bad has happened.
This is the first time her brother shows her affection.
- Eric...
At the same moment, the siblings' father enters the room, surprised to see his crying son embracing his older sister.
- What is going on? - he asks.
Eric is a cold type of person, he hates the closeness and care of the family, so his behavior is a cause for concern for them.
The 16-year-old only now notices his father. He moves away from his sister and wipes his tear-wet cheeks with the top of his hand.
- What are you doing at school? - The boy changes the subject, not intending to answer the question put to him.
- Your sister causes fights between boys, so I was called in. - He measures his daughter with a stern gaze, still intending to talk to her about school pleasantries. - I hope you don't cry because of the girls," he turns to his son.
This sentence makes Veronica laugh. With difficulty she restrains herself from bursting into laughter, putting her hand to her mouth.
- I have more important things on my mind. I'm not interested in love-making. Instead of studying, Veronica dates and then dumps these guys. Her grades are pathetic.
The redhead's humor changes dramatically. Her face darkens. With indignation in her eyes, she looks at her brother, who intends to get her into trouble.
- And what are you lying about! You, on the other hand, are poisoning people's lives, trying to climb to the top of Horace Mann at all costs, using needles in the process!
- That's the only way to reach your goal," claims Joseph, sitting down on a chair. He rests his foot on the other leg, carefully watching the children. - I like Eric's conduct. The rebellious period is passing. It seems that in Horace Mann he is becoming more mature and has set goals.
- I have long been on top of Horace Mann! - defends Veronica, with panic in her eyes looking at her father. - Only that donkey, Kevin, is trying to destroy me at all costs! This is his revenge!
- So you're doing badly, since people are getting into your head. I have not managed to push anyone off the top," replies her father. - Instead of dealing with niceties, focus on achieving your goal and, above all, on your studies.
The redhead tightens her lips, indignant that this is the first time her father is on Eric's side. Until now, she has been the apple of his eye.
- Exactly. Your grades have been getting worse and worse lately, sister. If I were you, I'd spend more time studying, not fretting. I sit in books all nights, I'm already starting to have mood swings, that's why I cried just now.
Veronica forces a fake smile as she looks at her brother.
- And you think we're going to believe that?
The 16-year-old feels his father's penetrating gaze on him. He realizes that neither his sister nor he will believe him because of a triviality. After all, he can't confess to them that it's because of the demon that made him try to commit suicide! His parents can't know about anything. So far, anyway, it seemed to him that his father considered him a weakling.
For sixteen years he felt like the family's outcast.
- Don't teenagers have mood swings? It's just that... I began to suffer from loneliness. I realized my despicable behavior towards Veronica, that's why I hugged her," he excuses on the spot. - I want to become a better brother.
Joseph raises an eyebrow, still not believing his son.
- If something is going on, just say it. You are closed in on yourself, Eric. Me and Mom are sorry that you hide so much from us, that you are cold towards us and don't trust us enough to believe that we will help you with any problem. No matter what it is, you can always count on us. You have us, you have a sister next to you. Don't stifle your pain. I've had too many people around me who needed help not to see that you need help too, but you must eventually open up to us. Otherwise we won't be able to help you.
These words make something snap inside Erick. His parents have talked to him like this many times, but he ignored it, treating them like air. Today he feels differently, perhaps because of what happened a few hours earlier? He could have inadvertently lost his life, if not for Miranda, who showed up at the right time....
Veronica watches her brother's face and gets the feeling that another moment and he will confess the truth to her father, so she interferes, not wanting to stir up the elders about the demon problem. They have suffered enough throughout their lives because of him, and despite the fact that they are their parents, the 17-year-old intends to find a way to get rid of the curse without involving the elders.
- No worries, dad. I support him, he can count on me for anything. Eric is undergoing a huge change in Horace Mann, obviously for the better. He is more open, has more friends, has set goals that he wants to achieve.... I take care of him and he's in no danger, I swear.
Joseph nods, believing his daughter's words.
- It's okay, I trust you, but you know that you can call me and mom with any issue.
- Yes, we know. Nothing bad is happening, really.
The man glances at his children one last time, keeping his eyes on Eric a moment longer. He glances at his watch, then gets up from his chair.
- Because of that stubborn director, I had to take off work. It's getting late, so I'll get back to the company. And I beg you, don't do anything against the rules, so that this old Gremlin won't call me to school again.
The siblings nod their heads.
Scott is about to leave the room, but he remembers something and turns to face the children. His gaze finds Veronica.
- In a clever way, get all that Kevin stuff in order and get busy studying, not dating. Also, dye your hair your natural color. You now look like your stupid aunt that I hated. Don't resemble her.
The youngsters look at each other as their father leaves the room.
- Since Dad has gone, will you now tell me what happened?
The boy squats on his bed and pats the mattress with his hand, ordering his sister to take a seat next to him. The girl obeys his command and looks at his face with concern in her eyes.
- The time has come when we should join forces and destroy the curse that is ruining our lives.
The redhead is extremely shocked. She was the one who insisted all along that they leave all conflicts behind. She wanted Eric to forgive her, although she didn't think his character would allow him to erase the painful past from his memory, and it was mostly her fault.
- What happened that you are going to forgive me?
The 16-year-old closes his eyes for a moment, then looks at his sister.
- He feeds on hatred. He causes conflicts by feeding on our suffering. We are siblings, we should support each other, not throw sand in each other's eyes.
Victoria is touched by his words. It seems to her that staying at Horace Mann actually makes her younger brother mature. The cold, emotionless boy finds out that family warmth is the best solution for getting rid of a demon.
- Have you thought things through?
Eric nods his head. After all, it was Miranda who opened his eyes with her speech. She is the one who made him look at everything differently.
Family is the most important thing, there is no one closer than parents and sister. And it doesn't matter if you live in poverty or with a golden spoon in your mouth. They will always be your support if they extend a helping hand.
- We can't change the past, but let's change our future, sister.
*
- Did you wipe the milk from your mouth, mama's boy? - Lucas, standing in the company of his friends, speaks out mockingly to an older colleague, intending to ruin his life. The moment he messed with Veronica, he also messed with him. They are able to give their lives for each other. It's a friendship that no one can destroy.
Kevin stops in mid-step and looks at him with hatred in his eyes.
- You and your friend are worthy of each other. Both equally hopeless.
- And this is said by a guy who, in an act of revenge for being dumped because he is a hopeless and unsuitable for a relationship moron, spread a rumor all over the school saying that Victoria sees demons. Childish and pathetic play," Lucas bites back at him.
The 18-year-old crosses his arms on his chest and forces an arrogant smile.
- And he doesn't see them? She's a crazy person. How can someone like that be a goddess Horace Mann? Looks alone are not enough to boast this title. You also need more sense," he claims, tapping her forehead with her finger.
In Lucas until he boils. He feels like throwing himself at him and finishing what he failed to do earlier because they were interrupted by the director.
- Come on. There's no point in getting your hands dirty. People will gossip and get bored, and a scumbag will remain a scumbag," Miranda says as she walks over to her classmates. She doesn't pay attention to the fact that everyone except Lucas moves away from her, treating her like a plague.
- A poor wench who pretends to be a nouveau riche speaks up. - Kevin acts like a simpleton and is only now revealing his true personality. - It is apparent that every rumor has some truth in it, however, so our wonderful Veronica must have a connection with demons.
The pretty girl crosses her arms on her chest and looks at the older student with clear disgust on her face.
- You know what, you could use a demon connection. Intellectually you are on the same level with him. You behave pathetically, seeking attentions at all costs. You're trying to get revenge because something didn't work out for you. - The 16-year-old snorts under her breath. - Did your girlfriend dump you? Just swallow it and get on with your life, buddy. Apparently you were hopeless, since she couldn't stand it any longer.
Lucas stifles a laugh, seeing Kevin send an exasperated look to the girl.
- You are the bottom of life. You have no right to address me that way.
- The only bottom in life is you. If you don't change your character, I see your future poorly. Mommy won't protect you until your death. - Lucas, who stands up to defend Miranda, is grabbed by a colleague. The 18-year-old tightens his hands on the collar of his shirt, looking at him with fury in his eyes.
- I will destroy you, I will destroy her," he shifts his gaze to Miranda, then continues, "and your beloved friend. You will regret having messed with me.
- I am so scared that sweat is running down my legs.
Walking from the end of the corridor, Veronica gets mad when she sees Kevin provoking Lucas again. She is so furious with him that she feels like ripping him to shreds.
She can't stand the thought that she's been making out with such a poser!
- Get your hands off him, or I won't vouch for you, Kevin! - she shouts throughout the corridor, drawing the attention of the students. She and Miranda are now the main source of gossip, people are watching them at every turn, especially Veronica, since there is talk of mental illness.
The 18-year-old bursts into artificial laughter.
- And what will you do to me? Will you send your daddy on me?
- I don't have to. I can be independent, not like you, since you keep covering yourself with mommy's breast.
Today is a good show for the students. More and more is happening every hour.
- Are you going to beat me? - He lets go of Lucas and faces Veronica, waiting for her to move. - Strike, go ahead. - He sets his cheek, which she finds pathetic.
- Don't want it Kevin, if I'm mentally ill. - She looks around her, seeing the curious looks of the students. - I have no intention of disfiguring your pretty face. Let the naive girls still sigh at you....
The boy puts his hand in his hair. It's getting harder and harder for him to control his anger.
- So what are you going to do?
The seventeen-year-old lifts her face and looks into his eyes.
- The real fight is not the one in which blood pours, but the one in which we use our brains. - She points her finger at his head, wanting to make him realize that she will destroy him in an intelligent way. - My dad taught me that you can only win a war if you are ruthless, but in a smart way.
- What are you talking about?
The redhead grabs his shirt, tightening his lips in anger. Just over his shoulder she notices an apparition that wants to destroy her at all costs.
- Keep your friends close, but your enemies even closer. - She shifts her gaze to Kevin's face. - You will regret having messed with me. We'll see who actually falls on his head in time.
Veronica has a plan that she intends to use to fight the demon, as well as the boy who ruined her reputation.
They both pretended to be her friends, so they will both feel perfectly comfortable in each other's company.
She is the type of person who will not forgive anyone who has wronged her....