Riley flopped on the bed. Ever since he quitted music, he no longer saw the senior, just like how he didn't even know the senior before the competition started. And he seemed to have found peace when he realized he never had to try so hard for what he would never get, no matter how hard he tried. Now that he had quit music, it didn't bring him any closer, neither did it distance him any further from his mother.
Infact, when he had told her, she seemed relieved for some reasons he just didn't understand. Back when he had told her that he had taken up music, she stopped listening to and playing the piano, as if he had tainted it. Now that he had quit, she seemed relieved. He didn't gain a good relationship with her, neither did he lose how stranded his relationship with her was.
Now, now , this was not what he should waste his time thinking of. Natasha would soon be at his place to take her to her place to spend the weekend to teach him some self defense techniques, since the school he was attending now seemed like a school for only the strong, and he was not going to back out of the fight.
*****
Laura sat on the bed, a little dazed, wondering just what could had possibly happened to her, had she ignored their warnings and still trusted Cathy.
*****
Laura ran out of the school gate, having nowhere in mind. All she knew was that she had to leave the school premises. She stopped by the roadside, waiting for a taxi to pass by.
"Laura."
She heard her name and looked around, afraid that Cathy had caught up with her. But there was no sign of Cathy.
"Laura."
She heard again, but this time, it sounded louder and closer.
"Laura."
Her heart nearly jumped out of her when someone placed their hand on her left shoulder. She looked at the person with fear written on her face. And upon seeing who it was, she felt relieved all at once as she pulled the person in for a big hug.
"Anna." she said as tears rushed out of her eyes.
She hugged Anna as tight as she could, and Anna hugged her back. When they finally let go of each other, she saw Penny, looking rather angry at her.
"You bitch. All these years you've known me, have you ever seen me go after someone all because they are related to those who've offended me? Why didn't you leave as soon as I sent you the message? You should be so damn happy I saw Anna as soon as possible, if not, you will be getting a fucked up life right now."
Laura felt torn. Why didn't she think of that? Penny was all bark and no bite. There were countless number of people she threatened but she never did act it out. People only mistook her for a bully because of her towering height and fit body.
But she was not to blame. Cathy never gave her a reason to think she was that evil. She always acted cute, but not innocent.
She rushed and hugged Penny as tight as she could, as the tears pouring out of her eyes multiplied.
"Thanks a lot Penny, and I'm sorry for doubting you. Thanks a lot."
Penny quickly cleaned off the tears that threatened to fall off her eyes.
"I'm just glad you are safe." she said as she removed Laura's arms.
"We can't stay here for long, we should leave now, Cathy might catch up soon."
The girls looked around, to make sure Cathy was not yet in sight, after confirming that, they all crossed to the other side of the road where Penny's car was parked, and off they went.