The morning sun peeked through the bus windows, casting golden rays across the seats. The students were abuzz with chatter, their excitement fueled by the prospect of another excursion. It had only been a few days since the first party, but the effects of that night still lingered, tangled in whispers and sideways glances.
Irene sat by the window, watching the trees blur past as the bus made its way to Crystal Falls, a famous waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The teachers had promised a mix of adventure and relaxation—hiking, swimming, and even a bonfire at night. Under different circumstances, she would have been thrilled, but right now, her thoughts were elsewhere.
Across the aisle, Bella lounged in her seat, her arms crossed while Mira and Ivana whispered beside her. Occasionally, one of them would glance toward Irene and smirk. They had been quiet for most of the ride, but Irene knew it was only a matter of time before they struck.
Rina shifted beside her. "They've been talking about you non-stop."
Irene sighed. "I know."
The whispers had started that morning.
"Did you hear? Irene got wasted at the party and kissed Michael."
"I thought Bella was his girlfriend?"
"Bella's gonna destroy her."
"She's not even denying it."
Irene had tried to ignore them, but every word felt like a sharp needle pricking her skin.
Rina hesitated before speaking again. "Are you okay?"
"I don't know," Irene admitted. "Michael acted like nothing happened. He was with Bella this morning, and I saw him kissing her. And then, when I passed him, he just—ignored me. Like I didn't even exist."
Rina frowned. "He's an ass."
Irene forced a smile. "Thanks."
Rina sighed. "Look, I was mad at you that night. But I get it now. You like him."
Irene looked away. "It's stupid, isn't it?"
"It's not stupid. It's just… dangerous."
Irene knew what she meant. Liking Michael meant inviting Bella's wrath. And Bella wasn't the type to let things go.
At that moment, a voice rang through the bus. "Hey, Zoko, who do you think is hotter? Ivana or Mira?"
It was Mavins, one of Michael's friends. He leaned over his seat, grinning as he waited for an answer.
Zoko, who was sitting just a few rows ahead, chuckled. "Why do I have to choose?"
Ivana flipped her hair, pretending not to care, but Irene could see the way she watched him. She had been clinging to Zoko ever since the party, trying to get his attention.
"I think he likes Ivana," Mira teased, nudging her friend.
Zoko smirked. "You wish."
The group erupted into laughter, and for a moment, the tension in the bus lifted.
But then Bella stood up.
"Alright, enough of this nonsense," she said, her voice carrying through the bus. "Let's talk about something interesting."
Mira grinned. "Like what?"
Bella's eyes landed on Irene. "Like how some people can't keep their hands off other people's boyfriends."
Silence.
Irene's stomach twisted.
"Oh, come on, Bella," Michael's voice cut through the air. "Drop it."
Bella turned to him, her expression unreadable. "Why? Don't you think it's funny? Irene obviously does."
Irene opened her mouth to respond, but Michael spoke first. "It was a game. That's all." His tone was cool, indifferent. "Nothing happened."
Nothing happened.
The words hit Irene harder than she expected. He wasn't just pretending in front of Bella—he was outright denying everything. The way he had held her, the way he had kissed her, the way he had told her he liked her.
Rina grabbed Irene's wrist before she could react. "Don't say anything."
Irene clenched her jaw and looked away.
Bella smirked in satisfaction before sitting down.
The bus continued down the road, but Irene felt like she was standing still, stuck in a moment she couldn't escape.
She should have expected this. She knew Michael wouldn't stand up for her, but it still hurt.
And yet, despite everything, she couldn't stop her heart from racing whenever he looked her way.
Bella wasn't done with her. Irene could feel it. And as the bus rolled toward their next destination, she knew one thing for certain—this wasn't over.
---
When the bus finally arrived at Crystal Falls, the students filed out, stretching their limbs and taking in the breathtaking scenery. The waterfall cascaded down the rocks like a silver ribbon, mist rising into the air and cooling the warm afternoon sun. A wooden bridge stretched across a small river leading to the hiking trails, and beyond that was an open space where they would set up camp for the night.
Irene inhaled deeply, trying to push away the anxiety in her chest.
Rina nudged her. "Where is the brave girl I know?"
Irene glanced at her. "What?"
"The Irene I know doesn't let people walk all over her," Rina said firmly. "Yes, Michael is a jerk. Yes, Bella is out to get you. But you're not weak."
Irene scoffed. "Tell that to my heart. It keeps racing whenever Michael looks at me."
Rina sighed. "You need to decide if he's worth all this trouble."
Irene didn't have an answer for that.
Before she could respond, a loud shriek filled the air.
"Watch where you're going!"
They turned to see Ivana stumbling backward, her foot barely missing the edge of the riverbank. Zoko had caught her by the wrist, steadying her.
Ivana batted her lashes. "You saved me."
Zoko smirked. "Barely."
Mira snorted. "Nice move, Ivana. Almost drowning to get his attention."
Ivana ignored her, keeping her focus on Zoko. "Maybe you should stay close to me. Just in case."
Irene rolled her eyes.
Zoko, to his credit, looked amused but unimpressed. "Try not to trip again."
Ivana pouted but didn't push further.
Rina shook her head. "This trip is going to be chaos."
Irene sighed. "Tell me about it."
As the students began unpacking for the day's activities, Irene's mind lingered on Michael. On Bella. On the storm that was brewing.
She didn't know what was coming next, but one thing was clear—her life was no longer the same.