Page 52 of Payback
Conversing with Verona felt remarkably effortless. I had never engaged in such interactions before. A simple smile from her set my heart racing. I had never had a friend, nor had anyone in my life taken the time to appreciate my talents. While my teacher might commend me for completing assignments proficiently, that was an instructor’s duty. Verona wasn’t obligated to offer praise. She chose to do so, and that gesture held more significance than words could convey.
“I’ll draw one for you,” I pledged.
“Wonderful! I’m excited. Oh, and could you sketch me within the castle?” she asked.
“Inside the castle or on its walls?”
“Of course, on it. Am I not the princess?” she teased, folding her hands and resting her chin on them.
I smiled and nodded. She was undoubtedly deserving of the title of a princess. Grabbing a fresh sheet of paper, I indicated that I had begun the drawing. She smiled with satisfaction before shifting her attention to the teacher. However, as I glanced ahead, I noticed someone observing me. My smile faded as I saw Alison turned in her seat, glaring at us. Her gaze shifted subtly to include Verona as well. Fear clenched my heart. I dreaded that she might target Verona next. Alison thrived on isolating me and ensured that I had no friends. I wasn’t entirely sure of her motives, but she managed to turn the entire school against me. Verona, being new and untarnished by manipulation, might be susceptible to Alison’s tactics. I felt compelled to warn her because once Alison got her clutches on someone, it was nearly impossible to escape.
“Why is that girl looking at you that way?” Verona leaned toward me, her voice hushed.
“What?” I turned my attention to her, lowering my voice as well.
Alison averted her gaze as Verona’s eyes met hers. Alison held her head high, focusing on the teacher. Meanwhile, I continued the conversation with Verona.
“That girl seemed to give us an odd look,” she observed. “Is she your ex?”
“What?” I exclaimed, causing the teacher to turn around and hush us. Leaning closer to Verona, I saw her smile.
"Yeah, the way she looked at you was like the gaze of a crazy ex—the look that states you're not allowed to move on with someone else."
“No, it’s not like that. Alison despises me.”
“Alison? Is that her name?” Verona asked.
I nodded, my gaze dropping, and Verona seemed to catch my change in demeanor. Sympathy reflected in her eyes.
“So not an ex. Is she just a terrible person?” Verona asked.
“Keep your voice down. She might hear you!” I whispered anxiously. “Look, now that she’s seen you talking to me, she’ll either try to turn you against me or target you.”
“Target me?” she whispered in disbelief. “Is she like an A-class bully?”
I nodded, my fear evident. “The worst kind.”
“Well, I can’t stand bullies,” she declared. “So I guess I’ll just hang out with you.”
I began shaking my head, convinced this was a bad idea.
“No, I genuinely think—”
“What? Don’t you want to spend time with me?” Her voice adopted a tinge of sadness, an attempt to guilt-trip me.
“I...”
“Please?” she implored.
I started to smile. No one had ever desired to be around me, but she did. Despite foreseeing potential consequences, I began to nod. We both shifted in our seats, our gazes meeting, and it became difficult to concentrate on the teacher.
After the class ended, Verona turned to me once more and became quite talkative. She shared details about her origin and the reasons behind her move, and I listened with eagerness. It was almost strange to have a friend or be in the process of making one. I wasn’t certain how to navigate it, so I simply allowed her to speak. However, as the teacher and most of the students departed, we found ourselves surrounded. I berated myself for not acting more quickly. I should have swiftly guided Verona and myself away from there. Now, Alison arrived with her gang of goons and girlfriends, prepared to taunt us. Alison positioned herself in front of me, arms crossed, while one of her friends occupied Verona’s desk. Another henchman stepped behind her, attempting to play with her hair, but she quickly evaded his touch.
“You need to ask before you touch!” she snapped at him, casting him a sharp glare. Everyone’s attention turned toward Verona, visibly taken aback by her assertiveness.
“You’re... Verona?” Alison asked, redirecting her attention to her.
“I am. And you’re Alison.”
