Page 53 of Payback
“I see my reputation precedes me,” Alison chuckled, briefly glancing at me while I lowered my gaze. “Then you must also understand that spending time with that one is social suicide.”
“I’ve just transferred schools. I don’t believe I need to worry about social suicide. Being new is enough of a challenge,” Verona replied. “Besides, I prefer our conversation to remain one-on-one. We don’t need an audience.”
One by one, their jaws dropped, but I exchanged a pleading look with Verona, silently urging her not to escalate things further. She didn’t comprehend the extent of Alison’s capabilities, yet Verona remained undeterred. She met Alison’s gaze head-on, glaring at her and defying her to cross a line.
“Do you genuinely believe that spending time with him will bring any happiness to your life?” Alison challenged.
“Right now, he has brought me more happiness than any of you ever have,” Verona declared.
“You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
“I’m fully aware, and now we’re going to leave to have our conversation elsewhere.”
Verona rose, gathering her belongings, then turned to me with a smile. “Are you coming?” she asked.
I began to reach for my belongings when Alison abruptly extended her hand, as though commanding a dog to stay put.
“Doggy will stay. We need to have a little chat,” Alison remarked.
“Doggy?” Verona questioned, then glanced at me, realizing it was the unkind nickname they used for me. “She calls you doggy?”
“That’s correct,” Alison said proudly.
Verona sighed, shaking her head, then shifted her focus back to me.
“Listen, you don’t have to comply with their demands. Just stand up and come with me,” Verona whispered in a gentle tone. An urge to join her coursed through me. Yet, as I lifted my gaze to Alison, I recognized that familiar malevolence. I knew that the moment I found myself alone, I’d be subjected to double the torment she’d already planned for me. “Hey, it’s okay. You can leave. They can’t hold you here.”
Verona’s encouraging smile met my eyes. But fear rooted me in place. The intensity in Alison’s eyes signaled that a world of suffering was already set in motion. Avoiding Verona might just make things easier. A defeated sigh escaped me as I slumped back into my seat, shaking my head. When I looked at Verona, her expression had shifted to one of sadness.
“At some point, you’ll need to say ‘enough’,” she pointed out gently. “When they realize they can’t control you anymore, the fun will fade for them.”
Verona’s intentions were noble, but she couldn’t fully grasp Alison’s relentless nature. Regardless of my actions, Alison consistently came back for more.
“Doggy stays. You’re dismissed.”
“I don’t listen to your commands, so don’t try to control me!” Verona growled. She turned away and stormed out of the room.
Slowly, the predators closed in, and Alison rested her hands on my desk, leaning in.
“Found yourself a new girlfriend?” she jeered. “Oh, wait, I scared her off. She would’ve been disappointed anyway. A guy who can’t even stand up for himself—no girl wants that. I’m doing her a favor.”
I remained silent, incapable of responding.
“You’re the ultimate follower, it’s laughable. Destined to be someone’s bitch,” she mocked, provoking chuckles from her companions. “But today, you actually dared to think you could be more.”
I still didn’t utter a word, understanding that words would only worsen the situation.
“Perhaps it’s time we taught you what happens when a bitch steps out of line,” she hissed.
Snapping her fingers, she signaled the others to seize me, yanking me from my seat. Despite the bustling students in the hallways, none batted an eye. This wasn’t the first time they had observed me being dragged into some dim, secluded spot. No one dared cross Alison’s path. She was a monster, and nobody wished to fall victim to her wrath.
“Where are we going?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“Just a little further,” she chuckled darkly.
One of the girls hastened to the door leading to the boys’ locker room. Confusion gnawed at me as they pushed me inside, following suit. Alison stood on one of the benches and let out a shrill whistle, capturing the half-clothed attention of the football players.
“Who’s hungry?” she called out.
