As the game ends, the atmosphere becomes tense, with lingering whispers and judgmental glances following the ECLIPSES girls as they make their way out of the party. Alice, feeling the weight of betrayal and guilt, knows she needs to explain herself, even if it risks further alienating her friends.

Outside the party, Alice's friends confront her, their expressions a mix of hurt and disappointment. Emily speaks up first, her voice trembling with emotion. "How could you, Alice? We trusted you."

Lily's eyes brim with tears as she struggles to find the words to express her feelings of betrayal. "I thought we were a team, Alice. I never expected you to turn on us like this."

Hannah's usually cheerful demeanor is replaced by a somber expression as she gazes at Alice, her disappointment evident. "I stood up for you, Alice. I defended you when others doubted you. And this is how you repay me?"

Even Liz, who often maintained a cool and composed exterior, couldn't hide her hurt. "I thought you were different, Alice. I thought you were my friend."

Alice takes a deep breath, steeling herself for what she knows will be a difficult conversation. "Listen, I know it looks bad," she begins, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside her. "But I didn't write those slanders. Someone else must have used my paper to frame me."

Her friends exchange skeptical glances, clearly unconvinced by her explanation. "Come on, Alice," Emily says, her tone laced with disbelief. "Do you really expect us to believe that?"

"I know it's hard to believe," Alice replies, desperation creeping into her voice. "But I swear it's the truth. I would never betray your trust like that."

Her friends remain silent, their expressions still skeptical. But beneath their disbelief, Alice can see a glimmer of doubt, a tiny spark of hope that maybe, just maybe, she's telling the truth.

TO BE CONTINUE.....