AN: Pretty Long chapter for a long wait! And this long really means what it means. I know guys, how it feels to wait. It's freaking annoying. I myself face it when a story I'm currently reading is not been updated. I even used to leave messages on that writer's message board. But now I know how it works. I feel you guys as a reader and feel it as a writer. Can anyone blame me for that? Recently I waited impatiently for The Vampire diaries for freaking three weeks! And when it comes to Game of Thrones, I can't freaking wait for even a day. Why do they need to kill the good ones? Alright, guys, if I go on, I would never stop my rant. So you enjoy the reading. Love you all guys!

Muuaahh ♥♥

~Chapter 13 - Let The Pompous Womp Taste The Roteggster~

Time and tide wait for no man.

Whoever said this, he certainly must have come to value the time when he felt it slipping it out, like in situation of mine. Time is cruel and it doesn't give a shit to what you are going through. Instead it will mock you with 'dong' or may be a cuckoo bird. What if the world worked without the need of clock? Would a student have freaked out during the last fifteen minutes of exam? Would any employee have lost his job for being late for work? Would I have felt my nerves pulsating in my brain while thinking what I should be doing next?

Sigh.

I can't really be debating on this right now. Even though time is cruel and critical, it's because of time we feel so excited for New Year night, right? While it brings a pain in your butt, on the other hand it motivates you to act, so yeah we need that tick-tock to wake us up. But wouldn't it have been convenient if time was less ruthless? For say, if it was not running so fast right now, then I could have formed a better plan against Trystan.

But that wasn't happening and my growling stomach wasn't helping.

Jen was busy in writing the said essay she was so freaking out for. Everyone seemed to be doing something or the other, whether it was writing notes or reading the book. Jen had already finished one and half page in last seven minutes. She was that fast. I guess the tension affects your hormones in more than one ways. Now consider an axe dangling over your throat like a pendulum, just like they show in Saw but less scary, you will act to survive, right? I could very well imagine Jen in that state and Ms. Azrael threatening to reap her throat.

Ah, scary!

I spun my pen in my hands, while my mind reeled over the plan I had made, but the execution was still a big question. In fact, when I thought about it, it almost looked impossible. But then I would convince myself that it was me and my plan and nothing could go wrong. I had pulled many tricks before, so this was no big deal. Of course there used to be hands of my partners in crime, my brother and my bestie, but I could pull this off, couldn't I?

"Kiera?" Jen poked my arm with her pen to bring me back on earth. No cut that. Jen poked my arm with her pen to bring me back in hell. That sounds right!

"I know I am bugging you with the same question consistently, but I want to know what you have decided to do about dance, considering you are not going to kiss him."

I cringed at the direct mention of kiss. Believe me, since the lunch break yesterday, I had visualized thousands of scenarios where in I was kissing Trystan and then somehow managed to stab him or kick him in crotch. And as strong as the desire was to punch myself for entertaining this thought, I couldn't imagine him as a bad kisser. I know I sounded pervert here, but it was the truth. He must have kissed lots and lots of girls. That experience must really count. And I was imagining myself stabbing him, which should matter more right now. AND I already cleared that part few hours before. Period.

"You will know it soon, Jen. Just remember to keep your promise to support me."

Ha! She might as well regret later for promising me that.

She again seemed to be throat-deep in essay when she looked up with a new emotion flickering on her face. "Is that cafeteria guy involved in whatever you are planning?" she asked me, studying my face carefully.

I must have looked like a Cheshire cat when I grinned at her. I was itching to tell her about my plan. But I knew she wouldn't agree to it, so I just waited for the... right time.

"Are you done?" I asked after wasting two pages of my book, few disapproving looks from Professor Alves and throwing my pen three times across the room.

"Muhm," she replied shortly and then adding some more lines to her essay, she pinned the pages together and put it back in her bag. "Done." She let out a long, deep breath as if she hadn't done it in ages.

Thank God, finally!

I dragged my chair closer to her and leaned forward. While doing that, I glanced around to be careful about not letting anyone know or hear what we were talking about. No one should know about it.

"Good. Now listen. Don't jump to any conclusions just yet. Just listen to me, alright?"

"Um- Okay."

I sensed hesitancy in her voice. This was the tricky part. I needed to get through this without me looking like a creep who ran out of sick ideas to kill someone. Maybe not.

Alright. "I need Trystan's phone number," I said in one breath.

Jen's eyes widened, causing her look at me like she had just been told her funds had taken a complete nosedive. I quickly continued so that she doesn't mouth her shock. "Don't jump to any conclusions, Jen. I just want to... Well, you think you can give it to me by any chance?"

She simply shook her head and I didn't understand what to make out of it. Yes, she has his number but she can't give it to me or no, she doesn't have his number and hence can't give it to me. In anyways, the answer was no, I got it.

I could have taken it from Mr. Evans, but I didn't want to face the questionnaire which would follow it.

"Why do you want his number?"

Her voice was soft, a murmur. Her intent gaze was questioning my intentions. There was a kind of disappointment in her eyes. I didn't know what she was thinking, but I realized she deserved the truth. I weighed my options whether I should tell her now or still wait, but her prodding gaze decided it for me. I sighed and tried to collect the words to start it explaining. I could use Jen's help, but more than that I needed her support without which my first day would have been worst if she had not been there with me. I decided to leave it up to her to make my plan a success or just one of those wild, sick imaginations I had been feasting on and which never became a reality. Sad, I know.

So I told her about my plan, slowly and calmly. Her face showed too many emotions at a single moment and it really scared me. Neither did it help me to calculate her reaction. I was anxious to know it and it was the second time for the day I felt same emotions attack me. I hooked on her response, because I had no one here whom I could look up to. Jen's unending silence was making me uneasy. What if she didn't agree? I would obviously lose my composure which would lead to disastrous events. If I don't go according to my plan, I might have to surrender myself to the devil. Then there won't be any point remaining in all my efforts and the bravery act I pulled before. I would be lost.

"Have you told that cafeteria guy about your plan?" She asked me quietly after few minutes.

"No, he doesn't know about it and his name is Luke."

"And you sure this is going to work?"

I nodded. I believed it would work.

"What if it doesn't?"

"It will, Jen. Trust me." I held her hands, squeezing it. "I don't have any negative feelings about it. It will work; we will make it work. Won't we?"

I stared at her expectantly. She must have noticed it too. She seemed to measure the chances as she nodded gravely and then slowly a smile crept up on her face. Not just any smile; a full blown wide toothed smile.

"It's been a while since I kicked some ass. What else better for a restart?" She winked at me and I nearly jumped on my feet as the excitement bubbled up.

"Oh my god, Jen. You have no idea what you just gave me."

"Well, we are friends now!"

....

"Twenty-five minutes are left."

"I know," I said, glancing around the room for something that would strike an idea in my head. I was getting restless and that could be noticed from the way I shook my legs or drummed my fingers on the table.

Everything was conveniently planned now, thanks to Jen. I didn't know what would have I done if she was not with me. Jen submitted her essay while I had a glimpse of Ms. Azrael. Nevertheless to say, I totally went with the name. Now, sitting here in the common room, I was palpitating. Jen was biting her knuckles, her gaze fixed on the table surface. She was nervous, of course. I was too. I was conspiring against the so called 'King of JSA'. If caught red handed, I might be sentenced to death and that was an exaggeration.

Huff! I did it a lot.

"You sure you can't get it from anyone?"

"I can get it, Kiera. It's not a job of finding a needle on the beach. But you must realize it can go against us."

She was right. I had considered that, but I couldn't find any other way to get Trystan's number. I guessed I would have to opt for the only last option available, Mr. Evans. I knew Jen would raise questions, but how long would I keep it hidden from her? She would know it one day, why not now?

That's it! I made my decision. Taking a deep breath, I fetched my phone. Jen scrutinized me as I searched Mr. Evan's number in the call log. My fingers hovered over the screen for a second. I was still not sure if I wanted to do this. I glanced around me as a final try and when my gaze stopped at the entrance, I bet my face literally glowed.

Caden walked in. He didn't see us. He walked over to Professor Alves and started talking with her. From the look of it I guessed they were discussing something. I didn't know what they were talking about and it wasn't my concern either. What mattered was him. It looked like God sent him for me, to help me.

The shaking of my legs stopped as well the drumming of the table. My back straightened immediately. Jen noticed the change and stared alarmingly at me. This happens when something flickers in my brain. A plan was hatching. I was like Fred from Scooby Doo, I had a plan. If it was my family and friends back at home, they would have known what it meant. They would scuttle closer to me and ask me in a conspiring hushed tone, 'What's the plan, Captain?'

"I have got an idea!"

"What ide-"

"Sssshhhh..." I gestured over her shoulder. She turned in her seat, frowning and saw Caden, who had his back to us. But I could sense she didn't get my hint. I sighed and whispered low enough for only her to hear.

"Problem solved. Just wait and watch."

Her frown got deeper, crinkling her forehead. Her gaze was shooting questions at me. I simply let her be in the puzzle-bubble and before Caden could notice us, I discreetly switched off my cell. And then I just hoped he would notice us. If he notices us, sure he would join us, right? Oh, I so much hoped he would turn around and see us. I didn't realize I even started praying, my hands folded beneath the table top.

Look at us, Caden. Look at us...

In a pathetically slow motion, or maybe not, he turned around to leave when he finally saw us. Yay! Crackers burst in my heart when he flashed his dazzling smile at me and Jen's back. Jen was still frowning at the table surface.

Come on, Kiera. Time to act!

If I was happy seeing him I didn't show it. I put on my awardable fake sad smile. You know like that of crocodile tears- not the evil crocodile, a good-soul crocodile who just wanted to take revenge, just like me- only difference, there were no tears. But you understand, right? I was good at faking a smile. I had tutored myself for months to achieve that incredible art of fake smile.

"Hey there," Caden greeted us as he approached our table. Jen's face lightened up with a smile. She looked perfectly happy with the distraction. She instantly jumped into conversation of god knows what, because I was not even aware of my own shrewd gaze on her, let alone her chat with him. Here I was hoping to get his attention so that I could somehow get Trystan's number from him and Jen decided to use him as anti-nervousness therapy.

Ugh! Time was running out. I needed to get Trystan's number before the lunch break.

"Shit," I cursed little loudly, assuring myself that Caden didn't miss it. I let out a fake frustrated sigh, just to add more effect. I trusted my skill, so it wasn't a surprise when Caden turned towards me.

"Is everything okay?"

It worked!

"Yeah, I- I am fine. I am fine. Actually." I replied, not making an eye contact with him. It works when you do that, especially when you want the other person to believe that you are lying.

Caden watched me carefully, as if he was trying to read my innermost thought. My skin started to prickle. This time I really couldn't look into his eyes out of fear of getting caught. That wouldn't end well. He might even get a bad impression. Not that I knew what he thought of me at the moment and not that I cared. If I cared, I wouldn't have planned what I had planned, alright?

"Whatever you are trying, it's not working," Caden stated with a sly smile.

My breath hitched in my throat as he said it. I was stunned and speechless, mouth trout-like, agape in anticipation and heart racing. I searched hard for the words but utter not a word.

Did he know already? Was I that bad in my act? I thought, I thought I was good...

It took me a while to regain my composure.

"W-what do you mean?" The words stuttered out. He saw the shock register on my face before I could hide it. It was too late though. He knew about my lie. My frazzled nerves jumped all together and in different directions.

I guessed I should work more on my acting skills. MDDC might help me out?

A small smile played on his lips while he replied, "I know you are not fine."

Hmm? Did he mean that?

Almost immediately, I felt myself deflate like a balloon that had been lanced. It was as if a speeding truck stopped dead right at my face. If anymore closer, I would have been a case of hit and run.

Cut the exaggeration, Kiera.

"Listen, if you are tense because of Trystan or Bianca then you should know better to ignore them. I believe you are strong enough?" Caden said gently, the way someone would try to comfort a child. I watched the phone in my hands, tentatively, half expecting its screen to come to life before I proceed with my intended task. Something was knotting my stomach in an unpleasant way and I knew it what, the second I looked at him, but I pushed those thoughts back before it could take better of me. It wasn't because what he said though. It was because of the sweetness of the words like vanilla pudding, sweet in their ordinary sort of way, the richness of his tones -warm.

He was smiling at me and I could only place it in the 'encouragement' category. That's it. I didn't want to dwell more on it, because the more I think, I knew, the more guilt I would feel for, you know, using his kindness?

I shook my head and smiled broadly at him. "No, no, no, I'm perfectly fine. They don't bother me a bit. I have my ways to handle them. Thanks." I paused to breath. "It's just my phone. I had to do this urgent call to my friend and my phone decided to take a nap. I mean my phone got off. Now I am just tense about how to contact her."

I sighed and scowling at my phone's black screen, I put it back in my short's pocket.

"That's it? That isn't a big problem?"

I gave him a small smile and looked the other way.

"Take this." I heard him say and then saw him place his phone on the table top, in front of me. "Make your call."

That's what I had wanted. I looked down at his phone and then at his face. He looked kind of cute, making me want to hug him, just a friendly hug I meant. It was a sweet gesture and at any other time, I would have melted down into a puddle, but not now. I had a plan to accomplish. This was a part of game, a game which Trystan started and I so intended to end.

"Oh, no. Uhm... Thanks. I'll manage..."

He sighed and pushed his phone further into my awaiting hands. "You don't need to be so formal, Kiera. Just chill and take it."

"Are you sure?"

"Cent percent." He beamed, his nose crinkling slightly.

I waited for a moment and actually contemplated on whether I wanted to do this. "Alright," I said finally making up my mind.

I sighed and took the phone. When I unlocked the screen, a picture of a music band smiled back at me, which I instantly recognized as 'The Beatles'. A smile appeared on my lips, seeing it.

'Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,

Mmm, I get high with a little help from my friends...' My mind started singing the song and I tried not to sing it aloud.

It popped up one of the memory I had with Med and Aaron... back when everything was good. It was one of the moments when both of them had crashed in my room at midnight to wish me for my birthday. We had then had a small party with waffles and cheese and leftover lasagne, which my mum helped us to set up. My family didn't break in our party, though Jed threatened to cut Aaron's balls and feed them to Med and me if we dare disturb his sleep. We danced like freaks the whole night and this was the one of those songs we danced on. It was the happiest moment of my life. I had many such moments, but that night had been special...

I shook my head to push the memory back into the corner of my mind, locked and key thrown in the imaginary well.

I dialed my contact number and made a call and pressed the phone to my ear, though I didn't need to. I knew what exactly I would get to hear at the other end.

'The number you are trying to call is currently switched off...' the operator voice said and I hung up. I made one more call and then-

"Oh, no!"

"What happened?" He frowned.

"Uhm... She is not picking up."

"Oh. Now?"

"Now, I don't know. May be I'll just have to wait?" I waved my hand, dismissing the thought and sat back straight. "Thanks anyways," I said.

"You don't need to." He propped his elbow on the table and cupped his face, smiling coyly. "I am just trying to impress you."

I flipped his Apple iphone in my hands. It was the latest model and felt too big in my lean hands. I was not a gadget-person, so I didn't feel a thrill anyone else would have felt holding this phone for the first time. But it was good looking and even I couldn't hold myself back from admiring it. With a mischievous grin, I looked back at him.

"Well, so far so good." I winked, still playing with his phone.

Just then, Jen made a coughing noise, announcing her presence, whom we both, Caden and I, might have forgotten. "Sorry to disturb you guys, but I tell you, this is really awkward to witness your friends flirt with each other."

"Not really awkward than having your stomach make noise in otherwise quiet room," I stated rolling my eyes.

Both Caden and Jen gave me an odd look and I again rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah, go on. Laugh at me."

I didn't mean to say this and I really wasn't thinking about it when I said it. It's just my growling, hungry stomach was distracting me and I needed to feed it soon before it turns me into a cannibal.

Throwing his head back, Caden erupted in a fit of laughter, winning a disapproving look from Professor Alves.

"Oh, see, I totally forgot about it. This is for you," he produced a slip out of his pants pocket and handed it to me with a wide grin. "From Professor Martin."

I held the small sheet delicately in my hands and inspected the word detention, loud and clear, printed on it with the other details right below it and signed by Hitstein.

Ah! The detention slip. I agreed even I had forgotten about it... for few minutes. But how did I let myself forget it?

"Looks like I'll be having fun."

"I bet you will."

"Awesome. I can't wait!"

He gave me a lopsided grin, while I shook my head at the folly my life was turning into.

"Kiera," Jen interrupted my thought, almost squealing my name. "Don't we have somewhere to go?" She slightly raised her eyes to remind me the urgency of the time. And she was right. Only fifteen minutes were left, which meant we had to get to our work quickly.

"Oh, yeah, right." I staggered out of my seat, shoving my book and pen in the bag. "Uhm... Caden, do you mind if I keep your phone with me for a while? You know, just in case she calls back?" I waved his phone in my hands; my eyebrows arched up in a hopeful expectation.

"Sure." He smiled, showing his perfect teeth. "Keep it with you as long as you need it. Just-"

"Don't worry. Tell me what her name is saved as and I'll see that I don't receive your girl's call." I bit an edge of a smile, twisting my lips in a smirk.

"I was going to say, don't receive my mum's call," he said, pointing at his phone in my hands. "If you do so, she will bombard you with questions you won't even want to know. Trust me; she is an expert daydreamer. She will even start planning the theme for our wedding and start naming our kids."

Oh.

"And if you are wondering about my girlfriend, then I don't have one, for your information." With that, tucking his hands in his pants pocket, his rucksack hanging on his shoulder and a smirk on his face, he walked out of the Common Room.

I heard Jen chuckle. She gathered her things, walked around the table and stood beside me.

"That was awkward." I scowled in the direction Caden just went out.

"Well," she laid her arm on my shoulder, watching in the same direction as me, "seems like things are growing pretty fast, aren't they?"

"I swear, if you bring that up again, I'll kill you, Jen."

"Whoa!" She raised her hands up in air, laughing. "Thank God. At least I'll be safe till we execute the plan." She wiggled her eyebrows, smiling evilly.

"Yeah... And then I'll let my elephant give you a body massage."

"You can't own an elephant!" She asked me, half screaming-half whispering. The astonishment dripped out of her cow-eyes.

I rolled my eyes skyward and replied, "Not really. But I can always pretend like I do." I shrugged and headed towards the exit. Jen followed me, laughing, still finding the whole situation funny.

Not really funny, if you ask me.

Were we forming a bond already, I didn't know. Did I trust her now, I didn't know and I decided I shouldn't be thinking too much about it. Even if she breaks my trust, it wouldn't harm me. I had been through worst, so I stopped myself from being paranoid about it. At that particular moment, I was glad she was with me, whatever may happen later.

****

"Alright, you ready?"

Jen nodded, eying our surrounding. For the last time, I checked the arrangement. A green bucket was hanging from the ceiling with the help of a pipe that was fixed to the ceiling. Tied to the rim of the bucket was the rope which passed over the length of the pipeline and its end was in my hand. I tugged the rope, putting a little force, resulting in the bucket to shake. Its content made a splashing noise, threatening to spill over.

Nodding to myself once, I tied the end to the handrail on the wall.

Jen was constantly glancing behind her back. I knew what she was thinking.

"You don't need to do this for me, Jen," I told her with a genuine concern. I mean this was my idea and if anything goes wrong then she shouldn't be caught in this. I wanted her to think again about this, whether she should support me or save herself from any trouble.

She simply waved her hand dismissively.

"Come on, that's what friends are for." She smiled widely, creasing the skin deeply beneath her hazel eyes.

I smiled back, feeling grateful. I couldn't thank her enough. She had played a vital role in the arrangements. It was her who suggested this section of school to carry out our plan rather than out open in the school ground under the Strawberry Tree. I didn't know how was I going to do all this out there, but I had planned so. Though this place was way better- safe I can say. It was the least visited section of this school. Leading from the corridor connecting the library and the cafeteria, this long corridor ended at a storeroom. Another corridor forming a T-shape with this corridor led the secondary way towards the south wing where Science labs were located. But this path was rarely used. No one usually crossed this path except the caretaker, who according to Jen must be busy cleaning the auditorium hall right now.

Perfect.

"Okay. So you know the plan. You keep Caden busy and out of sight from Trystan while I do my trick. Is that fine with you?"

"And you sure you want to call him through Caden's phone?" she asked me, eying the phone uncertainly in my hand.

"Do I have any other option? If I call him on my phone, the worst going to happen is we lose. And I am not ready to pay that cost. I am going to text him, not call."

Jen seemed hesitant for a moment. Nonetheless, she nodded.

"Relax, we have got this." I squeezed her in a one-arm-hug. I might have said these words to comfort Jen, but I was finding it difficult to convince myself.

What Jed would have done in this situation? I found myself wondering about calling him and asking for a brotherly advice, but then stopped myself from doing so. If they didn't bother to call me, then why should I? Stubborn, I know, but I couldn't help it.

"Okay, then. Let's go." Jen let out a huge breath and turned to walk away.

She found Caden talking to some guys near the library. I didn't know what she told him or how she convinced him to walk into library with her. That was my cue to text Trystan whom I found outside on the school ground.

I went through the texts Caden sent to Trystan. As I did, the words once taught by my Moral Science teacher boomed back in my ear.

Never read other's letters and diaries.

But this wasn't a letter or a diary, so I wasn't disregarding any morals, right?

I bit my lip and scrolled down, reading the exchange of texts between them. I wasn't eager to know what they talked about, alright. I just did it so as to get some hint to imitate Caden's way of texting or texting Trystan for that matter. I mean the text should sound like sent by Caden, right? And if you all are curious about these texts, then let me tell you, they were boring, short messages that were about meeting here and there. Boring!

I copied one of the messages Caden had sent to Trystan and replaced and added my words.

Meet me near the Caretaker's cabin. It's about Kiera.

This would definitely drag him there, won't it? Short text with no more details... As it is said, curiosity killed cat!

My lips curved in an evil grin as I hit the send button. I watched Trystan take out his phone. And after reading my text- sorry, Caden's text I assume, he looked around and then glided towards his doom.

Ha! Now you may kiss my ass, Trysey Boy!

I quickly sent a text to Jen, while I ran to reach the place before Trystan.

Once there, I took my place in the shadows of the wall of the T-shaped corridor, where I had tied the rope, out of sight of our target. Jen soon joined me. She was panting like she had been running a marathon.

"Is everything clear?" I asked in a hushed tone.

She nodded and waited to bring her breath back to normal. "I kept him busy in library with me and when I got your text, I informed him I'll be back in five minutes."

"And five minutes shall it take." I beamed at her.

My brain tingled like a hand that's been sat on for too long. A smirk was playing at the corner of my lips as I stood staring at the floor beneath the hanged bucket. Any minute now...

My hands trembled and sweat as I tightened my grip around the rope. I now knew what cat must feel like waiting to pounce on a mouse.

Just then, I heard the footsteps coming closer. It creepily sounded louder in the silent corridor. He was here. Jen scuttled closer into the shadows. I just needed to wait for the right time until he crosses the right distance.

When the footsteps sounded closer, I readied myself.

"Let the pompous womp taste the roteggster," I whispered to Jen and gave a forceful tug to the rope. As expected the bucket tilted, its mouth slowly facing down, its content rushed out like a horse set free.

Adrenaline rushed through my veins. Every fiber of my body vibrated in anticipation. I was ready to squeal and jump and cheer. Yes, I had done it.

Jed, you would be proud of me, I thought, imagining my dear brother's face. But something odd ticked me.

The animalistic growl that came didn't sound like Trystan. I could have even let it pass if it wasn't for Jen, who gasped beside me; her eyes directly on our target and the words she spoke literally swept me off the floor.

"Professor Snape."

Yeah, that's what she said and it didn't take me even a second to process it.

I dared to confirm my fear. There it was an unmistakable short figure with a bird-nest like hair, completely drenched in the stinky water. His face blackened. Pieces of tissue paper, confetti were sticking on his face, hair and everywhere. The mixture of leftover coffee, fish water, rotten eggs and god knows what else stunk worst than ever.

Do not wonder where I found it. This was where Luke was involved. He supplied me with all the items and the credit of stinky water recipe goes to him. No one could ever know what that water consisted of. I had promised him, he won't be in any trouble and I had to keep that promise.

For a second, I completely forgot how to breathe. Jen was on the edge of panic attack. Watching her loose her calm like this, I couldn't help but feel severely guilty for drawing her into this.

She was repeatedly mumbling something in line with 'gone' and 'dead'.

Would it be bad if he see us? Not that bad if I get kicked out of this school and eventually out of the London, but it would be definitely bad for Jen.

I was feeling guilty, I swear I was. But in my defense, I had given her a choice. Not a good friend thingy, I know. I couldn't undo what's done but I could prevent further damage.

Thank God we were out of view. But how did he even end up here at seemingly wrong timing? Professor Martin didn't see us while he shouted at the top of his voice.

"Who dared this? Come forward right now. I'll make sure you learn your lesson."

Any second, any second students and staff would start gathering here.

"We should run," Jen said, her eyes trained in the front.

I nodded and grabbing her arm, slowly took steps back, but my body paralyzed when a warm breath prickled the back of my neck, causing the hair on my neck stand. My breath hitched, knowing there was a witness to our act, standing just behind us. I really didn't want to spend rest of my life behind the bars. I mean now that there was a witness; I would have to remove him from this existence to save our ass, right?

Or worse, that person blackmails us into wrong doing... I shuddered at the thought. I knew Jen didn't realize the presence of this third person until I turned around. And to my utter horror, he was the last person I was expecting.

"Trystan." I whispered, my eyes bulging out. Jen stiffened beside me.

"Did I catch you doing something you shouldn't have?" he asked evilly, the smirk I so hated playing dominantly on his face.

I kept quiet. No, we kept quiet; because Jen was nowhere in condition to speak. I was going through a bad time. My whole plan was ruined. Stupid Hitstein had to ruin it all. But what Trystan was doing over here? He should have been at that end.

"Wait a sec; would I be correct if I assume that all this arrangement was planned for me?" He coked his eyebrow, and looked over my shoulder. I knew people were gathering there. I could hear the commotion. And I hoped we were safely out of sight... as long as we could. I turned my face the other way, motioning him to shut the f**k up. "Aww... I am so sorry I ruined your surprise, Kiera. I feel so bad. But no problem, you can always surprise me."

I gritted my teeth and spoke in a strained, calm voice, "Let us go, Trystan."

I tried to move, holding Jen's arm, but he blocked my way. And then he pushed me against the wall, locking me between his arms. "You believed you would send me a text from Caden's phone and I would come running?"

My head snapped up instantly. His green eyes bored into mine. Oh. My. God. He knew it? He knew it was me?

"Don't worry," he continued smugly. "I am having fun with you. I don't want to put an end to my fun by having you kicked out of the school."

No, that did not relieve me. That just meant he was going to enjoy my suffering. He was going to make my life miserable!

He buried his nose in the crook of my neck and sniffed. He freaking SNIFFED- the sniffing dog! That was it! With a full force, I tried to push him away but he simply pressed me further into the wall.

Unexpectedly, his hand drifted to my hip. It settled there and pulled me closer. I inhaled sharply, and as I did, his intoxicating scent hit my nostrils. It had a hint of freshly cut timber, intermingling with the outlandish aroma of cinnamon. It was exotic and there was no harm in accepting the truth even though he was an ass.

"You are a really, really bad girl, Kiera," he said. "And that's what makes this game so much more exciting for me. I might as well have more fun watching you dance now." He leaned in and whispered in my ear, "Meet you in ten?"

He slowly released me and backed away. Holding that smirk on his face like it was his trademark, he winked and left.

All the commotion in the corridor behind us blurred out. The only thing I could see was Trystan's ass and an uncontrollable urge to run and kick it.

That bitch, Trystan! I was going to kill him and this time I was not going to fail. I promised myself I am not going to fail. God, I so hate this place!