MELISSA

She ruined everything.

I almost had my prince charming. He was about to become completely mine. She just had to walk in and destroy what I worked so hard for.

What’s worse is that she slapped me on the face in front of him. She humiliated me. Made me look like a buffoon.

Who the fuck does she think she is? Clearly she doesn’t know who she just fucked with.

“Fucking bitch!” I yelled, anger overwhelming me. I punched the bathroom mirror, hard. The glass broke, gashing my knuckles.

A familiar red liquid slithered from the cut, smudging the mirror. The ache inflicted on my hand by the broken glass was nothing in comparison to the throb in my heart.

The throb that had resulted from losing my prince charming, the love of my life.I tried everything to win his affection but he didn’t want anything to do with me.

I was willing to change my gender for him but he still refused to love me. He kept claiming to love…that good for nothing piece of shit. I attempted to understand his point of view but all I kept hearing were fucking excuses.

That’s it.

I’m done playing nice. I have been patient with him but not anymore.I will make him mine whether he likes it or not. If he can’t be with me, I won’t let him be with Gavin.

I will tear down his happiness and break him until the only choice he will have is to accept my love.

“I promise you, my prince charming. You will be mine no matter the cost.” I declared, staring at my reflection on the cracked bathroom mirror which was splotched with blood.

I looked like shit. My eyes were red and puffy from too much crying and my hair was a mess.

Sniffling, I wiped away my mucus and tears using the back of my hand.

“You won’t be crying anymore, Melissa. Because, you’ll have your prince charming soon. I promise you.” I addressed my reflection.

I turned on the faucet, rinsed the blood from my hand. I poured methylated spirit on the cuts and rubbed it with a cotton wool. Afterwards, I wrapped a bandage around my bruised hand then exited the bathroom.

No sooner had I ambled back to my room, than my phone chimed. I grabbed it from the dresser and scrolled through it.

I had received a text. From Rio.

Hey Mami, it’s done. My lips stretched into a smile as soon as I read the text.

Send me the photo. I need proof. I swiftly texted back, my heart thumping with anticipation.

He sent the photo of an unconscious Madeline. Her face was marred with purple bruises which were leaking with blood. Her lips were busted, left eye swollen and her pony tail had been cut off.

She looked worse than death.

My heart danced with jubilation at the sight.

“Serves you right, bitch.” I spat while looking at the photo.

Good job, Rio. I shot him a text accompanied with a smiley face emoji.

Thank you, mami. Can we meet later? I wanna see you. I miss you. I sighed, rolling my eyes at his sentimental request.

Rio, I miss you too but there are things I need to take care of first. I replied.

What things? You know I can do anything you want. Just ask. He texted back.

I know but I wanna do this by myself. We’ll meet once I’m done. At least, that’ll keep him off my back for a while.

I tossed the phone back on the dresser and scurried to my wardrobe where I picked out a dress. Black one this time.

I picked out a pair of black leather platform boots. I put on the dress and shoes, tied up my hair into a sleek pony tail and wore a choker around my neck.

I applied noir lipstick and bold eyeliner and mascara, making sure my eyes stood out. I snatched my phone, car keys and purse from the dresser then walked out of my room.

I always find driving to be calming. In a way, it helps me clear my head as well as strategize on my next move.

That late afternoon, the streets were packed with traffic. While waiting for the traffic to clear, I switched on the car radio.

Meghan Trainor’s Made you look, blared through the stereo, her impeccable vocals filling up the car.

I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel, bobbing my head in response to the cadence of the song.

I was lip-syncing to the song while navigating the traffic, when suddenly, my eyes landed on a familiar car. It was heading towards a diner.

I switched off the radio, my gaze focused on the red convertible. I saw Gavin step out of the automobile, followed by Natasha Yen, the journalism club captain.

This is certainly interesting. The thought crossed my mind as I watched them stroll to the diner.

I decided to do what any normal person would do; follow and keep an eye on them. Who knows, I just might see something that would prove very helpful.

I parked my car next to his and made my way to the diner. My eyes scanned the room in an attempt to locate them.

They were seated in the booth at the back of the room. The booth adjacent to theirs was occupied by some old woman and what appeared to be her husband.

The booth in front of theirs was also occupied by some guy who seemed to be on a call. Great.

“Excuse me, Miss. Can I help you?” A tall, ginger lady addressed me with a smile.

She was dressed in a pink apron which contrasted her blue dress.“Hi. Yes. I would like to… order something.” I stuttered, looking around the walls for any sign of a menu.

Where’s the freakin’ menu?

“Are you looking for something?” The smiley lady asked.

“Yes. A menu.” I replied with the kindest possible smile I could muster.

“Oh. Here.” She handed me a pamphlet. I mumbled a thank you and started perusing the pamphlet in search for anything edible.

I settled for pineapple juice because most, if not, all the foods on her menu were junk and fatty.

Didn’t want to put on more weight than I already had. I wouldn’t want to be that girl with a saggy pot belly who weighs a ton and has stretch marks and cellulites. I love my waist small, my hips round and perfect and my thighs cellulite-free, thank you very much.

“Here you go.” The lady whose name I learnt was Polly from the name tag on her apron, handed me my drink.

“Thank you, Polly.” I smiled at her, taking the drink. My eyes roamed around the room, trying to find a suitable place to sit.

Unfortunately most booths were occupied. A man who was seated in a booth directly in front of Gavin’s, suddenly stood up and left. I rushed to occupy the space before someone else could beat me to it.

I sat on the leather, sipping on my drink as I eavesdropped on their conversation. I couldn’t hear much because of the noisy chatter from the other customers and the sad background music.

Suddenly, a boy seemingly in his late teens, took a seat across from me on the table. He had a baggy T-shirt with Eminem’s photo engraved on it. A gold chain was dangling from his neck. His hair was dyed white. Okay wanna-be rapper, what the fuck do you want?

“Hey princess.” He greeted with a toothy smile, revealing his gold coated canines. He looks rich, not bad.

“Hi.” I replied with the kindest voice I could muster.

“I saw you from across the room and decided that I have to talk to you. Get to know you more.” He stated, licking his bottom lip and thinking he looked sexy while doing it.

“My name is Douglas. But my friends call me Doug. And you, what’s your name princess?” His baby blue eyes pierced through mine as he addressed me.

Douglas. What kind of name is that? Did his parents hate him that much to have branded him such a name?

“My name is Melanie.” I lied. Can’t give him my real name. He hasn’t earned the right.

“Such a beautiful name for a beautiful princess. Truth is, when I first lay my eyes on you, I knew that I must have you. There’s something about the way you walk…the way you talk and dress that makes me want to worship you. Like a goddess.” He was literally rapping to me.

He raps beautifully, I admit. If my heart didn’t already belong to Carl, maybe I would have considered him as an option.

“So, how was it?” He asked, hope twinkling in his eyes.

“It was great. You are really talented.” I gave him the assurance he thirsted for.

“Thank you. I’m glad you liked it. Can I have your number?” He inquired then licked his bottom lip, making it shimmer with his saliva.

Before I could reply, I caught sight of Gavin and Natasha leaving their booth. They seemed to be in a hurry.

Shit! I got too distracted by this Douglas guy that I almost lost track of why I was here.

“Maybe next time.” I declared, getting up from my seat and rushing towards the direction Gavin and Natasha had disappeared to a few minutes earlier.

I pushed the double doors open and was welcomed by a dimly lit hallway. I saw their silhouettes vanishing behind a door at the end of the hallway.

The heels of my boots clicking noisily against the terrazzo, I hurried to the door and gently pushed it open. It was a ladies’ bathroom which was spotless from the floor to the sinks and walls.

There was no one in sight. Why did they come to a bathroom together? Could it be that they are here to…No. It can’t be. My suspicions were confirmed the moment I heard muffled moans coming from one of the stalls.

I tiptoed towards the source of the moans. It was coming from a stall at the furthest end of the spacious bathroom.

I pressed my ear against the door, confirming what I already suspected. Gavin was having sex with Natasha. I took out my phone and switched on the video recording mode then placed the phone discreetly above the door.

The phone captured as much as it could and when I was done, I slipped the phone in my jacket pocket.

I was rinsing my hands in the sink when Natasha walked out of the stall. She turned on the faucet, scooped a handful of water and splashed it on her face.

She desiccated the moisture from her face. “Do you have lip gloss? Think I misplaced mine.” She said, while going through her hand bag.

“Yes. Which shade do you need?” I questioned, sifting my purse.

“Pink.” She retorted.

“Here.” I handed her the lip stick.

“Thanks.” She mumbled then applied the lip gloss.

She was returning it to me when I halted her, “No. Keep it. Think of it as my gift to you.” I said, a smile lingering on the corner of my lips.

Natasha, you deserve that gift and so much more after what you just did. Your actions are about to remove the biggest obstacle from my path. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have found a solution to the problem that is Gavin. So, thank you, Natasha.

“Thanks. My name’s Natasha by the way.” She introduced herself.

“I know. I am like the biggest fan of your gossip blog.” I stated, enthusiastically.

“Oh. That’s great. What’s your name?” She inquired on our way out of the bathroom.

“Melissa. I am a sophomore at River Bridge high.” I conversed with her.

“And here I thought you were a senior. You totally look like one in that outfit. By the way, I’m digging those boots and the choker.” She sprinkled compliments on me.

“Thanks.” I replied with a smile.

“Anyway, I have to go. Have had a really long day and right now all I need is a hot shower and a long nap. See you around Mel and thanks for the lipgloss.” She concluded then walked away.

***

A/N

So, how was the chapter? And what do you think that Melissa will do with the video? Stick around to find out.