Fate or Destiny

Chapter 4 - Captured

As the first rays of morning light began to filter through the curtains, Greyson stirred from his sleep, a vague unease settling in the pit of his stomach. The sensation was an like a warning of something about to happen. He couldn't quite place the source of this feeling, but it clung to him like a persistent thought. He pushed back his thoughts as pushed himself out of bed. Deciding to set the matter aside, he let the hot water of the shower cascade over his skin. Towel in hand, he emerged from the bathroom, his steps carrying him toward his wardrobe and the process of getting ready for the day ahead.

Once dressed and feeling a bit more composed, Greyson made his way to the kitchen, where the aroma of breakfast beckoned. Once he felt his stomach was full, he went into his car, waiting for his friends to get ready and enter the car. Time seemed to stretch, and Greyson's unease deepened.  With a resolute sigh, Greyson finally stepped out of the car, his footsteps carrying him toward the house. 

Scarlett was already at school, fast walking through the passing students and towards her locker. But then, like a sudden gust of wind that diverts one's course, Linda materialized in her path, breaking her from her focused daze. "Well, you look like a woman on a mission." she squeaked. Linda's presence was marked by a curious mixture of cheerfulness and a hint of urgency. Her voice, tinged with excitement.

As Linda spoke, Scarlett's gaze shifted, her eyes meeting those of Linda as she spoke up again. "Just wanted to warn you since we're best friends that I just saw Allison in the cafeteria and --" she paused and took a deep breath like it she breaking some really bad news to someone. Linda's tone shifted, her words a preamble to a revelation that held the potential to disrupt Scarlett's day. "-- I heard her say something mean about you and I just thought I should tell you. Like I said, she may look like a goody two shoes but she is anything but. She manipulates people, making them think they're friends and then talks nasty about them behind their backs." She scoffed before her voice, now accompanied by a smirk, signaled the end of her revelation. "Anyway, just thought you should know. Toodles." Scarlett watched Linda continue her walk through the long hallway, her steps carrying a swagger that matched her confident expression. Scarlett's expression shifted into one of curiosity mixed with a touch of disbelief. The image of Allison, seemingly innocent and unassuming,  she could picture but the story of manipulation and deceit was quite hard to believe, yet the conviction in Linda's voice left a trail of doubt in its wake. Scarlett stood there for a moment, the words lingering in the air like a question unanswered. 

The revelation of Allison's hidden agendas, urged Scarlett to tread carefully along the paths of friendship-- hers and Linda's--if that's what you want to call it. It was a path she had traversed before—a road riddled with pitfalls and heartaches she was determined not to revisit.

Navigating through the currents of the bustling hallway, she arrived at her locker, its metal surface a sanctuary for her belongings. As she rummaged through her books, she remembered the note she found they day before and decided to read through it, now having the chance. The hallway's symphony of voices seemed to fade as her eyes darted across the lines, absorbing the message inscribed there. Having absorbed the contents of the note, Scarlett's locker snapped shut, her eyes in a daze, her mind foggy. Her legs guided her out of the school and toward the destination outlined in the note.

Rowhan's figure was standing near his car like a sentinel awaiting her arrival. The smug curve of his lips betrayed his amusement, a silent acknowledgment of her approach. Without a word exchanged, she slid into the passenger seat and waited for him to start the vehicle. "Ready to go, love?" his question lingered in the air as Scarlett remained silent and held a monotone posture. Her silence only furthered the smirk on his face.