FATED TO LOVE {STORY OF US}

CHAPTER 3

As Ariel rushed into her bedroom to change out of her soaked uniform, Maya followed her, a concerned look on her face.

"Ariel, what happened?" Maya asked, her eyes wide. "Your clothes are all wet. Did you fall in a puddle or something?"

Ariel shook her head, her hands trembling as she unbuttoned her blouse. "No, I didn't fall in a puddle," she said, her voice shaking. "It's...it's a long story."

Maya was about to ask more questions, but Ariel quickly interrupted her. "Mum, I have to hurry and get changed, or I'll be late for school," she said, her voice rushed and anxious.

"Oh, alright," Maya said, a little disappointed that she wouldn't get the whole story. "I'll leave you to it then. Just be sure to tell me everything when you get home!"

Ariel nodded, already pulling her uniform off and rummaging through her closet for a dry one. Maya sighed and left the room, closing the door behind her.

★★★★★★★★

Mr. Collins entered the classroom and began marking attendance, calling out each student's name. When he got to Ariel's name, there was no response.

"Ariel Davies?" he said, scanning the room for the girl's face. There was no response. He called her name again, but still nothing.

"Has anyone seen Ariel?" he asked, a note of concern in his voice. "Is she feeling unwell?"

The class was silent, no one offering an answer. Mr. Collins frowned, his brow furrowed in confusion. Where was the girl?

Alex couldn't help but smirk as Mr. Collins called out for Ariel. She was nowhere to be found, and he knew why. She had finally gotten what she deserved.

Just then, the door to the classroom opened, and Ariel walked in, her eyes immediately locking on Alex's. He gave her a smug smile, and she glared back at him. She just had to hope that Mr. Collins wouldn't be too hard on her for being late.

Mr. Collins turned to face Ariel, his expression stern. "Miss Davies, you're late to class," he said, his voice firm. "What's your excuse?"

Ariel was speechless. She knew she had no good reason for her tardiness, and she could feel the eyes of her classmates on her, waiting for her response.

"I...I'm sorry, Mr. Collins," she stammered, her cheeks flushing red. "I...I..."

Mr. Collins cut her off, his tone harsh. "No excuses, Miss Davies.That's a very serious offense. I'm going to let you off with a warning this time, but I will not be so lenient if this happens again. Do you understand?"

Ariel stood frozen in place, unsure of what to say. She had never seen Mr. Collins this angry before. Finally, she mumbled, "Yes, sir. I understand."

Mr. Collins huffed and turned to leave the classroom. The tension in the room was thick, and the students exchanged nervous glances.

"Ariel sat down at her desk, feeling the stares of her classmates burning into her. She tried to ignore them, but it was impossible.

Chloe turned to her, concern written on her face. "What happened?" she asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Ariel sighed. "It's...it's that jerk Alex's fault," she said, her voice low. "He drenched me with his car. I had to go home and change my clothes."

Chloe's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're kidding!" she said, her voice incredulous.

"I'm serious," Ariel said, her voice serious. "He did it on purpose. He's such a jerk."