3 strikes you're out

Chapter 5: Secrets

11th September 2023:

Chris's POV:

It's been almost a week since we got chosen for Strike. Almost a week since we completed the first task. Well, not complete. Apparently, we cheated. How was that even fair if I'm not able to swim? Obviously I was going to die if Bria didn't help me. I swear whoever this strike person is, is trying to kill me.

We got grilled by Liam the next day. He seemed awfully happy since he found out we lost a strike on the first task. He thanked me for being the reason he is one strike away from having £200.

Everyone seemed to have moved on from what was found in Liam's locker. He got suspended for 2 days and got told that if he does this again, he will get expelled and more police action will be taken. He still claims that he never put them in his locker. The confusion on his face when he saw the alcohol in there was pretty real so I don't know how that happened.

I'm more shocked about the pictures of Anya in his locker. Why would my cousin have pictures of my best friend in his locker? I'm actually so disgusted. Anya looked like she would throw up too. She also hasn't mentioned that either so I guess she's not too disturbed?

Anya got into a lot of trouble for being out without telling her parents. They were even more mad that she was soaked in water from head to toe. She never told them the real reason she was out, but her parents called up mine and Bria's parents to let them know of our 'concerning behaviour'.

My mum was annoyed but she isn't that strict so she didn't stay mad for very long. Bria's parents, however, was a little more furious, so they took her phone. For some reason, I feel an urge to talk to her. I don't have anything in particular to say, but I miss her. It's been a few days since she got it confiscated and I have seen her at school of course. It's not the same because the three of us talk together in our group chat. It's not the same without her.

I stand at the bus stop and wait for Bria. It's so annoying how I can't text her to see when she is going to arrive. Yesterday, the both of us got to school 20 minutes late because she woke up late and had no way to contact me. Today I'm going to wait 10 minutes, and if she doesn't show up, I'm getting on the next bus.

Ding.

I pulled my phone out of my jeans and read the text message from Anya.

Anya: You better be on the bus when it gets to my stop.

I tell her that I'm going to be there, whether Bria is with me or not.

10 minutes pass and I see the bus approaching. I'm about to get on but I pause and look around, praying Bria is going to show up.

A moment passes and I decide to just get on the bus. As I'm scanning my Oyster card, I see bria sprinting down the street as if her life depends on it.

She gets on, panting and scans her oyster too. The both of us made our way up the stairs and sat in our usual seats at the back.

Anya normally gets on the bus at the second stop after this one.

"It's been a while since we heard from strike." Bria said.

"Yeah that's true. I can't believe we lost a strike because I can't swim. That hardly seems fair. If you're going to make me do something against my will, at least make it something possible." I responded.

Bria stares at me with a blank face with a smirk slowly tugging at her lips. When I noticed, it turned into a giggle, then a full laugh.

"Are you serious?" I said, glaring at her.

"I'm... sorry, Chris..." she said, now laughing uncontrollably.

I stare at her for another moment and suddenly laugh with her too. Her hand slapped my thigh as tears started to form in her eyes from laughing too hard.