The Serpent Queen

The Moment of Truth | Part Five

Sitting back in her chair with a frown on her face, Phoebe glanced to her boyfriend. He was on his phone, when she came back, he put it down.

"What did your dad show you?"

"Nothing. Demetri wanted to talk."

"What did he say?"

"A lot of things about you...about him. When were you going to tell me that you're basically bullying Demetri?"

"What are you talking about?"

"He told me what you said to him on the phone. A pussy, Eli? Really? The training hadn't started when Kreese punched him. He also told me that you've been cruel to him behind my back and while I've been there, might I add. Demetri just wants you back as a friend. He doesn't have anybody."

"What if I don't want to be his friend?"

"You're his best friend. You should be supporting him, not bringing him down."

"Shouldn't you be saying that to him? How are you even defending him when you know what he's doing to me?"

"This isn't about his behaviour right now, this is about yours. What about the other names? Loser, nerd, coward—"

"What are you trying to say?"

"It sounds familiar, doesn't it? It's like borderline Kyler behaviour."

"I can't believe you've just compared me to Kyler."

"No, I said your behaviour is slowly becoming his. I don't see you beating either me or Miguel up."

Hawk looked to her visibly annoyed, "How could you compare me to him?"

"I didn't!"

"Okay then, your jealously outbursts are like Kayla's. Completely paranoid and unfounded. I'll just sit here and wait for you to turn psycho."

Phoebe glared at him.

"It's not so nice, is it?"

"We're off topic."

"Yes, Phoebe. Control the narrative like you always do. Everyone believes everything you say because you're so innocent, but I know you're not. Kayla shows her true colours and we all know them, but you, you hide yours with a facade of innocence."

"Excuse me?!"

"The competition. You changed what you were doing. The rules say you can't do that."

"Yes you can, if the right assessments are in place."

"Bullshit. You can't admit that you cheated at the Produnova."

"What the fuck do you know about gymnastics championships? Tell me, Einstein, how could I have possibly cheated at that, huh?"

"You're alive, aren't you?"

That sentence hung in the air, Phoebe's frustration had disappeared and had turned to utter shock. Tears formed in her eyes at that statement. He said that to be cruel, to get back at her. "I can't believe you just said that."

"I can't believe you compared me to Kyler." He snapped.

"What you said is worse! Kayla's gotten to you." She bobbed her head a little. "I was worried about Kreese, but Kayla....she...."

"There's the paranoia again."

"You think I'm the manipulative bitch here? After the day I've had, I have every right to be paranoid after all the fucking death threats." Phoebe wiped the tears away with her fingers. She wasn't even angry or defensive with him anymore, she felt incredibly hurt. She sighed, "You know what? Since you admitted that I should have died that day, maybe you'll get your wish when Kayla decides to end me in whatever way she feels like." She stood up first. "Don't bother coming to my funeral."