Sub Rosa Ties ( A High School Dark Romance)

Zera

I held my breath and attempted once more, but after a few moments, I let out a hefty exhale.

"Am I putting on pounds now that I've quit stripping?" I muttered, struggling with the zipper of my skirt as I walked toward the school grounds.

It stubbornly refused to zip up, halting midway, irritating me unnecessarily.

"I hate gaining weight," I muttered, looking around as I surrendered to the stubborn zipper.

Thankfully, my school jacket concealed the issue. My eyes scanned the school environment, taking in the whispers and curious glances from my peers.

Glancing at me? I wish. Instead, their attention was drawn to a sleek black car parked nearby, their murmurs filling the air.

Some appeared shocked, others envious, and a few simply curious. I turned my gaze back to the car and wealth practically radiated from it.
But that wasn't the issue.

The real problem was Gerard, my boyfriend, standing outside across from the owner's seat, peering into the window and engaged in hushed conversation with whoever occupied the car.

My legs shuffled a bit as I attempted to catch a glimpse of the person inside.

Gerard adjusted his position slightly, and I managed to catch sight of a girl with ebony hair. Her face remained obscured, half hidden by her hair from my vantage point, but it was evident she was a girl.

Who could she be? Why is she conversing with Gerard? His ex? Sister?

Surveying the surroundings, it seemed like everyone was familiar with her. Just as I was about to look away, a hand firmly grasped my right arm.

A set of bright blue eyes met mine, accompanied by a bright smile on the face.

"Sarah?"

"Why do you seem so pale? Did you have a rough night's sleep?" She blurted out, examining my face closely.

"I'm okay," I reassured her, gently removing her hand from my arm and glancing back toward the car.

Gerard was still engrossed in conversation with the girl, and I noticed her hand extended from the car, perilously close to Gerard. Too close.

"What's going on? Why is everyone..." Sarah's voice tapered off into a whisper as her gaze darted past me, locking onto the car.

Her countenance morphed swiftly, transitioning from a state of perplexity to one of sheer disbelief.

"Don't tell me that's..." A sharp intake of breath escaped her as her hand instinctively flew to cover her gaping mouth, her eyes expanding with astonishment at the sight before her.

"Do you recognize... her? I mean the owner of the car and...." My voice trailed off, my curiosity piqued about the girl.

"That's her, Zera. Eleonora," Sarah's initial shock melted into a soft chuckle. "Incredible... I can hardly believe she's back. Gerard must be over the moon."

Over the moon? Why would her return bring him joy? What's the connection between them?

"What do you mean..."

"The true legend of Meadow High knows about Eleonora. The only girl who could thaw Gerard's icy exterior back then," Sarah diverted her gaze from the car to focus on me.

"She was an angel," she added wistfully before turning and walking away.

"Do you mind expanding on that? What do you mean by 'she was an angel'? Did she da...."

"Date Gerard?" Sarah interrupted me, her gaze piercing into mine.

We strolled down the hallway, the usual bustle replaced by an eerie silence as most students had flocked outside to witness the unfolding scene.