The Originals

Chapter Nine: Saira Levine

Saira's mood was as gloomy as the storm outside. Even with the school's lighting, it felt like the afternoon was midnight. Orchid finally told Saira what happened in Roux's office. "So, Headmaster Roux knows that there was foul play in Professor Green's death."

"And he suspects Sam Finnegan," Saira said. "Does Finnegan know about Roux's suspicions?"

"I don't know, I don't know how Stoll's questioning went. I had to leave, but I just hope he's okay." Orchid received the look from Saira. "Oh my god, seriously, Saira?"

"I see Storchid happening right now."

"Storichid? Sounds like a bird's name."

"A couple's name, duh, Gray." Saira looked over to see if Scarlett was behind her. All classes were over, but Scarlett hadn't showed up to any of them. What if she went to Roux and spilled her secrets? "Look, I need to tell you something. It's about Scarlett Mako, I think she might know my secret."

Orchid's dark brown eyes went wide. "Holy crap."

"Yeah. Let's go to the girls' washroom." They both walked a few feet ahead of each other until they reached the washroom. Thankfully, there wasn't anyone there. Saira took a deep breath, relaxing herself. "Scarlett called me Sarah De Vil."

"Oh." Orchid didn't know the extent of Saira's secret, but it was still enough to destroy her life. She leaned against the sink, arms crossed. "But how? What about your mama?"

Saira hasn't considered that. "I mean... Mama could have revealed something by mistake, but she doesn't have social media. Too risky. But why would Scarlett want to know that?"

"Because of the exposé, maybe she realized you were a huge resource of gossip and dug a bit deeper for your background. She probably doesn't know what actually happened, just like you changed your name to Saira Levine." Orchid licked her lips. "So Scarlett's using it against you as payback for the exposé."

"And possibly because of Ruth. Ugh, this isn't good."

"Hey, like I said, she probably only knows that you changed your name, that's mostly legal. What is she going to do to the cops other than your name is actually Sarah Le Vil?"

Saira bit down on her lip. "I... The police will find me and my mama. I can't have that happening. We're on the run, remember? It's a miracle that Headmaster Roux didn't do clear background checks..."

"Everything will be okay."

Or so Orchid and Saira thought.

"All students do not go near the Silverleaf Courtyard and go straight into their dorms!" Headmaster Roux's voice sounded panicked over the faulty PA system. Do not go near the Courtyard?

"What was that about?" Saira asked.

"I don't know, but I gotta get back to my dorm."

She snorted. "Gray, seriously? For being @shades_of_gray, you're still too much of a goody-two-shoes, so let's roll."

Orchid winced. "I don't know, we're usually sleuthing behind the scenes."

"And we will be behind the scenes, Roux won't catch us. I want to find out what's happening at the Silverleaf Courtyard." Saira swallowed hard. The truth was—she was afraid there was another murder.

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"Hurry up, Orchid," Saira urged as they scurried across campus. They had grabbed their jackets and thrown them on, aware of the rain. Orchid was so slow, Saira wondered how she managed to snoop around for the truth.