[rewritting]
❛𝐖𝐑𝐀𝐏 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐈 𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒!❜
⸻ in which Rory Hargrove is obsessed to uncover
the truth behind Barbara Holland's disappearance, while
facing her brother's enemy...
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THE SCHOOL BELL RANG, SIGNALING THE END OF THE DAY. Rory quickly shoved her books into her bag, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the classroom. Outside, the sky was shifting to a warm orange hue, and the scent of late autumn drifted through the open window, offering a brief respite from the sweat-soaked air.
The students, who had been dragging their feet just moments before, erupted into an excited buzz, eager to be free.
Rory stood up from her desk, her legs stiff from sitting too long, and started toward the door. But before she could make her exit, the teacher called her back—and not just her.
"Steve! Can you come in here?" Mrs. Tophill's voice was sweet, almost syrupy as she beckoned the ever-popular Steve, the teacher's pet, to stay behind. "Since you're the class rep and know the school so well, could you show the new students around?"
Steve, who was already pulling on his coat to meet his friends, paused, a bored look on his face. "It's a small school. They'll figure it out."
"Yes, Harrington, it's small, but since you're clearly not interested in doing the tiny bit of community service your classmates would appreciate, I'll ask someone else to do it..." Mrs. Tophill's tone shifted.
Before Steve could protest, Aurora stepped in. "No need, Mrs. Tophill. We've got it," she said, her voice calm but assertive. She wasn't about to burden anyone, especially not him. "I have a good sense of direction."
Steve shot her a glance of mild annoyance but quickly recovered. "Fine. Follow me," he muttered, turning toward the door.
Aurora rolled her eyes internally. Why does he always have to contradict me? Yesterday at the road and the awkward moment earlier, were enough for herto already sense his habit of passive-aggressively contradicting her.
Billy, leaning casually against the doorframe, shot Steve a mocking smile. Rory growled under her breath. "If you're thinking of doing something stupid, forget it."
Billy didn't even flinch. He was used to his sister's authority by now. Together, the Hargroves followed Steve, who begrudgingly gave them a more detailed tour. The cafeteria. The library. The study rooms. And finally, the gym.
"This is the gym," Steve droned, sounding like he couldn't care less. "PE classes, events, ceremonies. Basketball championships. You can get to the locker rooms through that door."
The late afternoon sun filtered through high windows, casting a warm yellow glow on the worn floors. It was clear this place had seen a lot of action over the years, but the air still felt heavy, charged with the energy of countless students who'd passed through here before them.
