𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐧? 𝗃𝖺𝗆𝖾𝗌 𝖻𝖾𝖺𝗎𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗍

𝐈. 𝐨𝐧𝐞.

"Shadow's of us are dancing, In the light of the moments,
we never quite took time to taste.
Bound by fate's unyielding decree,
two hearts yearn, yet never to be free.
Can we dare to love, can we dare to touch ?
Or are we sentenced to fantasize only of the other taste forever and ever."

I hastily slip on my shoes and stumble down the stairs. Arriving in the living room, my eyes scan the room and notice the bottles of wine labeled "Bardot" piled in every cranny, the shadows of people who were there last night still dancing and laughing at me. Family photos still in perfect condition hang on the wall, just above torned photos of me as a child, reminding me of my place in this household.

I quickly extricate myself from this detail that has chased my life since birth, and reach for my phone to call my uncle, who only answers after 2 rings.

—"Yes, princess ?"

—"Artie, please, I desperately need your help. I got up too late cause you know dad had a party here last night and, and, uh, i just didn't sleep well so now i'm paying the price cause my bus just left. And you know i can't be late again or he's gonna kill me this time." My voice dissipated into a whisper as the last sentence left my mouth.

—"Sweetie, i'm like 5 minute away from your house don't worry. I'm coming, so get ready."

I nodded, turned my head one last time towards the living room and hurried out the door. My bag slung strictly over my shoulder, I ran as soon as I spotted my uncle's black Mercedes.

Once inside, my brain finally lets my lungs breathe. I kiss Arthur on the cheek and settle in. He slowly starts,

—"So, you say your dad had another party at your place yesterday."

—"Unfortunately, you know, I know you deliver your wine out of kindness and for your mother. But I seriously think you should stop. It's good wine wasted on someone who isn't even worth the price of a bottle of water."

—"Even though I find the comparison very funny, you know I can't. I made a promise."

—"Even if it destroys him more than it repairs him?"

—"Some people just don't accept being fixed, the taste of pain is a flavor that makes them feel alive you know."

I simply look at my uncle and turn my head towards the road. If the taste of pain makes my father feel alive, maybe that's why he makes me suffer. To make me feel alive. My thoughts race together, and a few minutes after my uncle pulls up, I realize we've arrived at Maxton Hall. My eyes roam the school, and a shiver runs down my spine when I notice a few irises directed at the car that transported me today.

My hands go to open the door, but my uncle abruptly holds me back, my skin slightly burned by the sudden contact. A burn I imagine my uncle also felt, given the expression on his face.

—"Alayna", he pauses for two seconds, then continues in a reassuring voice, "don't forget that all this is temporary. Soon your life will be entirely in your own hands, and no one will be able to push you over the cliff."

I nod again and thank him before getting out of the car and closing the door. I pay no attention to people and try to get into the school as quickly as possible. My gaze meets Lydia Beaufort's, who was already watching me. I look down and, notice my bestfriends waiting for me, so i rush into Blair's arms.

Blair Hamilton has been my best friend since I was admitted here. Despite her status far superior to mine. She's my Buoy in this ocean of sharks. Arms folded, we begin to cross the forest of heads that separates us from Mr. Sutton's classroom. Once in the class, Blair settles in and I head for Ruby Bell.

—"Hey Ruby, I brought you the book, i think your'e gonna love it. It's very different from mangas but still."

I grab my copy of Pride and Prejudice and pass it to Ruby. She thanks me and I'm about to reply when our conversation is interrupted by Mr. Sutton's voice.

—"Everyone take your seats."

I take mine, next to Lydia Beaufort's table, who has been staring at me strangely since this morning.

At the end of the hour, the three of us leave the classroom.

—"So Layna, are you still planning to ask Lexington for your Oxford application letter?" asks Ruby.

—"Oh, shit!" says Blair.

—"B, you know what your dad would have said if he'd heard you."

—"I knew it, I forgot my phone in Sutton's class, and the mic must still be on cause i needed to record the lesson and we're already late for the meeting, my God !"

—"Baby, no trouble, I'll get it, you and Rub go to the meeting, I'll be there in a few minutes."

Blair thanks me and she and Ruby leave, while I head for the famous room.

I walk, and as my feet take me to the front door, I notice noises coming from inside. I don't ask myself more questions, and decide to enter through the back door. I simply open the door gently without looking, walk over to the phone, which was indeed still recording. But suddenly, my ears are drawn to...

A moan ?

My eyes automatically turn to the desk, witnessing a scene that would surely haunt them for weeks.

Lydia Beaufort on the desk, and Mr Sutton attacking her mouth. Just between her legs, back to me.

I'm petrified by the scene, unable to produce a song. Mr Sutton attacks Lydia's neck again and again by what she responds with a whimper - his first name, that i learn, is Graham. Beaufort's hands wander over the body of our teacher, who in turn moans. It's at that moment that a warning signal runs through my body.

I turn to run, and just as my eyes meet Lydia's for the last time, the door of the room slams behind me. Sutton's screams calling me pass through my ears like whispers in the wind and soon enough they're left with only the ghost of my presence.

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Hello, welcome to Guilty as sin? This is a fanfiction from the Maxton Hall series that I love and if your here you two surely. Please know that I write absolutely everything from the small text at the beginning to the end of the chapters and that English is not my first language so be please, kind.

I don't know if any sexual scene will be added, but know there will be mention of trauma, violence and alcoholism. Excuse my spelling mistakes, and fell free to leave a comment, it motivates me to write more!

Love u and see you soon, c.