Threshold of Forever

CHAPTER IX

ELISE POV

After Dayne and I wrapped up our final exam, our stomachs grumbled loudly, urging us to find food. With shaky knees from hunger, we hurried into the cafeteria, hoping to grab a quick bite. However, as we entered, the cheerful sounds of laughter mingled with an uneasy tension. A group of students had gathered at a table, their voices rising and falling in a way that hinted at someone being targeted. Whispers and stifled giggles suggested that bullying might be happening right before us. Dayne exchanged a concerned glance with me, and we debated quietly whether to intervene or find an adult. Despite the cafeteria's lively atmosphere, the unsettling scene cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of relief after exams.

Dayne had already placed our order while I sat on the side, observing the groups of students in the middle of the cafeteria. Despite the crowd, not a single person intervened as one student was clearly being bullied. Unable to see clearly from a distance, I couldn't identify the victim. Unable to bear watching any longer, I stood up and walked towards where they were, ignoring Dayne calling after me. I pushed through some students and saw a girl drenched in juice with pasta on her head, her uniform dirty.

"Alessia," I whispered to myself, recognizing her. I hurriedly helped her to her feet.

As I helped Alessia to her feet, anger simmered within me. The sight of her drenched in juice, pasta on her head, and her uniform dirtied sparked a surge of frustration. I glanced around at the indifferent faces of the other students, my disappointment growing. Ignoring Dayne's calls, I guided Alessia away from the group, trying to comfort her despite my seething anger.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice tight with restrained fury.

Alessia looked down, tears welling up in her eyes.

"They... they just started laughing and then... they poured juice on me," she stammered, wiping at her face.

My fists clenched involuntarily as I struggled to contain my emotions.

"It's not right" I muttered under my breath, more to myself than to her.

Dayne caught up to us, her expression a mix of concern and confusion.

"What's going on?" She asked, noticing the tension in the air.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Despite the anger burning inside.

After seating Alessia at our table, I turned away with a fierce determination to confront the person responsible. As I approached their table, my anger boiled within me. I felt someone grab my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. I turned, and Alessia looked at me, silently shaking her head. I knelt down beside her, gently wiping tears from her cheeks.

"I'll be quick," I assured her softly, giving her a reassuring smile before standing up and walking over to the group of students who were still laughing and chatting.

My grip on the juice I had grabbed tightened as I marched towards their table, the anger in my chest burning hotter with every step.When I reached them, I saw the girl who had poured juice on Alessia earlier.

Without hesitating, I poured the juice over her head. The cafeteria fell silent as the liquid dripped down her hair and clothes. She stared at me in shock and disbelief, her expression quickly turning from smugness to humiliation.

"Do you think that's funny?" I demanded, my voice cutting through the stunned silence.

"Do you think it's okay to treat someone like that?"The girl stammered, lost for words as her friends looked on in surprise. I stood my ground, my anger palpable but controlled.