Secrets of the Solomons

2. Fiona:

*23rd September, 2024*

The school routine starts as usual. I get up. Spend half an hour getting ready, showering, and whatnot. Then I pick my confident outfit for the day and head to school. I grab a quick breakfast on the way out the door to make sure I have enough energy for the day ahead. Then I get in my car and start driving. Now that I am 18 and have my license, I'm allowed to use all the cars without any drivers.

I blast music as I drive there. This is me back at school after jail, and despite all that had happened, I was still excited to see my friends. I couldn't wait to catch up with them and share my experiences from the past few months. As I parked my car and walked towards the school entrance, I felt a sense of relief and anticipation for the day ahead. The school's golden-crested lion on the gate shines as I enter. Students whispered and looked at me with surprised and wide eyes, making me smirk.

I knew I had a lot of explaining to do, but I was ready to face whatever questions came my way. As I made my way through the halls, memories of my time in jail lingered in the back of my mind, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the present moment and the fresh start that awaited me.

As I walked into the hallway, the whispers became louder and people were stepping out of my way. I walked to my locker confident and saw my friends there. Running and lunging at them hugging them tightly, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. It was comforting to be surrounded by familiar faces who were eager to catch up and offer their support. Despite the challenges ahead, I knew that with my friends by my side, I could conquer anything.

"Look who's come back, " Riley giggles as she jumps on top of me with her short frame. "We missed you so much!" I couldn't help but smile, grateful for their unwavering friendship. I giggle and brush her hair back, "Miss you too." Izzy smiled and gave me a hug, and the others followed behind.

"I bet Ginny is eating her hair right now." We all laughed at the thought of Ginny's reaction to my return."I bet she bitched about me while I was gone." "I wouldn't doubt it," Riley chuckles, "but we've got your back no matter what." With my friends surrounding me, I felt a sense of belonging and strength that I knew would help me face whatever challenges lay ahead. Sally huffs," She said stuff like that to me too, but we know the truth." Izzy squeezes my hand, "We'll always have each other's backs." With their support, I felt ready to take on anything. Ginny's voice rang out from across the room, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of me. "Time to face the music," Riley whispered, giving me a reassuring pat on the back. With my friends by my side, I squared my shoulders and prepared to confront whatever was coming my way.

"Ginny," I snickered, "look at you. So confident." Ginny's expression softened slightly, a hint of uncertainty flickering in her eyes. I could sense her bravado faltering, and I knew that together with my friends, we could handle whatever challenge she presented. Whatever challenge she had incoming, would be nothing for me. I can handle much worse. With a smirk, I met Ginny's gaze head-on, ready to prove my own strength and resilience. As she took a step forward, I stood my ground, determined to show her that I was not one to be underestimated. "It's good to see you back, Fiona. You've always been a force to be reckoned with," Ginny said, her voice filled with admiration. I nodded, grateful for her words of encouragement as we prepared to face whatever obstacles lay ahead.

"Oh darling," I stepped forward, "you have a shit ton incoming. You had the audacity to go bitching behind my back. You clearly have forgotten where you stand in the social hierarchy. I mean. How can a pawn even dare to go against the queen?" With a smirk, I added, "But don't worry, I'll make sure you remember your place by the time we're through." I flipped my hair back, walking past her with my friends following behind me. I normally wasn't petty. But it's just one of those days where I feel like ruining a life. The adrenaline rush was always addicting. As I continued walking, I could hear her sputtering behind me, trying to come up with a response. But it was too late for her—she had crossed the wrong person. Today, she would learn the consequences of messing with me. Not just her. Society would.

I had a reputation to uphold, and no one was going to get in my way. The power trip was exhilarating, and I was ready to show everyone who was really in charge. It took just a few taps on my phone and two classes for a screaming Ginny to head my way. As she approached, I could see the fear in her eyes, knowing she had underestimated me. This was just the beginning of her lesson in humility. "Fiona, listen to me. Please." But it was too late to apologize. Ginny had crossed a line, and now she would have to face the consequences of her actions. I was determined to make sure she never underestimated me again.

"Listen to you? Why should I?" I filed my nails as I sat at my friends' usual spot at the lunch table. Ginny's pleading fell on deaf ears as I continued to ignore her, reveling in the power shift between us. The lunchroom buzzed with tension as our classmates watched the drama unfold, eagerly awaiting the outcome of our showdown. "Fiona. I didn't mean anything I said. I take it back. I take it all back."

"Too late, Ginny," I replied coolly, finally looking up from my nails. "Actions have consequences, and you're about to learn that the hard way." My tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation as I prepared to assert my newfound dominance. My friends exchanged nervous glances. Some of my friends, even Riley, seemed scared and were trembling.

Ginny looked like she was about to cry and was taking deep breaths as she spoke," Please, Fiona, I didn't think you'd take it this far. Can't we just talk this out?" But my resolve was unwavering, and I knew it was time to show them all who was truly in charge. I'll do anything to maintain my authority, I thought to myself, feeling the rush of power surging through me. With a steely gaze, I replied to Ginny, "It's too late for that now. You all had your chance to listen, and now you'll face the consequences of your actions."

"Fiona, I swear to God, I'll do anything," I smirk and finally look and acknowledge her existence. I smile amusedly. "Anything? Anything to save your father's precious company?" I can see the desperation in her eyes, but I know that my position is non-negotiable. The power I hold at this moment is intoxicating, and I have no intention of relinquishing it. "Everything, Fiona. Just say the word, and I'll do it. Just stop." I lean in closer, relishing the control I have over her. "Well then, let's see just how far you're willing to go to make things right." My grin widens as I watch her squirm under my gaze, knowing that I have the upper hand in this twisted game we're playing. "Kneel. And apologize for saying things behind my back. Let you be an example of what happens to anyone who dares to go against me."

Ginny's eyes widen, and the students in the cafeteria gasp. Some smirk. Some look amused. Others are scared of what will come next for them. I revel in the power I hold over Ginny, enjoying the fear and uncertainty in her eyes. This display of dominance solidifies my reputation as someone not to be crossed in this high school hierarchy. I can see the realization sinking in as Ginny slowly kneels, her face a mixture of humiliation and defeat. The silence in the cafeteria is deafening, and I know that my message has been received loud and clear by everyone present. The rest of the school day is blurry. My friends are scared.