Heart Me

Chapter 27

Kayla's POV

Discovering that Lily and Grace were sisters only fueled my determination to uncover the truth about Mia attacking Lily. Unfortunately, my sprained ankle was a major setback. The nurse at the infirmary had insisted on plenty of rest to ensure a quick recovery, meaning I was sidelined from camp activities for the foreseeable future. Oddly enough, the solitude of my cabin provided an unexpected respite from the usual hustle and bustle of camp life.

I reclined on my bed, pondering my next move regarding Mia. The camp had fallen silent, with everyone off engaging in various activities. I held my phone in hand, uncertain of my intentions. Just then, the screen lit up and my phone started ringing. It was Dad. I suspected Auntie had already informed him about my injury.

"Hey, Dad," I sighed, answering the call.

"Hey, sweetheart, how are you doing? How are you feeling?" His voice was laced with concern.

"I'm fine, Dad. Relax," I chuckled, shaking my head. Parents and their perpetual worry.

"Your leg? You need to be careful. What if you broke it instead?" he scolded, his worry palpable.

"But I didn't break it. It's just a sprain, Dad. I'm okay," I reassured him, rolling my eyes.

"Just be careful. Okay..."

"Okay, Dad. Does Mom know?" I asked, dreading the thought.

"No. If she knew, she'd probably be there making a big deal out of it," he sighed with relief.

"And you're not making a big deal out of it?" I teased, a smile creeping onto my face.

"I'm just concerned. Sweetie, I have to go. How about FaceTime later?"

"That sounds great. Bye for now, Dad. Love you," I said warmly.

"I love you too, baby girl. Bye," he hung up.

"Back to Mia," I muttered, lost in thought. "What do I do?"

Staying cooped up in the cabin all day wasn't an option. I gingerly got off my bed and treated myself to a long, bubbly shower. Feeling somewhat refreshed, I decided to explore the camp, despite my injury. It turned out to be a mistake. The more I walked, the more my ankle throbbed. Just as I was about to retreat back to my cabin, I heard voices nearby. Two people were arguing.

"Everyone should be out in the woods right now," I mused. "What are they doing here?" My curiosity piqued, I hobbled closer, hiding behind a flower bed to eavesdrop. When I saw who it was, I gasped in shock. "Holy crap, Clarke and Mia?"

"Why won't you just leave me alone? Ever since I got admitted to Astra High, it's been nothing but problems. And you're the biggest one. Why are you piling more onto my plate? Leave me alone, Clarke," Mia's voice quivered with frustration.

"You know, at first, when my dad told my sister and me we'd be joining Astra High, I was bored out of my mind. Then I saw you, and everything changed—from boring to traumatizing. I'll never forgive you for what you did to me," Clarke hissed, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Listen here, dude. Heal," Mia spat, literally, right into Clarke's face. He wiped it off with his shirt, seething with rage. Spitting on someone? That was a new low, even for Mia.

"I can take a little disrespect, but..." Clarke pointed a finger at her. "I'll make sure everyone knows your true colors, you little piece of shit."

Mia grabbed his pointing hand and forced it down. "What will you tell them? Will they believe you? And even if they did, how would you tell them? They'll just think it's a made-up story. You, of all people, know the ugly things I'm capable of. Don't cross me."