Little Miss Popular

❥ Chapter 24

Unlike the rest of the hospital, this room looked cozy and inviting. The window was open, allowing the warm dusk light to filter in, illuminating the multiple vases of flowers that filled the room and making them appear even more vibrant. A half-eaten basket of snacks sat on the bedside table, and the sweet scent of jasmine wafted through the air, creating a calming atmosphere. There was a cute rug on the floor, adding an extra touch of homeliness. The hospital bed was piled high with plush throw pillows and soft blankets, accompanied by adorable animal plushies. Next to the bed, a small table displayed a collection of photographs, showcasing a younger Ivan beside a girl who resembled the woman currently sitting on the hospital bed.

Alicia looked up as we entered, her face lighting up with a smile at the sight of Ivan. He told me that she was still only remembering bits and pieces of her past, but it was reassuring to see that she felt comfortable with him.

"Hey," Ivan said as he set down another bouquet of flowers and adjusted the pillow behind her back, never once letting go of my hand. "You look cheerful this morning."

"Yeah, I finally get to meet your girlfriend!" she exclaimed, setting her spoon down and beaming at me. "Sit next to me, Elizabeth."

I settled down beside her bed as Ivan pulled a chair closer for me to sit on.

"Ivan mentioned you like sushi, so I brought you some," I said, placing the plastic bag on the table.

"That's so thoughtful! Thank you!" she squealed with delight. "I haven't had it in so long!"

Despite being twenty-two, her demeanor felt much younger, even though her appearance suggested she was in her thirties. It was clear that she endured unimaginable trauma. Alicia eagerly opened the box of sushi, pulling out two sets of chopsticks and handing one to me.

"No, it's okay," I gently declined, shaking my head. "I can't eat raw fish."

She didn't seem to mind, breaking the chopsticks apart and digging into the sushi.

"I also brought some snacks for our movie," I added, pulling out bags of popcorn and chips from my bag.

Her eyes lit up as she examined the options, a smile spreading across her face.

"Ivan already told me so much about you, but I want to hear more! What was high school like? I never got to enjoy it."

I began sharing stories, telling her everything from how Ivan and I met to my rise as the Queen Bee of our school.

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A feeling of happiness, one that had become familiar to me since meeting Elizabeth, spread through me as I watched them whisper and giggle to each other, already acting like best friends. I wanted to excuse myself, but they seemed completely absorbed in their conversation, barely noticed my presence.

Just as I was about to step out the door, my Queen called out to me, "Hey, you're leaving already?"

"It's getting late; visiting hours are over," I replied, "I'll let the nurse know you're spending the night so she doesn't interrupt your girls' night."

She gazed at the darkening sky through the window before looking back at me. "Okay."

Alicia waved goodbye, and I waved back before stepping outside.

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I observed the shadow behind the curtain through the window. When the light finally went out, I waited thirty minutes before making my way back to the familiar house.

After carefully pushing open the first-floor window, I stealthily went up the stairs to their room. I creaked open the door gently, peering in to ensure they were still asleep before opening the door wider. Their breathing was slow and deep, suggesting they were both in a deep sleep.

After considering how to handle two people instead of my usual target, I decide to go with a classic staged robbery. I quietly made my way back downstairs. I grabbed the television first, followed by a few expensive-looking art pieces, loading them into my car. I shoved a small table aside, shattering the vase that had been resting on top. I heard shuffling from the upper floor and, I accidentally break a cup.

Finally, Mr. Alardo appeared at the top of the stairs, gripping a baseball bat.

In a swift motion, I pulled out my gun with a silencer and shot him point-blank before he could even react.

The upper floor was eerily silent, so I make my way back up the stairs as quietly as possible. I assume she had already called the police, so I needed to be quick. I opened the bedroom door, only to find the room empty. Careful not to make any noise, I approached the walk-in closet. The door was locked, so I stepped back and kicked it open, splintering the wood. Inside, I find Mrs. Alardo crying and shaking, a contrast to her bullying demeanor from yesterday.

"Stand up," I commanded, my voice steady.

"Ivan...?" Her shaky voice asked, as if recognizing me. "What are you doing? Please, we can talk—"

"Stand up." My tone was harsher and more commanding now. She seemed taken aback by the shift in my demeanor, slowly rising to her feet, fear evident on her face.

A smirk crept across my lips as I shot her twice—once on her side, then again in her chest. I tossed some clothes onto the floor and broke the mirror, creating the illusion of a struggle. I bend down and rip off her ring from her finger. Finally, I snatch as much jewelry as I could before rushing downstairs. I heard the wail of sirens as I jump out the window, slipping into my house through the back.

A flurry of police cars pull into the driveway next door. I wait a moment before mingling with the other neighbors to feign ignorance about the situation.

"What's going on?" my uncle asks as he joined me.

"No idea..." I reply, playing the role of the concerned citizen.

He turned to inquire with another neighbor, who informed him that the police had arrived unexpectedly, followed by an ambulance that brought out a body bag. Whispers filled the once-quiet street, growing louder when another body bag was brought out the house.

I will dispose of the stolen items later, or maybe keep them for Elizabeth if she wants them.