The Other Side of Silence

The Plans Take Shape

Weeks had passed since the break up but my mind couldn't stop replaying Maya's words and I couldn't get it out of my head either. "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, and I pray Johnson does the same to you, Bitch."

Johnson noticed my distress and change in behavior around him and asked what was wrong. I didn't want to tell him what happened nor do I want to get him involved so I told him it was just mood swings and he said okay.

I know Johnson really cares but I can't stop these thoughts from flooding my head; What if Maya is right and Johnson dumps me as well? What if he decides to publicly disgrace me for some reason unknown to me for right now? Or what if he decides to cheat on me with Evie or McKayla (My arc nemesis who thinks she's better than me which she's not), or what if he says after dating me he turned Gay? Okay I need to stop paying attention to my thoughts I'm getting. My blood pressure might just go up if I keep thinking about those thoughts.

Ugh

Well...

I know I can trust Johnson not to cheat on me so why am I thinking like this.

Forget that. The person who equally caused this hasn't been in school for a while now and he's postponed my revenge plan for way too long. It's frustrating me, I'm going crazy right now. I don't know what to do to get back at him but I know someone who may.

_____________

"Ay yo Ava, what's going on, You've been avoiding me since last week, did I do anything wrong?" Evelyn asked cautiously due to the tiredness and anger clearly visible in my eyes.

"No Evie it's not you, I've just been dealing with some shit I don't want to drag you into that's all."

"Well, you know you can tell me anything and you know I'm always here to help, so tell me what's wrong. Maya and I spoke last night and she told me you guys had a falling out and that I shouldn't bring up your name nor anything regarding you anywhere close to her, and when I asked her about it she shrugged it off. Does that have anything to do with it?" She asked with her words laced with concern.

"Actually... Yes that's why, I don't want to rope you into what's going on between us right now, where not in a good place at all and I didn't want to involve you so Maya wouldn't get angry with you as well. I honestly glad that she's still talking to one of us."

"Stop leaving me in suspense here, are you going to tell me what happened or should i find out myself?"

"No, no, I mean yes, I'll tell you but just not right now, but I do need your help in taking down Luke, all I can say for now is he played a major role in the destruction of mine and Maya's relationship and I'm not gonna rest till I take him down, so you in?"

"Yes of course I'm in, anything to help my besties get back together. Eeee I'm like Cupid but instead of love arrows I'll be shooting destruction arrows at Luke and reconciliation arrows at you and Maya. It's not a nice sight to have you both fighting."

"We'll get right on the planning, but once lunch is over."

"Yh, you need to get that belly of yours fed." Evie laughed trying to lighten to mood.

_____________

As I walked home from school, the crisp autumn air couldn't shake off the lingering unease. Luke's betrayal still simmered, fueling my determination. How could he manipulate me into hurting Maya, my best friend? The guilt and anger swirled, making my stomach twist.

I entered my cozy bedroom, dropping my backpack beside the door. My journal beckoned, filled with fragmented thoughts and plans. I grabbed a pen, letting my thoughts spill onto the page.

That evening, Johnson met me at "The Cozy Cup," our favorite café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped us as we settled into our usual booth.

"Hey, what's going on? You seem distant lately," Johnson asked, his brow furrowed.

"I'm just stressed," I said with a shrug.

Johnson's eyes narrowed. "You can trust me, Ava."

I forced a smile. "I appreciate that, Johnson."

Johnson's expression showed he didn't believe me, but he dropped the subject.

The next day, I met Evie during lunch in the school courtyard. The warm sun cast a comforting glow.

"Hey, Evie, with Luke absent from school, it's the perfect time to gather intel," I whispered.

"What did you have in mind?" Evie asked.

"We can start by talking to people who might know something. See if anyone's noticed anything suspicious," I replied.

Evie nodded. "I've already heard some rumors. People are wondering why he's been out for so long."

"That's exactly what we need to find out," I said, determination growing.

As we parted ways, I felt a surge of responsibility. This was just the beginning.

That evening, I sat at my desk, staring blankly at my journal. Where did I even start?

The next day, Tyler invited me to study with him and Evelyn at the library. The musty scent of old books enveloped us.

As we pored over our textbooks, Tyler asked me about my recent behavior. Evelyn chimed in, "Yeah, Ava, you've been really distant lately." Trying to seem oblivious to everything in front of Tyler.

"Just stressed," I repeated.

Tyler's eyes narrowed. "Is everything okay, Ava?"

In that moment, I let my guard down. "It's just...Luke knows something about me."

Evie's expression turned concerned. "What is it, Ava?"

"Something that could ruin mine and Maya's friendship even more," I whispered.

Tyler locked onto mine, his expression unreadable. I knew he was Luke's twin brother.

My heart sank.

"Nothing, Tyler. Just forget it."

But the damage was done. Tyler's gaze lingered.

I quickly gathered my things. "I need to go."

As I rushed out of the library, I felt exposed.

Later, my phone buzzed with an unknown number.

"Luke's coming back. Be ready."

My heart skipped a beat.

Over the next few days, I noticed subtle changes in Tyler's behavior.

One evening, as I walked home from the library, Tyler caught up with me.

"Ava, can we talk?" he asked.

"What's up, Tyler?"

"I know something's going on with Luke," he said.

My heart skipped a beat.

"What do you mean?"

"I know Luke's been messing with you," Tyler replied.

My heart skipped another beat.

"What do you want from me, Tyler?"

"I want to help you," Tyler said.

Could I trust Tyler?

Or was this another trap?

I walked home, lost in thought.

As I approached my house, my phone buzzed again.

"Meet me at the old oak tree in the park at midnight. Come alone."

Unknown number.

My heart sank.

Who was this?

What did they want