𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐍

𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒅𝒆 10: "𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆"

୨୧
France, Paris
ISP
O.T.M.
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The air is electric tonight, pulsing with the anticipation of the dance. As I step into the venue, the twinkling lights and shimmering decorations envelop me in a warm glow. But beneath the surface of the vibrant atmosphere, a sense of unease clings to me like a shadow. I’ve been avoiding Mrs. Carter like the plague ever since that kiss, but no matter how hard I try to suppress it, the feelings I have for her never quite dissipate. They linger, a constant reminder of the complicated emotions that swirl in my chest.

Tonight, I’m here with Summer, my current source of comfort and distraction. She’s not my girlfriend in the traditional sense—we’re still figuring things out—but there’s a chemistry between us that’s undeniable. Summer’s laughter echoes through the room as we stand near the punch table, her bright smile lighting up the space. We’re cute and flirty, exchanging glances and playful nudges, but in the back of my mind, I can’t shake the nagging feeling that Mrs. Carter is watching us.

And sure enough, I catch a glimpse of her across the room, leaning casually against the wall in a stunning red dress that hugs her curves perfectly. Her blonde hair falls in soft waves around her shoulders, and she looks nothing short of radiant. But as our eyes meet, I see something flicker in her gaze—concern? Jealousy?—before she quickly averts her eyes, a frown settling on her lips. It sends a thrill of excitement and confusion racing through me.

“Onika, come on! Let’s dance!” Summer pulls me out of my thoughts, her excitement infectious.

I shake my head, feeling a pang of reluctance. “I don’t want to,” I reply, my voice tinged with hesitation. The thought of dancing, of being in the spotlight, makes me feel vulnerable, especially with Mrs. Carter nearby.

“Why not?” Summer teases, playfully poking my side. “You have to at least give it a shot! It’s the last dance before term one exams!”

“I just… I’m not feeling it,” I say, glancing back at Mrs. Carter. She seems to sense the shift in the energy, and her eyes narrow slightly, as if she’s measuring my every move.

“Fine, but I’m going to dance with my friends then,” Summer says, her playful tone remaining. She gives me a quick kiss on the cheek, making my heart flutter before she rushes off to join the others on the dance floor.

As I watch her go, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. I should be enjoying this night, but my mind is still tangled up with thoughts of Mrs. Carter. My heart races as I notice her push herself off the wall, a determined look in her eyes as she approaches me. It’s like she’s waiting for this moment, and suddenly I feel exposed under her scrutiny.

“Onika,” she starts, her voice smooth yet slightly hesitant. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Mrs. Carter,” I reply, trying to keep my tone steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach.

“Just making sure,” she says, her eyes searching mine. The moment stretches out between us, filled with an intensity that leaves me breathless. There’s something in her expression, a mix of concern and something else—possessiveness, maybe?

I look away, feeling the weight of her gaze. “So… is that your girlfriend?” she asks suddenly, and the casualness in her tone contrasts with the seriousness of the question.

“No, we’re just something,” I say, unable to keep the irritation from creeping into my voice. I can’t help but feel defensive. I don’t want her to think I need her approval or validation.

Her brow furrows slightly, and I see the flicker of jealousy in her eyes. “Just something?” she echoes, her voice tinged with disbelief. “You seem pretty close.”