Bets, Beds and Treads || 18+

𝒙𝒊𝒙.

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ xɪx
| ᴛ ʀ ᴏ ᴜ ʙ ʟ ᴇ |
𝐑 𝐄 𝐈 𝐍 𝐀

𝗜 𝗪𝗢𝗞𝗘 𝗨𝗣 to a sharp pain in my leg-a real, throbbing ache. My injury got infected, obviously. No surprise there-I knew this was coming, just didn't think it'd hit this hard. Yesterday, after hauling myself back from the waterfall and surviving that awkward mess with Reign, I handled the little trouble my own way.

But with every throb of pain, it's clear my way did no shit. This isn't just a sting of recklessness; it's a full blown warning shot. Yeah, I know Reign told me to get my ass to the hospital, but here's the deal: Sia's probably sporting a concussion, and if my injuries look like child's play next to hers, how the hell am I supposed to defend myself if this goes to court? Can't exactly show up with my wrecked car as a good enough excuse for beating the shit out of someone and just walk away, can I?

My bruises and this laceration isn't just a wound, it's my insurance, my evidence-proof that she didn't walk off clean. There's no cavalry coming to save me-my parents are halfway across the globe. So I've got no choice but to watch my own back, even if it means pushing myself to the edge. Yea, it's calculated. I'm not that of an idiot (well, maybe I kind of am, but it's part of the charm). I just hope I don't end up losing my leg after this. And honestly, it's creeping me out how this hasn't made the news yet, especially since it's been all over the internet. I wonder what's going on with the D'souza family?

And I still haven't picked up dad's calls. Instead, I sent him a message saying I'm fine. It didn't stop him from blowing up my phone, though. He must totally be flying over here right now and he's probably also losing his mind right now, but unfortunately, I can't deal with his endless scolding at the moment. You have officially signed your death penalty.

The pain made driving my spare car to school impossible, and as I considered skipping, I realized that'd only make things worse. So, I dialed Reign. I could have called anybody else but we already know I love to nag him. I actually thought about calling Ryder at first but let's be real-he would give me another earful about being careless, just like he and everyone else did when they showed up at my place yesterday. And of course, I had to lie about going to the hospital.

Reign picked up on the third ring, which told me he was already at school. It's getting late, after all.

"You're in big trouble," he said, cutting off my greeting. Oh wow, who'd have guessed?

I roll my eyes as I stay silent for a moment, letting the tension stretch between us.

"You'll be in bigger trouble if you don't come pick me up right now." I retort.

A pause. I could almost picture him narrowing his eyes like he always does, that signature scowl etched on his face.

"I'm already at school, Reina," he said, like I wasn't aware.

"You think I don't know that?" I quipped.

"Why," he said slowly, "are you asking me to pick you up?"

"Because my wound feels like it's about to burn me alive-aka, I can't drive. And I don't have anyone else to drive me. And it's getting late." I said flatly.

Another beat of silence.

"Mm... that actually sounds like a good reason not to pick you up at all," he said, sounding smug as hell.

I widened my eyes, confused. "And why is that?"

"Karma." He said simply and with that, hangs up. What the fuck?