"Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold"
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Rose Ampersand, a transfer student. Mysterious, rich and quiet. A silent beauty she seems. And yet, how did she manage to climb onto the throne of the academy's social hierar...
The Lockridges' mansion stretched across the vast piece of land with gaudy hued lights radiating out of every window and the loud thumping of very loud music. Party-goers were scattered around the front porch of the extravagant mansion, most clad in expensive clothing - Chanel, Gucci, Burberry.
Rose scanned the people from the silent comforts of her Volkswagen, fingers drumming the steering wheel. It has already been twenty minutes and Everett has yet to make an appearance. Her patience was waning. She wasn't going to barge into the lion's den without knowing where the lion is.
"Where is he?" she fumed.
Unable to wait a minute longer, she unlocked the car door and set her high-heeled foot onto the lion's territory. Some people took notice of her arrival and began weaving their way to her, arms held up as an offer for her sip their booze. They crowded around her in a small, tight circle. She wasn't claustrophobic but this suffocated her.
"Oh my god, I can't breathe. Can all of you just make way without the need to crowd me?" she exclaimed, pushing past them and rushing into the doorway of the residence. She staggered backwards when her body collided against someone else's.
A hand slipped around her waist, acting as her only form of support while she made an effort to regain her balance. "You can afford a Hermes bag but can't afford even a pinch of elegance. Society is doomed," Everett's velvety voice mocked her.
If only they weren't on such terms with each other, she would have found this moment rather romantic. "Thanks for being a gentleman, Everett. Now will you be kind enough to let go of my waist?"
"Au revoir," he retracted his hand, causing Rose to land on her rear end. A small groan left her lips when she felt the ache that ensued. She shot him a glare and internally swore to get back at him. He shrugged in response, unfazed.
There were times like these where she wished she hadn't underestimated his potential during the dinner. Similar to her false flirtations and seductive gestures, he was her mirror back then. Her thorns didn't harm him for he knew how to maneuver his way around her stem. What a fool she was.
"If you would excuse me, as the host of this party, I'll have to inevitably attend to them," he cocked up a brow while she got back up on her two feet, slender fingers brushing off imaginary dust. "Don't forget to find Damien okay? You remember the instructions don't you?"
She grinned, thrilled to play this game. How could she forget the damned set of instructions? It was an obvious hint that he knew her pretty little secret.
Find Damien and he will lead you into a room. He'll also offer you a shot of tequila. Comply.
In the room, you can find your next clue if you are capable of spotting the finest of detail
Karma bites back - along with the sins you have commited
Hope you don't regret meeting me
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Minutes after Everett's departure, Rose leaned against the doorway frame, eyes hopping from one person to the other. There was bound to be a pattern in the way they mingled around. They weren't aware that they didn't just socialise mindlessly, for they tended to subconsciously swarm near the higher ranked Elites.
Human minds are so fascinating.
The interior of the mansion was a drastic contrast to hers, professionally furnished and completely, utterly modernised. The walls of the living rooms were partially made out of glass, cloud patterned flushmount lights were attached to the ceiling, which gave the room it's dazzling glow. A long couch was placed strategically before the glass wall so it would overlook the garden crowded with rich high school kids.
Rose allowed herself to sink in this image of the living room and the patterns in which everyone moved in. By mapping the mansion, she would then be able formulate a strategy or maybe an escape plan in case anything goes wrong.
She thanked her lucky stars when she spotted Damien's iconic black leather jacket, disappearing up the flight of stairs. Without missing a beat, she hurriedly trailed behind him, her Alexander McQueen heels clicking against the marbled steps. Once she reached the last few steps, Damien was already waiting for her. His expression screamed boredom, surprisingly.
"Why agree to be a part of Everett's games when you can disagree?" she asked. It's rare to come across one of the minority at Trinity Academy who didn't worship her.
"I-"
"Are you afraid that he would murder you treason?" she dryly humored, interrupting him mid sentence. He frowned, annoyed to have been rudely cut off.
"I am doing it because he is a close friend of mine and I treasure my friendship with him dearly." His jaw was set, tensed. She rolled her eyes and had to bite back all the harsh remarks she had on the tip of her tongue. To her, Damien would have been such a nuisance. She was unable to comprehend how Everett could stand him being so attached.
Ignoring her attitude regarding his statement, he turned on his heel and guided her down the wide hallway, to a locked door. Then, the gears in Rose's mind suddenly clicked. She smirked knowing that she might hit jackpot. "You like Everett don't you? I have noticed the way you act around him."
If he was taken aback by her assumption, he didn't show it, or so he hoped. Rose's sharp eyes detected his miniscule discomposure. No one could fool her since her uncanny attentiveness was her most prized asset. Except for Everett, of course but was she going to admit defeat just yet? No.
"As a matter of fact, no I don't like him. You must have been observing the wrong person," Damien said while he unlocked the door using a key. "Before you enter, drink two shots of tequila. I have no clue why I was instructed to tell you so."
She pursed her red painted lips in utter disapproval. How had Everett managed to figure out that she had low alcohol tolerance? Maybe it was purely her ego hence why she drank the shots without giving it a second thought. Indeed was she gambling a great deal today. Almost instantly, her vision blurred but just for a brief second or two.
Arms outstretched, legs wobbly, Rose struggled to walk in a straight line. The alcohol was kicking in, fast. Certainly an indication that something bad was bound to occur. Her heel gets entangled with a piece of fabric and stumbled, almost losing her balance for the second time that night.
Vexed, she bent down and seized the fabric off her precious heel. "What a pest. You better contain something valuable." She inspected it, jaw dropping immediately upon discovering the picture stuck it. It was a polaroid of Amelia.
Forbidden tears brimmed her eyes, threatening to fall any moment. Was it guilt she felt? Or was it sorrow? Amelia beamed gleefully in the picture, a cheerful soul, who had to experience a dreadful series of events. Nonetheless, she wasn't going to shed a tear, especially not where she was situated at currently.
She hastily wiped the tears away and concentrated her energy on scouring for the next clue.
Finest details.
"This is total bullcrap," she sourly commented, her knees tiredly sinking into the plush carpet underneath her. Her blood thrummed loudly in her ear and then, she heard footsteps.
I despise you Amelia, for putting me through this. Yet I don't.
A/n: Gah I have exams and here I am writing this chapter. Oh wellsss
