Twice The Trouble

Chapter 78: Dead End

Stacy

The next morning--Friday,to be exact--I was on my way to my first classroom when I spotted Alison heading the same direction.

Her long buttery-yellow locks followed her every movement as she sashayed closer to me.

Alison glanced at me, and we locked gazes. I wanted to slap her, kick her, claw at her face and pull at her hair. I knew a lot of people weren't fond of me,but of the long, endless list of enemies, she was the prime suspect in the Bulletin Board Incident yesterday.

"I wasn't the one who posted the pictures." Her voice was blunt and direct.

My sky blue eyes narrowed at my fellow blonde classmate. "And why should I believe you?"

"Because it really wasn't me." Alison sighed while we both stood in front of the closed door.

I crossed my arms before me.

"Look," she tried again while meeting my eyes. "I've had a big crush on Bryce ever since I laid eyes on him, and I suppose it's one of the reasons I hate you, because I've seen how well you two get along."

She caught the look on my face so she quickly added: "No, don't even feign ignorance, Sta. Ana. You and I both know that despite your squabbles with Bryce, something's been going on between the two of you." Alison paused. "But I'm not that desperate to ruin you. What the hell do I care about your life? Try to remember, Sta. Ana. Have I ever stooped so low as to humiliate you in a similar way?"

  When I shook my head, she continued: "Let me set this straight, alright? I'm not that petty. If Bryce liked you even though he was still with Scarlet,and if he DOES have feelings for you, then it's none of my business. I know I look and act like a bitch, yes. I pretty much don't like you at all. But I DO have a conscience.I wouldn't resort to underhanded tactics on innocent people. Do I look like the type of person to follow you around with a camera? Don't be stupid, Sta. Ana."

"What do I know about what runs through your head?" I demanded her in annoyance.

"Nothing! That is why I'm telling you this right now." Alison's eyes were serious. "I'm not the culprit behind those pictures. Because I don't give a damn about you and I wouldn't have benefited anything from putting up those photos. I'm clearing my name here. Because I know that ever since those pictures had scattered on the Freedom Wall, I knew that you would have suspected me on the spot. I am innocent, Sta. Ana."

"If you weren't the one who posted those photos, who else could have done it?"

"I don't know!" Alison exclaimed,her expression pinched with irritation. "Maybe a jealous classmate or your haters. A lot of people dislike you, in case you've forgotten! Or perhaps one of your ex-boyfriends or your pathetic admirers or a frustrated ex-girlfriend of Bryce! Figure it out on your own." She stepped inside the classroom, leaving me alone in the hallway.

Maybe a jealous classmate or your haters...

Perhaps one of your ex-boyfriends or your pathetic admirers...

Frustrated ex-girlfriend of Bryce?

Ex-girlfriend? Scarlet?

The hours crawled by like a turtle and lunchtime didn't come fast enough.

I picked up my tray of food before heading in the direction of my boyfriend Lucas' table when suddenly a plastic bottle flew onto me, bouncing off my face.

My assailant was Claire, one of the contestants who had lost to me in the Miss Orion Pageant a few months ago. She was gorgeous.Too bad her attitude contrasted with her pretty face.