** Kiara's pov**-
The Night Before**
The rain poured down relentlessly, creating a symphony of drumming against the windows. I sat on the couch, nervously tapping my foot, glancing at the clock every few minutes. My dad was late, and with each passing second, my anxiety grew. What if something had happened to him? The thought sent chills down my spine.
Just as I was about to call him, I heard a loud bang on the door. My heart raced as I rushed to open it. Standing there, drenched and disheveled, was my dad. But something wasn't right—his face bore a long cut that streaked across his cheek, a dark line of crimson in stark contrast to his pale skin.
"Dad!" I exclaimed, instinctively stepping aside to usher him in. "What happened?"
He staggered inside, shaking off the rain like a dog. I quickly grabbed a blanket from the back of the couch and wrapped it around him, then hurried to pour him a steaming cup of coffee.
"Here," I said, handing him the mug. "You look terrible."
He took a sip and sighed deeply, the warmth of the coffee seeming to rejuvenate him slightly. "It's nothing, really," he replied with forced nonchalance. "Just had a little run-in with some rough guys down by the docks."
"Rough guys?" My voice was laced with concern as I studied his face for any signs of pain. "What do you mean?"
He waved a dismissive hand. "Just some local troublemakers trying to shake me down for money. You know how it is—just part of the job sometimes." He forced a smile, but I could see the tension in his eyes.
I wanted to press further, but something told me not to push it tonight. Instead, I leaned against the wall, feeling a mix of relief that he was home and worry for what he had faced.
"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked softly.
"Yeah," he replied, though his voice trembled slightly. "Just a little shaken up is all."
I nodded slowly, wrapping my arms around myself as I settled beside him on the couch. We sat in silence for a moment as the rain continued its relentless patter outside.
"I'm just glad you're safe," I finally said, hoping to ease my own fears.
He smiled genuinely this time and ruffled my hair affectionately. "Always will be for you, kiddo."
But in that moment of comfort, deep down inside me nagged an unsettling feeling—what if this wasn't just an isolated incident? What if there were more dangers lurking in the shadows?
**School**
Kyle has not been coming to school, Wow, that adds a whole new layer of tension to the story! Here's an expanded version incorporating those elements:
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*
Days turned into weeks, and my worry for Kyle deepened. I tried calling him, but he never picked up. The silence was deafening. I even ventured to his house, hoping to catch a glimpse of him or at least get a sense of what was going on. Each time, the door was locked tight, just like the barriers he had put up around himself.
It was during lunch one day at school when everything changed. Bianca, known for her sharp tongue and even sharper threats, cornered me by the lockers. Her presence was intimidating, and I could feel my heart race as she approached.
"Kiara," she said coolly, her eyes narrowing. "You need to leave Kyle alone."
I blinked in confusion, trying to process her words. "What are you talking about?"
She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a low hiss. "If you don't back off, I swear I'll make sure your dad loses his job."
My heart sank. The reality of what she was saying hit me like a punch to the gut. My dad worked hard to provide for us; losing his job would be devastating. I opened my mouth to respond but found no words. What could I say?
"Do we have an understanding?" Bianca pressed, her expression unyielding.
I felt trapped—caught between my concern for Kyle and the threat looming over my family. With a heavy heart, I nodded slowly. "Okay… I'll leave him alone."
The moment the words left my mouth, a wave of regret washed over me. It felt like betrayal—not just towards Kyle but also towards myself and our friendship.
Bianca smirked, satisfied with my compliance. She turned and walked away, leaving me standing there in a daze.
As I leaned against the locker, my mind raced with thoughts of Kyle. How could I just abandon him after everything? But now it felt like I had no choice.
*Few days later*
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I walked down the dimly lit hallway, my mind racing with thoughts of everything i was trying to avoid. Just as i rounded a corner, my phone buzzed in her pocket. It was a message from Kyle: "Look back."
My heart raced as i hesitated, then turned around. There he was, standing a few feet away, a wide grin plastered on his face. For a brief moment, my impulse was to run into his arms, but then i noticed Bianca lurking nearby, watching the interaction with an intensity that made my stomach drop.
"Kiara!" Kyle called out, jogging towards me. "It's been like forever! I've missed you!" He reached out and held my shoulders gently.
I felt a surge of frustration and pushed his hands away. "Kyle, please just leave me alone," she said firmly, trying to step past him.
"What's gotten into you?" he asked, confusion mingling with concern in his voice. "You know we can talk about this. Just like old times. We can have a little chat—"
"Not now," i interrupted, her voice rising slightly. I could feel Bianca's gaze burning into her back as she tried to walk away.
But Kyle wasn't done yet; he grabbed my hand, holding it tightly. "Kiara, come on! Just give me a chance!"
I pulled away twice before finally stopping in my tracks, feeling the weight of his desperation tugging at my heartstrings. But all i could think about was Bianca's disapproving look and the chaos that would ensue if i got too close to Kyle again.
"Why Kyle?" i muttered under my breath, glancing back at him with mixed emotions swirling inside me. "Why now?"
"Kiara," he pleaded softly, taking a step closer. "Just pause for a second."
"Please, leave me alone"I said trying to leave when he held my arm
With one last look at him—his hopeful eyes and easy smile—it struck her how different things had become.
I saw Bianca looking at me fiercely, I didn't think twice I just slapped him
"I will not warn u again"I said leaving with years in my eyes . I can't believe I did this.
As i turned away from him and walked down the hallway, i felt the weight of choices hanging heavy in the air. I could almost hear Bianca's quiet laughter behind her—an echo of what used to be—and I wondered if running away was really the answer