But this time, it was different.
The bullies couldn't lay a hand on Annie like they used to. Her strength had grown—and with Kayla by her side, she was no longer an easy target. But instead of backing down, they escalated.
Refusing to accept their loss of control, Rose and her crew brought reinforcements—more students, more fists, more fear. They came in numbers, surrounding Annie and Kayla like wolves closing in on prey.
This wasn't just bullying anymore. It was retaliation—for standing up, for fighting back, for breaking what they called "the Rose Garden rule."
Annie stood her ground, her fists clenched. She wasn't afraid—but she knew this was going to be a battle she and Kayla couldn't win alone.
Annie and Kayla fought back with everything they had. Their training wasn't wasted—they blocked, dodged, and countered with precision. For a moment, it seemed like they could hold their own.
But the sheer number of attackers was overwhelming. Every time they pushed one away, two more closed in. The fight was relentless, and it was becoming clear: this wasn't a battle they could win—not like this.
Realizing the danger, Kayla shouted, "We need to get out of here—now!"
Without another word, the two broke through the crowd, ducking punches and shoving past the chaos. Bloodied and breathless, they ran—side by side—toward the only safe place they could think of.
Kayla's house was nearby. As soon as the door slammed shut behind them, the silence felt louder than the fight itself. They had escaped—for now.
But both of them knew this wasn't the end
Outside, the streets weren't quiet.
Groups of students still roamed the area, searching, circling nearby blocks like vultures. Their voices echoed faintly through the neighborhood—shouting, laughing, calling names. They were hunting for Annie and Kayla.
But inside the house, the two girls remained hidden—safe, at least for now. Kayla had locked the doors, drawn the curtains, and double-checked the windows. The silence in the room contrasted sharply with the chaos outside.
Their bodies ached, their breaths still unsteady. But they had made it out.
And for the moment, that was enough.
But deep down, both of them knew—this wasn't over. Not with the Rose Garden. Not with Rose and her loyal pack of tormentors still out there, unchecked.
This was only the beginning.
As they sat in the dim quiet of Kayla's house, bruised and breathing hard, they made a silent vow.
They would take down Rose and her underlings. All of them. No more running. No more fear.
The next time they crossed paths, Annie and Kayla wouldn't just be defending themselves.
They would be fighting back—with purpose.