Chapter 2 

Leah's P.O.V

When I went home, I wasn't always alone. I had a friend-Melissa. But she was ill, and didn't come to school today.

Once I got home, I was usually alone, until my mother returned from work, which isn't until very late at night, and today would be no different.

Getting to the door, I exhaled in relief, my heart filled with joy. I don't know if I'm weird, but I'm usually happier when I return from school.

I took out my key to open the door, but realized that the door was unlocked. That's odd. My mother left for work the same time I left for school, and I remember locking the door with my own hands.

Could it be that thieves had broken into our house?

I pushed the door open and slowly entered, my eyes scanning everywhere like a detective. Nothing had been stolen yet-well, at least nothing from the dining and living rooms.

I could hear the running tap from the kitchen. Could it be that the thieves had left the tap running?

I peeked in the kitchen, and when I saw that there was no one there, I entered and turned off the tap.

"Leah?" a feminine voice called out my name.

I was startled! My heart raced to Everest and back. I almost screamed, but before my mouth could react, my brain recognized it as my mother's voice.

I turned around with a smile and rushed to hug her. "Mom!"

It was rare to find my mom at home by this time of the day. Though I was happy to see her, I was also worried if something bad had happened at work. Let's say like... being sacked?

"You're back early. Did something happen at work?" I asked.

"I know what's going on in that small head of yours," she chuckled. "Nothing bad happened, silly." Mom brushed her index finger down my nose, and I giggled.

"My boss said I could go home early today. He knew you'd be graduating soon, and suggested that I spend more time with you before you go to college."

"He sure is a nice boss," I smiled. At this point, I finally perceived the sweet aroma coming from the pot. Mom was already preparing dinner! 

"Oh! You're making dinner! Can I be of help?" I asked. 

"Yes, but you should freshen up first," Mom replied.

"Okay, Mom!" 

I ran upstairs to my room. I'm so happy I could finally spend some time with Mom after a stressful day in school. That night, we watched a movie and stayed up late, because the next day was Saturday. 

We spent the weekend together, and for once, life felt normal.

On Monday, I went to school in good spirits.

"Oh Lord, may things go well today," I prayed silently.

I got to school early as usual, and throughout the day, Sky and his friends were nowhere to be seen, and I was very happy about that.

After the last class of the day, I walked to my locker confidently. Once I put away some of my textbooks and took the ones I wanted to read tonight, it'd be time to go home.

And just before I got to the locker hall, I heard a voice behind me.

"Hello."

I froze in terror. I could already smell the danger behind me -it was Sky.

"I'm talking to you. Don't you know how to say hi to your friends?" he asked.

I slowly turned around and said nervously, "Hi." 

"I'm inviting you to our basketball match. It will be in two days.

Since when did we become this close?!

"Um... I... I don't like sports," I stuttered.

"It's not just an invitation, it's an order. If you don't show up, I promise you'll regret it." His tone lightened as he added with a smile, "After all, what are friends for if you don't support me in every step of the way?" 

Without waiting for my response, he left.

"We're not friends," I muttered.

I was relieved he didn't say much, at least this was going to be the last time I'd be threatened by him. Exams would begin next week, and that was a silver lining in the sky for me.

After high school, I'd never see him again.

The day of the basketball match came in the blink of an eye, and before Sky went to the court, he gave me instructions.

"Listen to me carefully. You're going to give me water and a towel when I'm done."

I really wanted to slap him, but I could only nod in agreement. I hoped this game would end soon. The game started, and all I saw was a bunch of idiots running around on the basketball court.

After what seemed like an eternity, the game came to an end, and it seemed like Sky's team won.

When the players left the court, many girls rushed to give them water. Though it was against my will, I got up and went to Sky, but some girls brushed past me, almost pushing me to the ground.

"Seriously?!" I stared at the girls, speechless.

"Sky, look at me!"

"You're so hot!"

"I love you, Sky!"

'These girls are crazy!' I frowned slightly.

I glanced at Sky, who remained expressionless, his chin lifted, looking like a proud demigod. It made me want to punch him!

Then his eyes locked onto mine, a slow, knowing smirk pulling at his lips. 

My pulse stuttered.

The game wasn't the worst part. It was what he planned to do after...

Chapter 3

Leah's P.O.V

Sky looked at me strangely, the look in his eyes was as if he were trying to pass a message. Perhaps, signalling me to come over like his personal maid, and do as he had instructed.

I rolled my eyes, but went to him anyway. I pushed my way through to the front, stretched the bottle of water to him, and he took it.

The girls gasped and glanced at the lucky girl, whom Sky had accepted. When they saw it was "Leah", their gaze turned hateful. Of course I knew what they were thinking.

"Why would Sky choose her, of all people? What was so special about her? And since when did they become this close?" And blah, blah, blah.

I, on the other hand, was angry within myself. Everyone was staring at me weirdly, and the girls were unusually silent. Everyone's gaze was fixated on Leah, Sky, and the girls. Just the kind of attention I would've appreciated - if I were famous.

"Great!" I muttered under my breath.

I wanted to leave this place, so badly, as if I'd be infected by the world's most deadliest disease if I stayed any longer. It was awkward being stared at by this kind of crowd, in this kind of situation. I know what everyone was thinking right now - a girl craving Sky's attention was standing before their very eyes, holding a face towel. She even gave him a bottle of water.

Yeah, right. They always made a big deal out of everything.

Good. I've had enough of this. I turned to throw the towel at his face and leave, but just as I lifted the towel to his chest, I gasped loudly.

Sky emptied the bottle of water over my hair. The cold water sent shivers down my spine, and I shuddered involuntarily.

"Look what the cat dragged in," Sky said in a mocking way, and everyone burst out laughing.

Alicia, the lead cheerleader, stepped forward, pressing herself against his arms. 

I couldn't help but feel nauseous. I mean what are kids as old as them doing in our class in the first place?

"Sky, you must be thirsty. And having to deal with this filth," she glared at me for a split second, then smiled at Sky, "you must be exhausted."

Alicia opened the bottle of water and handed it to Sky. Surprisingly, he took it, and drank from it.

"Ooh!" The girls gushed.

"They look good together!"

"Skylicia for life!"

"I envy her!"

"Who does Leah think she is, by the way?"

"Leah could never stand up to Alicia."

"Did she think Sky would like a wretch like her?"

"I wish I could be Alicia!"

They went on and on, saying all sorts of nonsense, but soon, they all sounded like distant noises to me. 

Did Sky make me come here, just so he could humiliate me and make me a laughing stock again?

If that was his plan, then congratulations to him for succeeding.

Their haunting laughs echoed in my ears once again. I was more than embarrassed. My eyes became misty, and before I could even think twice, I ran out of the hall.

I went to the locker hall, and on the way, people kept staring at me, and I also heard giggles. Not sure if I was the object of their giggles, but it kept echoing in my head.

Once in front of my locker, I opened it and locked myself in. I sat thMy spare uniform wasn't in my locker, and I couldn't go to class looking like this! Lost in thoughts, I fell asleep.

I don't know how long I had been in my locker, but when I came out, classes had ended, and school was almost empty. I touched my body and realized that even my dress had dried up... already? That was fast.

I quickly carried my backpack and went home in a hurry. My body ached all over, and it felt like the burden of the entire world was laid on me! Even on the bus, I kept stretching, but the pain didn't want to leave. The more I stretched, the more I felt the weather getting colder.

When I got home, mom wasn't back yet. Thank goodness! If she had returned before me, she would've been worried sick.

I went to my room, and after freshening up, my head felt heavier, and I sat on my bed. The world was spinning before my eyes, and everything in my room was rolling on the floor.

I felt the need to stand up and arrange them, but I was afraid I'd fall. Just then, my fear came to pass-the bed seemed to glide toward the wall, and I collapsed back onto it. Everything happened so fast that I felt dizzy. I was lying in an uncomfortable position, but I couldn't get up. The next minute, I opened my eyes, the light in my room was blinding.

I closed my eyes, and listened to my environment. Some people were murmuring. Who had entered my room? Are they thieves?

I wanted to take a quick glance, but my eyes felt heavier. Soon, I felt a sharp sting on my arm. I opened my eyes, but saw nothing but pure white, and then heard my name. Was this a nightmare?

Shortly, I opened my eyes and saw some creatures. Their description matched very well with the ones I had read in a horror story -long legs, sharp claws, ugly looking with their fangs bared. Only one thought was in my head-Run!

I turned around to run, but it seemed like I was strolling instead. I glanced back at them, and they snarled and growled, approaching fast. I tried to run, but it seemed like I wasn't moving.

I tried to scream, but no sound came out. They grabbed me -one holding my left arm, and another holding my right. I wanted to cry, but the tears weren't pouring. Instead, a sharp headache hit me.

If this was a dream, now would be the right time to wake up!

They threw me in a dark abyss. I kept falling, until I finally opened my eyes. I tried to sit up, but the sharp headache hit me again, and I groaned.

It wasn't until now I realized that this wasn't my room. This wasn't home! Where was I?