Angela woke the next morning with a strange mix of happiness and exhaustion. The memories of the previous night lingered faintly, laughter, music, and the dizzying rush of dancing until she could barely stand. She had been completely drunk, lost in the moment, and for once, she hadn't cared.
With a small sigh, she pushed herself out of bed and headed to the bathroom. After a quick shower, she slipped into her school uniform and stood before the mirror, studying her reflection. A soft smile curved her lips.
"At least school will be peaceful without Fiona and her annoying friends," she murmured to herself.
Feeling lighter than she had in days, Angela grabbed her bag and hurried out, her steps unusually cheerful as she made her way to school.
Meanwhile, Fiona and her two friends had been admitted to the hospital. Their condition was critical, but Fiona had suffered the most severe injuries. The incident had shaken everyone, especially her parents, who were determined to find whoever was responsible, no matter the cost.
The police had already begun their investigation, but so far, they had found no solid leads.
The news spread quickly throughout the school. Fiona and her friends had been badly beaten by a group of unknown girls. Surprisingly, many students seemed pleased by the incident, whispering about it with satisfaction.
Angela, however, kept silent. She had only told Elsa the truth.
"She deserved worse," Elsa said coldly. "I just wish she'd never come back to this school."
Angela let out a quiet sigh.
"You know that's impossible. If anything, she'll come back because of me." Her gaze hardened. "But trust me, Elsa… I won't let Fiona or anyone else hurt me like that again. I'm ready, for her, and for anyone who tries to cross me."
As Angela walked down the hallway, she suddenly spotted Jerry approaching her.
"Angela!" he called with a bright smile before pulling her into an unexpected hug.
She stiffened instantly and shoved him away.
"Jerry, what is wrong with you?" she snapped. "Who gave you the right to hug me without my permission?"
"I'm just… I'm really glad you're back," he said quickly. "I confronted Fiona, and I swear I won't let her hurt you again."
Angela frowned slightly.
"Really? Well, that's… thoughtful of you," she replied flatly, turning to leave.
"Wait!" Jerry called after her. "Did I do something wrong? Please, Angela… forgive me. I misjudged you before. You're not who I thought you were. I'm sorry, for everything."
She paused briefly, then nodded.
"Fine. You're forgiven. I have to go now."
Without another word, she walked away, leaving Jerry standing there, watching her with a satisfied smile.
Suddenly, someone tapped his shoulder.
"Hey, Jerry," Liam said, raising an eyebrow. "What exactly are you trying to do with Angela?"
Jerry's smile widened.
"I want to court her."
"Seriously?" Liam let out a sarcastic laugh.
"What's so funny?" Jerry frowned. "I'm in love with her. I mean it. I want to change her life, for the better."
Liam shook his head.
"Alright, maybe. But don't you think Chris won't allow that?"
"Chris?" Jerry scoffed. "He's nothing. And honestly, who cares? I'm sure Angela will come around… especially when I start spoiling her."
Later that evening, school finally ended. Angela waved goodbye to Elsa and headed out through the gate.
That was when she saw Chris, standing beside his driver.
Her expression hardened instantly, and she turned away, quickening her pace.
"Angela!" he called, but she ignored him.
Within seconds, he caught up to her.
"Are you avoiding me?" he asked.
"I'm avoiding trouble," she replied shortly.
He frowned.
"And I'm your trouble? Do you still believe what Fiona said?"
Angela didn't even look at him.
"Maybe. Either way, this is for the best."
She walked off without another glance.
Chris stood there, watching her disappear into the distance, then sighed deeply.
"She never listens…"
*
The next morning, the air was cold and still. Angela dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a matching top before stepping out onto the quiet street.
Only a few people were around as she quickly bought herself something to eat and returned home. After finishing her meal, she made her way to the riverside, her eyes fixed on the calm, flowing water.
"It's cold out here. What are you doing?" a soft voice asked from behind.
Angela turned and saw a little girl standing there.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"This…" she said gently, glancing back at the river, "is where I was found as a baby. The woman who raised me told me before she passed away."
She paused, her expression softening with distant memories.
"It's… a long story."
"So, little girl… aren't you feeling cold? I should head back home. I don't want to freeze," Angela said, rubbing her arms against the chill.
"Yes… I'm really cold," the little girl replied softly, her voice almost trembling. "Maybe… you can help me?"
Angela paused for a moment, then smiled gently.
"Alright… here."
Without hesitation, she took off her jacket and carefully draped it over the girl's shoulders.
"Thank you so much," the girl said, her eyes bright. "But… What about you?"
"I'll manage," Angela replied with a small smile.
The little girl beamed and suddenly wrapped her arms around Angela in a warm hug.
"Thank you so much."
Angela blinked in surprise but slowly returned the embrace.
"I have to go now," the girl added, stepping back. She gave one last smile before turning and disappearing down the quiet path.
Angela stood there for a moment, then shivered slightly as the cold crept in.
"I should get back," she muttered.
As she hurried home, her steps quick and uneven, she froze the moment she saw a car parked in front of her house.
"Who the hell is that…?" she murmured under her breath.
Her brows furrowed in confusion, until she saw him.
"Chris?!"
Shock flashed across her face.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded, folding her arms tightly as she tried to fight off the cold. "How did you even find where I live? And who gave you permission to come here?"
Chris let out a small breath, a faint smile forming on his lips.
"Come on, Angela… you should be happy to see me. Do you know what I went through just to find this place?"
"Really?" she shot back. "Because I don't remember asking you to."
Chris glanced at her, noticing the way she shivered slightly.
"It's freezing out here… and you're not even wearing a jacket."
Before she could respond, he stepped closer and gently placed his jacket over her shoulders.
Angela hesitated, caught off guard.
"What about you?" she asked quietly.
"I'll manage," he replied with a soft smile.
For a brief second, Angela remembered the exact same words she had told the little girl.
Her expression softened, just slightly.
"…Come in," she said at last.
Angela led him into her room. It was small, simple, but neat and well-kept.
She handed him a wooden stool.
Chris sat down without complaint, his eyes scanning the room with quiet curiosity.
Angela crossed her arms, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
"Gosh… aren't you ashamed of yourself right now?" she said with a dry laugh. "The great Chris Peterwerth, sitting on a wooden chair in a place like this. You really shouldn't have come. This place isn't for someone like you. If your parents find out, I might be the one in trouble."
Chris simply smiled.
"I'm comfortable, Angela."
His calm response caught her off guard.
She quickly looked away.
"So… what brought you here? Just be grateful I even let you in."
Chris leaned forward.
"Do you live here alone? Where's your family?"
Angela's expression changed instantly.
"Family?" she repeated, raising a brow.
A brief silence followed.
"I think it's better if you leave," she said, standing up.
Chris nodded slowly.
"Alright… if that's what you want. I can tell you're not comfortable with me here." He paused. "I just wanted to see how you're doing. Since it's Saturday, I thought… maybe I could visit you."
"This early?" Angela asked, surprised.
"Yeah," he said with a small grin. "So we could spend the day together. I thought it might be… fun."
Angela stared at him, clearly taken aback.
"Fun?" she let out a short laugh. "Here? She shook her head. "You came at the wrong time. I'm always busy on weekends, parties, and friends… you know."
She slipped off his jacket and handed it back to him.
"I don't want a repeat of last time," she added with a faint smile. "Thanks for the jacket."
Chris looked at it, then back at her.
"You can keep it."
"I don't need it," she insisted, placing it over his shoulder.
Without another word, Chris turned and walked out.
Moments later, his car drove off, disappearing down the road.
Angela stood at the doorway, watching until it was completely gone. She let out a slow breath, a strange feeling settling in her chest.
"I shouldn't have let him go…" she murmured softly.
She hugged herself against the cold.
"At least he came all the way here… just to check on me."
Her gaze lingered on the empty road.
"He's been so nice to me lately…" she whispered..
"…why?"