Tasting

388–Oh! So We Meet Again

Nora:

“You guys explain what I mean,” I said, leaving the office and leaving the brothers to deal with Mr. Fortin, who needed to understand that he had been the problem all along. Instead of stopping the bullying, he kept expelling the victims.

I wasn’t the first student he’d kicked out, he’d done it before. He always asked for help to cover up the bullying issue instead of taking a stand and doing something about the bullies.

As I wandered down the hallway, memories of my time at this school flooded back. I used to have such a stressful time here–all the bullying. trying to make friends, getting into trouble, and finally getting kicked out. It was too much for an outsider like me. I used to think this part of the world would be peaceful, but I was so wrong.

It was just as messy, but the people here hid behind sweet facades.

I sighed, running my hand along the wall until I reached the lockers, where I stopped. The students passing by gave me quick glances, trying not to come too close. I pouted and walked past them, even turning my head to stare at them, but they kept avoiding my eyes.

“She kills monsters,” I overheard one girl whisper. It made sense why they weren’t making snide comments anymore. They must’ve recognized me as the girl they used to bully.

“Nora!” a voice called out, and I didn’t expect to cross paths with *her*. Standing by her locker was April.

-Oh! So We Meet Again

She looked like she had lost some weight, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was because Ryker had broken things off with her.

“I should have known you were coming back. It all makes sense now,” she hissed, but then forced a smile. There was pain in her eyes.

“Oh! Are we talking about your breakup? Trust me, I had no part in it. But I must say-” I added before she could assume I would deny anything, “seeing you look so sad is… mesmerizing. Those tears in your eyes really suit you.”

I noticed a group of girls gathering around me, while the boys kept their distance.

April clicked her tongue, shaking her head before meeting my gaze. “Of course, you’d say that. You’re the one who seduces her stepbrothers, lets them paint her naked, gets obsessed with them, and kisses them outside her room.”

Of course, the things she was saying caught the attention of the passersby. They began gasping and murmuring, whispering about me as they leaned

in to listen.

“How exactly did you manage to trap them?” she asked, her tone dripping with bitterness. There were dark circles under her eyes–had she been crying every day?

I parted my lips, inhaling deeply, then exhaled slowly before pulling out a small notebook from my pocket. I’d been keeping notes on the weeping guardians there.

“Come here, let me show you exactly how I managed it,” I said, tapping my fingers on the cover. Her brows furrowed in curiosity. There was something in her eyes, almost like she genuinely wanted to know what I had written in that notebook.

300–Oh! So We Meet Again

She stepped closer, probably surprised that her sarcastic comment had led me to offer a full explanation. But the moment she got near, I slipped the notebook back into my pocket and grabbed her by the back of her neck.

Gasps filled the hallway as her eyes widened in shock. Without warning, I slapped her. Once, then again, and again. My hand kept striking her, holding her in place with my grip on the back of her neck as her stunned expression turned to pain. I gave her a moment to catch her breath, but as soon as she tried to scream, I let her go, and she collapsed to the ground.

“Say all that one more time,” I demanded, stepping closer and pressing my foot down on April’s stomach, daring her to repeat those words.

“Ouch!” she whimpered, unable to move or push my foot aside. The crowd that had gathered around us had now backed off, everyone giving me a wide berth.

“You should be ashamed of yourself, April. What kind of words do you use?” one of the girls quickly jumped to my side, eager to stay in my good graces, barking at April.

“She’s always been like that,” another girl hissed, casting April a look of disdain. April, on the other hand, just stared at them, wide–eyed, stunned by their sudden change in attitude.

I let them throw their insults before I finally moved my foot off her and crouched down to speak more directly.

“It’s true, isn’t it? Associating with the Alpha King brothers gives one a certain power, but once that’s stripped away, anyone can come and belittle you, right?” I said, tilting my head as I spoke.

“As for the Alpha Kings, they’re not my brothers, so…” I shrugged casually, “thanks to you and-“I paused, raising my gaze to see Natalya standing among the crowd, nervously swallowing as fear flickered across her face.

61

388 Oh! So We Meet Again

It was time to have a little chat with my old friend.