What They've Done To Us

43 ➹ breaking even

Once the waters heated up, I step in turning to face away from the shower head. I'm not in over my head, am I? This plan isn't going to completely ruin the girls' lives, will it? It's just some petty revenge.

What if you're wrong?

My consciousness creeps in, intruding on me as I scrub away at my body under the blazing heat.

You're no better than them, in fact, you're worse.

No. You're doing this for a friend, a friend whose life has gone to shits because of what the girls did.

He'll be fine. They'll be fine, why are you doing this?

Because it's right.

Wrong.

I turn the tap off, feeling the water come to a halt so I can get out of the shower and reach for my phone. Once in damp hands, I turn the music to the loudest volume and then head back in.

I'm doing this because it's right, not because of anything else. No, I couldn't have other intentions.

🂱 🂱 🂱

Bailey waits up on me. Her hair is blow-dried and she's changed into casual clothes. A.K.A her favourite forest green oversized hoodie and white flare pants. I think she has a dozen of them hidden away in her closet.

"You waited." I point out.

Bailey shrugs, "not much else to do, is there?"

"Whitlocks a big school, there's so much to do!" I disagree, Bailey just shakes her head, turning away as I take off my towel and start to dress.

"Trust me you haven't seen half of Whitlock if you think anything else. I'm surprised Az hasn't shown you everything, being head boy gives him all the perks. He also grew up coming here before any of us so there's that."

"He's busy, plus I don't think he can stomach seeing me any longer than he already does. With swimming lessons and all."

"Nah, he definitely likes you," I reassure, tugging my jeans up one thigh before the other. I swear to God If I'm out of breath after doing this I will lose all dignity.

"You think?" Bailey asks, turning back to me. Her cheeks flush at the question.

"Of course! Azriel is the busiest person I know, he wouldn't just teach you how to swim because he felt obliged to. He definitely likes you."

I catch Bailey attempting to fight off a grin before letting her emotions win. "Oh, okay. Thanks."

"Anytime. Oh also, we are so going exploring today. I bet you haven't even had the honour to meet the spade's quarters creepy black cat!"

"Their what?" Bailey's shrieks, and if it weren't for previous conversations about our mutual love for animals I would've thought she'd hated them.

"Before Mayo existed, Solar did." I let her know, a matter of factly. "Solar belongs to some kids in the spade quarters and they're usually really protective over him but I'm sure I can get them to let you meet him."

"Do the teachers know this is going on?"

"You silly goose, Of course!" Bailey looks a little relaxed, I hadn't really pinned her for a completely good girl. "...they don't," I finish off, not paying attention to her alarmed look. I catch sight of her staring at me with her mouth agape as I pull my hair up into a ponytail. I look away from my mirror and leave the room, "Come on, Bailey." I call out, leaving the door open.

"If I get expelled my parents will actually disown me." Bailey's concerned voice draws from behind me and I smile, I didn't really think that would work.