Teach Me to Please | Please Me #1 - Chapter 62: Chapter 62

Prom.
The night almost every high schooler had been dreaming of. Senior Prom. The night where everything and anything could happen.
In reality, prom was probably extremely overrated and my outlook on it had changed drastically during these past few months. A year ago, I would be stressing over designer dresses, hot dates, and Prom Queen. Now, I could only think of one thing.
"Sienna! Roman's here."
Having an amazing night with my boyfriend.
Eeek! Boyfriend — okay, I needed to stop it now.
I finished smoothing down my dress and looked in the mirror one last time. Yes, I looked hot, and yes, I was excited.
Taking in one deep breath, I grabbed my phone and made my way downstairs. I couldn't believe I was nervous but I was. Excluding the ultimate takedown we had planned for tonight, butterflies whirled in my stomach knowing that I was going with the perfect guy and I wanted everything about tonight to be perfect.
I got to the top of the stairs only to see him standing by the front door looking insanely handsome in a suit and black tie. Urgh, what the hell did I do to deserve him?
His eyes scavenged me up and down as I carefully walked down the stairs, begging to not trip and look like an idiot.
"Woah..." he was completely lost for words as I reached the bottom step. Woah. God, the butterflies only got wilder.
"Woah yourself." I replied back trying so hard not to blush.
He checked me out one last time, letting out a long breath, "You look stunning, I... woah..."
A giggle left my lips, "You've already said that."
Something must have come to his mind as he nervously fumbled in his jacket pocket and pulled out a corsage. "This, erm, is for you."
I held my wrist out as he placed it on my wrist, "Roses." I smiled as I glanced down at the gorgeous, silky red petals.
"I thought it was fitting." He gave a boyish smile back up at me once it was on.
"It is." I smiled back. I didn't know what else I could say but the entire atmosphere around us was thick and full of something. Tension. Love. Both. I wanted to live in this special, little place for just a little longer.
A cough to my right startled us both as I saw my mom and dad watching in the kitchen doorway.
"Sorry to interrupt." My mom chuckled. "But it's picture time."
It took her awhile to get the perfect picture, with Roman's help of course as she kept accidentally clicking to video. Once it was over, Roman walked me to his car and opened the door for me.
"All black, huh?" he eyed my outfit one last time.
"I consider it to be the funeral of my high school career. Plus, I look hot."
He chuckled at my response as I got in and I heard him mutter under his breath, "No argument there."
❦❤︎❦
Tons of students were already pulled up at school, many couples walking in with excitement radiating off them as they made their way into the gymnasium.
"Can't believe I'm at Prom." I heard Roman chuckle under his breath. My eyes flickered over to see him staring out the window.
"I can." I whispered in response and he looked over at me curiously. "Even if we weren't together, I still would've made you come, you know."
He laughed, knowing it was probably true, "But what if you didn't know me at all? What if this never happened?" and that made me sad. It was sad to think of me never knowing Roman – the boy who had given me so much, who made me feel so much and still continues to. Yet, I had this strange feeling lingering in my heart.
"That's not possible." I shook my head adamantly.
He furrowed his eyebrows, "And why not?"
"Because I'm starting to believe that the universe has it all planned out. Even if we didn't meet in the way we did, we would've met in another." There was too much between us to have happened coincidentally. I will always believe that this, no matter how debatable it might be, was destined.
"I don't think that's scientifically possible." He replied. Of course he'd say that. I rolled my eyes. "But I'd like to think that too."
"Good." I replied, "But it's true."
"Sure." He chuckled. I knew he was a person of logic and science but if he'd believe in the scientifically impossible for me, that was what I could live with.
We got out of the car and walked up to the entrance.
"You ready?" he grinned down at me.
"Baby, I used to do this in my free time. Question is, are you?" I playfully raised an eyebrow and instead of an answer, he chuckled and placed a kiss on my forehead before we walked inside.
The theme of this year's Prom was 'Starry Night' and so blue and white fairy lights were hung everywhere against black backdrops. The gymnasium itself was exactly the same along with the bright, spinning lights of the disco ball and the silver and gold foil backdrop of stars and moons hanging down against the entrance and photobooth.
"Looks better than Junior Prom." I commented, "The theme was safari." And yes, there were papermached animal heads decorating the walls. Slightly disturbing if you asked me.
Roman held in a chuckle as we searched the floor and within minutes, I immediately spotted Rya.
She wore a sage green, silk dress that flowed effortlessly as she walked and her hair was tied back into a sleek, low ponytail. She was stunning to say the least and the looks of awe she got from the single boys as she walked past was obvious to everyone but apparently her.
"Hey!" she excitedly rushed up to me and flung her arms around me. "You look amazing." She pulled away, "You guys are definitely the hottest couple here."
"Thanks!" I laughed, "But look at you! You're stunning!"
"My moms designed this dress but don't telling anyone that because it's technically supposed to make its debut in Milan tomorrow night." She winked just as Taylor walked over with two drinks in his hands.
"Hey! Damn, you guys look great." He said as he handed Rya her drink.
"Says you, you two look amazing!" I replied back and send a teasing wink in Rya's direction. She blushed immediately. "You guys ready for tonight?"
"Oh totally." Rya nodded enthusiastically. "But Taylor here won't tell me what he and Adam have planned." She nudged his side but Taylor only chuckled.
"Trust me, you'll love it, but it's a surprise." He grinned back at her.
"Well, it better be good." Rya shot back.
"As I said," he nodded, "Trust me."
I smiled to myself at the exchange and in the corner of my eye spotted Leah rushing towards us. Her gown was a gorgeous lilac made from lace and tulle with her hair in a classic half-up-half-down style.
"Sienna, hey!" she smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around me. It was weird, for so long Leah and I had hated one another and now I would consider her a friend. Life's ironic, isn't it?
"Hey! You look gorgeous." I complimented as she let go.
"So do you! Nikki's already arrived and has been bragging about winning Prom Queen all night." She sighed, irritated at the last part.
"Good, let her relish in that for the time being." I nodded. "Don't worry too much about it, Leah. Enjoy your night." I added on as I noticed Adam coming by her side and wrapping an arm around her waist. He seemed completely mesmerised by her beauty and I couldn't blame him. Leah spent most of her high school days hiding how pretty she was and now she was shining brightly with a new found confidence. It suited her well.
Adam and I only exchanged brief nods as I felt Roman's arms wrap around lowly on my waist and his hand squeezed my hip.
"Yeah, I want to take pictures." Rya announced and turned to Taylor.
Adam nudged Taylor's side, "Yeah, take some pictures with your date, Ron Weasley."
"Ha, ha, you think you're hilarious, don't you? But listen here, sunshine, I've heard it all before." Taylor shot back.
Adam laughed, "Whatever you say, Roja." And Taylor rolled his eyes at the nickname. It was a nickname Adam's mom always called Taylor and Taylor had always hated it.
"Coming, handsome?" Rya took back Taylor's attention and grabbed his hand.
Taylor chuckled, "Sure thing, sweetheart." And as they left, Adam asked Leah if she wanted a drink and so they went off to the punch bowl, leaving Roman and I alone.
"I should check the stage and DJ booth to make sure –" but as I went to leave, Roman grabbed my waist with both hands and pulled me back.
"You should take your own advice." He chuckled softly, looking down at me. "Have some fun, Sienna."
"We will have fun." I rested my palm on his chest. "Tonight." I started to teasingly run it down until he grabbed hold of my wrist and placed my arm around his neck.
"That's not what I meant." He shook his head with a smile. "You only get one high school Senior Prom."
I noticed how the upbeat song changed to one much softer and acoustic.
"Dance with me, pretty girl."
Roman took my hand and led me to the middle of the dance floor and I suddenly realised that in all the time I'd known him, we had never danced together.
I reached up to wrap my arms around his neck and he tightened his arms around my waist as the music played all around us.
We began to sway, slowly and calmly against the soft waves of the guitar as other couples swallowed us in the crowd. It was funny. Never in my life would I have imagined me to be dancing at my Senior Prom with Roman Lawrence but here I was and I was enjoying every second because I was so inexcusably, madly, fucking in love with this boy.
And when I looked up at his eyes, they were full of so much awe and love my heart practically exploded. I wanted him to look at me like this forever and somewhere in my heart, I knew he would. I was never one to believe in meeting your soulmate in high school; I used to look at those high school sweetheart stories and gag... and yet I've found just that.
From whatever will happen. Arguments, long distance, careers, I know that I love this boy enough to get by. To get through whatever hell life throws at us. To look over my shoulder and always see him there.
"You're thinking too much." Roman whispered, cutting me from my thoughts.
I leaned forward and rested my head against his chest. I have also decided that I will continue to wear heels so that I will always be able to reach up and rest my head right there and listen to his heart.
"I love you." I murmured and meant it the most I had ever meant it before. I felt his hand reach under my chin and pull my face away to look up at him before he leant down and placed a kiss on my lips.
It was only a simple kiss, and even though we were in a hall full of so many other students, everything melted away into a perfect nothingness that only seemed to capture us in this simple silhouette of the moment.
He pulled away so his lips lingered on mine, "I love you too." And I knew it was the most he'd ever meant it before too.
The song finally came to an end and the Drama teacher, Miss Allen, came up to the stage to make the announcement we all had been waiting for.
"Hello to all students, it is time to finally announce your class Prom King and Queen!"
We all clapped and Rya and Leah instantly appeared by my sides.
"Let's all give a round of applause to our nominees." Miss Allen said and we continued clapping. "I am first going to announce our Prom Prince and Princess."
"I've never liked this thing, why can't they just stick it to Prom King and Queen?" Leah mumbled by my side.
"Because our school likes to be extra." Rya chuckled and we all giggled.
"May we give it up for our Prom Prince and Princess, Alyse Mitchell and Adam Reeves!" Miss Allen announced
"Puta madre, I thought I asked to be taken off the nominations." Adam sighed irritatedly behind me.
Taylor smirked and nudged him, "I put you back on, sunshine."
Adam shoved him back, "Que te den." He cursed and sighed before walking back up the stage to meet Alyse.
Alyse seemed delighted and I was happy for her. She was never insanely bitchy, sure sometimes a bit superficial but it was high school, most people were superficial.
"And for your Prom King... Chad Willman!" Miss Allen announced.
"Of fucking course." Rya scoffed and Leah placed a hand over her mouth to stop herself for snorting a laugh.
"Didn't realise Prom King stood for fucking girls in school girls?" I muttered to Rya, and Leah stared back at me wide-eyed. Poor girl probably didn't need to hear that part.
"And for Prom Queen..." I grabbed both Rya and Leah's hands and they squeezed back as we waited for the announcement.
".... Nikki Saxon!"
The whole room erupted in claps and cheers as Nikki faked expressions of surprise and shock with a dramatic hand on her heart as she ascended the stage stairs.
Rya, Leah and I still kept our hands interlocked as we watched silently. Nikki ran up and practically grabbed her crown with the fakest tears in her eyes.
"Oh my god! This is such a surprise and honour!" she beamed into the microphone. Yeah right.
I felt Taylor lean down and whisper in my ear, "On your cue, sweetheart."
My eyes lingered on Nikki a moment longer before a smile split my lips.
"Now."
In a matter of moments, a bucket right above Nikki's head poured the brightest, most neon green slime all over her hair and dress. I always did say my favoured colour was green as a child.... like the Nickelodeon slime.
The whole room stopped clapping and went completely silent as Nikki began to freak out.
"What the fuck?!" she burst out before two glitter canons went off side by side and covered her head to toe in rainbow glitter.
Best thing about glitter? You can never seem to get rid of it.
The gym began to erupt in gasps of shock and a few snickers before Nikki's raging eyes scanned the room with complete confusion and humiliation. Leah placed a hand over her mouth to try and hide her laughter whereas Rya bit her lip to try and hold it in. I, on the other hand, couldn't stop smiling.
The snickers quickly turned to laughs and I noticed Roman by DJ, handing over a CD to be played on the projector.
"I want to talk." I heard my voice play over the gym and suddenly projector was screening Nikki and I's confrontation.
"Talk?" her voice echoed back, and I saw the realisation strike in her eye's up on stage.
"Yes, about the little rumour situation. I don't think you realise how much damage it can really do."
"Oh, I do." Her voice simply replied, completely unbothered. "And it really seems to bother you, doesn't it?"
"It doesn't matter if it does, you can ruin people's lives with a rumour like that."
"Oh, trust me, I know, and it's really got me thinking. UNC Chapel would totally not be happy giving out a scholarship to a liar and a fake – oh yeah, and a huge slut, but I wonder what the University of Pennsylvania would say too?"
Everyone began to mutter and look around the hall with confused yet distasteful expressions at Nikki's remarks.
"You wouldn't." I heard myself threaten back.
She laughed to herself, "How does it feel to be under someone else's control, Sienna? How does it feel be inferior?"
The video fast-forwarded slightly before it paused again and my voice rang out, "Sometimes it's fun to pretend, don't you do that with all your affairs with Mr Bernard, who's married with two kids just in case you didn't know which I'm sure you do."
Gasps echoed loudly through the school halls and suddenly a new security video was put on and it was of none other than Nikki and Mr Bernard making out in the Art classroom after hours.
Fun fact, when your best friend goes to a computing summer camp for three weeks in the 6th Grade, she can hack into the school's security system to get any video she wants.
Nikki's eyes went wide with mortification, and I peered over at Mr Bernard who was standing with his wife – well, now ex-wife I assumed as she slapped him straight across the cheek and threw a drink in his face. Ouch but good for her.
Then the video stopped, and only an audio played.
"So.... What d'you want to do?" the suggestive, taunting voice of Nikki spoke through the speakers
There were a few minutes of silence before, "I want you to tell me the truth." Roman's voice demanded bluntly.
Only Roman and I had heard this audio. I asked him if he really wanted to put it out there for everyone to hear but he insisted. It was brave but that boy was one of the bravest people I knew, and I was adamant to always stand by his side no matter what.
Nikki laughed, "What truth?" Her footsteps getting closure.
"The truth about Sienna." The footsteps stopped.
"Oh my god! Are you seriously still so hung up on her? She's a bitch, Roman. Get over it."
A few students looked my way but I ignored them.
"I'm not a fucking idiot, Nikki. I know you did something."
Mutters began to circulate the hall as the audio kept playing at full volume.
Nikki scoffed. "And what makes you think that? Jesus, I was coming up here for some fun. Not for some pitiful interrogation."
"How did you know I got a scholarship to Penn?" Roman demanded.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"A couple days ago at lunch, you asked me about my scholarship to Penn. There are only four people that know I even went up for that scholarship, only three knew I got it. Plus, you talked about Sienna's chance at a UNC Chapel Hill scholarship, and I know damn well she would never tell you about that."
"My dad's the Vice Principal, duh? So, I obviously know everything because he tells me. I have good access."
Suddenly all eyes were on Vice Principal Saxon who stood at the edge of the stage with Principle Cunningham, beginning to give him the evil eyes.
"Exactly your dad is the Vice Principal... And didn't your dad also set up the CCTV cameras in the halls a good couple months ago?"
Nikki's voice sighed, "And?"
"And wasn't that video of the talk between you and Sienna of the CCTV footage. Sounds like you'd have good access to them too."
My heart still pounded out of my chest as I listened to the seconds of silence following afterwards.
"What even is this? I was the one who was there for you after that bitch embarrassed you! She talked about you like some piece of shit!"
The murmurs in the gym only got louder and Nikki desperately looked around for her dad who kept his head down low in disappointment.
"I was embarrassed when that video got send out. I was so angry and heartbroken I could even see or think straight but you took that as your opportunity to drag me around everywhere. To use me as your little object. But then I got some common sense when my head started to clear, and I realised something."
Nikki's voice chuckled carelessly and sighed, "Fine, tell me whatever the hell you realised. It'll only make you look like even more of an idiot. You've finally gotten popular, and you honestly want to throw that all away?"
"I don't give a shit about popularity believe it or not, and now I'm only popular because of something horrible or the way I look, but before any of this I was good at observing and I didn't fail to notice how every time you looked at Sienna, you seemed to envy her so much. You wanted what she wanted. You wanted that power. So, as soon as you got the chance to knock her down and take it. You took it. You've hung around her long enough to know the way she works. You knew she would do something – say something to protect the people she cares about. You knew she would fall right back into her persona as a safety net and be a bitch."
Suddenly everyone's eyes were on me, but I didn't dare look back, I kept my eyes glued on Nikki who desperately looked around to try and see where the audio was coming from.
Nikki clicked her tongue. "Fine. So, what if I did?" there. There it was. She chuckled lightly and I heard footsteps walk towards him. "So, what if I did something? It only shows much bitchy and immature she is. You don't want a girl like that, Roman. A girl who has so many... issues."
"Shut the fuck up or I'll –"
"Or you'll what?" Nikki's sugary, threatening tone rang against the gym halls. "I could still spread that rumour."
"What rumour?"
"Oh, you know, how Sienna's given you sex in return of you doing practically all her work for her. I wonder what both your colleges would think of that? I'd kiss goodbye to my scholarship if I were you... and her."
"She makes me feel ill." Leah whispered by my side.
I exhaled a shaky breath. "I know."
"You're fucking disgusting. What the fuck is wrong with you?" Roman's voice exclaimed,
"You said it yourself; Sienna had the power. The power was supposed to belong to me until she stole it. I've got the Vice Principal dad! I've got the pretty blue eyes and the red hair! I've even got the stupid little dog and the white freaking Porsche! It's all supposed to be me, but she gets everything!"
"Turn it off!" Nikki demanded from up on stage and I sent a concerned look Roman's way. He only nodded, his jaw clenching as he kept the audio playing.
"Well then you can have all of that if you just leave us alone." Roman's voice negotiated calmy.
"Oh no." Nikki's voice scoffed. "It doesn't work like that. High school's almost over and she's already gotten everything! Unless..."
"Unless what? Tell what you want so you can just leave us alone."
Nikki's voice disgustingly giggled. "Fuck me."
"This really happened?" Taylor asked by my side in utter shock and disgust.
I swallowed hard, "Yes."
"That's coercion into sex, Sienna. Blackmail. It's an act of sexual harassment, Roman can file against Nikki if he wants to." Taylor explained gravely. I didn't think about that. Why didn't I think about that? In that moment I realised this was so much more than Nikki being a superficial high school bitch. She was a horrible person who needed to be stopped, who needed worse consequences than just this.
"What?" Roman's questioned and the tone of it made me want to cry all over again. Was he really okay with this playing? It was so vulnerable; I couldn't imagine what he even went through in the moment.
"You heard me, fuck me. Oh, c'mon, Roman." Her footsteps walked towards him. "I'm sure I can give you a much better time than she can..."
"Don't fucking touch me." He warned.
I glanced his way and met his gaze. In a silent expression, he knew what I was thinking but instead nodded with a softer expression to say "It's okay." And I nodded gently back.
"Sienna's gotten everything. Including you. She's not allowed to be your everything. Someone else needs to show her she can't."
"You're delusional. Only I get to decide who's allowed what and what not from me. Get the fuck away from me, Nikki."
"How's about this, you fuck me – and I mean really fuck me – and I'll leave you both alone forever. No more scholarship drama, no more threats. You guys can live happily fucking ever after."
Looks of disgust were aimed Nikki's way and her panicked voice demanded again, "Turn it of! It's all a lie! Turn it off!"
"If... If I do this.... Then you'll promise to leave us alone."
Both Leah and Taylor gasped at the same time, "Did he?"
I shook my head firmly, "No." and I watched them let out a sigh of relief.
"It'll be like I was never there." Nikki's voice whispered.
"... Fine." And then I heard it all over again. The connecting of their lips, the rustling of their clothes. And then the door open.
"Sienna?" he pulled away and gasped. That was where the audio ended and the gym was filled with a horrified silence and glares of disgust Nikki's way.
It was satisfying, revealing just how vile this girl was to everyone around us but at the same time I felt ill, because the focus wasn't just on her, it was also on Roman and suddenly one of his most vulnerable and nauseating moments was out there and for everyone to judge.
"Is there not anything else we can do?" I whispered. It was the silence I hated. Somebody had to do something.
Taylor nodded behind me, "I've got it." And then nodded at Adam up on stage who then nodded back.
Before I knew it, another video was plastered up on screen.
"What is that?" Rya whispered as I narrowed my eyes at the screen. It was Nikki in some sort of summer camp councillor uniform, and it looked like it was taking last summer.
"My older sister is head councillor at this summer camp in Illinois." Taylor mused behind us. "And every year they have a talent show..."
"Wait." Leah said, "Is that.... the funky chicken song?"
Oh my God, it was. And up there on screen was Nikki..... doing the funky chicken. Oh my fucking God. The whole gym suddenly burst out in laughter as I watched as Nikki's face, under all the slime and glitter, turned bright red.
"Shut up!" I laughed as I watched the video.
"Oh my God, this is the best thing ever!" Leah burst out in a fit of giggles and Rya laughed just as hard as the rest of us.
"Adam reminded me of it and I had to beg my sister to send us the video." Taylor chuckled.
"Taylor," I laughed, "This is amazing!"
I looked over to see Roman's eyes lighting up with amusement and he laughed at the screen before he noticed one of the teacher's making their way to the DJ booth in a furious manner and he made a quick run for it.
Nikki, full of utter humiliation, stormed off the stage with her dad and Principal Cunningham chasing after her.
Once the video was taken down and the music was placed back on, the gym went back to normal and the group of us walked to the halls to meet back up with Roman and Adam.
"Urgh, revenge feels so good!" Leah exclaimed as we broke away from the gym.
Rya chuckled, "Careful there, girl. Looks like you might be moving over to the dark side."
Leah grinned back and reunited with Adam who had already discarded his Prom Prince crown.
Roman wrapped his arms around me as soon as he got near.
"Hi." He kissed my forehead.
"Hi." I chuckled, "How are you feeling?" I couldn't help but ask.
"Fine." He chuckled softly, "Glad Nikki finally got what was coming to her."
I cracked a smile, "Me too. You sure you're okay after everyone hearing that audio though? It was quite... personal."
He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and played with the end of it, "I'm fine, I promise. It was good for everyone to know what she finally does to people."
"That still means it's okay for you to feel things about it. It's okay if you're uncomfortable or upset, Roman." I looked at him seriously and all he did was smile softly, "Taylor said you could file against Nikki for sexual harassment. You have audio evidence of her trying to coerce you into sex, I'm sure there's more punishment for her to be had."
"Sienna..." Roman sighed with a frown.
I looked at his collar and readjusted his suit jacket, flattening down the material. "Just... think about it. I know it's a big thing but whatever you decide, I'll support you in it."
"I know." He nodded seriously. "And I love you for that."
"I love you too." I reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck and nuzzled my cheek into his shoulder.
"Well, isn't this fucking adorable?" a spiteful voice echoed through the halls. Oh shit, what now?
Roman and I broke apart to see Nikki standing there so angry she was about to burst at boiling point. Most of the slime had been wiped of her skin but patches of it mixed with glittered were tangled in her hair, splattered on her dress, and creeped up her chest and neck.
"What do you want, Nikki? Seriously? Don't you think it's a little embarrassing now?" Rya sighed, irritated.
"Shut it you hoe-faced bimbo!" Nikki snapped and Taylor immediately began to storm up to her before Rya gently pulled him back.
"Isn't this sweet? Three adorable couples trying to play hero and ruin my life!" she exclaimed, stomping her foot on the ground.
I couldn't hold in my laughter and Nikki sent daggers my way, "Something funny, Sienna?"
"Yes. You." I laughed. "C'mon, Nikki. Highschool's practically over and, let's face it, you're a vile bitch who finally got what you deserved."
"You always ruin everything!" she cried. "But the jokes on you because my dad is furious and all I have to do is give in six measly names and get you all in serious trouble for ruining me." A sick smile came across her face.
"Are you fucking serious? Just give it a rest, Nikki." Taylor wrapped an arm around Rya and narrowed his eyes.
"What trouble can you even get us into? Like, I'm sorry, but did you not see the video evidence you admitting to tampering with school equipment and ruining our lives? Not be mentioned sexually harassing my boyfriend?" my blood began to boil.
"Would you just shut up; you bitch?!" Nikki snapped.
"Nikki, I have enough money to buy a hitman from some mafia to end you." Rya snapped back as Roman gently pushed me behind him.
"Oh my god, you're seriously nothing without money, Rya. Aren't you?" Nikki shot and this time it was Taylor's turn to hold Rya back.
"Nikki, for fuck's sake, give it a rest. Everything's over now, do you really want to do this?" Adam huffed and wrapped his arms around Leah
"Over? Oh no, it's not over! You have ruined me life! So, I've been doing a little digging and, in all honestly, the rest of you are boring – but you, Adam. You're far from boring." Nikki smirked back at him.
I peered over at Adam who looked just as confused as everyone else, then I gazed up at Roman who only returned the puzzled expression.
"A man called Alejandro ring a bell?" Nikki asked innocently and I watched Adam still. Alejandro. In other words, Adam's dad. Fuck. "I heard he could be given parole soon for good behaviour, and did you know my uncle works as chief prison guard at his exact facility? I'm sure a few good words from him could –"
"That's enough, Nikki." I cut in. "Quit fucking around with things that aren't any your business. It's dangerous to do something like that, not to mention slightly psychotic."
Her eyes narrowed at me, "But it could be my business if I wanted it too."
"But you're fucked in the head." Rya muttered under her breath.
"So, Adam, you either tell everyone that you set me up and fix this shit or I'll give my uncle a call and –"
"No!" Leah finally burst and Nikki stilled. Her eyes travelled over to Leah like she didn't exist in her world beforehand.
"I'm sorry, what did you say to me?" Nikki chuckled humourlessly at Leah. A few months ago, I would have done the same thing, thinking Leah was this little, shy nobody who didn't have any power in her bones. And even though Leah surely hadn't shown any power in confidence yet, I had a feeling this was good timing.
Leah took in a deep breath and unwrapped herself from Adam's arms, "I said, no."
Nikki still found it amusing, "Aren't you just adorable? Go away, Leah, and leave this kind of shit to the big-leagues, okay?" she cooed, and I noticed the discomfort in Leah's eyes.
But she powered through it, "You know what, Nikki? You're a real bitch." I almost gasped. I don't think I've ever heard Leah swear before. Damn.
"You're a nosey, little bitch who can't seem to shut up about everyone else's business but your own, but d'you know what I think your business is?" Leah stepped forward.
Nikki scoffed, "Please, like I have time for you."
"I think you're an insecure asshole who gets a freeride of daddy's credit-card and is too scared of the real world to actually find herself a personality. So, you go about your day ruining everyone else's lives till you feel good about your pathetic one because, in reality, once high school is over you will be a nobody and everyone else will move on and you don't want to be forgotten. You won't grow up, you won't change. Hell, instead you've only decided to become worse – you're disgusting, and I truly hope you rot in fucking hell!"
Leah was now standing a meter away from Nikki with her fists balled at her side as the rest of us stared in awe. Well, I'll be it, vanilla suddenly got some spice.
Nikki shook off her astounded expression and placed her evil eyes on Leah, "You little whore, you don't get to speak to me like that!"
"Actually, she can." A voice around the corner announced and we all stopped at stared at none other than Christopher holding up his phone, evidently recording. "Blackmailing again, Nikki? This seriously isn't a good look on you." He dramatically cringed and then set a smirking smile her way.
"What... What are you doing with that?" Nikki asked carefully.
"Oh, I don't know. I mean, I've got the whole Prom Queen fiasco recorded on this as well as the mini temper tantrum you've just had, but I've also got this." He threw a USB and adapter to Roman who caught it. "Watch it." He nodded to him.
Roman plugged it into his phone and a video popped up. No way. It was a video of Nikki spray painting my dad's car – security footage – and then Nikki stealing Leah's diary and placing it at Rya's locker, finally another one of her at a computer... deleting Rya's psychology essay. Guess Christopher didn't do that after all.
"What is that?" Nikki asked cautiously.
Christopher shrugged, "Like you'd need to know. You see, the thing is, Nikki, there's so much evidence piled up against you that there's no way in hell this can be 'fixed' because, in reality, nothing was broken. The truth was revealed and now you and your sorry ass must deal with it. It's called karma, now you have to live with it."
Nikki looked absolutely shocked with a gaped mouth and wide eyes. "You can't... You can't..."
"Looks like I just did, you've already hit a thousand views." Christopher held up a video of the security footage posted to Instagram. Holy shit.
Nikki glanced around helplessly before her eyes landed on Leah, "You... You bitch!" she was about to pounce before Leah slapped her straight across the face in a reflex motion and Nikki backed away. Leah pulled back in alarm, and we all watched silently as Nikki let out a angrily defeated groan and stormed away melodramatically.
"I... I-I just slapped her." Leah muttered in utter shock.
"Um, fuck yeah you did!" Rya exclaimed. "How did it feel?"
Leah took a moment to respond, "... Good. Actually, it felt great." We all burst out in chuckles as Leah made her way back to Adam.
I stared back at Christopher who stood alone, "How?... Why did you do all of this?" I had to question.
He shoved his hands in his pockets, "I don't like liars and people who stir up unnecessary drama. Let's be honest, Nikki had it coming to her since day one."
I smiled back at him thankfully. Who'd have known Christopher Knowles could save our asses. God, this year has been weird.
He went to walk away before turning back abruptly, "Actually, Rya..." his eyes lingered on her for a few seconds before finding her hand tightly interlocked with Taylor's. "Erm... Principal Cunningham wants to see you in her office tomorrow afternoon."
"What did you do?" she daggers eyes his way accusingly, but he only chuckled. I couldn't help but witness his eyes linger a moment more on her hand before snapping back up.
"Nothing." He mused and walked away.
I gazed up at Roman who had a quizzical expression plastered on his face as he studied Christopher walking away. "What?" I couldn't help but ask.
He looked down at me, then smiled softly, "Nothing." He shook his head. "C'mon, pretty-girl. We've still got more of Prom to experience, let's go dance."