Chapter 3

Belle’s POV

I put a pillow over my ear to block out the noises I could hear. I eventually got up and... The incident at the school comes flooding back in my mind.

***

“Belle, get up!” I was rudely awakened by Audrey’s shrill voice and slap on my arm.

I picked up my glasses and looked at Audrey’s attire, “Are you going to a club?” I could no longer restrain myself from saying when I saw the clothing she was wearing.

“This is the latest style, but I won’t argue with you right now because we’re going to be late.” Audrey states while getting her glittering purse.

I got to my feet and took the purse Audrey was holding out for me. Before leaving her room, Audrey added, “I already placed powder, lipstick, perfume, and mint in your purse.” Audrey didn’t stop until we were in the car to tell me what I was supposed to do.

“You’ve already said that to me five times, Audrey. Which is why, I must remember your instructions,” I say.

Audrey scowled as she searched for a parking spot. When Audrey parked the car, I quickly got out and arranged my tangled clothes on the seat. 

“Stop bothering me,” I said to her while watching her retouch her makeup. “Just worry about how to find the man of your dreams!”

“Tonight, I will make sure I succeed, and tomorrow morning, I will show off to the whole school. A man that everyone will be fantasizing about for the whole school year,” Audrey’s answer seemed—dreamy as she smiled at me.

“I’ll be the first to congratulate you then, but don’t include me, please. Huh?” I explained to Audrey.

Entering the event, the students can be seen talking happily while holding glasses... Some people are dancing inside to the upbeat music.

“See? This style of dress is trendy right now!” Audrey exclaimed due to the loud music inside of the party.

Audrey is right in that practically all of the women we meet are clothed in that way; if the back is not exposed, the chest is.

We went into the gymnasium where the event was being hosted.

I was quickly dragged to a table by Audrey, who also brought me a drink.

“Drink this! The committee says they mixed it with alcohol for the students to enjoy the event tonight,” Audrey said as she drank the contents of her glass.

My eyes widened at what I found out, and I instantly dropped the glass Audrey had given me.

“Belle, let’s dance!” Audrey whispered to me as her eyes were fixed on the two men, who were on the dance floor and surrounded by women. I couldn’t refuse when she pulled me onto the dancefloor.

Audrey immediately squeezes herself into the group. Because Audrey was still holding my hand, I was stuck in the middle and lost my balance...

Such was my appreciation for the hands that kept me from falling. I opened my eyes right away to give thanks to the person who had saved me.

“Thank—” however I was unable to express my thankfulness further. As I noticed the person holding me, his face...

“Hello, nerd!” I saw Carl’s expression... And when I saw him smile, I was sure... He was planning something terrible again.

I wasn’t quite done considering what it might be. When I feel Carl, release me... Causing me from falling directly to the floor...

“Oops...Sorry, you slipped in my hand!” Carl says while staring at me...

As a way to get the attention of people on the dance floor and even those at the table, those who witnessed the scenario laughed out loud.

“Let me help you again...” Carl again raised his hand to help me stand up.

But as soon as I extended my hand, Carl dragged me to the ground, which made the onlookers laugh even harder at us.

I just closed my eyes and was thankful that the floor was smooth. Because if it’s rough, I’m sure that my body will be filled with scratches...

“This is the new dancing move... And we call it ‘Wipe the dance floor’!” Carl states and continues to drag me.

When Carl came across a man, he just stopped what he was doing. I lost sight of who he was as tears began to form in my eyes.

“Hey! Can’t you see that you are blocking my path!” Carl was furious.

But, the man ignored Carl and came over to me, helping me to stand up. I could no longer see the man’s face since my glasses were stained with tears. I still managed to say, “Thank you,” before I moved away and ignored Audrey’s calling.

The man confronted Carl with a smile, “Is that the new dance move?” smiling, he questioned Carl.

Carl walks up to the new guy with a sneer on his face, “Why do you want to try?”

Carl seized the man’s hand and attempted to knock him to the ground right away… but he was so shocked when he fell to the floor...

“Is this right? After this, I need to drag you... right?” the man asked as he began to drag Carl to the ground.

The students on the dance floor filmed everything as it happened right away. The people seated at the table moved to the dance floor to observe the person who had the courage to harm Carl.

“Who’s that guy?”

“He is the new transfer student...”

“Wow, he’s really hot!”

Audrey stopped chasing her friend when she saw the man the students were talking about now... “Ohh... he’s the perfect boyfriend!” She muttered to herself as she observed the attractive man.

***

Meanwhile, I got out quickly, and now I’m walking in the middle of the dark road...

“Damn you, Carl! I will make you pay for this!” I sighed and spoke to myself in a low voice.

The tears that never stopped streaming from my eyes made it impossible for me to see the road...

When I heard a terrible howl, I was in a very bad place.

Despite my fear, I kept on walking.

When my glasses started to blur from tears, I took them off.

I stopped when I could see a quick shadow passing by...

I followed with my gaze, but it abruptly vanished.

I simply shrugged my shoulders and carried on walking while wearing my eyeglasses.

But I was so terrified when something jumped on me out of nowhere, causing me to tumble to the ground and roll on the grass.

When I stopped rolling, I immediately looked for my glasses that had been removed...

“Darn it! What was that!” I shuddered as I continued to search...

I felt relieved when I found my glasses.

But my relief immediately disappeared when I heard the growling...