RIELE'S POV.
I'm a very popular girl in my town. My name is something that rings in every ear. Mainly for bad, but who knows for good.There is equally nothing that I'm not invited to. That name Riele Evans is unforgettable.And just like every day in school, at exactly this time, it's lunch hour."We were talking about something in class before we got interrupted." I turned to Ashley as we both sat on a vacant seat, dropping our lunch on the table."What is it you were saying about my boyfriend?" Ashley continued."You do not want to know, Ash," Liz answered. She, and Karen sitting opposite me, and Ashley, equally dropping their lunches.I looked at her as she sat facing me."And besides," Karen began, making me turn to her, as she kept her eyes on Ashley. "What's there to ask? Riele already made it plain enough. Your boyfriend cheated, or is cheating on you."Ashley let out a shaky breath. "I...I can't believe this. How did you find out?"I looked at her."That's a pretty stupid question, Ash," Liz answered making me turn to her in annoyance."You don't have to answer her questions for me, Liz," I told her annoyingly.She scoffed. "I'm only stating the obvious, Riele. Every information with you is legit, right?"I rolled my eyes, ignoring her, and turned to Ashley."I just found out. How I found out doesn't matter.""Is there any evidence to prove it?" Karen asked.I looked at her. "I only came across it. There was no wider choice of action.""Then maybe it's a lie," Liz said raising her brow at me.I furrowed my brows. "And why would I lie?"Everyone of us knows about your dislike towards Ashley's boyfriend, and how you want to keep them apart by all means."My eyes were planted on Liz as she made that comment. She always has things to say to me and is always trying to counter my words.Making her my friend sometimes it's unclear to me.I thought by now they'll accept me wholly, but all they do is judge.They make me at times feel like a faulty car. A faulty car is abandoned without seeking out what needs to be fixed.It's not like I need fixing, but sometimes, I just wish they care a lot to even think of, maybe solving what they always complain about.All they do is complain without making things right.I blinked away from Liz and turned to Ashley. "If you wanna find out the truth, go right ahead, but my advice is, don't confront him, or you'll end up getting lied at."She sighed sadly. You could tell how terribly worried, and nervous she was. You could tell how betrayed she felt."Excuse me, can I sit?" I heard, 'causing me to turn my eyes away from Ashley to the familiar voice.Who else if it's not Crazy? I frowned at her knowing she'll never stop."Sit where?" Karen asked."Here. With you guys." She said."No." I dropped."What?" She blurted, looking at me."I don't want you here. Go somewhere else." I rudely said."But, I'm supposed to be free to sit anywhere I like without even asking."I furrowed my brows at her. In my eyes was a sad, brooding amusement, as of a man who had been long confronted, and tantalized by a riddle whose answer seemed always on the verge of escaping him, prodding him irresistibly to seek its solution.I guess the solution is playing smart. I'd give her that since she really is smart, but whatever she's playing on me, won't work. She may be smart, but I'm fearless.My expression then changed as of a man who was staring at his prey. Her always bugging me is beginning to eat me up, and I can't keep allowing it. I'm gonna have to find a way to put this crazy girl in her place, and out of my way."If you know what is best for you, and you don't want things to get really really bad, Crazy. I'll advise you to leave my sight." I threatened."But....""Next time you wanna play smart, look at who is listening. Now leave." I cut her off.I saw her jaws clenched, making me tilt my head at her with raised brows indicating 'who the hell are you getting angry at?'She lowered her head simulating abashment, and slowly walked away to another table."That's more like it," I mumbled."Isn't it high time you stop treating her like that?" Liz asked giving me a striving eye."When she decides to stop pestering me," I answered as a matter of fact."You know she just wanna be your friend," Ashely told me."But I don't want to be her friend.""Well, you're lucky, Riele, because after everything you've done to her. After making her a subject of mockery in school, she still has a wild wish to be your friend." Karen said.I rolled my eyes away not liking their attacks.I don't know why, but I can't be her friend. I get bad vibes just by looking at her.I can't seem to stand her presence.Everything about her seems to be a huge, bold-faced question mark, and I care not to know.There is a reason why she wants to be my friend, and I'm sure it is to use me as a stepping stone up the pyramid, but I won't fall for it.I looked at the hot dog lying on my plate untouched. I'm slowly losing my appetite."Leave me in peace to eat my food," I told them without looking at them.Their eyes always seem to tell me that I'm the bad person. I'm so unfair.They act like some Dudley-do-rights when they're just wolves acting all sheep-like.About to bite a hot dog into my mouth. "Riele." I heard making me groan.Why are there bunches of disturbers? I just wanna at least eat."What do you want, Jordan?" I asked annoyed.He placed his hand on my left shoulder, sitting by me."I just came to remind you about this time of the year. It's Halloween. This week is Halloween already. Can you believe it?"I nodded. "I know.""My family is hosting it, and you're invited. You are always invited, and that's why I have no problem informing you late."I looked at him. "It's obvious, and my friends are coming with.He nodded. "OK, then. It's gonna be fun like always."I smiled, as he stood up, and left.I sighed, finally biting a hot dog in my mouth, chewing the goodness in it."Up until now, I still get that feeling about being important when I get invited to all of Jordan's party." Karen began, causing me to look at her with a smile."I'm sure my boyfriend will be invited too," Ashley stated with a sigh."Look, Ashley, don't let it weigh you down. Who knows what will happen in the next five days." Liz said trying to calm her nerves.I bite into another hotdog but kept shut."We should have prepared our Halloween costume earlier, but now it seems impromptu." Karen brought it out.Liz nodded. "It always seems impromptu. It's like there is a whole lot of things in our mind, though there really is."I nodded in agreement. There truly is.For a while now, I've been all alone at home, Karen's mom has been sick, Ashley's dad left her mom for another woman, while Liz's home is all about striving hard to be the best."At least, this Halloween could free us a little from it," Ashley said knowing she already have a new pending problem."Well, it can't be better without the perfect costume," Liz told her.Karen nodded in agreement. "Makes me wonder what costume I'll use this time."Liz nodded. "Me too.""What do you think?" Karen asked looking at me.I swallowed the hotdog in my mouth. "I don't have an idea either. It'll pop up soon." I said before gulping down my water.I sighed. I'm filled.Karen nodded. "Yeah, you're right. The idea will come."I smiled, though still trying to come up with something."Wait.." I immediately started. "I've gotten an idea," I told them."What is it?" Liz asked."I want us to keep our costumes from each other. Let's surprise each other by our choice."Karen nodded. "That's a pretty good idea."Liz smiled. "This would be fun."Ashley groaned. "Still. I'm out of ideas on any choice of costume. I don't even think the zeal will be there to find one.""Buckle up, Ash," Liz told her, and she just sighed.I don't equally have an idea of any costume.One thing for sure is, that I wanna look a bit scary, and different.Riele's POV.Walking along the streets on my way home, I couldn't help but try to come up with an idea of a costume that will suit me.Something different, and somewhat scary.Somehow, it's a lot to ponder on especially when it's just four days away. It always seems to catch me unaware.Damn Jordan that couldn't remind me sooner.I sighed, and my eyes faced the sky, looking as a few big white clouds drifted. It's like it called me to look even without my realization.Instinctively, I looked away from the sky as a car whizzing past on rubber tires got my attention. Every slight movement of people and things always seems to evoke a casual curiosity in me.I looked around seeing different unknown people walking passed me. The only thing same are the people that stays in their shops to earn a living.Another car passed gaining back my attention. Automatically, my eyes always follow each car as it whirred over the smooth black asphalt.I sighed again knowing I'm going back home with no one
Elizabeth POV.It's funny to experience the kind of unfair world we're living in.Who would've thought? I would never have thought that my enemy would be my family.What betrayal? I guess it's so impossible for such a hidden thing stays hidden when there is someone like Riele.It's not like I'm not happy about finding out the truth, it's just so downright painful to hear, especially from Riele.She seems perfect. She acts perfect, even though looking at her, you'll know she isn't.Everything she does is always for a reason. Probably to keep herself protected.I would never have accepted her hand as a friend, but I still did, because I know she'll make high school hell for me.But then, do I hate her?That's a tricky question. We've been friends for two years now, so I know her underneath.She's just a girl with a bad attitude but knows who are friends are.She equally has instinct. She knows why she doesn't like you, and she knows why she does.Sometimes I doubt it, though. A lot of p
RIELE'S POV.Oct. 27. Tuesday.Wow. It's a new day again. I wonder the gift this day will bring except being in school and listening to lectures all day.I opened my locker and placed my books inside."Riele!" Karen called me.I looked at her after locking my locker."I've been wondering how it is to live alone for the past few days. I thought your mom was gonna arrive yesterday." She said.I scoffed. "She didn't, but it's no big deal, though she said she's definitely coming back today."She nodded. "I'm sure someone like you can take care of yourself."I gave her a look. Someone like me, ah?She noticed and cowered."So, what are we doing after school?" She asked, changing the issue."I'm going shopping. I need to find the best Halloween outfit for me." I informed.She gaped and nodded. "It does seem that's something we are gonna do solo since our outfits are gonna be kept secret between the four of us."I nodded in agreement. Karen checked her wristwatch. "I need to go. I'm having
ASHELY'S POVI looked at my so called boyfriend, as I've been doing for a long time now, and it hurts to know of his betrayal.I don't even know what to say, or how to answer him on how I found out, but can I still be with him? I love him really. How can he betray me?I'm really hoping there is an excuse for it. I'm really hoping. I can't start throwing tantrums yet, right? Not at something I haven't seen just because my source was from Riele."Ashely. You've been quiet." He complained.I sighed deeply. I have to ask. I really have to, even though Riele said I shouldn't.I felt a slight lessening of nervous tension, and swallowed. "I heard something, and I wanna be sure." I paused. "Are you cheating on me with another girl?" I dropped.He furrowed his brows. "What? W..who the hell gave you that lie?" He shook his head. "I didn't. I didn't cheat on you with any girl."Is it a lie?"You are not cheating on me?" I asked again.He nodded. "Yeah. I'm not. I love you, so I can't."I looked
FLASHBACK. (RIELE'S POV.)This is so surreal. I sat on my seat in class as I heard everyone having different opinions, creating rumors, and whispering all sorts of things about what happened to Dean.What actually happened to Dean? What is my own opinion?Yeah. I do have mine. I have my own thoughts on the unfortunate path Dean must have taken without his realization, because I know what he was accused of wasn't true.I know, and what I happen to know, I trust. If I don't believe something, then I don't believe it, and I don't believe Dean was the culprit in this situation.Something else is involved, but what is? Cause things doesn't happen too easily, and if he was actually the culprit, then he should have tried not to get himself caught.I watched as everyone flocked into the classroom, then my eyes landed on Dean's best friend. Levi Walker.He must be going through a lot after what happened to his friend. It is even surprising how the situation went viral.I smiled knowing he trie
Riele's POV.Walking out from school, a bang of thunder got the attention of everyone, followed by heavy wind.I sighed, wrapping my arms around myself. I'm not wanting rain in the moment."Do you think there is any need to go shopping? There are other days." Karen complained."You're going shopping for Halloween costume today?" Liz asked looking at me narrowingly, and I nodded."Why didn't you inform us?" Ashely asked disappointedly.Heavy wind passed again causing goosebumps to rise on my skin, and stopping my hair from being calm, and steady."I was going to inform you guys, but I kinda forgot." I confessed releasing my hands, and trying to tend to my hair."Then let's go together." Liz suggested.Karen bumped her lightly. "If we go together then we are equally telling each other our costumes."I nodded in agreement shoving my hands in my jacket pockets."Well, going together doesn't mean we can't hide our costumes from each other." Ashely said as a matter of fact.I tilted my head
Riele's POV.FLASHBACK."The math homework I gave you guys should be submitted before the day is completely over." Our math teacher, Mr. Jones said, and we all nodded.I knew he was reffering to Liz, since Liz happens to be the class president this term.I voted for her, because I know she deserves the position. She's a walking thesaurus anyways.The teacher left the class, while everyone started packing out, and dropping their math homework on Liz's desk. I equally did the same, followed by Karen, and Ashely.Karen, and Ashely stood up with their things, and left the class.They always involve themselves in school activities.I looked at Liz, as she heartily concentrate on arranging the papers in front of her.I sighed, and brooded over what I found out. My mind whirling with images born of a multitude of impulses.My eyes couldn't stop staring at Liz, and my mind couldn't stop contemplating the flood of sad feelings that would spring forth out of her when she finds out exactly what
Oct. 28. Wednesday.Riele's POV.Walking inside the Café doorway, I immediately walked to my best spot. A couch leaning on a wall with a wide window on top of it.I sat down on the couch, and my friends followed behind. Karen sat beside me while Ashley, and Liz sat opposite. A table situated between us."Aren't we ordering?" Karen asked.I just shrugged, and crossed my legs."Well, I need americano." Liz pointed, her hands folded on the table."If you're helping, Karen, I'll need mocha latte." Ashley included leaning on the chair.Karen nodded, and faced me. "What do you need?""Just decaf." I told her.She stood, and walked up to the counter."Ever since yesterday, Riele. My mind couldn't stop thinking."My forehead puckered, and I looked at Liz. "What do you mean?""I'm curious." She said."About what?" I asked still befuddled at what she meant."About wanting to know what you have against Jules. It must be pretty big."I rolled my eyes, and a huge sigh came out of me. It turns out
RIELE'S POV.Blank, blank, blank.I'm devoid of thoughts, probably because I'm tired of thinking. I don't even want to think.Being here for five days, my thoughts didn't help. No matter how I tried to console myself, it won't matter, cause I'm still in jail.I'm trying incredibly hard to get used to my current situation, cause after all if you can't beat them, join them.But don't misquote me, cause that's just my brain's defense mechanism whenever I'm not seeing hope around me. That's the only way I can get used to this place without breaking out in a cry.It might seem I've given up, but there's always an ounce of hope, and when it arrives, I'll grab it, but when it doesn't, I'll just make it seem like I've given up.After all, everyone has their own ways of adapting to new surroundings, and that's mine.Sitting down with my legs crossed on my usual spot, which is on the floor, close to the bars, I looked to my left to see a girl staring daggers at me. Something she's been doing fo
DONALD CARTER POV.As a detective, I've never found things easy before. Every murder case is hard to crack which is the way it should be. But this Vida case comes too easy, that it alone is suspecting.Everything just seemed so connected, perfect, but suspect at the same time.Vida storming off. Vida kidnapped. Vida dead. Three things connected so perfectly, but still didn't seem right.Vida stormed off, and Riele followed. What happened between the two of them that Vida ended up kidnapped? How could Riele kidnap Vida? What did Vida really do to Riele that Riele decided such a fate for her? What's her reason? What's her purpose? It all just doesn't seem right.I only wish hope is on her side. Riele has no evidence that can at least counter one evidence against her.The message she said she was sent wasn't even found, but for some reason, I know she couldn't have lied about it.Although, it's unrealistic when she said she saw Vida alive. That would mean she's crazy, but one thing I kno
DEAN'S POV."Wow. So, this is the place you guys had fun." I said looking around in awe."Yeah. The place is very big. Jordan's family rented it." Dennis replied.I nodded, then looked at him. "Back to business. Did you notice anything that night after Vida left?"Dennis furrowed his brows. "What thing? I only saw Vida left, and I sure as hell didn't follow."I sighed. "Honestly, I don't even know where to start in searching for clues. This place is big." I confessed looking around again.The place is a huge land close to a beach, and I was told a really huge tent was built upon it. Jordan's family really did it this time.How am I really gonna find clues when they've completely tidied the place up?"But you must have come for a purpose. There must be something in mind." Dennis said.I looked at him and nodded. "Yeah. I wanted to know if there would be a piece of evidence that proves someone saw Riele with Jules the night Vida stormed off."Dennis chuckled. "Why not ask Jules?""Jules
LIZ'S POV.Nov. 10th. Tuesday.It was after school now, and all my mind could ponder on is getting to Riele's house in the hope of helping her. My curiosity kept my heart beating fast and impatiently.There are just a lot of things I wanna know. What can I possibly find out? To be honest, Jules's secret isn't the only thing I wanna know.I sighed and looked up to see we'd arrived at Riele's house."We are here," Karen stated the obvious.We walked closer to the door."Knock. Knock. Knock." Ashley knocked.We stood there without words as we patiently waited for an answer, but believe me, I'm not patient. I really wanna see the truth. Every truth that Riele carried on her head as a crown even though I know it's supposed to be hard, cause, after all, heavy is the head that wears the crown.I know it'll be hard though to deviate since the sole priority is to discover what Riele holds against Jules.Maybe if I was the only one, I'd have been able to deviate and look for other things.The d
3RD PERSON POV."Knock. Knock. Knock."He saw the door knob twist, then the door opened, revealing who he came to see."Mrs. Ortega." He said."Detective. You're here."The detective nodded."Come in." Mrs. Ortega opened the door widely, and he entered.Walking in, he stopped in his tracks and turned to face Mrs. Ortega.She furrowed her brows. "Aren't you gonna sit?"He shook his head. "No. I didn't come to sit. I just came to inform you of all that's going on." He told her."Is she finally going to court, so I can hire a prosecuting attorney on her?" Mrs. Ortega asked expectantly.Mr. Carter sighed. "Not yet. There are still more to follow up on. We need witnesses to prove if she's been weird since your daughter disappeared.""But she is weird. What are the odds that Riele is seeing my daughter's ghost? It is because she killed her, and is being hunted."Mr. Carter nodded. "That could help, but where it'll end her is in a psychiatric home."Mrs. Ortega shook her head disagreeably. "
RIELE'S POV.I couldn't help but stare at the man in front of me.Mr. George Black. A very famous lawyer, and Dean's father.Unbelievable, but I feel so lucky."I need to know all there is to know about your case, so I can defend you." He began.I nodded."Did you kill Vida Ortega?"I sighed. "I didn't.""Before coming here, I sought out all the information, and I was told about you claiming you saw Vida. Is that right?"I nodded."Do you know that could make you crazy?" He asked."But it's the truth.""You really saw her?"I nodded. "I won't lie if I didn't.""Do you have anyone to prove your statements?" Sadness overwhelmed me at the question. "No.""And there is no evidence to prove where you were on that Halloween night?"I sighed. "There is, but she lied.""You mean Jules Simmons, right?"I nodded."Why would she lie?""She doesn't like me, and I never liked her. We were actually quarreling that night." I said truthfully.He narrowed his eyes. "She hates you so much that she wou
Dean's POV.It's closing hour already. I quickly boarded a taxi cause all my mind is fixated on is getting to the law firm my dad works.My dad has won a lot of cases, so I trust he'll help Riele to win hers. He had to. I'm sure he'll have no choice knowing Riele helped me.Coming back to school, I had a lot of plans, especially with Riele.Back then, I made sure that one way or the other, I and Riele gets close knowing she alone chooses her friends.I decided to become someone she bickers with, even though I never thought how well that could work. I never saw her as an enemy, but I thought she saw me as one. I always thought she saw me as a disturbance with how I forcefully stuck close to her in a pretty annoying way, but to me, it was all worth it.Discovering she helped me because she knows my capabilities brightened me up. If she hadn't believed in me, she wouldn't have even come across the truth in the first place. It was the doubt in her mind that led her to the truth, I'm sure
LIZ'S POV.Sitting all alone in an empty class and arranging test scripts on my desk, as much as I don't want to disturb myself by thinking about Riele's recent predicament, I can't help it.Not wanting to involve me in it is what is supposed to be best for me, but when I think of how unfair I am to her creeps guilty feelings in me. Everyone judges her just like I do even though I know it's wrong, but honestly I don't want to help her, 'cause I so don't feel like it, but if I decide not to help, I'll be like the devil's incarnate.But then, helping her is best, isn't it? I know that if I was the one in a shoe, she'll do me the favour.I even want to see how it'll all end. I love puzzles, but the pictures in front of the box are so scrambled that I know it'll take a long time to put them together, but it's a good thing I know where to begin.I looked up instinctively as the classroom door opened revealing...I smirked. The beginning would be finding out what Riele holds against Jules.
Three days later...Nov. 9th Monday.Karen's POV.To be honest, I've been wondering how Riele has been coping with being in jail for the past three days now. Everywhere has been chaotic upon hearing Riele's fate. The news about her arrest has been spreading like wildfire. There were no good words about it. It seemed like everyone felt contented.Why we find the misery of others interesting is really hard to understand, but I don't think I should blame them, because Riele is not innocent in that.I don't even know what to think anymore, but one thing I'm sure of is, that Riele's innocent. She isn't all that bad the way people picture her. They are all being selfish because whatever Riele has against them seems to have been buried in a deep hole.I looked up and saw Ashley and Liz coming in together. Their eyes met mine."Hey, Karen," Liz called, as the both of them sat in their seats.I forced a smile at them but didn't reply."You know what happened to Riele is all on her, right?" Liz