Merry had become the center of everyoneâs attention at school. Whispers swirled in the corridors and classrooms, leaving no corner untouched by the rumors.
So when she stood on the school field, it was as though all eyes were magnetically drawn to her.
Some had been skeptical at first, but after overhearing a conversation with Leila, they were convinced. If Leila, Merryâs own sister, said it was Merry in those photos, how could it be otherwise?
Their classmates bore no ill will. Still, the pity in their gazes stung. If it had been the Merry of before, she would have crumbled by now either lashing out in a frenzy or spiraling into despair.
But now, Merryâs fingers slipped into her jacket pocket, brushing against her phone. The comforting weight of it was a silent reminder of the messages from Bland. Whatever happened, he was with her.
And then there was Cordelia, standing by her side with that trademark frosty demeanor that barely concealed her warm heart.
With friends like these, Merry refused to show weakness. She faced Leila squarely, âI donât know what youâre talking about.â
Leila was relentless, but the commotion on the stage at the end of the field suddenly drew everyoneâs attention.
The field was usually alive with the buzz of students during drills, surrounded by running tracks and a stretch of grass. Assemblies were held here too, with steps around the edges and a microphone on the stage.
So when a disturbance erupted on the stage, it instantly captivated the
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whole student body.
Four figures in police uniforms marched purposefully up to the stage, their presence commanding. They stood before the microphone.
From a distance, Cordelia recognized Skyler, who seemed to be leading the group. He approached the microphone with a bashful charm, âGeez, speaking in front of such a crowd really gives me the jitters.â
The crowd was silent.
Despite his nerves, Skyler continued, âWeâre here today because of an issue concerning Elite Future Academy. Iâm sure youâve all heard the details online.â
As he spoke, all eyes shifted to Merry.
Merry clenched her fists. It was one thing to deal with rumors, but to have the topic thrust into the spotlight like this. She could hear the murmurs around her,
âThe cops are here, so it must be true.â
âThe photos are out there, so it has to be real. Poor Merry.â
âMan, I suddenly feel so lucky. How did this even happen to Merry?â
Even Hayley, who didnât get along with Merry, seemed sympathetic now, whispering to Juliana, âI canât imagine how sheâll get by after going through something like this. Itâs horrifying.â
Juliana nodded in agreement.
They were all high schoolers, after all. Even if they could be petty at times, they hadnât lost their humanity.
Leila quickly interjected, âMerry, donât be scared. Whatever happened, itâs in the past. Everyone here means you no harm.â
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Merryâs gaze was icy as she retorted, âOthers might mean no harm, but you certainly do. I donât want to talk to you, so please step aside.â
With that, she pushed past Leila.
Hayley, who had just felt pity for Merry, reacted with indignation, âMerry, Leila is just worried about you. Whatâs with that attitude?â
Merryâs response was cold and detached, âI donât need anyoneâs concern.â
Hayley was about to argue, but considering Merryâs current situation, she held her tongue.
Juliana chimed in, âLet it go. Why bother with her? Sheâs obviously upset and not thinking straight. Let her vent on Leila if it makes her feel better.â
The others nodded in agreement, leaving Leila bewildered, her support system crumbling.
Leila lowered her eyes, then spoke again, âMerry, I know youâre upset. You donât want to see me, so Mom and Dad agreed that Iâll move out, and you can come home.â
Merry was taken aback. Perhaps her parents finally realized their mistake
The crowd was curious, âWhy should you move out?â
Leila sighed, âMerry has never liked me. After what happened, she probably canât stand the sight of me.â
Cordelia couldnât stand it any longer, âWhat happened exactly?â
Leila was confused, âDidnât you go to save Merry? Donât you know? Itâs about those leaked photos.â
Cordeliaâs face stayed calm, âet the cops explain what happened.
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Donât drag Merryâs name through the mud with talk of leaked photos that Iâve never even come across.â
Leila tried to argue, âBut the story is all over the internetâ¦â
âLetâs hear what the police have to say,â Cordelia insisted.
She trusted that the police were there to protect them and that the truth would prevail. The cops made a point of coming to the school, they must be here for something. As she finished, Leila was at a loss for words, her narrative slipping away.
It was a fact that Merry was photographed nude, the most the cops could do was clarify that the pictures were fake, but so what? Merryâs pictures leaked out.
When the officer on the stage, Skyler, recounted the events and described the schoolâs wrongdoings and the punishment of the leadership, Leilaâs expression flickered between hope and dread.
And then, Skyler turned the story on its head, âWeâve come to your school today because one of your own, Merry, is involved. Before she was sent to that school, we had already detected irregularities but lacked evidence. Merry bravely volunteered to be our informant, and before any harm could come to her, she helped us bring the school to justice. Merryâs courage and valor deserve our admiration. Likewise, your schoolmate Cordelia volunteered her assistance, contributing to our efforts. We are here to present these commendations to both of
them.â
With a flourish, Skyler unveiled two ceremonial banners, leaving the
crowd and Leila in stunned silence.
The headmaster stood proudly beside the podium, his voice booming through the auditorium, âMerry and Cordelia, please come on up and claim the trophy. This is not only your triumph but a testament to our
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schoolâs excellence as well.â
Upon hearing these words, Merry stood frozen, a look of utter confusion on her face.
Cordelia, too, paused in bewilderment.
Just as Cordelia was about to ascend the stage, Leilaâs voice pierced the air, tinged with shock, âHow can this be? What about those
pictures that were all over the internet?â
Skyler, overhearing the commotion, chimed in, âWeâre looking into the photo situation as we speak. Weâve traced the post back to an ID within the school. Weâll need the administrationâs cooperation to take our investigation further.â