Chapter 34: I Need Answers!

Chapter 34: I Need Answers! Seraphina’s POV I hadn’t expected my first day to be grand, but I also didn’t think it would be this miserable. And running into MJ... of all people, on the very first day? That caught me off guard. Wasn’t he too old to be in the same class as Emma? Then again, I wasn’t exactly a normal case either. From what I remembered, he was a decent and kind man. But everything went downhill the moment he got tangled up with Melissa. He lost himself in her lies... and in the end, his family tossed him out like he was nothing. I did feel bad for him at that time. But with the way he acted all high and mighty with me, I couldn’t help but think that maybe he deserved it. Classes went on until lunchtime. As soon as the bell rang, everyone scattered, heading off with their friends to the canteen. And me? I was alone. However, Emma kept glancing at me now and then, like she wanted to come over and had something to say to me. But I looked away. I didn’t want her involved with me at the school. If anyone saw her with me, she’d become their next target. I stayed in my seat for a while, pretending to check my notes. Not that I had much to look at. When the class was almost empty, I realized I wasn’t alone. My deskmate was still there. Why was he not leaving? Was he planning to eat here? Don’t tell me I had to share my lunch with him? No way. I could’ve shared with anyone else if I wanted to. But not him! Because this lunch was sent by Lucien. And there’s no chance I’d offer even a bite to someone who would obsess over Melissa soon. He might still be her loyal puppy. And I didn’t feed strangers, especially not the ones who might become enemies tomorrow. Whatever. I pushed the thoughts aside and decided to head to the rooftop. I didn’t want to get involved with anyone here. I just wanted to disappear and blend in like air. Or maybe I could just become invisible so that no one could see me here. With all that in mind, I made my way up to the rooftop and found a quiet corner to eat my lunch. "So, you’re finally here," came Emma’s voice from behind me. "What!?" I turned around, a little startled. I hadn’t even heard her footsteps. "What? What now?" Emma rolled her eyes and sat beside me. "I saw you brought some lavish lunch, so I decided to rob you for a bite." "Seriously?" My head throbbed in frustration. "Why are you here!? Didn’t I tell you to stay away from me?" "Come on!" Emma ignored me and snatched the lunchbox from my hands, opening it without hesitation. "No one comes here anyway. I just wanted a taste of real homemade food." I looked at her. She was smiling, but I could see the guilt in her eyes; she was blaming herself for not being able to speak for me. But I couldn’t say that out loud. "Okay, have it," I said in a low voice, leaning back as Emma dug in like she hadn’t eaten in days. "By the way," Emma spoke while munching, "you should be careful around Maxmilian. He likes Melissa, and if you’re planning to go against her, it’s better to keep your distance from him." "I’m aware," I replied calmly and picked up my chopsticks. "You are?" Emma blinked in surprise. "Then do you know Melissa’s been telling everyone you’re just a distant relative of the Lancaster family, only trying to leech off them?" "Really?" I raised a brow but it didn’t surprise me. Of course she was saying that. Melissa had always been the same... insecure, petty and always afraid that I’d take what she thought was hers. This time too, she was doing everything behind my back, spreading lies and twisting facts. But now that I knew? I wasn’t going to sit back and let her trample over me again. Emma stopped chewing for a moment and stared at me. "You’re taking it all... too calmly. The old you would have cried or gone quiet." I didn’t respond right away. I just focused on the food in front of me, then said softly, "I’ve changed." Emma frowned at my words. "But you’re still alone, and they’re still the same. Doesn’t it bother you?" "It does," I admitted. "But crying or running won’t help this time. I have to face them. Even if I’m alone." Emma’s expression softened. She looked down at the lunchbox and quietly pushed a piece of chicken toward me. "Fine. But don’t push me away completely. I’ll stay away in public if that’s what you want... but I’m still your friend." I gave a faint smile and took the piece she offered. "Thanks, you little thief." She laughed under her breath. "Anytime." Emma wiped her lips, chewed the last bite in her mouth, and stood up. "I’m leaving now. Do remember to come back soon," she said. "Hm, I will," I replied with a smile. "But... I might not come to the dorm today." "Why?" She froze in her tracks and shot me a glare. "Don’t tell me you’re planning to get kidnapped again?" "No! I’m not!" I laughed at her words, shaking my head. Emma folded her arms and asked in an authoritative tone. "Then why aren’t you coming back to the dorm?" "I just... need some time alone. That’s all," I replied, still smiling. I just couldn’t tell her that I needed some answers. She narrowed her eyes as she was still not fully convinced. "You’re not lying to me again, right?" "I’m not," I said gently. "Trust me." Emma sighed and picked up her empty lunch wrapper. "You’re too weird these days. But fine... just don’t disappear without a word, okay?" I nodded. "Promise." I won’t disappear, but I needed to know about how I came back!