Chapter 270

Clementine:

We all stood, staring at each other as we recalled the moments when I had read part of Bodhi’s diary and then lied to Miss Rue just to see what they were going to do next.

“That makes sense, but why would they be so scared of anyone finding that diary, unless there’s a part of them that knows the truth will be so horrific that their perfect persona will fall apart?” Yorick suggested, and we all began to nod.

Before we could discuss any further, the door opened, and Oriana came in. I had almost forgotten about her, but now I remembered she was going to stay with us for a while.

“What are we discussing?” she asked as she stood with us. I wasn’t comfortable talking in front of her.

“We –,” As Troy started to speak with her, I quickly shifted everyone’s attention.

“Did you speak with the headmaster about attending the funeral?” That question was on my mind, and I knew she had asked me not to mention it.

She had told me she would speak with the headmaster and would need us to back her up. Slowly, I managed to shift the topic.

“I tried, but he didn’t listen,” She replied, looking dull

“But I knew this would happen. When they dragged me back, my pack members and everyone else told the headmaster that they didn’t want to do anything with me.” she sighed.

I instantly felt bad for bringing it up. I was just trying to change the subject. I didn’t know I would strike such a nerve, and now I felt guilty.

She touched her stomach and then asked, “Is anybody else hungry?” As soon as she said that, the others began nodding.

“By the way, welcome to the room and our squad. As long as we are staying together, we will stay as friends,” Yorick welcomed her, making me smile a little too hard.

I wasn’t being toxic, but I had some suspicions and didn’t know how to voice them. She had lost her father and was probably feeling lonely, so if I intervened now, I would look like a really bad person.

I was afraid of doing that for now.

“Yeah, welcome to our room,” I finally spoke up, forcing a smile. She happily walked over and sat on the empty bed that had never been filled before.

Ian walked out after his shower, and I decided to go next. Once I finished, I walked out to find Ian sleeping on his bed, completely silent.

His corner was dark, but it was the other corner that caught my eye. All three of my mates were huddled on Oriana’s bed. She was sitting between them, and they were talking, laughing, and sharing giggles.

It’s not that they were being flirtatious or anything. They were just laughing. And they weren’t even sitting that close to her. Yet my heart skipped a beat at the sight. I guess I just wasn’t expecting it.

“Oh! Clementine, come join us. We’re playing a game, whoever says the funniest joke gets to do a dare in the morning,” Oriana said, gesturing for me to come over.

I approached them but slowed down.

“When are they serving the food? Did they make an announcement?” I asked the guys instead. I hated acting bitter, but could anyone blame me?

After everything that had happened, I had begun to suspect Oriana’s state of mind, her intentions, and especially the way she tried to convince me to be on her team, alone with her, and not trust the others.

Yet here she was, getting along so well with them. It all just rubbed me the wrong way.

“No, I think they’re not going to feed us today,” Yorick said, pouting.

“Oh, I’m so hungry,” I muttered, walking over to my bed and sitting down.

I expected them to leave her bed, but instead, they just looked at me, heard me, and then went right back to their game with her, while I watched in disbelief.

“Okay, I am feeling this burning sensation in me. Are you feeling it too?” Mint commented, hinting and taunting, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“I am feeling such heat in my body that I could burn the entire mainland,” I replied to Mint, clarifying that I did not enjoy watching them with her either.

“Well, then let them know, because I don’t think they understand the severity of hanging around with Oriana,” she told me. As she said that, I began to lie down on the bed.

“What do you mean?” I asked her.

“Oh, come on, Clementine, you know it in your gut that she is not a loyal person or friend. She has tried to break you apart from your friends, from your mates in the North. And when she couldn’t do it, now she is back, acting sweet and giggly with them. And don’t forget, she left Valerie behind,” Mint argued.

“I don’t care what you say. I remember what we saw, and I am sticking to it,” she said firmly.

Mint surprised me with her stern stance. She usually did not involve herself in gossip or speak negatively about others.

But recently, I noticed she was opening up a bit. I guessed it was because we were no longer children.

We had crossed the age of eighteen, and she was growing up with me, becoming more mature and vigilant.

“And let’s not forget about the whole bullying lie. She lied, Clementine. She lied so she could join our group, enter our room, and become part of our squad. And look at her now. You introduced her to them, so don’t expect them to immediately know you don’t like her hanging around when you are the one who introduced her,” Mint responded harshly, making me nod in understanding.

“Fine, I will speak with them about her,” I uttered.

It was time for her to take a shower and freshen up. As she got up and walked to the bathroom, the others began to scatter, returning to their beds after having a good laugh with her.

Once she closed the bathroom door, I sat up in bed. I guessed my mates noticed because they all looked at me in confusion.

“I don’t want you guys to freak out, but Oriana is a liar,” I said. That was all I managed before they exchanged glances and started to gather around my bed.