Chapter 20
Teenagers were stially a belfine, and always wanted to go against the grain. The fact that no one believed in them only fueled their defiance.
made, they were determined to nando Class A. With only a linde over ten days left until the unit test, they couldn’t afford to
though was unfared his dheit nerves energy. She had a clear plan in mind and wasn’t going to let them derail it. “You need to balance work
Honor she had spoken, the teacher’s supervisie
embers reluctantly set down their books and headed to the playground: Class A was out there too, doing exercises under
Tek, Moura, nx that the parasite living at your place!” Alison midged Maura with a sly grin. “Why don’t we give her a hard time?” Surrounded by students on all sides. Maura – who was known for her sweet and gentle demeanor–protested quietly. “Alison, don’t say that Sh
“Your sister? Her? Serumisy” Alison scoffed, giving Maura a look of disappointment. “Have your already forgotten how she used to treat you” That rude bate this is not worthy of being your sister,”
The gyrup was too juicy to ignore. The classmates around ther lowed their movements, perking up their cars in eavesdrop on the conversation.
sister” Maura’s voice wavered, and her eyes reddened as she spoke, a hint of sniffles breaking through. Her words were almost an dmussum that she was often bullied by Aurora at lioine.
Maura was comidered the campus belle of Merrida High School. A lot of students adored her. Hearing Maura was being bullied, those hot–headed guys couldn’t let it slide. They all came to a silent agreement: hnd a chance later to embarrass Aurora and help Maura vent her frustration.
Meanwhile, Aurora found a quiet spot to relax.
“Aurora, what are you doing by the pool alone! I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” said Maura After the group dispersed, Maura found a moment to slip away and approach Aurora. She wore a checkered skirt, the sunlight making her look even more delicate and youthful as she ran
“What do you want? Aurora didn’t show any interest in talking to Maura. She had finally found a moment to be by herself.
Maura stood in front of her, hands behind her back, unintentionally blocking the rare sunlight. Her face was hidden in the shadow, making her expression hard to read.
As the water shimmered beside them, an idea suddenly flickered in Maura’s mind. “Aurora, look around, no one’s here. If you fell in, do you think anyone would come to save you? Maura’s voice was as sweet as ever, but there was a sharp edge underneath. She figured it was about time someone taught Aurora a leison for acting all high and mighty.
stood up
Aurora glanced up and slowly
She locked her gaze on Maura without even blinking. With her towering height, she cast a long shadow over the ground, and her eyes remained cold, untouched by the warm sunlight.
Maura’s voice instantly paused. She hadn’t realized how much taller Aurora was, and it made her feel smaller, like she’d already lost before anything had even started
upper hand, Maura told herself
- y. I’m not about to lei Aurora have the u
No way.
“Get in there!” A flicker of malice crossed Maura’s eyes as she shoved Aurora hard.
But to her surprise, Aurora had been ready for this moment since she had sensed Maura’s hostility. Instead of dodging, she grabbed Maura’s arm, and with a swift move, panked and shoved her straight into the pool.
The sound echoed as water sprayed everywhere
Maura’s eyes widened in shock, her hands clawing at the air, grasping nothing but emptiness as she plummeted into the water. This plan had been hasty, full of holes from the start.
“Ahh!” Maura failed around, her body bobbing up and down as she splashed helplessly, sending white sprays of water everywhere. Her scream. pierced through the empty pool area, echoing off the walls and drawing attention. In no time, several figures came rushing to the pool’s edge, and leading the charge was someone all too familiar.
“Aurora, how dare you push Maura!! Alison dadn’t even bother thinking about it but instantly blamed Aurora the moment she saw her standing there. Without another word, Alison jumped into the pool and swam toward Maura. Behind her, more people splashed into the water. Damon was the fastest one, and he was just about to reach Maura.
Oh, it’s a game! Fine, let’s play, Aurora thought. A wicked glint flashed in Aurora’s eyes as she dove into the pool as well.
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Chapter 20
She was the closest and the first to reach Maura’s failing hand. Grabbing a histful of Maura’s hair, Aurora yanked her down and pushed her head
a perfectly innocent shout, “Maura. Tve got you. I’m here to save you”
The simic look in Mauras eyes vamilies in an instant as she gulped down several mouthfuls of water, caught completely off guard. The overwhelming sensation of drowning hit her like a ton of bricks Water rushed up her nose, and the sharp sting in her chest became unbearable.
“Help Help me” This time, real panic crept into Maura’s voice. She tried desperately to pull her hair out of Aurora’s iron grip, but no matter how hard she struggled it was like fighting against a pair of vice clamps. Aurora’s hand might as well have been made of steel, and Maura was nothing more than a helpless octopus trapped in her grasp
Aurora yanked Maura up most enough for her to cough out a bit of water before shoving her right back under. With her free hand, Aurora splashed the water around, sending up waves that affected everyone nearby.
s touching me! He’s touching mef”
swam over to try and pull Maura to satety, Aurora suddenly screamed. “Allt Damon’s touch
As Damion swam over
At the sound of her accusation. Damon jerked back immediately. “What the hell! I didn’t” He was about to defend himself, but water sprayed into his face, forcing hun to shut his mouth and hold his breath.
Fine. If I can’t approach Maura from above, I can go under the water, Damon thought to himself, changing his rescuing strategy.
pool, and tried to close in. The sunlight reflected off the water.
Taking a deep breath. Damon dove beneath the surface, skimmed the bottom of the pool. casting rainbow–like patterns, making everything look hazy.
Maura, are you okay?” Aurora’s voice was dripping with fake concern as she pulled Maura’s head above water for a second time. Aurora waited three beats and then dunked Maura back down again.
“H–Help!” Maura gasped, gulping down precious air the moment her face broke the surface. Her lungs felt like they were going to explode, a painful pressure spreading through her chest.
Just as she started to get a breath, she was forced down again. She thrashed around, but the only thing to hold onto was Aurora. Maura whimpered, helpless and terrified, regret crashing over her in waves. She’d never thought a girl from the sticks like Aurora would actually know how to swim “Maura. I’m here to save you,” Alison shouted, finally reaching them and trying to pry Maura away from Aurora.
Bus Aurora wasn’t about to let that happen. She thought. Since Maura loves the pool so much, she can stay here a little lo
little longer.
In a flash, the memory of her past life hit Aurora. Something similar had happened before Back then, she couldn’t swim, and after Maura har pushed her into the pool, she’d almost drowned
When they’d pulled her out, she had been so shaken and cold, and she’d spent two weeks in bed with a fever. By the time the lead recovered, her lungs had been permanently damaged, and the experience had left her with a deep–seated fear of water.
