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9. Together

There were several things I have to consider before agreeing to Daniel idea. Firstly Damon's parents or whoever they were would do something with my mom's job if something went wrong. Secondly, Damon was in my class and one way or another he would find out if I was secretly trying to dig his past. Then again nothing can be achieved without the risk. I have to take the leap of faith and believe in the case.

"Anya" Daniel nudged bringing me back to the reality. Suddenly I was aware that we were sitting in the editorial room. It was specially designed for students who were interested in journalism. Mostly it benefited the school because the articles were usually bought by the local newspapers. It was a Win-Win for both of them and students.

"Are you still thinking about yesterday?" Daniel whispered quietly aware of the juniors sitting on the other side of the table. When he first called me that it was something urgent I thought he was going to discuss the case instead he asked me to help with the speech we have to deliver for juniors.

I sighed, placing the pencil down and staring at the table. The table had some silly engraves of students at the corner and was worn out but no one was ready for it to be replaced.

"Kinda..." I took a deep breath before staring back at him, "I am torn. Damon... he...my mom works for his family and I don't want it to affect homework but I need this story for my application"

Daniel's lips twitched, "That is complicated. I really don't want to sound like I am forcing you to make a decision but this story would be a huge hit for you. Maybe you need some will with fresh eyes to look at this. Kay can help you"

At the mention of my best friend I stilled. It had been a few days since we stopped talking. Maybe I overreacted a bit and even though I considered of going back and apologizing to her I was still holding back. Something just did not feel right. Also, I was scared that she would reject my apology and storm out which would make me even sadder.

"About that..." I leaned forward, my hands gripping the edges of the table, "We are not on talking terms right now."

Daniel screeched, "Still?"

His voice was loud enough to draw attention from the juniors. He was quick to dismiss them and apologized. I shook my head at his antics and waited patiently till he finally turned his head towards me.

"I thought at least one of you would be mature enough to end it by now. What happened to that best friends forever shit?"

A bitter chuckle escaped my lips at that, "Well turns out it was actually shit. Can we not talk about it?"

Daniel stared at me for 2 seconds before averting his eyes and exhaled sharply. The speech he was working on was still halfway but he closed the book anyway.

"Anya I don't know what your decision will be but I hope you make it quick because this story is huge and most of them want to to get their hands on it" He adjusted his reading glasses nervously. That's when I noticed that he was wearing black-rimmed glasses which were definitely new. Did he break those round glasses again?

Shaking my head, I licked my lips, "What do you mean? Did you tell anyone about it?"

"I don't have to. His arrival was enough for juicy gossip" He shrugged, "Besides I get to have a say in last so I have not assigned any projects yet"

"Okay...okay I'll get back to you as soon as I can" I pressed my lips together in a weak smile. After that, it was silence again and I was left alone with my thoughts.


It was lunchtime and I spotted Kay. She was awkwardly standing near the locker room. I was surprised to see her because she has been avoiding walking to the lockers the same time I was there. Without meeting her eyes I opened my locker, aware of the way her eyes were following my every moment.

"Hey" She cleared her throat. I closed the locker and blinked my eyes at her. Was she trying to talk to me? Kay sort of stubborn so it was shocking she was the one to take the first step.

"Hey" I gave her a weak smile. The students behind us stop doing whatever they were doing and where sneakingly trying to hear us. Not even surprising as most of them were interested in other business than focusing on their own. Truly something Erica would have enjoyed but fortunately, she was to focus on her practice.

Kay gripped her books tighter and held them against her chest as she met my eyes, "Can we talk?"

"Sure" I shrugged already facing her fully. If Kay was ready to talk it out and solve it I was not going to hold anything against her. We went through a lot of things together to let something come between us and ruin our friendship forever.

"Not here though" Kay huffed, her eyes motioning towards the students who were openly gawking at us like we were animals in the zoo.

"Let's go to cafeteria"

Kay nodded her head, "Yes please I got some Nutella sandwiches"


By the time I was on the second sandwich, we had completely sort out whatever the misunderstanding it was. Kayleen was sorry about reacting the way she did. Even though she confessed that she did enjoy ripping Asher a new pair she was sorry. Her intention was not to hurt me in any way.

I felt guilty after hearing those words because I had been too harsh on her as well. In fact, she was just looking after me and instead of appreciating that I was completely uncool and yelled at her in the middle of the hallway.

"So what have you been up to?" Kayleen asked wiping the corner of her lips. She was a messy eater and did not care for anyone's opinion.

I laughed, "Wouldn't you like to know!"

"I do" Kayleen pushed at my arm as I was reaching for another tissue. Noticing my scrunched up face she forwarded her wet wipe instead.

"First you" I motioned to her and picked up the orange juice can. One of the things I really liked in the cafeteria. They also had a decent coffee but I was not in the mood for more caffeine. That's what I have been consuming since morning to brainstorm about Damon.

Kayleen rolled her eyes and slumped back on her chair. She loosely picked at her strands of hair and curled them around her index finger.

"It's pathetic actually. I didn't leave my room and watched reruns of our favourite show."

My lips parted at that. That was so unlike the party animal she was. The fight must have really taken a toll on her.

"Really?"

Kay huffed, "It's not that's sad. Besides, it was fun catching up as it turns out I missed a few episodes in-between seasons."

"That's nice"

She made a face, "Yeah right. What about you? Did you do something interesting?"

A shudder racked through my body as I remember the last few days without her. Especially the night at Damon's house.

"I went to a party"

Her eyebrows rose up at that, "Ooh really?"

I shook my head, "It was awful. My mother's firm got a new boss and they are Damon's parents or guardians whatever. You won't believe what I found out-"

"What did you find out?!" Kayleen cut in between

I leaned in closer, hoping that no one around us was hearing and whispered, "Damon told me that he killed his family and served time for it"

Kay's face was pale as she tried to form a sentence. Her eyes kept shifting between the cafeteria exit and the table. I had never seen so nervous before.

"You should have stayed away from him"

"I am trying!"

"Try harder. He is not someone you want to mess with Anya."

"Yeah I know but- Daniel he has an article for me...It involves Damon and whatever happened five years ago"

Kay shook her head, "No no no this is a bad idea"

I made a face at that. I thought that she would support me and help me make my decision. if it was not for the university I would have never considered Daniels offer. Everything was at stake.

"What are you thinking?"

"Kay it's for my university application. I can't back out. He is my golden ticket"

"You don't understand the risk-"

"I know. God I know alright but that's what journalism is all about"

She took a deep breath, "You already made up your mind, haven't you?"

"Now I have"

She sighed. Kay was very well aware that I do not back away from the decisions I make.

"Fine. Fine but I'm helping you on this. I don't care if you need it or not I am going to be there"

My stomach twisted at that but I ignored it, "So we are doing it, then?"

"Together"

"Together" I faintly whispered


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