Rose's POV
"I've never seen a guy so in love with someone that he stays even though it can kill him," Ace remarks, shaking his head as he takes a seat in front of me in his office. "If anything, he's a textbook case for Stockholm Syndrome."
"I thought Jessica was bad before, but now she's a psychopath," I lament. "I should have been more direct with Aiden when I had the chance."
I put my head down on his desk and sigh in despondency. Ace reaches over and ruffles my hair.
"Don't get so down on yourself, Rosie. You've done all you can."
"But I left him confused and heartbroken. Of course someone was going to take advantage of him," I say with a pout.
"Rose...people make mistakes. But that doesn't mean they have to follow you everywhere. I do have one question though. Why didn't you tell him what happened to you?"
"It's really stupid, but I thought he would think I was worthless too. Plus, I didn't want to drag him into my drama with Jessica, anyway. It was the end of the year, and it wasn't worth it."
"What about afterwards?"
"After I saw him with Jessica, I left that school and never looked back. I wanted a fresh start. New school, new friends. Not that my old friends were bad...I just didn't know the proper way to say goodbye."
"Rosie..." Ace trails off, unsure what to say. He fills the void by rubbing my cheek, which he knows embarrasses yet comforts me. I feel myself growing warm from his touch.
"I can't fix everyone's problems!" I blurt out loud. "Everyone always expects to so much, but yet...I can't do it all!"
"Rose, no one can do it all. I thought I could, but I was wrong," Ace says after a long pause. "I can tell you really care about this guy, but I don't want you to get hurt."
"Ace, he's in mortal danger. There's got to be something we can do."
Ace takes my hands in his and looks squarely into my eyes. He gives me a gentle kiss.
"There might be...but unfortunately we don't have the time or energy to do it. I'd reschedule the party if I could, but my parents invited a lot of fancy folk and their kids to the party…"
An idea hits me.
"I just got an idea on how to bring Jessica down for good…"
"Ooh, do tell," he asks, anticipating an answer.
I decide to tease him and say, "That's for me to know and for you to did out at the party."
"Aww, you're no fun when you keep a secret plan from me," he playfully whines.
"Lets just say I'll be playing matchmaker tonight."
"But...won't you just subject whoever you pair with Jessica to the same hell Aiden goes through?"
"Trust me. If Jessica thinks she's the queen of manipulation, she needs to meet the king."
Wes's POV
I catch a glimpse of Aiden and Jessica leaving school grounds from my car. I'm pretty sure Aiden's limping, but I can't be too sure. I read their lips to pick up their conversation.
"...go to the salon to get my hair and nails done, then pick up our outfits for the party…"
Surely she can't be talking about the same party for Ace's 17th birthday…
"Yeah...sure…" Aiden mumbles.
"Hey! Snap out of it! I could have done much worse to you for defending Rose when you thought I couldn't hear you."
"Yeah, but kicking me hard in the leg? Jess, I don't want you taking your anger out on me all the time. I feel things are getting worse between us, and you don't seem to care..."
"I DO care. I...I just don't know how to show it well…"
"Hurting me isn't the answer."
"Neither is watching you hopelessly chase a girl who freaking dumped you!"
I scowl and put my key in the ignition. I can't watch any more of this. But I gotta warn Ace that a few uninvited guests plan to show up at his party.
Ava's POV
"You excited for Cruz's party tonight?" I ask Rose as I add a few dabs of makeup on her face. She beams at her reflection.
"Yeah...I mean, totally," she says, but the anxiety in her voice is obvious.
"You worried about Jessica showing up and ruining everything?"
"Kinda...I have a plan...but I'm scared it will backfire. I'm on...awkward terms with the guy I need for the plan. What if he isn't willing to help?"
I consider telling Rose about my plan. But I don't want her to fret anymore than she already was. I better keep this to myself.
Rose puts on an elegant pink gown with a floral crown and silver pumps to accompany it. I dramatically bow in front of her.
"Excuse me, your Highness, have you seen a cute pink haired girl about your height...she was just here a minute ago...Rose...is that you?" I pretend to act all shocked, and she loves every minute of it.
"You really think I look like a princess?" she asks timidly.
"Definitely."
???'s POV
Freaking Cruz and his family making me go to his 17 birthday bash. We were cool with each other, but not that cool. My dad appears in the doorway.
"Ready?" He asks impatiently. "It's important that we make a presence at this event."
"It's not like Cruz is having us 18th birthday. To me, those are the most important," I scoff, straightening my tie.
"I don't care about your opinion, I care about remaining on Mr. Cruz's good side. It's all about business."
"Mom would've thought differently!" I snap. My mother died in an airplane crash to Peru when I was 10. I think that's what made my dad so bitter and money hungry, but...whatever.
"Your mother would've loved to see you actually make an ally instead of an enemy for once."
"I have tons of friends at school."
"Those riff raff don't count and you know it. Just finish up. Time is money."
Whistling, he walks away. I flip him off when his back is turned. My phone buzzes. When I answer, Rose's bittersweet voice fills my ear.
"Hey…"
I smirk. "Well, well, well. Rosemary Eleanor Brinkwater calling ME? This is a surprise."
"Enough with the jokes," she snaps, before lowering her voice. "I kinda need a favor."
I gasp in mock surprise. "I thought I'd never see the day you'd ask me for a favor."
"I really need your help. A friend of mine is in danger and you're the only one that can help me."
"What about Cruz?"
"I'm begging you. I'll do anything."
"Anything???"
"Except go out with you. Or kiss you. Or do anything of the sort with you."
"Kidding, mostly. What do you need me to do?"
"Do you know a student named Jessica Nguyen?"
"I definitely know her...Say no more. I wanna show this chick who the boss really is…"