Disclaimer: Kate Brian owns Private not me.
So I have come to the conclusion that there is no way I am finishing this story by Tuesday…I have decided that even if after Tuesday I have read the book it wont change my ideas…I know exactly what I want to do with this story I just need to write it so sit tight and the story will be finished soon!
As the lunch room cleared out and the rumors decreased we figured it was safe to go to chapel. But then again when is anything safe for me?
I walked into chapel with Constance at my side and we strode over to the junior section of the chapel.
"I heard she like is paying everyone off. She had to sell her house and her family so they would pretend to be her friends." Some junior girl said.
"Shut up would you? How would you feel if the whole school was talking about you? How would you feel if you got pushed off a boat?" Missy said defending me. I looked back at her and smiled.
"Thank you," I said.
"I am sick of the ugly rumors going around this school. We are Billings sisters we stand up for each other." Missy said.
"Truce?" I asked.
"Truce," She said smiling.
"What was that?" Constance asked.
"I don't know but I think I like it." I said.
We both quieted down because chapel was starting.
"Welcome back students o Easton Academy." Headmaster Cromwell said.
"I would like to say a few things. First I am no longer headmaster of this school. As some of you may know the events over the last few weeks have been tragedies. I can assure you Ms. DuLac is safe in her cell. She has escaped in the past but there is now far more security. Anyway after her shooting another student, Ivy Slade, was injured by a bullet. She has made a full recovery. However due to certain events school was closed down. Some of you may not know but Ariana Osgood one of your old fellow students who no longer walks these halls had escaped from her facility with her sister." Headmaster Cromwell said. I laughed to myself at the part about Ariana no longer walking these halls.
"Ariana Osgood was murdered by some criminal. Her sister was captured. Both of these girls have been a threat to some of our fellow students. I would like to say that we can put these incidents behind us and try to return to the normal flow of things. Keep these girls in your thoughts and be cautious however. I expect you to all be on your best behavior." The Crom said.
"Like he can control that now." Missy whispered into Constance and my ears. We both laughed to ourselves.
"Without any further a due may I present Headmaster Hathaway?" The Crom said.
"Goodbye students, I will miss you all." The Crom said. I know I heard a few people saying that they wouldn't be missing him. The Crom took a walk of shame out of the chapel.
"Good morning students. I am Headmaster Hathaway. I will be running his school now. I would like to add on to the list of tragedies that have occurred these last few weeks. My family vacations in St Barts along with a large group of students here. One of your fellow students was pushed off a boat. They made a full recovery but also discovered a stalker that had tried to harm her and friends. One of our previous students who didn't quite graduate, Leanne Shore, was killed by this person. Also our recent alum Dash McCafferty and our fellow student Tiffany Goulborne have been kidnapped by this person. I ask you to use complete caution around campus and if you see anything strange immediately report to me or any other staff member." Mr. Hathaway said.
I heard gasps throughout the chapel. Various Ohmigods rang through my ears. As well as wow so the rumors are all just rumors. I even heard a few she has to be paying him off too's. People were cruel and had no respect for those who needed it.
"I need you students to bond together and stick up for one another because if not more deaths may occur because we were all too stubborn to believe the truth and too easy to believe an ugly rumor. I trust you as a school, as my school to behave and act as one. I put my trust in you to not listen to what you here but to know what is right. I trust you to be the students I know you all are. I trust to make Easton Academy recognized as the school who stuck through it all and as the absolute best school ever. You are dismissed." Headmaster Hathaway said.
That was a deep speech and it meant a lot to me that he is trying to get our school to bond as it should. Unfortunately I didn't think it would ever work.
I sucked in a breath and walked towards my first class with Constance on one side and Kiki on the other.
Each class was boring and filled with review I didn't need. All the drama before break made me glad to go to classes. As I headed back to billings into the room I was sharing with Kiran and Taylor I heard almost no rumors. I just felt people staring like I was a freak. Noelle was in the lounge. So were Kiran and Taylor. It looked serious. I ran upstairs and put my books away and quickly ran back down.
"Reed sit and listen. Ariana needs to tell you something." Noelle said.
"What?" I asked.
"We don't know we were waiting for you." Noelle said.
I looked over in the corner. Ariana's eyes were brimmed in red and tears were streaming down her face. She looked as scared as could be.
"She needs to tell us something." Kiran said.
What is it?" I asked politely which just made tears come down harder. When Ariana took a breath she calmed down a bit.
"So right after I escaped I got a phone and a random number. I was still crazy and ready for revenge. Someone called and asked how to get to someone. I was confused and well they said I know who you are, you can change your hair but it doesn't change you. I know what you did to Reed Brennon. What can I do to torture her? Like I said all I had in my system was revenge. I swore I knew that voice from somewhere but I couldn't place it. I still can't. Anyway I told them they could get a white blond long hair wig with ice blue eye contacts. Stalk her as AO and show up places. Make sure either the eyes or the hair is visible. They asked me a few more times specifics. I also told them how to get to you Noelle. I told them about that guy and that is why he is involved. They told me they were torturing you. Something about killing a blue bird and other things. A few days after the blue bird incident they called me again and asked me how to kill you. I had gained my sanity back and I hadn't talked to them in a while. I said you can't kill her. They told me they were and there was nothing I could do about it. They swore they would kill me too. That is when they killed Briana Leigh Covington instead of me. I haven't talked to them since but I was behind AO at first. I swear though I never meant for it go that far. I was insane and I still didn't want to kill you." Ariana said through tears.
All of us sat there silent. A tear escaped my eye and I wiped it away. I can't believe I trusted her.
"I trusted you," I said with so much venom Noelle was probably proud.
"I know and I feel like a disgrace. Anyway at Suzel's I got a call. I knew she would follow me. I called the person back but was discreet. They told me they knew I was alive and they were going to kill me. They were going to kill Reed. They already killed some people. I never suggested that. I was out of the deal before anyone was dead. They said they would kill Josh and Thomas. Noelle, Dash, Tiffany, Scott, Kiran, Taylor, Constance, London and everyone else. They were going to kill all of us. I told them good luck. I wasn't giving them any information. Suzel heard and understood. She said she was upset with me for in the beginning but for me to risk my life was good. So they said I was going to die first. I thought it was done after that but I just got a call the earlier today," Ariana said before breaking into another round of tears. My mouth hung open wide. How could she do that to anyone? I guess she was crazy though.
"I can't believe they would hurt anyone's family. I don't know how they knew to get to Josh." Ariana said before crying again.
"If Josh is hurt I will hurt you Ariana." I said angrily.
"No he doesn't even know. It's Tess. She isn't hurt more than a scar and a few bumps and bruises. But this Brandon came back apparently. I guess like she found him breaking into their house and he hit on the face. He covered her mouth with something so she couldn't scream. He brought her quietly to her room and everyone else was doing something so they didn't know. He ripped all her clothes off. He tied her to the bed," Ariana was saying and I saw Noelle turn her face disgusted but not by Ariana, by Brandon.
"She got a scream out before he got his clothes off. He ripped out a knife and before Tori got in the room with Lynn and Gia," Ariana couldn't finish without going into hysterics. Noelle started crying too.
"This happened?" Noelle asked pointing to her scar. Ariana nodded and I screamed.
"Tori screamed at him and pulled him off of her. Gia got the knife from him and then she went to help Tori help Tess. Lynn kicked him out and took him to the police. He is being held. He is a minor so nothing major can happen. They told me this and sent me a picture of a knife. It was the same knife I used on Reed and well," Ariana couldn't finish.
"It gave me this," Noelle said pointing to her scar. Ariana nodded.
"Reed please forgive me." Ariana pleaded.
"I'll deal with you later." I said before sprinting out the door.
I probably looked like an idiot running across campus. I didn't care. Josh needed to know. I needed to tell him. I passed Sawyer on my way.
"Reed!" He cried. I slowed down and turned to him my face burning with tears.
"What happened?" He asked.
"Josh I need to get there. His sister, my stalker, pain. It's all my fault." I said before running away again.
I burst into Ketlar without a care and ran up to Josh's room. I didn't knock or wait a second. I burst through the door collapsing on my knees as I entered breaking into a new fit of tears. Josh was sitting in the double room with Thomas. They were both on Josh's bed because all Thomas had was a blow up mattress and Trey was with Astrid some where.
"Reed," Josh said.
"Reed," Thomas repeated.
Josh came over and scooped me up off the floor carrying over to the bed where Thomas set up extra pillows.
"What's wrong?" Josh asked.
"Tess…Brandon," I said calming down a bit.
"What happened?" Josh asked angrily.
"Do you remember how Noelle got he scar?" I asked. Josh nodded.
"That happened." I said. Josh's face fumed.
"It just happened." I said telling Josh the whole story. He understood Ariana being sorry and is willing to forgive her; she just needs to make it up to us. I think it was what everyone agreed. She did come out and tell us and she was going to sooner but Suzel advised her otherwise.
Josh made a phone call to his parents. They said she was fine and agreed to let both of us come and visit. She was asking for me.
A few minutes after Josh got off the phone Mr. Hathaway stormed in with Sawyer trailing behind him. He did care I was a girl in a boys dorm.
"Josh, Thomas. By the way that disguise won't fool anyone. Reed what happened?" Headmaster Hathaway asked. Thomas grunted a little bit and took out the contacts. I guess he kind of knew Thomas. Plus Sawyer and Graham know people.
I told the story to Sawyer's dad. He agreed to give us an off campus pass until Wednesday. We had to be back in classes by Thursday. Even Mr. Hathaway understood the whole Ariana thing. He knew not because f Sawyer but because he knew us kids from so many years of vacation. We knew we could trust him though. Josh and I had to book the next flight to New York today that came home Wednesday. I was allowed off campus too because it involved my stalker.
I had gone back to Billings quickly and grabbed the first few pairs of jeans and shirts that I saw. As I was running down stairs to meet Josh so we could go home and see if his sister was ok Ariana pulled me aside.
"Reed I promise I haven't had anything to do with it since like the first week. Like I said I was crazy and I am so sorry." She said.
"I understand. Who is AO?" I asked.
"I never found out. I just tried to pretend it wasn't happening however recently the calls have only come once a month." Ariana said.
"Ok well I have little respect for you but thanks for telling the truth and well I forgive you." I said.
"Reed I really am sorry." Ariana said. I nodded and walked away. I knew Noelle had agreed with me. We did forgive her. She had texted me.
As soon as I walked out of the building I started to walk quickly in the direction of Ketlar when someone stopped me.
"Reed," I recognized the voice of Marcellus Albero.
"Marc?" I asked.
"Yeah Reed what is the rush? How are you?" He asked.
"I need to get to Ketlar to see Josh. But I am fine thanks. I just wish theses rumors would stop." I said.
"So it's true," Marc said sounding kind of disappointed.
"What's true?" I asked.
"You are back with Josh." Marc asked.
"Yeah," I said. Marc frowned a bit.
"Well I guess I will se you later." Marc said sadly.
"Wait Marc what's wrong?" I asked.
"Well nothing but I wouldn't want to keep you from your boyfriend." Marc said. Ouch. Why was he acting like this? He knew we were just friends.
"Marc we are just friends. Ok I really love Josh and he loves me." I said.
"Reed it didn't seem that way a couple of weeks ago when I was the only one who would even talk to you. I am sorry I guess I am just bitter. Maybe he has changed. I don't know. Please just be careful with him. I would hate to see you get hurt like you did last time." Marc said.
"Thanks for looking out for me, and trust me I will be careful." I said smiling and waving at Marc.
I was about to head for Ketlar once more when I saw someone I really didn't want to see. They couldn't be here. They couldn't ruin this for me. I caught there glance and of course they headed in my direction.
I grabbed my phone and texted Josh to meet me at the quad to get going. All I knew was I needed to leave because Upton, Paige, Poppy, and Daniel were headed my way. Of course they were. Josh must have been just outside of Ketlar because I saw him start to run towards me when I saw me. He beat the others to me and kissed me on the cheek. I saw Upton flinch as he did so.
Josh looked in the direction I was looking in and stiffened. Noelle was wandering around campus when she saw us. She came over to say goodbye when she saw them too.
"What are they doing here Noelle?" I asked trough my teeth.
"Like I would know," She said.
"Reed," Josh said.
"Don't worry we can handle him." I said referring to Upton. It seemed he had never gotten over me.
"Reed why would they be here?" Noelle asked.
"I don't know ask Sawyer and Graham." I said. Upton and his crew were still about ten feet from us when we saw Sawyer walking by.
"Isn't that convenient," Noelle said grabbing Sawyer and dragging him over to us.
"What?" he asked. I pointed and he looked.
"Oh yeah did I forget to mention that." Sawyer said.
"Yeah you did." I said harshly.
"Why are they here?" I asked.
"Graham suggested that like they come to our school. They all graduated and are going to Yale this year. Sienna moved to like Australia or something last week. They are here for prom." Sawyer said.
"Why?" I asked through my teeth.
"Well my uses would be to bug the crap out of you and I don't know. I think Mrs. Ryan suggested it. Yale is closed for a few weeks because Dash went missing. It is closed until the scandal is solved. Anyway my guess is they stay for prom and then leave. Let's face it they all love torturing you. Well except for Poppy and Daniel but I think they were dragged along." Sawyer said.
"Thanks for the warning." Noelle said dismissing Sawyer.
"Well have fun reuniting or whatever." Sawyer said before dashing away quickly to not deal with everything they throw at him.
"Reed how are you?" Poppy asked sweetly.
"I'm doing fine I guess. Things have been crazy but we are dealing. How are you?" I asked
"I am doing well. I am excited to be going to Yale which is so close so we can all hang out." She said.
"Yeah awesome," I said excited. Poppy was very nice and now Daniel was too.
"Hey Daniel," I said.
"Hey," He responded.
"Well now that the love fest is over let's get down to business." Upton said suggestively to Poppy.
"Upton stop it. We discussed this. We are here to hang out." Poppy said. Upton let out an aggravated sigh and rolled his eyes. He glared at me disgusted with me.
"Well I thought we would be hanging out with people that mattered not some loser picked up off the street." Paige said. I wasn't even with Upton anymore.
"Paige," scolded Daniel.
"Whatever," Paige said glaring at me. She then looked up at Upton who was still staring at me but more like he longed for me. I swear I saw her drool.
"Well I am very excited to hang out with you guys but I am afraid that can't happen until Wednesday." I said.
"Why does the poor girl need to check the funds on her charity case?" Paige asked.
"No, my sister was hurt because of the same psycho stalking her so if you would get over yourself and your jealousy and leave us alone it would be great." Josh yelled at Paige.
"Wow I forgot about your anger issues." Upton said feeling like he was able to one up Josh. Poppy stomped on his foot.
"And you have issues with yourself. You love yourself too much." I said. I swear I saw even Poppy giggle.
"Wow I am glad I ended things with you." Upton said.
"Hold up now. I ended things with you. You cheated on me. You screwed us up. Not like I wouldn't have dumped you sooner or later. I was never that into you." I said.
"Hey look she is delusional. She thinks she broke up with me." Upton said laughing. Josh shot him a death glare as well as I did. Paige snickered with Upton.
"Upton you pig. She was right to break up with you. She didn't love you. I am sick of you obsessing over how awful she was or how poor she is or whatever. You need to grow up and face the facts. I can deal with it I you would just admit you aren't over her. I am sick of it." Poppy said storming away.
"Poppy," Upton called.
"As much as I hate to admit it she is right. I still love you Reed. But I love Poppy too. More than I could ever love you." Upton said. I could tell the lie of the last part. Even though I am over him that hurt. Upton ran after Poppy and Paige ran after Upton.
"Upton wait. I wouldn't care how much you tormented Reed. We could do it together." She shouted.
"Paige, stop chasing him." Daniel screamed running after Paige. It was quite hard not to laugh hysterically.
"We have to go Noelle but I will see you in a few days." I said.
Josh and I hurried to the limo and laughed the whole way to the airport. We laughed quietly to ourselves the whole plane ride home. I liked how Poppy had guts. IT was funny seeing Upton try and act all tough when his true feelings came true. Seeing Paige throw herself at Upton was too much to handle and Daniel trying o protect Paige ultimate humiliation was awesome. The only part that sucked about this was that three guys loved me and I only loved one of them relationship wise. Josh of course. I loved Thomas but only as a friend. Upton was Upton and I had no feelings for him what so ever.
When the plane landed in New York we rushed to Josh's house where we were only a day before.
When we got there the house was quiet. We knew they were all upstairs comforting Tess. We both bolted up the stairs and into her room. The room was crowded with Chad, Tori, Lynn, Gia, Mr. and Mrs. Hollis, and Tess lying in bed with a bandage in the same exact area as Noelle's scar.
"Reed, Josh, you came." Tess said.
"Of course we came. How are you?" Josh asked.
"Fine, I am more upset than anything. I really liked him." Tess said.
"I know the feeling." I said. Josh looked at me quizzically. I gave him a look saying not you.
"Reed I am scared. Why did they do this?" Tess asked.
"Can I have a minute alone with her?" I asked. Everyone but Josh filed out.
"You can stay." I said.
He nodded and went to sit by his sister.
"Well have you heard of Billings?" I asked.
"It is only like mine and Tori's dream." Tess said.
"Tori can you come in here?" I asked.
Tori ran in.
"Well this story is about Billings and this may eventually pertain to you." I said.
"What happened?" Tori asked.
"Well I am in Billings. I was actually president for a while. It was neat. But anyway my dear friend Noelle Lange, you may have met her the other night, is president once again." I said.
"Yeah we met her. She is only like legendary even if Josh doesn't like her." Tori said.
"Hey that has changed." Josh protested.
"Well anyway as you may or may not know I have been having trouble with a stalker lately. Anyway it goes back to Billings past. When Noelle was a sophomore she was stalked by this guy at the legacy. When junior year came around after she ignored him he did the same thing to her that Brandon did to you. It still upsets her and troubles her." I said.
Tess and Tori were shocked and surprised. The rest of the night I told them things about Billings. They asked questions and I answered the ones I could. In the morning we popped in a movie in Tess's room. She was recovering well. It would be fine that we were leaving tomorrow. After the first movie we ate lunch. Then the twins ked me all about all the drama we went through and all the Easton stories we had. After that we ate dinner and popped in another movie. We went to bed that night and Tess was still recovering at a great rate.
We woke up early in the morning and said goodbye to everyone. We arrived back at Easton campus just before chapel.
"See you at chapel." I said to josh before entering Billings.
"Reed, your back." Noelle shouted.
"What is so urgent?" I asked looking at the worried faces of everyone around me.
"Reed…"
Sorry I haven't updated in a week. I couldn't finish before Tuesday but like I said I am not changing anything. I know exactly where I am going from this point on. Three more chapters left in this story.
I haven't had a cliffhanger in a while so I decided it would be a good time!!!
What do you think happened and again who is AO???