On a sunny and beautiful evening, as the golden rays of the setting sun danced upon the rusted machinery, the familiar laughter of two girls could be heard echoing throughout the American Rust junkyard, this vast terrain was a treasure trove of discarded metals, spare parts, and memories left behind by generations past. It was a place where innovation had once thrived, but now lay dormant, covered in rust and forgotten dreams. Rachel and Chloe, two friends bonded by their adventuresome spirits, had sought solace among the relics of the past.
Rachel's vibrant blonde hair fluttered with the wind as her laughter filled the air, intermingling with Chloe's infectious joy. Their friendship was like an unstoppable force, radiating positivity and mischief wherever they went, It was a bond that nobody can break apart.
They roamed through the junkyard's maze of discarded treasures, their footsteps barely making a sound on the dusty ground, their conversation revolved around their common enemy - Victoria Chase. Victoria was everything they despised: haughty, arrogant, and always finding joy in belittling others.
Rachel and Chloe shared their experiences under the warm glow of the sinking sun. Memories of Victoria's relentless teasing and snide remarks filled their minds, but instead of being consumed by anger and bitterness, they found solace in each other's company, using laughter as their armor against Victoria's cruelty.
Their laughter continued to grow louder and more triumphant as they ventured deeper into the unkempt junkyard. They stumbled upon forgotten cars from a bygone era, their shiny exteriors tarnished by years of neglect. Rachel and Chloe couldn't help but imagine the stories these vehicles once held; stories of freedom, youthful rebellion, and untamed adventure.
"No, seriously Rach," Chloe began with a mischievous grin. "She was so mad she somehow found my number. It was literally 'Priceless'. I think she failed her test too."
Learning about her rival misfortunes made Rachel burst into laughter, knowing exactly who her friend was referring to. Chloe, a notorious troublemaker, had a way of getting under people's skin like no one else.
The fact that Victoria was so mad and had managed to track down Chloe's phone number to vent her frustration was both impressive and humorous.
"Nice one, Price," Rachel chuckled and continued speaking. "Wait, did I ever tell you the time when Justin's skateboard hit Victoria when he failed to do a trick? It looked so painful, Chlo, but so hella satisfying!"
Chloe's eyes widened with curiosity. "Awh man, I wish I could've seen that. Tell me everything!"
Rachel eagerly recounted the story, her animated gestures and vivid descriptions painting a picture of the comical mishap. Chloe couldn't help but giggle, imagining Victoria's shocked expression as the skateboard made an unexpected detour.
As the two girls continued their leisurely stroll, the familiar clinks and clangs of the junkyard beckoned them. With a shared glance and unspoken agreement, they veered off the main road and made their way towards their secret hideout nestled amidst the discarded treasures of forgotten times.
American Rust junkyard had became their sanctuary, a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Among the towering stacks of old car parts, broken furniture, and faded memories, they had created a haven where they could dream, explore, and be free.
Entering their hideout, Rachel and Chloe were greeted by the familiar sight of their makeshift clubhouse.
It was a cozy corner, adorned with colorful cushions, string lights, and a collection of peculiar trinkets they had rescued from the junkyard. The brick walls surrounding them were adorned with vibrant graffiti and faded posters, each showcasing Chloe and Rachel's shared dream of one day venturing to the city of dreams - Los Angeles with Polaroids capturing their wildest escapades, a testament to the countless adventures they had embarked upon together.
The makeshift furniture told their own story. Empty pizza boxes and beer bottles were scattered across the room, reminding them everytime they came to the hideout of the countless nights they shared together.
"By the way," Rachel began, shifting her gaze away from Chloe with regret, "I won't be around at all tomorrow. I have an important rehearsal for the upcoming Twelfth Night play, and I simply cannot afford to miss it. Victoria, that conniving bitch, is doing everything in her power to steal my spot, and I am not willing to risk losing it. As if that's not enough, from the looks of it, Mr. Keaton might even be considering her for the role."
Instantly Chloe's eyes widened in shock as she absorbed this revelation. "What?!" she exclaimed, standing up from the couch. "You told me we would hang out tomorrow, Rachel. Why do you keep blowing me off? Am I just your personal taxi driver now? We haven't spent time together in almost three weeks!"
Rachel winced at her friend's accusation. "Look," she sighed, heavy with remorse. "I am sorry, okay? I understand that it may seem like I'm neglecting our friendship, but I cannot stress enough how crucial this rehearsal is for me Chloe. It's my dream to have a lead role in a play, and this might be my only shot."
Chloe crossed her arms, her disappointment evident. "Yeah I get it, Rach," she said, her voice tainted with frustration. "I understand this means alot to you, but what about us? Our friendship? It feels like you're pushing me aside for the sake of your own goals."
Everything that has been said was unfortunately true. They had always done everything together-- skipped school, pranked teachers, and watched movies while indulging in snacks. But as years went on, the friendship between the two started to deteriorate.
Whereas Rachel was spending more time in drama classes and getting drugs from Frank, Chloe found herself being ignored and pushed to the side. No matter how hard she tried to win back Rachel's attention, nothing seemed to work. She was constantly the last priority on Rachel's list and today was the last straw.
Rachel looked down, guilt washing over her features. "No, Chloe," she replied softly. "You mean the world to me, and I never want you to feel like you're being pushed aside. I promise that once this play is over, we'll have all the time in the world to catch up and do all the things we used to do together. In fact, when I get back from rehearsal tomorrow, why don't I treat you to a nice lunch? Just the two of us, catching up on everything we've missed."
Eventually Chloe's anger began to subside as she saw the sincerity in Rachel's eyes. She let out a small sigh, her frustration melting away. "Fine," she relented, giving Rachel a small smile. "But you owe me, big time."
With that, Rachel grinned, relief flooding her expression. "Deal," she said, extending a hand towards her best friend. With a playful twinkle in her eyes, Chloe shook her hand, sealing their agreement.
"Alright, alright. Enough with the mushy shit, what do you want to do?" Chloe asked, hinting at playful amusement as she settled back down on the couch.
"You," Rachel replied with a sly whisper, her words delicately filling the air between them like feathers gently settling in the wind. Each syllable carried with it an air of mystery and seduction, intertwining their fates in a web of clandestine delight. Chloe caught her breath, captivated by Rachel's enchanting demeanor.
As If drawn by an invisible force, Rachel sprinted up to Chloe, urgency gripping her every movement. With a breathtaking leap, she straddled Chloe's body on the couch holding the punk hostage. The atmosphere around them crackled with electric anticipation.
Without hesitation, Rachel pressed her lips against Chloe's neck, tracing a tantalizing path with her tongue. A sudden surge of desire cascaded over Chloe, causing her to bite down on her lower lip in an attempt to control herself. A low moan escaped from deep within her throat, betraying the intensity of her pleasure.
Feeling emboldened, Chloe slid her hand along the curvature of Rachel's sculpted backside, squeezing it with fervent intensity. A surge of delight coursed through Rachel's body, causing her to arch her back and let out a pleasurable moan of her own. The raw intensity between them was tangible.
In a haze of passion, Chloe grasped hold of Rachel's shirt and pulled her closer, their lips colliding with an unrestrained hunger. Their tongues danced together in a heated embrace, eager to intertwine and explore the depths of their connection.
Amongst their fervent kiss, Rachel's fingers skillfully unbuttoned her jeans without breaking their physical connection. With a flick of her wrist, she shed the confining denim to the wayside, revealing a glimpse of her vibrant pink panties. The bold move only served to heighten the tension between them.
Getting a better view Chloe's eyes immediately bulged with admiration and lust. She couldn't help herself as she said aloud, "Fuck Rach, you look so sexy right now."
In response to that Rachel just smirks and her face flushed with pleasure before she said, "And you look hella sexy too. Now shut up and fuck me."
Following orders Chloe's hands went further down Rachel's ass and finally inside her panties, gripping her butt upwards. Rachel's excitement palpable in the air.
Trying to get her own touch, Rachel snatches Chloe's blue beanie and throws it behind her which landed on a nearby chair. Upon doing that she couldn't contain her laughter at the surprised expression on Chloe's face as her cheeks turned a bright shade of red. She then went back to kissing Chloe's now swollen neck. Biting while she sucked on it, creating the perfect hickey.
Things started to get more passionate and Chloe couldn't take the tease anymore. With a sudden burst of strength, she lifted Rachel's body up in her arms and gently placed them both on the ground.
Rachel responded with surprise and even more fervor to the sudden move. She wrapped her legs around Chloe's waist and they went back to passionately kissing.
*BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ*
"Is that your phone?" Chloe wondered aloud, barely a whisper. She gently disentangled herself from Rachel's grip. Rising from the floor, the room seemed to spin around her as she tried to regain her equilibrium.
"Come on, Price, I'm your focus now!" Rachel pleaded, her voice wrought with concern while desperately clung onto Chloe's leg, refusing to let it go. The loud buzzing noise in the corner continued to reverberate through the room, creating an unsettling atmosphere that cast a shadow over their intense makeout session.
Chloe paused for a moment, torn between her desire to discover the source of the disturbance and her longing to be in Rachel's comforting embrace. With the phone still ringing the mysterious caller captured her attention.
"Don't worry, Rach," Chloe reassured her, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "I'm just going to see who's calling you. I'll be back before you know it."
With those words, Chloe gently disentangled herself from Rachel's firm grasp and made her way towards the buzzing sound. As she approached the corner of the room, the noise grew louder and more insistent, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to prickle with an indescribable sense of foreboding.
Once Chloe reached the other side, her hand slipped into the deep pockets of Rachel's pants, searching for the object. And there, nestled among lint and loose change, lay the harbinger of doom - Rachel's cellphone.
Her eyes widened like saucers, her breath hitching in her throat she glimpsed the caller ID. It was Frank Bowers, the scummy drug dealer who had infiltrated their lives with his sleazy presence for the debt they owed. But that wasn't what shattered Chloe's world like a tsunami crashing against unsteady shores.
No, it was the private dirty message Frank had sent Rachel. A message that tore through Chloe's heart like a bullet through glass, shattering the illusion of trust and loyalty. Reading their texts sent waves of boiling anger coursing rushing pass her veins, obliterating anything that resembled love, lust, or even happiness.
Slowly turning around towards Rachel, her heart pounded like a war drum, each beat resonating with a mix of betrayal and sorrow. Chloe's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation that unfolded before her. How could Rachel, her confidant, her companion in both the best and worst of times, be involved with Frank?
"How could you do this to me? Frank, really Rach?" Chloe asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn't believe Rachel had kept such a massive secret from her. Their entire friendship was built on trust, and now it felt like it was crumbling before her eyes.
Rachel lowered her head, unable to meet Chloe's gaze. She knew she had messed up, but she didn't know how to fix it. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I never meant for you to find out like this. I just... I needed the money. Things were getting tight, and I didn't know who else to turn to."
Gathering her composure, Chloe's demeanor softened slightly, "You say you needed the money, Rachel. But why didn't you come to me? We've been through thick and thin together. I would have done anything to help you. Please tell me what did I do to deserve this."
"I was scared, Chloe," Rachel confessed, her voice faint and vulnerable. "Scared of burdening you, scared of losing our friendship because of my foolish mistakes. I thought I could handle it on my own, but obviously, I was wrong."
Chloe paused, her mind racing through a thousand thoughts and emotions. She couldn't bring herself to hate Rachel, but the betrayal cut deep. "I don't know what to say," she murmured, her gaze drifting to the floor. "I don't even know who you are anymore."
Placing the phone back inside the jeans where it was originally, Chloe threw Rachel's belongings to her recklessly. The fiery exchange had reached its boiling point, at this very moment it was a clear sign that their friendship had been shattered. With a resounding thud, the items landed in Rachel's trembling hands.
Saying her final words Chloe stomped her heavy boots out of their hangout, her anger radiated off her like waves of heat from a raging fire. Each step seemed to echo the chasm that had formed between them. Rachel, devastated by the loss of their friendship, stood there for a moment, her heart heavy with regret.
Refusing to allow her friendship with the one person she actually cared for in this town Rachel swiftly slipped her jeans and shoes back on. With every fiber of her being, she couldn't bear to see their bond break apart.
Without wasting another second, Rachel left the hideout tracing after Chloe's footsteps through the treacherous expanse of the American Rust junkyard. The junkyard itself seemed to mirror the broken pieces of their friendship – abandoned and forgotten.
No matter what Rachel did or said to calm down the escalating situation, Chloe remained resolute, as if blind to her pleas. She guided them towards her mighty truck, parked in a secluded corner of the junkyard.
Each step Chloe took towards her truck, Rachel's sense of urgency grew. She was running out of time, and she knew it. The deafening silence hung in the air as Rachel tried valiantly to bridge the divide before it was too late.
Finally reaching her truck, Chloe forcefully swung open the doors and slammed them shut with a deafening bang. The sound reverberated in Rachel's ears, a symbol of the emotional walls Chloe had erected, shutting her out completely.
"Chloe, please talk to me! I need you for fuck sake!" Rachel sobbed, her eyes welling with tears.
Undeterred by Chloe's final act of defiance, Rachel continued to knock relentlessly on the window, desperate to salvage what remained of their friendship. Her heart pounded in her chest, matching the frantic rhythm of her fists against the glass.
But the noise of banging on the window was abruptly interrupted, the engine roared to life and Chloe's truck sharply pulled away from the junkyard.
Rachel stood there, feeling a whirlwind of emotions battling within her. Despair along with disappointment enveloped her soul while she watched Chloe retreat farther away, disappearing into the distance.
The loneliness of that moment pierced through her like a knife – a testament to the loss of a cherished bond that could never be mended. A chorus of "what if's" and "if only's" rang in Rachel's mind it lingered heavily in the shadow of the departing truck.
–––
Inside the truck, Chloe was going absolutely insane. Her chest felt tight, and her heart pounded against her ribcage like a caged animal desperate to break free. This wasn't the first time she found herself in such a predicament, but it still managed to ignite a burning rage within her. Usually, whenever these sorts of situations happened—when the world pushed her too far—Chloe would retreat to the sanctuary of the junkyard. There, amongst the twisted metal and shattered glass, she would unleash her frustration, wrecking anything she laid her eyes upon.
Sadly, she couldn't follow her usual routine. Since Rachel was probably still there the option was not available. Or maybe got a lift from Frank. Who cares at this point Chloe thought. Right now her main goal was to get back to Blackwell Academy dorm before her idiot step father go looking for her on campus.
"Fuck this town, fuck Rachel, fuck Frank, fuck Step-shit, and fuck everybody! Why did you have to leave dad? Why?!" Chloe's truck screeched loudly due to turning the corner too fast, almost losing control of the wheel. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
Driving like a complete maniac, she weaved in and out of traffic, disregarding all rules and regulations. With each daring maneuver, adrenaline coursed through her body, providing her a temporary respite from the suffocating rage that threatened to consume her sanity.
The busy street played backdrop to Chloe's mental breakdown rampage. Commuters and pedestrians watched in bewilderment seeing the crazy driver past them in a rush, seemingly possessed by a relentless force. At this very moment she didn't care anymore.
She careened around corners, tires screeching on the asphalt, leaving a trail of startled onlookers in her wake while running over anything that got in her way. All logic seemed to dissipate within Chloe's mind. The rational part of her brain that once dictated the need for caution and self-control had been engulfed by an unrestrained fury. She didn't care if Officer Berry pulled her over; in fact, it was a welcome challenge to her madness.
In this moment of chaos, Chloe's wrath became the catalyst for her liberation. Each rev of the engine roars of all the frustrations she had bottled up for far too long. The world blurred around her once she pushed the limits of her vehicle and herself, desperate to exhaust every ounce of pent-up anger residing within.
Officer Berry, with his keen instincts, had caught wind of the chaos that erupted on the streets. Sirens blaring, he pursued Chloe's unruly truck, desperate to put an end to the spectacle and protect innocent lives from the dangers of her unchecked rage.
After playing a bit of cat and mouse on the street Chloe in the end gave up the chase, acknowledging the inevitable climax. Soon enough she brought the truck to a screeching halt. Officer Berry emerged from his vehicle, cautiously approaching her with measured steps. The air hung heavy with expectation as he prepared to confront the whirlwind that was Chloe.
When Officer Berry approached her rusty old truck already creating a ticket on his notepad. He peered into her ocean blue eyes and saw something different.
Drawing a long, steadying breath, Chloe broke her gaze and turned off the ignition and waited anxiously.
"Hello there, Price," he said calmly, placing his hand on the door handle. "Do you know how fast you were going?"
Chloe snapped up to meet Officer Berry, and clenched her jaw tight. "Yes, I do," she spat out. "And I know damn well it wasn't that fast, this is such bullshit!"
The police officer took a step back, raising an eyebrow at Chloe's outburst. "I see. Well, according to my radar, you were going ten miles over the limit. Do you have any reason to believe that my radar is inaccurate?"
She shoulders slumped, and she let out a long, frustrated sigh. "No, I don't," she muttered. "It's just... I need to get back to my dorm before curfew, and this is going to cost me an arm and a leg."
A thoughtful expression that mirrored the complexity of the predicament at hand, the Officer Berry continued, "Here's what I can do. Instead of a ticket, I'll give you a verbal warning this time. However, I need your word that you'll drive responsibly from now on." His gaze sharpened, their eyes locked in an unspoken agreement that transcended mere words.
Relief washed over Chloe thanking the officer sincerely. She understood that she had come close to facing the consequences of her actions and appreciated the leniency Officer Berry had shown.
Before she prepared to drive away, Officer Berry stopped her one last time. "Chloe, sometimes life throws us unexpected challenges, like this speeding incident," he said, leaning against her truck. "It's important to remember that even in difficult moments, we should never compromise the safety of ourselves and others. Take this as a lesson, and don't let your emotions cloud your judgment."
Chloe nodded, grateful for the guidance. She then starts her engine again. "Thanks dude, I mean, Officer Berry. I promise I will be more mindful in the future."
"Good. Don't be late for curfew Price, I can't save you again." Officer Berry gave a small smile and returned to his own vehicle, leaving Chloe behind in her thoughts.
Snapping back to reality Chloe drifts back on the road again passing the green light and navigated the winding road towards Blackwell Academy. Her foot pressed gently on the gas pedal, an unspoken symbol of her cautious approach to life after the chaos that had ensued. It seemed like an eternity, but after a mere six minutes, she arrived at her destination, right on time.
Slamming the truck door shut, Chloe trudged forward towards the girl's dorm, her hands tucked deep within her pockets. The weight of her troubles was etched across her slouched posture, evidence of the shattered remnants of her relationship with Rachel.
To add more damage to this awful day, Rachel's messages and voicemails incessantly interrupted Chloe's thoughts. Ignoring them, she pressed on, hoping to find solace within the walls of her dorm.
Stepping into the hallway, a strange emptiness engulfed her surroundings. Silence filled the area around her, almost if the very world acknowledged Chloe's solemn state of being. She continued her journey with her gaze fixated on her well-worn boots.
Then, in a twist of cruel fate, a collision halted Chloe's melancholic progress. It was none other than Victoria Chase, the bane of Chloe's existence. The encounter was an unwelcome addition to her already shattered soul. And so, their eyes locked, a storm of emotions brewed between them, threatening to spill over.
"Well, well, if it isn't Kari Price," Victoria sneered, a triumphant smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Seems like someone's had a rough day."
Chloe scowled, her jaw tightening in frustration. "What do you want, Vicky? Can't you find someone else to bother? I'm not in the mood for your petty bullshit."
Victoria's eyes glittered with a combination of amusement and malice. "Oh, I don't know, Price. I thought I'd come up with some creative ways to remind you just how pathetic you are. It's quite entertaining, really."
Deep down, Chloe desired nothing more than to wipe that arrogant expression off Victoria's face with a single, swift swing of her hand. But she knew better than to succumb to the temptation of a physical altercation. Instead, she opted for a snarky comeback.
"Save your breath, princess," Chloe shot back at her rival. "Everybody in this town knows you're better at talking trash than actually doing anything worthwhile."
That comment made Victoria's nostrils flared, her face scrunching up like a furious pomeranian. Striking at a vulnerability she so desperately tried to hide. Knowing her popularity and status was on the line, Victoria launched another verbal blow to not show weakness.
"You think you're so clever, don't you?" Victoria retorted, her voice dripping with venom. "It's no wonder Rachel dumped you like yesterday's trash."
"At least I know what it's like to form real connections with people, unlike you, who's too insecure to let anyone in." Chloe had said compassionately
Victoria's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of vulnerability briefly passing over her features before it was replaced with her usual haughty façade. "You don't know anything about me, Price."
"Oh, believe me, I know enough," Chloe chuckled darkly. "The 'better than thou' act might work on everyone else, but not on me."
Chloe made a show of brushing past Victoria, striding confidently down the hallway. She could practically taste the anger emanating from Victoria's direction, but she didn't care. She had bigger things to worry about than trading barbs with a wannabe dictator.
On the move again, Chloe continued her journey to her room, the sound of Victoria's frustrated footsteps faded into the distance. However, Chloe couldn't help but feel a glimmer of satisfaction. Maybe, just maybe, she had managed to knock some sense into Victoria and persuade her to stay in her own lane for once.
When she finally reached her dorm bedroom, Chloe opened the door with force and slammed it shut behind her, locking herself inside. She collapsed onto her bed, feeling the weight of the day weighing heavily on her shoulders. Staring up at the blank expanse of the white ceiling, she entered into an endless daze.
Today had been the worst day she had ever experienced in her life. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, a day filled with unexpected twists and painful revelations. Thinking back, Chloe couldn't help but question whether she should have heeded Rachel's advice and ignored that mysterious phone call earlier.
She pondered the consequences of her decision. Perhaps living in a world full of comforting lies would have been better than learning the harsh truth and facing the reality that everything she knew was about to change irrevocably.
Unexpected tears start to well up in Chloe's eyes as she recalled the painful private messages. She realized that however much she may have desired ignorance, knowledge once acquired cannot be undone.
It was as if she had stepped through a door into a different existence, a world where trust was an illusion and betrayal lurked in every shadow. Still laying on her bed not making a single movement, the tears gradually slowed and Chloe finally relaxed enough to drift into a fitful sleep. The only thing she had left was her dreams.
–––
There was no longer light in the sky, casting a dark and eerie atmosphere over the town. It was already 9 PM, and Rachel knew she had surpassed her curfew by a long shot. Walking home wasn't part of her plans tonight, but neither was the risk of getting caught with her secrets. Despite her failed attempts to contact Chloe—calling her, texting her—Rachel had given up, realizing that it was fruitless. Tomorrow would be another day, and maybe then Chloe would respond.
In all honesty, Rachel was disturbed by Chloe's sudden change in behavior. Chloe had always been attentive to Rachel's needs and desires, but now it seemed as though that attention had vanished, and perhaps for good. This abandonment was one of Rachel's worst fears. Frustration mounting, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her cellphone, dialing Frank's number for what seemed like the tenth time.
Yet again, it appeared that she was being ignored. Today was simply not in her favor, and Rachel detested every minute of it. Now, walking alone on the desolate side of the road, Rachel made her way towards Blackwell Academy where she resided.
The frigid weather bit at her skin, causing her whole body to tremble. She desperately sought warmth, but all she had to shield herself from the biting cold was her flannel shirt, which proved insufficient. It felt as though the universe had conspired against her tonight, making her endure both a long trek home and the bitter chill of the night air. Finally, after what seemed like an endless journey from the American Rust Junkyard to Blackwell Academy, Rachel arrived at her destination.
The walk had taken its toll on her weary legs, which threatened to give out right in the middle of the academy's parking lot. But knowing that she was almost there, Rachel summoned every ounce of strength she had left and continued towards the girls' dormitory, silently praying that she would go undetected by Chloe's overbearing stepfather. As she tiptoed through the shadows, Rachel could feel her heart pounding in her chest. The sound of every footstep seemed magnified, echoing through the quiet night.
Her adrenaline surged, her senses heightened as she focused on staying hidden. Every creak of a branch, every whisper of the wind sent chills down her spine, reminding her of the consequences she might face if caught. When Rachel reached the entrance door to the girls' dormitory, she was greeted by a distressing sight – it was locked! A jolt of frustration surged through her body, threatening to derail her otherwise optimistic spirit. She peered through the dimly lit glass, hoping to catch a glimpse of anyone inside who might come to her rescue, but the corridor was eerily empty, amplifying her solitude and despair.
"Oh, come on! Are you fucking kidding me?!" Rachel slammed her fist against the glass door of the girls dorm, feeling the vibration travel up her arm. She tried to calm herself down before she continued her rant. "Great. Now I have to find another way in." she whispers out in the bitter cold, already fed up.
Her day, which had initially held such promise and excitement, now seemed to crumble around her. It appeared as if an invisible hand conspired against Rachel, throwing hurdles in her path at every turn. A worry whispered in her mind: What could she do now?
Every option that Rachel thought came up empty handed without stirring up more chaos in the end. She would try bursting the windows to get inside, but that idea was scrapped instantaneously when considering both the threat of expulsion and the dreaded bill for property damage. It felt like the girls dorm was mocking her, taunting her with its impenetrability.
Anxiety clung to her seeing that time is not on her side. The wind grew fiercer, howling with malevolent glee, Rachel stood there futilely gnawing on her bottom lip. What a sight she must have been, a damsel in distress, wondering if she could somehow fashion a makeshift grappling hook out of her textbooks.
But then, like a ray of nonsensical sunshine that had lost its way, another plan sprang into her chaotic mind. With trembling hands, she fished her phone out of her pocket, desperately dialing another friend. She had no other choice so she waited for the call to connect, Rachel paced back and forth like a caged lioness, her hopes teetering on the edge of a precipice.
Seconds dripped by, each one as agonizing as the next, until finally, the call went through. A sigh of relief escaped her cold dry lips, mingling with a hint of gratitude and frustration. There was still hope, a glimmer of a solution to her predicament.
"Steph! I'm so glad you picked up," Rachel sighed with relief as she heard her friend's voice on the other end of the line. She quickly explained her situation, her heartbeat audible in her voice. "Are you inside the girls dorm? I'm stuck and need a way inside stat!"
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Rachel could almost hear Steph's brain working through the problem. Finally, she spoke again. "I'm not inside, but I know someone who is. Let me make a call."
Steph hung up without another word, leaving Rachel feeling slightly confused but also relieved that shes working on her issue. After what seemed like an forever, her phone rang again. "Hello?" she answered nervously.
"Rachel?" came a familiar voice. "It's Juilet. Steph called me, said you were in a bit of a jam."
"Juilet!" Rachel yelled ecstatically, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "I'm hella surprised. I did not know you and Steph was close. Anyways, I'm so glad you picked up. I really need your help."
Juilet listened intently as the girl in question explained her situation. She knew Steph well, and she could hear the concern in her friend's voice when she made the call. "Yeah, I understand," Juilet said, trying to reassure Rachel. "Don't worry, I'll help you get inside. Just stay where you are and keep your phone on."
The plan was now in effect. She hung up the phone and quickly changed into a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, grabbing her hair tie on the way out of her bedroom. Juilet walked down the hallway going straight to the dorm main entrance. When opened, she seen Rachel shivering and made her way inside.
"Hey, are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle. Rachel nodded, unable to speak as she shivered in the cold night air. Juliet took a step closer and wrapped her arms around Rachel, pulling her close. "Don't worry, I've got you," she whispered. "Come on, I'll help you inside."
Together, they walked further down the dorm, Juliet's hand in the small of Rachel's back, guiding her through the darkness. They soon approached a door, Juliet took out her key and made a simple turn through the lock, pushing the door open with her foot. She ushered Rachel inside, closing the door quietly behind them.
"Thank you so much, Juliet," Rachel whispered, her voice trembling with gratitude. "I don't know what I would have done without you."
"No worries, Rachel," Juliet replied with a reassuring smile. "It's what friends are for."
And so, the silence between them grew colder, wrapping the room in an uncomfortable chill. Juliet shifted in her bed, feeling the weight of their incomplete friendship bearing down on her.
Rachel, always shrouded in mystery, hid her secrets with practiced ease, leaving Juliet with a gnawing curiosity she couldn't shake. As the main gossip of Blackwell Academy, Juliet knew everything about everyone – except Rachel. It drove her mad yet kept her captivated, like trying to grab hold of smoke. But now, in this moment, she decided to change the game.
Unzipping her hoodie and throwing it off, she walked over to her dresser, the floor creaking softly beneath her steps. Juliet pulled open the top drawer, her fingers brushing aside neatly folded clothes to reveal a hidden compartment. In the shadowed corner, a pack of cigarettes lay in wait that she's been saving.
A mischievous glint in her eyes, she retrieved the cigarettes and turned to face a shivering Rachel. Without saying a word, Juliet held it up like a trophy, the possibilities dancing in her mind like swirling smoke.
Wanting to be the daring one, Juilet drew out two cigarettes and held it up between them. "Hey, you want one of these, Rachel?" she asked, grinning mischievously.
Rachel returned her friend's smile, her own lips curling up in amusement. "You know I can't resist when you ask like that," she replied, taking the proffered cigarette and placing it between her lips. Juliet pulled out a lighter, clicking it open with a flourish before holding the flame to Rachel's cigarette. "Thanks, I definitely needed one considering how shitty my day been."
As they both lit up, the bedroom now filled with the aroma of tobacco making their stress slowly deplete. Rachel took a deep drag, exhaling a long, contented sigh. "I can't believe we used to sneak out just to do this," she mused, waving her cigarette in the air.
Juliet chuckled, scanning her opened window. "It was a simpler time, wasn't it?" she said, a nostalgic note in her voice. They fell into a comfortable silence, lost in their own thoughts, the only sound the rhythmic clicking of their cigarettes. "Everything was so fun when we all hung out. Especially when your friend, Chloe, tagged along. Now that I mentioned it, how is she?"
The smoky haze around them grew thicker, and Rachel found herself lost in a dreamy state. She closed her eyes, savoring the taste of the tobacco on her tongue and the warmth it spread through her chest.
However, amidst this haze-induced reverie, Rachel couldn't escape the burden of a troubling secret. She longed to confide in her closest friend, Juilet, to unburden her soul and share the truth that weighed heavy on her heart. But she knew all too well how Juilet struggled to keep even the simplest of confidences. Doubts crept into her mind, making her hesitate.
On the other side of this conundrum, Rachel found herself yearning for Chloe's presence. If anything the punk was the only person she trusted when It came to showing her true colors. Chloe had always been the one she could vent to, pour out her worries and fears without judgment. Yet, circumstances had distanced them, leaving Rachel feeling conflicted and isolated.
Caught between the desire to maintain a façade of perfection and the need to confide in someone she trusted, Rachel's predicament only grew more consuming. She feared that revealing her secret could shatter her carefully crafted reputation, causing irreparable damage to her standing in the town.
Suddenly, Juliet's voice broke through her trance. "Hey, Rach?" she said, nudging her friend gently. "You okay?"
Startled, Rachel opened her eyes, the haze of smoke clearing from her vision. She forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine," she lied. "Just lost in thought for a moment."
The bedroom was drowned in darkness, the only light coming from the glowing embers of a cigarette held between Juilet's fingers. She inhaled deeply, exhaling a thin stream of smoke that curled lazily towards the ceiling. It was late at night, almost approaching midnight, and Rachel was seated across from her in Juilet's bedroom. Awkward silence only between them grew deeper, punctuated only by the occasional crackling of the fire and the soft hissing of Juilet's exhales. Rachel shifted uncomfortably in her seat, unsure of what to say or do to break the tension.
Sensing Rachel's discomfort, Juilet quickly changed the subject. "Hey, did you hear about the new family that just moved into town?" she asked, her voice breaks the unintentional quietness. "Apparently, they are quite rich." She took another drag on her cigarette and let out a long sigh. "It's always something, isn't it?"
Relieved by the shift in conversation Rachel responded. "No, I haven't," she answered, her voice still shaky. She glanced around the room, taking in the posters of bands she'd never heard of and the stacks of books on her nightstand. It was hard to believe that this was where Juliet spent most of her time. It seemed so... ordinary.
"Do you want to hear about it?" Juliet asked, her tone more inviting now. She leaned back against her headboard, crossing her legs beneath her. The movement caused the hem of her tank top to rise slightly, revealing a hint of bare skin and a tattoo on her lower back. Rachel's eyes widened slightly before she managed to tear her gaze away.
"Sure," she replied, sitting up straighter in her chair. "What do you know about this new family?"
"Not much," Juliet admitted, taking another drag on her cigarette. "The only thing that I know is that they basically loaded with cash. Probably in the same category as the Prescotts, if not, above them. They already own two stores in this town and It's only been a day." She let out a laugh, shaking her head. "It's going to be interesting to see how things play out."
Curiosity flooded Rachel's mind. "What about the rest of the family? Do you know anything about them?"
Juliet shrugged, tapping the ashes from her cigarette into an empty mug on her nightstand. "There's a mom and a dad, of course, but I haven't seen them around much. They're probably just trying to settle in, you know?" She took another drag on her cigarette and exhaled slowly. "I'm sure we'll hear more about them soon enough. Their daughter however..." she trailed off, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of her lips.
Rachel raised an eyebrow, curious about what Juliet could possibly know about the new girl. "What about their daughter?" she prompted, leaning forward in her seat taking another long drag of her own cigarette.
"Let me tell you, she's something else," Juliet said with a smirk. "I still don't know her name yet but apparently, she's got quite the reputation back where she came from. Rumor has it, she's got a bit of a wild side."
Leaning forward in her chair looking as she was about to fall off Rachel asked, "What kind of wild side?"
"Oh, you know," Juliet said nonchalantly, as if she was dropping a casual hint. "The kind that gets boys' hearts racing and their parents' blood boiling." She took another drag on her cigarette, exhaling a thin stream of smoke that curled lazily towards the ceiling. "She's got this aura about her, I can't really describe it. Reminds me of you in a way, so mysterious about certain things. Not to mention she's already 'buddies' with Victoria Chase. To be honest with you, I wouldn't be surprised if she is now a official member of the Vortex Club."
Rachel felt a pang of excitement at the thought of this mysterious girl. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of wild side the mysterious girl had, and how she would fit into their small town. Someone shaking things up was intriguing, especially after living in a place where nothing ever seemed to happen. The new information Rachel received wasn't much but it was enough.
"How come I didn't see her in school today? Blackwell isn't exactly a large school." Rachel asked, her mind already churning with great interest.
"She's not enrolled in Blackwell yet," Juliet explained to her friend. "supposed to start tomorrow or whatever, but apparently, the girl is already planning on skipping the first day. Dana told me the girl's parents seems to be a longtime friend of the Chase's family. The daughter was Victoria's first best friend and that she stayed at Arcadia Bay homeschooled before she left for seattle."
Genuine laugher escapes from Rachel as she gets up from the chair and tosses her now expired cigarette out of Juilet's opened window. "For somebody who doesn't know much you sure seem to have gathered the main gossip that really mattered. Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens tomorrow then. Maybe she'll surprise us all and show up on her first day."
Rachel gives Juliet one final hug, feeling the weight of their farewell hanging heavily in the air. They had been through so much together, but now it was time for them to go their separate ways. As Rachel walks down the lonely hallway back to her own room, she can't help but feel a mixture of sadness and anticipation.
Passing by Chloe's room, Rachel's heart aches with the desire to go in and talk to her. But she remembers the anger that Chloe had displayed earlier and decides to give her some time alone to process her emotions.
Sometimes, distance is what's needed to mend a fractured relationship. Taking each slow, deliberate step, Rachel eventually reaches her own room. She unlocks the door with her key and pushes it open, the familiar creak sound breaks through the silence. She gently closes the door behind her, shutting out the outside world and creating a sanctuary within.
Realizing that she only has a few precious hours left before she needs to wake up for rehearsal tomorrow, Rachel knows she can't afford to be late. Not only does she have her important performance to prepare for, but she's also expected to meet the new girl who will be joining their group. The pressure weighs on her, but she refuses to let it consume her. Setting her cellphone on the charger, Rachel takes a moment to appreciate the comfort of her own space. She stands in front of her mirror, running a brush through her hair and catching a glimpse of exhaustion in her eyes. Once situated for the night she sets the alarm clock on her device, making sure to leave enough time for a good night's sleep.
Finally slipping under the cozy covers of her bed, Rachel feels the weariness wash over her. She wraps herself in warmth, cocooned in a world of dreams and possibilities. As sleep claims her, she's ready for tomorrow, embracing the unknown with open arms.