Chapter 21

The classroom is buzzing with anticipation as Emma moves to the front, switching on the projector. The screen lights up, displaying a scene from a famous play—one filled with intense emotion and complex character interactions. Emma turns to the class, her eyes briefly scanning the room before landing on me.

"Alright, class, today we'll be focusing on imitation. I want each of you to choose a scene from this presentation and try to recreate it on stage," Emma announces. Then, with a knowing smile, she adds, "Ash, why don't you go first?"

I feel a wave of nervous energy as I stand up, aware of the eyes of my classmates following me. The scene on the screen is one of the most challenging—a powerful confrontation filled with raw emotion. I take a moment to steady myself, studying the expressions, posture, and tone of the actors.

As I step onto the stage, the classroom falls into an expectant silence. I can sense the skepticism in the air—most of them probably think I'll fumble through it. But I push those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand.

"Alright, here goes nothing," I mutter under my breath, taking my place center stage.

As the scene begins, I channel the character's emotions—anger, desperation, a deep sense of betrayal. My voice rings out, strong and clear, as I deliver the lines with intensity and precision. I let the character's pain and frustration take over, my gestures sharp and purposeful, my face mirroring the anguish of the moment.

"Why did you betray me?" I shout, the words filled with a mixture of hurt and rage. "After everything we've been through, how could you turn your back on me?"

The room is completely silent, and I can feel everyone's eyes locked on me. I continue, letting the emotion build as I drive the scene forward, the character's anguish pouring out with each word.

"You said we were like brothers! But when I needed you most, you weren't there!" I pause, taking a breath, before finishing with a voice heavy with sorrow. "I guess I was just a fool to believe in you."

When I finally finish, I'm met with stunned silence. My classmates are frozen in place, clearly taken aback by the intensity of my performance. I look around, half-expecting someone to laugh or make a sarcastic comment, but instead, I see wide-eyed stares and slack jaws.

Emma is the first to break the silence. She starts clapping slowly, her expression one of genuine surprise. "Well done, Ash. That was... impressive. Truly impressive." She turns to the class. "This is what I mean by bringing a character to life. I hope you were all paying attention."

I return to my seat, the adrenaline still coursing through me. As I sit down, I catch Alice's eye. She's staring at me, her cheeks flushed with surprise and admiration. "Ash... that was amazing," she whispers, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Thanks," I reply, feeling a warm sense of pride. "I just... got caught up in the moment, I guess."

Before I can say more, I hear a scoff from the back of the room. Ark, one of Alice's main bullies, is leaning back in his chair, his arms crossed and a smirk on his face. "Yeah, sure, that was decent. But don't get too full of yourself, new kid. It's just one performance."

Belle, sitting next to him, rolls her eyes. "What a show-off. I bet you practiced that a hundred times at home."

I glance back at them, feeling a flash of anger. But instead of responding, I let their comments slide off me. I've already made my mark, and it's clear that my performance has left them rattled, even if they won't admit it.

Alice leans closer, her voice low. "Ignore them, Ash. They're just jealous."

I nod, appreciating her support. "Yeah, I figured as much."

Around the room, I notice other students whispering to each other, clearly impressed. Reisa and Elline give me encouraging nods from their seats, and even Emma seems pleased, her smile lingering as she moves on with the lesson.

The class continues, but the atmosphere has shifted. My classmates have seen a side of me they didn't expect, and I can feel the respect in their gazes. I've made a strong impression, and I know it's just the beginning.

As the bell rings, signaling the end of class, students begin to gather their things and file out of the room. I'm about to leave with Alice when I notice a girl lingering near the door, eyeing Alice with a smug expression. It's Ella, the third bully Alice had mentioned—the one obsessed with cleanliness.

As Alice and I approach the exit, Ella steps in front of us, blocking our way. "Oh, Alice," she says in a sickly sweet tone, "could you be a dear and clean up the mess in the back? I noticed some trash on the floor, and we wouldn't want the classroom to be dirty, would we?"

Alice stiffens beside me, and I can tell she's been through this routine before. "Ella, I didn't make that mess. Why should I have to clean it up?"

Ella's expression hardens, her voice dripping with false concern. "Oh, come on, Alice. You know how much I hate seeing a dirty classroom. Besides, it's not about who made the mess—it's about taking responsibility. Remember what happened last time when you refused? The teacher wasn't too happy about the 'trash' we found."

I can see Alice's shoulders slump, the weight of past experiences pressing down on her. She's on the verge of agreeing, just to avoid another confrontation. But before she can say anything, I step forward, positioning myself between her and Ella.

"Why don't you clean up your own mess, Ella?" I say, my voice firm. "It's not Alice's job to do your work for you."

Ella blinks, clearly not expecting me to intervene. "Excuse me?" she snaps, her tone sharp. "This doesn't concern you, new kid."

"It does when you're trying to push your responsibilities onto Alice," I reply, not backing down. "She's not your personal maid. If you're so concerned about cleanliness, maybe you should start with your own attitude."

A few other students who haven't left yet stop to watch the exchange, and I can feel their eyes on us. Ella's face flushes with anger, but she quickly tries to regain her composure.

"Fine," she hisses, her eyes narrowing. "But don't think this is over. Just wait until the teacher finds out about the trash. We'll see who gets blamed then."

"I'll be sure to explain everything to the teacher myself," I say coolly. "And I'm sure they'll be interested in hearing about how you've been trying to manipulate Alice into cleaning up after you."

Ella's expression falters, the threat clearly unsettling her. Without another word, she turns on her heel and storms out of the classroom, leaving the trash behind.

I turn to Alice, who's looking at me with a mix of relief and surprise. "Ash... you didn't have to do that," she says quietly, though I can tell she's grateful.

"Yes, I did," I reply, my tone softening. "No one should have to put up with that kind of treatment. If she or anyone else tries something like this again, just let me know."

Alice smiles, her eyes brightening. "Thank you, Ash. It means a lot to me."

"Anytime," I say, returning her smile. "Now, let's get out of here. We've got better things to do than clean up after bullies."

As we leave the classroom together, I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I know I've made the right choice standing up for Alice, and I'm determined to keep doing so—no matter what.

As Alice and I walk down the road, enjoying a brief moment of peace after the confrontation with Ella, I notice a group of boys up ahead, standing in the middle of the path. My heart sinks as I recognize Ark at the head of the group, a smirk plastered across his face. He's flanked by a couple of goons, all of them clearly here for one reason.

"Well, well, look who it is," Ark sneers as we approach. "The new kid and his little sidekick. I heard you've been throwing your weight around, Ash—picking on poor Ella, are we?"

I feel Alice tense beside me, but instead of the usual fear in her eyes, there's a spark of determination. I know why—her mind has been merged with Serena's, something only I'm aware of. The shy, easily intimidated Alice isn't gone, but now there's a confidence in her that's never been there before.

"I didn't pick on anyone," I say, keeping my voice calm but firm. "I just told Ella to clean up her own mess. Maybe you should try it sometime, Ark."

Ark's smirk fades slightly, but he quickly regains his composure. "You think you're tough, don't you? New kid comes in, thinks he can mess with my friends and get away with it?"

Before I can respond, Alice steps forward, her voice steady and unwavering. "It's not about being tough, Ark. It's about not letting you or your friends push people around anymore. I'm done letting you treat me like dirt."

Ark's eyes widen in shock. This isn't the Alice he's used to—the shy girl who would quietly accept whatever was thrown her way. He wasn't prepared for this version of her, the one who now stands tall, her words sharp and clear.

"What's gotten into you, Alice?" Ark snaps, trying to regain control of the situation. "You think you can just talk back now? Who do you think you are?"

Alice narrows her eyes, not backing down. "I'm someone who's tired of being bullied. And if you think you can scare me or Ash, you're wrong. We're not afraid of you."

Ark's goons shift uncomfortably, exchanging uncertain glances. It's clear they weren't expecting this level of resistance from Alice. In the past, she would have shrunk back, but now, with Serena's confidence merging with her own, she's more than capable of standing up for herself.

Ark tries to recover, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're going to regret this, Alice. You and your new friend here."

I step up beside Alice, my voice low and steady. "No, Ark. The only ones who'll regret anything are those who keep pushing their luck. If you or anyone else tries to mess with Alice again, you'll have to deal with me."

Ark looks at me, then at Alice, clearly rattled by the unexpected change in her demeanor. He clenches his fists, frustration etched on his face, but he knows he's outnumbered in spirit, if not in numbers.

"Come on, let's go," he mutters to his goons, turning away with a scowl. The group reluctantly follows, their bravado deflated.

As they retreat, I turn to Alice, who's still standing tall, her eyes focused and determined. "You were amazing," I say, genuinely impressed.

Alice lets out a small breath, her tension easing. "Thanks, Ash. I don't know what came over me, but... I just knew I couldn't let them push us around anymore."

"I think I know what it was," I reply with a smile. "And I'm glad you did. You're stronger than they'll ever realize."

She smiles back, the confidence still shining in her eyes. "Maybe... but it's easier knowing you're here with me."

"Always," I say, giving her a reassuring nod. Together, we continue down the road, knowing that whatever comes next, we'll face it side by side.

Here is a new chapter, and as you can see, Alice is starting to stand up for herself, and with Ash by her side, will Ark and his goons be more aggressive or be more cautious?