When we got to the restroom, I noticed a few guys were there. I told him to pretend he was washing his hands until they all left and warned him that if he tried anything, his punishment would be worse. He did exactly as he was told.
As soon as they were gone, I quickly shut the door.
I slammed Dustin against the toilet wall, my anger boiling over. "What's wrong with you, man?" I growled. "You think it's funny to trip Kiara and make her sprain her ankle?"
Dustin looked around nervously, but I wasn't letting him off the hook. He deserved to be scared.
"I-I was just joking around, Kelvin," he stammered. "I didn't mean to hurt her."
I twisted his arm behind his back, making him cry out in pain.
"You're going to pay for what you did," I said. "And it's not going to be pretty."
Dustin nodded, tears rolling down his face. I forced him to his knees.
My fists tightened, and I punched Dustin's stomach. He bent over, gasping for breath.
"You're going to apologize," I said. "And you're going to mean it."
Dustin nodded, still gasping. "I-I'm sorry, Kelvin. I'll never bother Kiara again."
I tightened my grip on his wrist. "You'd better not," I warned. "Because if you do, I'll make sure you regret it."
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It was closing hour at Northwood High School, and students were heading home. Among them were Rachel, Kiara, and Kelvin. Rachel carried Kiara's school bag while Kelvin helped her walk. One of her arms rested over his shoulders, and his arm was wrapped around her waist as she limped, struggling with a sprained ankle.
"I really wish I had been there," Eric muttered, frustration in his voice. "I would've given Dustin the beating of his life."
"That jerk is probably walking home perfectly fine while you're here, struggling to take a step," Rachel huffed, her grip tightening on the bag. "I'm so annoyed that I couldn't find him."
"Guys, just let it go," Kiara said with a sigh. "He apologized."
"No, that's not enough," Eric interjected.
"I'm serious, though. This wasn't just a normal apology," Kiara continued. "He was on his knees, shaking, sweating—I was really surprised. He looked scared. You should've seen his face."
"Ugh, I really wish I did! I bet I would've been satisfied, 'cause I'm so pissed right now," Rachel grumbled. "I wonder what happened… The Dustin I know would never apologize."
"Maybe he got scared because you were hurt," Eric said. "And he knew I was going to kill him the second I saw him."
Kiara shook her head. "No, guys. I don't think you understand. He wasn't just scared—he was terrified. Shaken to the core. Trust me, that wasn't normal."
"Well, whatever it was," Eric said with a smirk, "it shows he'll never try that again."
By then, they had reached the front of the school, where Kiara's ride was waiting. Kelvin and Rachel helped her into the car before stepping back.
"Don't come to school tomorrow if it doesn't get better, okay?" Rachel instructed.
"Okay, ma'am," Kiara responded playfully, with a smile on her face.
Rachel and Kelvin waved as the car zoomed off.
Kiara limped through the grand front door of her family's opulent mansion, with its towering spires and grand archways. The interior was a masterclass in luxury, with a sweeping staircase curving upward like a ribbon, crystal chandeliers, and marble floors that reflected the light. Every inch of the walls was taken up by beautiful, one-of-a-kind art pieces, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers.
She had been told that her parents had passed away and that their vast fortune would be hers when she turned 18. Her aunt and nanny had raised her in this grand house, providing for her every need and ensuring she didn't feel the absence of her parents.
"Nana, Aunt, I'm home!" Kiara shouted, dropping her bag on the couch.
"How was school, honey?" her nanny shouted from the kitchen.
"It was fine, Nana. And you? How was your day?" Kiara asked.
"It was also fine, love. I'm making spaghetti and meatballs. Are you hungry?" her nanny asked.
"I'm hungry, yes, Nana. I'm starving, and the aroma of the food is making my mouth water," Kiara said.
"Then come on, quickly go upstairs, shower, get dressed, and come down, okay?" h
er nana said.
"Okay, Nana," Kiara said, heading upstairs to her room.