Kelly wasn't wrong—once again, the blame had found its way back to her.
She walked alone across the school grounds, already used to the whispers that followed her. She had learned how to ignore them, how to lower her head and stay quiet for as long as she could endure.
When her phone buzzed, she stopped.
Claire.
Meet us.
Kelly exhaled slowly.
It was dismissal time. She didn't go home with her brother, making up an excuse she knew he wouldn't question. She already knew they wouldn't stop bothering her anyway.
Instead, she followed the location Claire sent.
The river.
She found them laughing by the edge, their voices light, careless—until Claire noticed her.
"Oh, you're here," Vanissa said brightly.
Kelly said nothing. She waited.
"We need your help," Vanissa continued.
"What kind of help?" Kelly asked quietly.
"I dropped my earrings," Vanissa said, pointing toward the river. "They must've fallen in."
"They were a gift from my boyfriend," Claire added. "Please help us look for them."
Kelly shook her head. "No. You won't find earrings in the river."
This time… I won't let them use me again.
She turned to leave.
Pain exploded across her face.
The slap echoed.
Kelly froze, her cheek burning.
Vanissa grabbed her jaw, forcing her to look up. Kelly shoved Claire hard—she stumbled and fell—but it wasn't enough.
Vanissa yanked her hair, dragging her toward the bridge.
"You're really annoying, Kelly," Vanissa spat. "No one will believe you."
The world tilted.
Then—
She was falling.
Cold swallowed her whole.
The river closed over her head, heavy and unforgiving. She sank, lungs screaming, chest crushing under the pressure.
I just want to rest…I'm so tired…
Darkness crept in.
Air burst violently into her lungs.
Kelly coughed, choking, gasping as water spilled from her mouth.
"Kelly!"
She turned weakly.
Melody.
Crisha stood beside her too—soaked, trembling.
"We're taking you to the hospital," Melody said urgently.
Kelly shook uncontrollably. "I—I'm okay… thank you."
They exchanged worried glances.
"I'll take you home," Melody said gently.
"Please… Jonathan's place," Kelly whispered.
Melody nodded immediately.
"It was Crisha who saw you," Melody explained softly. "She screamed for help. A man jumped in with us."
Kelly looked at Crisha. "Th-thank you…"
Crisha only nodded.
When they arrived, Kenjie froze at the sight of her—drenched, pale, shaking.
Melody explained everything.
"She slipped," Melody said carefully.
"Thank you," Kenjie replied, voice tight.
"It was Crisha," Melody corrected. "She saved her."
Kenjie bowed slightly. "Thank you. Both of you."
He turned to Kelly. "Wash up. Change clothes. We'll talk later."
"Yes," Kelly whispered.
As she walked away, one thought lingered.
Who was the man who saved me?Why did he feel… familiar?
She could swim.
She wasn't supposed to drown.
I don't know if I still have the strength to keep fighting, she thought.Maybe I've already lost hope.
*****
"Kevin," Chris asked quietly, "are you sure?"
"She doesn't need to know," Kevin replied. "Not yet."
"And the proof?" Chris pressed.
"I'll reveal it when the time's right."
He stared at the photo on his phone—the moment before Kelly was pushed.
Jonathan clapped his shoulder. "Thanks for saving her."
Kevin nodded. "Yeah."
Why does Jonathan feel so familiar? he wondered. Especially when it comes to Kelly…
"That evidence matters," Jonathan said seriously. "Please protect it."
A sharp pain pierced Kevin's head—then vanished.
As he walked, he saw Kelly sitting alone.
She fought back yesterday, he remembered. She really tried.
Should I use the evidence now… or wait?Kenjie keeps stopping me. He says it's not time yet.
Kevin sighed.
When I gave her CPR… our lips touched.
Was that her first kiss?
Damn.
He glanced at her again.
She's always been cute. Even back in seventh grade.
"Jonathan," Kevin asked suddenly, "should I court your childhood friend?"
Jonathan's gaze hardened. "Do what you want. Just don't play with her."
"Scary," Kevin muttered.
"She's not an easy girl," Jonathan snapped.
Kevin chuckled, leaning back.
If I fall seriously… maybe it's her.
But the evidence remained in his pocket.
Waiting.