TIFFANY’S POV
As soon as the bell rang for recess, Tiffany left with Freya and Timothy for the principal’s office.
“Come in.” She answered.
” Good day, Ma. You sent for us.” Tiffany said.
“Oh yes, I did.” Mrs Campbell said.
“Are you in an altercation with anyone in this school? One that the person will stop at no length to harm you?” Mrs Campbell asked.
“None that I can remember, Ma.” Tiffany said, shaking her head.
“I’m sorry to say this, but the CCTV footage was deleted. I don’t know how the person got a hint of our intention, but by the time Derek resumed today, the footage was gone.” Mrs Campbell said.
The trio gasped in shock. “How is that possible, Ma?” Timothy asked, confusion evident in his voice.
“We suspect the culprit used a master key to access the security room, because there was no sign of forceful entry.” Mrs Campbell said.
“This is serious. Are we dealing with a serious killer?” Freya asked, looking scared.
“I don’t think so, but Tiffany, you have to be careful and if possible, apologize to whomever you had a fallout with.” Mrs Campbell advised.
“Mary!” Freya suddenly yelled.
“What did you say?” Mrs Campbell asked.
“Mary Quevara. She is the only one that has always hated Tiffany in this school.” Frey said.
“It is wrong to assume things about people, Miss Meyer. Mary might have had a little issue with Miss Dion here, but she is not capable of such an act. And to be honest, we don’t think a female deleted the footage. Let me ask you, can you access a CCTV interface and delete footage?” Mrs Campbell asked.
“Of course not.” Freya replied.
“Exactly my thoughts. Which is why we think the culprit is a male.” Mrs Campbell said.
“You have a point, Ma.” Timothy said.
“Okay, kids. Go for recess if you don’t want to starve. And please, be safe.” Mrs Campbell said, dismissing them.
They walked out of the office looking worried and downcast.
OSCAR’S POV
“I thought you were smart, but obviously you’re not!” Oscar yelled at Mary.
“Hey, watch your tongue. I’m still your senior.” Mary replied.
“Well, you are not acting like one. Why were you thinking when you decided to ruin her books? You forgot there would be CCTV footage?” Oscar said angrily.
Mary’s eyes immediately widened in shock, then fear. “What do I do?”
“Well, thank your stars I got rid of the footage.” Oscar said.
“Thank you so much. I have always known you are a genius.” Mary said happily.
“You have to control whatever hate you have for her and be more logical with your actions. I won’t clean up your mess next time.” Oscar threatened.
“Fine. So, what do you have up your sleeves?” Mary asked, trying to start a conversation.
” None of your business. I’m going back to class now. You should do the same.” Oscar said and walked away.
MARY’S POV
She stared after him as he left. Why was he always grumpy? It irked her that she had to be answerable to somebody.
She never does. People are usually answerable to get and the reverse of the case was pissing her off.
Since she has a lot to lose if Oscar runs his mouth, then she has to play along.
TIFFANY’S POV
She sat at her favorite spot. The one only she and Timothy knew about.
As she reminisced on the past few events, she couldn’t help but burst into tears. The past few weeks have been hectic, with the threats and her issues with Shawn. She could barely concentrate in class and a poor performance could get her out of the students committee body.
She sobbed loudly as the effects of the sob raked her entire body.
“Wow! Indeed, the rich also cry.” A voice said behind her.
She turned in fright and came face to face with Oscar. Hurriedly, she wiped her tear streaked eyes. “Do you do other things apart from creeping up on people?” Tiffany asked, irritated for being interrupted.
“Yeah, I do. Comforting and offering a shoulder is one of them, that is if you will let me.” He said, taking a seat beside her.
“How did you find this place? There are only two people that know about this place.” Tiffany said.
“Well, there are three now. Well the answer to your question is that; for someone who likes to be by himself, this place is the perfect getaway. So, after searching fervently, I found this place.”
“Wow! My Best friend Timothy and I found this spot years ago. Not even Freya knows about it.” Tiffany said, her mood brightening a bit.
“Well, I’m afraid you both have to share with me. What’s that saying again? “There is love in sharing.” Yes, that’s it.” Oscar said
“That’s not a problem.” Tiffany said.
“So, do you want to tell me about why you were crying?” Oscar said, taking on a serious note.
“I don’t know if I should be sharing this with you but I really need someone to talk to. Someone aside my friends.” Tiffany said.
“Try me then.” Oscar probed.
Tiffany went ahead to explain everything from her father’s company on the verge of going bankrupt, to her marriage of convenience to Shawn, to how living with Shawn has not been easy owing to their numerous fights, to the recent threats she had had in school. By the time she was done, She was crying again.
Oscar pulled her head down to his shoulders, and wrapped his arms against her. Then he leaned forward and began to whisper soothing words to her ears, from afar one will think they were kissing.
And then, there were phone camera flashes, but Tiffany was oblivious to it.
RACHEL’S POV
She smiled maniacally when the pictures were sent to her phone.
“Another weapon of destruction.” She murmured and let out a loud laugh.
The little girl had better been ready for what was coming. This time, she will fire and not miss a shot.
SHAWN’S POV
“Hello, sir. Your father is on his way to your office.” Leslie announced over the phone.
Shawn sighed and dropped the intercom. He was having a migraine, and his father’s presence would worsen it.
A few minutes later, the door went open and his father walked in. He took a seat and crossed his legs in his signature style. “How are you, son? ” He asked.
“Hey, Dad.” Shawn greeted, offering him a small smile.
“You know, you don’t play the role of a good son. How can you go days without speaking with the man from whose loins you were made?” Mr Gold asked.
“I was busy, Dad.” Shawn said.
“Look at me. I am always busy too, but I always make time to come see you, my dear son.” Mr Gold said.
“Dad, you and I know you only come to see me when you want me to do something for you. So tell me, what do you want this time?” Shawn said, matter of factly.
“Well, I’m glad you are smart, my boy. The board of directors at G. E are asking when you will be getting married? You have applied for the license, what next?”
“The board or you, Dad?” Shawn asked.
“Okay, fine. It’s me. I want to retire but you are making me stall because of your reluctance to get married.” Mrs Gold said.
“We Just applied for the license on Saturday, and today is Tuesday. Why the rush, Dad?”
“Because I want to see you settle down. Anyways, Dylan, Mr Reynolds’ son is getting married on Saturday. I’m considering making him chairman since my own son is not interested.” Mr Gold said, and Shawn flared up. “Are you threatening me, Dad?” He asked angrily.
“I’m not. I mean, why would I? I’m just giving you a push to do the needful. I will be leaving Now. I have a meeting to attend.” Mr Gold said, and stood up.
“How is mum?” Shawn asked.
“She is fine. You should call her and hear from her. Bye.” And with that, Mr Gold left the office.
Shawn sighed in frustration as he rested his head on the table.