Season 4 Chapter 13

Christina, defeated and vulnerable, stared at the packets in front of her. The once-confident demeanor shattered, replaced by a sense of dread and resignation. The crowd watched with bated breath, curious about the impending consequence of the bet.

Me: (maintaining the smirk) Choose wisely. Green or pink? It's your moment of truth.

Christina hesitated for a moment, contemplating the options before her. The weight of her defeat hung in the air as she reluctantly reached for one of the hair color packets. She took a deep breath trying to accept her defeat. Both of the colors were equally embarrassing, and it was up to her to choose something less cruel.

Christina: (muttering) Pink. (She said while staring in my eyes)

Me: (I smirked) Good choice. The color will suit you well.

Christina: (she grits her teeth) You are mocking me, aren't you? You must be satisfied that you finally defeated me and now I am being forced to join that worthless team?

Me: Well, I guess I am. After all, this ridiculous idea was yours to begin with. (I said in a bored manner)

Christina: Don't you dare look down on Karl. He isn't going to tolerate this insult. (She hisses)

Me: Tolerate what? You getting insulted or him being insulted by your defeat? As far as I know him, he doesn't give a fuck about you. He is too selfish and self-centered. You know what's your problem? You have made your whole personality about Karl this and Karl that. You don't have any characteristics except for being his mindless puppet. But what do you get at the end of the day? Being discarded because you are useless to him? (I said in a serious tone) Christina, you aren't a fucking toy, you are a human being, and each of us are unique, you aren't Karl. Have you ever looked deep inside your mind and tried to question yourself that whatever you do, all these bullying and all, do you really want to do this? Is this really what you are? (I said sighing)

Christina: (she clenched her fist getting agitated hearing my words) Shut up! You know nothing about me!

Me: True, but I want to know about you, and understand you. (The field was empty by now, Julie and all felt that it was necessary to give us some privacy) Christina, in my eyes, you aren't just Karl's twin sister or a bully. You are much more than that. You aren't as bad as you pretend, or else you wouldn't have apologized or felt guilty for your actions. (I smiled and touched her trembling hand) I know that my words must be hurting you but, its high time that you step up for yourself. Stop letting your brother control your life, and do what you truly want. If you don't fight for your rights, no one is going to come and spoon feed you. So it's better that you take your time to think regarding my advice. (I said patting her shoulder before leaving)

Christina sat there for sometime, as my words rang through her head. She rubbed her forehead slightly annoyed while staring at the pink hair color that laid on the table where a battle was fought just few minutes ago, now on the same table, a new battle was ongoing inside of Christina, as she debated with her morals and reality.

I returned to the classroom, I could feel eyes following my direction. I knew there was going to be consequences of my actions but I couldn't bother myself with such minor issues. My heart felt heavy, unknown anxiety seized me. I didn't know if my decision to confront Christina with her reality was a right move or not. Victoria, Jules, Julie, Choon Hee and Bella surrounded me with a bright grin over their faces.

Choon Hee: Congratulations buddy! I knew you will shine brightly! (She says slapping my back)

Bella: You were like the main protagonist of a novel. (She says excitedly)

Jules: You gotta give us treat! (She grins)

Me: Sure. (I smiled)

Jules: Yes!!! Let's go!!

Me: Not today. (I sighed)

Jules: Then? (She tilts her head)

Me: Day after tomorrow, at the café down the streets. We will invite Christina as well.

Choon Hee: Agh….why her? (She said in a spoilt mood)

Me: Because she is a part of the team now. (I replied)

Bella: But Anne….can we trust her? What if she uses this opportunity to ruin our team? (She asked out of concern)

Jules: Yeah right, she is a bitch after all. (She folds her arms frowning)

Choon Hee: I also agree with them. I don't think we should trust Christina.

Me: (My eyes moved towards Julie) What about you? Do you have the same opinion?

Julie: No. (She beamed) I believe that everyone deserves a second chance.

Me: (I smiled proudly) You are right, everyone deserves to get another chance to correct their errors in life. And now that she has lost the bet, she needs to fulfill her part, also once Christina joins, your internal conflicts will end. (I sighed) Guys…..I know I shouldn't interfere in this matter because I don't know much about football, but…..there is no point in being suspicious against your own teammates. It's better to trust each other and work together, without a proper bonding, there is no point of playing this game. Teamwork should be above everything.

Victoria: Anne, you're right. (Finally breaking her silence) But… do you believe you did the right thing by confronting Christina? We're both aware of the consequences, and this situation could become perilous for her.

Me: You are right…I didn't think it through. (I rubbed my forehead before getting up) But there was no other way, someone needed to show her a mirror. Even if it turns me into a villain, it would be worth it. (I smiled faintly before shoving my hands inside my pockets and walking out of the classroom).

Christina returned home to a tense atmosphere, her mother's anger palpable. The moment she stepped through the door, her mother's hand met her face with a resounding slap, echoing through the hallway. Her brother's accusing words followed, blaming her for tarnishing his image in the arm-wrestling competition. Before I could realise, I was already standing outside Christina's house, my face was pale with worry, my body felt restless, my heart felt right, I wondered if I took the right decision or not as I kept my phone in my hand in case something goes wrong.

Sofie; Look what you have done you bitch!!! I can't believe that I gave birth to a monster!!! You should have died in my womb!!! (She screams at the top of her voice)

Christina: You are right…..then atleast I wouldn't have to go through the pain of being born in this house. (She said heartbroken)

Sofie: What did you say you bitch!!! (She says while talking Christina's hair)

Karl: Have you lost your mind?!! Is that motherfucker woman influencing you?! Snap out of it Christina! That wrench is using you! (He said frustrated)

Christina: agh! Just like you have been using me for ages? (She said while wincing in pain)

Karl: Very good….(he murmurs) Looks like that devil has already taken over your soul…..I will make sure to destroy her for ruining my sister's mind.

Christina: (she frees herself from her mother's grip and grabs her brother's collar) Don't you dare touch her or I will make you regret your life. Stop acting like a good brother, you are just a spineless fellow who has been spoilt by our mother.

There was a crashing sound, which attracted the attention of the neighborhood people. Crowd started surrounding the house, there were whisperings among people who were concerned and alerted by the whole situation. I started dialing the number of youth welfare officer when I noticed Christina's father entering the main gate in a hurry.

Sofie: Get out of this house! I don't have a daughter like you!

Christina: Fine by me, I have done enough for this family and now I know that I won't ever receive the love I deserve. (Her tone was filled with disappointment)

Adam: Enough! (He says entering the room) Is this a house or a circus?! Do you people have any idea what's going on outside?!

Sofie: Stop shouting like a hooligan, you are hurting my ears. (She said feeling annoyed)

Adam: Did you…..did you raised your hands on my daughter? (He said in disbelief) Enough is enough Sofie! I have been tolerating your nonsense for years just for our children! And You, how dare you hit my child!

Feeling assured that Christina was now safe, I quietly turned and left. The neighbors seemed concerned, possibly alerting authorities. Recognizing no necessity for my involvement, I briskly headed towards the restaurant, optimistic about the outcome.

To be continued...