Pawn

Selina stood nervously in front of Mr. Joe's desk, her heart pounding as she tried to keep her composure. Mr. Joe, with a stern look, sat behind his desk, scrutinizing her with cold eyes.

"The same girl every day?" Mr. Joe's voice dripped with impatience. "Aren't you tired of causing trouble? Don't mess with that poor kid Michael; his father is a trillionaire."

Selina, holding back her frustration, responded, "I've been brought here several times for nothing. They are the ones bullying me."

Before she could say more, Miss Lizzy, who had accompanied her to the office, cut her off sharply, "Shut up, Selina!"

Mr. Joe ignored Selina's protest and continued, "Sophia's dad is a millionaire too."

Selina, feeling cornered, replied, "It doesn't matter, sir. I'm a student of this school, and I know my rights."

Mr. Joe's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, challenging her, "Hmm, tell me about it."

Selina hesitated but then began, "They have always—"

Her words were abruptly silenced as Mr. Joe slammed his hand on the table, the sound echoing through the room. "You are on probation, Selina. Any wrong move, and you'll be expelled."

Selina's heart sank. "What? But I didn't… Are they paying you, sir?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Mr. Joe's anger flared. "How dare you? Get out of my office. GET OUT!"

Tears welled up in Selina's eyes as she hurried out of the office, her vision blurred by the tears streaming down her face. Miss Lizzy watched her leave, then turned to Mr. Joe with a determined look. "I'll handle her, sir," she said before following Selina out, leaving Mr. Joe alone in his office.

Outside, near the school gate, Selina stood alone, her body trembling as she cried softly to herself. "What should I do to stop this?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Miss Lizzy approached her, her expression filled with disdain. "What was that all about? How dare you raise your voice at Mr. Joe?"

Selina, still sobbing, tried to defend herself. "I said I was sorry."

"Sorry for yourself," Miss Lizzy snapped. "You saw everything, Miss Lizzy, so why are you lying? What did I do wrong?"

Miss Lizzy's face twisted with cruelty as she sneered, "I don't like you, and nobody else does either. People like you never make it in life; some rot in jail while others die miserably. You are such a miserable nobody and you'll be expelled for sure."

With those harsh words, Miss Lizzy stormed off, leaving Selina to grapple with the pain and confusion of the situation. Tears continued to stream down her face as she whispered to herself, "Teachers are supposed to encourage students, but mine is torturing me. Why was I born?"

As Selina stood there, lost in her thoughts, Anne suddenly appeared, her face filled with concern. "Hey! What happened?"

Selina looked up, her eyes red from crying. "I'm always at fault. They blame me for everything, Anne. I don't know what to do."

Anne's expression softened as she tried to comfort her friend. "What are you saying?"

Selina's voice broke as she began to sob uncontrollably. "Everyone is hurting me—my dad, Miss Lizzy, Mr. Joe, Sophia, and Michael. I just want to die."

Anne's eyes widened in shock, and she immediately wrapped her arms around Selina. "Shhh, don't say such things."

Selina's voice was barely a whisper as she continued, "No one is there for me. Mom is always busy, and you can't leave your house. I'm always alone with Dad and his mistress."

"What?" Anne exclaimed, pulling back slightly to look at Selina.

Selina shook her head, pleading, "Please don't tell anyone, Anne. He threatened to kill me if I tell Mom."

Anne's face paled. "Oh my God."

"Please, Anne," Selina begged.

"Cross my heart," Anne replied, her voice filled with sincerity.

Anne held Selina close, her arms providing a much-needed sense of security. "Come on, let's walk home."

Selina hesitated. "What about your driver?"

"When he comes to get me and can't find me, he will go back," Anne said with a shrug.

"That will make your parents mad," Selina pointed out, worried for her friend.

Anne nodded with a small smile. "I know, but I am tired of doing everything for their sake."

Selina looked at Anne with admiration. "Don't forget they are your parents, and they love you."

"Okay, let's go," Anne said, her tone lightening. "Let's walk and forget about this mess."

As they walked away from the school, both girls found solace in each other's company, laughing and chatting to lift their spirits.

At Diego's house, Diego paced back and forth, his phone pressed to his ear. "What do you mean you didn't see Anne? She isn't home yet. Look for her," he snapped before angrily hanging up.

Taylor, sitting on the couch, sighed in frustration. "Anne has become a stubborn brat, just like that Selina."

Diego nodded in agreement, his jaw clenched. "We will teach her a lesson when she gets back."

Just then, the door opened, and Anne walked in, looking calm. "Good afternoon, Mom, Dad."

Diego's glare could have cut through steel. "I prefer bad afternoon."

Anne raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "What's wrong this time? The driver didn't see me, right? I walked home."

Taylor's tone was sharp as she accused, "With Selina."

Anne sighed, tired of the constant arguments. "Mom, it's my choice."

"We are locking you up and going to teach Selina a lesson," Taylor declared, her voice filled with determination.

Diego added, "Don't even try to escape."

As they slammed the door in Anne's face and stormed out angrily, Anne felt a surge of frustration and helplessness. "Mom, Dad, this isn't fair. Selina is not to blame. She talked me out of it," she muttered to herself, her voice filled with a mix of anger and sadness.

Back at Frances' house, Selina sat on the couch, looking disappointed. "Dad, you didn't come to school."

Richard, standing with his arms crossed, looked at her with indifference. "Yes, that's because I have more important things to do than come aid you."

Selina's heart ached at his cold response. "Dad, with the way you treat me, people will think you're my stepfather."

Richard's expression remained unchanged. "Do I look like I care? Just don't ruin my mood today."

Desperate for answers, Selina asked, "Dad, what did I do? Please tell me."

"I don't like you, that's all," Richard replied bluntly before walking away, clearly irritated.

Selina's shoulders slumped as she whispered to herself, "I miss Mom. She is the only person that likes me… and Anne."

Suddenly, Diego and Taylor barged in, their faces twisted with anger. Selina, startled, greeted them hesitantly, "Good afternoon…"

"Don't even try it, brat," Taylor snapped. "Stay away from Anne."

"This is the last warning," Diego added, his voice cold and menacing.

Confused and frightened, Selina asked, "What happened?"

Taylor's voice dripped with disdain as she replied, "My daughter doesn't need a low-level miserable freak like you as a friend."

Tears welled up in Selina's eyes as she tried to protest, "But…"

"Save your crocodile tears and shed them in front of your wench mother," Diego interrupted harshly.

Selina's eyes widened in shock. "Excuse me?"

Taylor smirked, her voice mocking. "You wanna fight? Brat."

With that, they stormed out, leaving Selina alone. Unable to hold back any longer, Selina screamed in frustration, her tears flowing freely as she cried out, "How do I change my life? What should I do?"

Five years passed, and Anne, now twenty, stood in her parents' living room, arms crossed, her frustration evident. "What? This is my life and besides, I am twenty now."

Diego, sitting on the couch, looked at her sternly. "Anne, as long as you are living under my roof, you'll live by my rules."

Anne rolled her eyes. "Then I'll look for a house."

Taylor, trying to maintain control, interjected, "Don't be silly, honey."

Anne's voice was firm as she replied, "I am not being silly right now, Mom. I am being serious. I have never done anything for my benefit since I was born."

"That's because we are here to help you make the right choices and cancel out the wrong ones," Taylor explained, her tone condescending.

Anne chuckled bitterly. "Bullshit." She turned and stormed out of the room, leaving her parents behind.

Taylor sighed, looking at Diego for support. "She won't listen, will she?"

At Frances' house, Selina sat with her mother, a concerned expression on her face. "Love…" Frances began, but Selina quickly interrupted.

"Mom, you promised to quit."

Frances sighed deeply. "I was counting on your father." She muttered, glancing at her daughter. "Your father still has no job."

Selina sat across from her mother, her expression stern. "Don't you think you're spoiling him, Mom? He isn't even trying hard enough."

Frances frowned, surprised by Selina's accusation. "How do you know?"

"Mom," Selina began, her voice firm, "if he were really trying, he'd have found a job by now. I know times are tough, but persistence pays off."

Frances sighed deeply, shaking her head. "Love, trust me, your dad is doing his best."

Selina's frustration bubbled over. "So this is it? No mom, no love, no happiness?"

"Your father is here," Frances said softly, as though the presence of her husband was enough.

Selina scoffed. "Yes, he's here, indeed."

"Don't be like that, love!" Frances pleaded, trying to soothe her daughter's anger.

Selina softened slightly, knowing her mother was caught between loyalty to her husband and love for her. "Thank you for everything, Mom." She stood and embraced Frances warmly. "I know you're doing this for my sake."

Frances smiled, her eyes misty with pride. "I knew you were a smart girl.

"How lucky I am to have a mom like you," Selina whispered, her voice filled with affection.

Frances chuckled and hugged her daughter tightly. "Take care, love."

"Love you," Selina replied, smiling as she pulled away.

Frances watched her daughter leave, a frown creasing her brow. "I'm sorry I have to go, love," she whispered to herself before leaving the room.

The classroom at Evergreen University buzzed with chatter, students enjoying the brief respite before the next lecture. Michael leaned back in his chair, grinning. "No teachers, great."

Sophia, seated beside him, smirked. "Fun time."

Selina entered the room, clutching her book tightly to her chest. She spotted her friend Anne and smiled. "Hi, Anne."

As Selina walked past, Sophia stuck out her leg with a mischievous grin.

Selina tripped and fell hard, her books scattering across the floor. "Ouch!" she cried out in pain.

Anne rushed to her side, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay?"

Before Selina could respond, Jake, a new student, hurried over to help. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Selina winced but nodded. "Yes, I'm fine."

Sophia leaned back in her seat, her smirk widening. "Be more careful next time. Watch where you're going."

Jake shot Sophia a sharp look. "You should watch where you place your foot."

Sophia rolled her eyes. "Come on, Jake, who's talking to you? Don't get on my bad side."

"It would be a shame to be on your side at all," Jake retorted coolly.

Selina, embarrassed by the attention, waved him off. "It's fine, Jake… thanks."

Anne helped Selina to her seat, her voice soft with concern. "How are you?"

"I'm good," Selina replied, trying to brush off the incident. "What about you? What are you doing after school?"

Anne shrugged. "I don't know yet."

"I guess I'll go home then," Selina said with a sigh.

"To your dad?" Anne asked, her voice heavy with sympathy.

Selina nodded, her shoulders slumping. "I have no choice."

Anne looked at her friend, her heart aching. "Selina, I am sorry for everything that has gone wrong in your life."

Selina's eyes filled with tears as she spoke. "That means you are sorry for my life itself. I can count the happy moments because they go by seconds, but the sad moments go by minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years." She paused, her voice breaking. "I am happy when I'm around you and my mom."

Anne squeezed Selina's hands, trying to offer comfort. "Selina, look at me. Never give up! Happy moments are coming. They will outnumber your sad moments. I promise."

Selina managed a small smile. "Thank you, Anne."

Anne returned the smile, her eyes shining with determination. "I am always here in bad and good moments. I've got your back, pal. Anne for Selina."

"Selina for Anne," Selina replied, her smile growing.

Both girls exchanged a knowing look and said in unison, "For life."

A few hours later, Selina and Anne stood near the school gate, chatting and laughing. "Should we walk home?" Anne suggested.

Selina chuckled, recalling their last adventure. "You remember what happened the last time we did, right?"

Anne laughed. "I remember, but they crossed the line when they insulted you."

Selina waved it off. "It's fine."

"So, are we walking home?" Anne pressed.

Before Selina could answer, Jake appeared, his expression friendly. "Can I join the ladies?"

"Sure, feel free," Selina replied with a smile.

Jake looked at her apologetically. "Sorry about the incident earlier."

Selina shrugged. "It's fine. I'm used to it by now."

Anne spotted her driver approaching and groaned. "Gosh, my driver came. See you later, Selina. Bye..." She paused, giving Jake a pointed look.

"Jake," he introduced himself, sensing her cue.

Anne smiled. "Bye, Jake." She waved and left.

Selina turned to Jake. "I'm Selina."

"Nice to meet you, Selina. Are you walking home?" Jake asked.

Selina shook her head. "I don't think so. My dad is coming. What about you?"

Jake shrugged. "My mom is coming to pick me up."

"Mama's boy, eh?" Selina teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Jake chuckled. "No, Dad is busy. I only get to see him when he's off from work."

Selina nodded in understanding. "That's the opposite of my parents. My mom is the busy one."

"Yeah, what parents do for their children," Jake mused.

Selina smiled. "Spoken just like my mom."

Just then, a car pulled up, and Richard, Selina's father, leaned out the window, his expression impatient. "Get in."

Selina gave Jake a quick wave. See you tomorrow, Jake."

"Bye," Jake replied, watching as she climbed into the car. As Richard drove away, Jake turned and headed toward the parking lot where his mom was waiting.

At Diego's house, tension filled the room. Anne stood with her arms crossed, frustration evident on her face. Diego and Taylor sat on the couch, their expressions serious.

"Why do I still have a driver? Dad, Mom, I'm twenty for crying out loud!" Anne exclaimed, her voice rising in frustration.

Taylor sighed, her patience wearing thin. "Not this argument again. Go get dressed; we have an urgent meeting."

Anne narrowed her eyes. "Since when do I attend meetings with you guys?"

Diego leaned forward, his tone calm but firm. "Today. Anne, our business was failing, but a kind and generous man saved it from collapsing."

Taylor nodded in agreement. "And now we want to return the favor."

Diego continued, "So that he won't think we are ungrateful."

Anne raised an eyebrow, suspicion creeping into her voice. "And? What do I have to do with this?"

Diego exchanged a glance with Taylor before replying, "I think you understand the point, Anne."

Anne scoffed, disbelief evident in her voice. "Look, I am not some pawn in your bid to gain a business deal."

Taylor shook her head, trying to soothe her daughter's anger. "Who says you are a pawn, honey? Like I said earlier, we are here to make the right choice for you. Our savior's son is looking for a bride."

Anne's eyes widened in disbelief. "Then get married to him, Mom."

Diego's tone turned stern as he intervened. "Watch your tone, young lady."

Anne threw her hands up in frustration. "Business, business, business. You only care about your business. I haven't eaten, and I'm not planning on eating pizza today."

Taylor's expression softened slightly, trying to appeal to her daughter. "My point exactly, honey. We are going to a dinner meeting."

Anne crossed her arms defiantly. "Lunch, you mean."

Taylor sighed, growing more exasperated. "I know what I said. Now be a good girl and go get dressed."

Anne rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You didn't even deem it fit to let me know beforehand so that I could escape or run away."

Diego chuckled, though his patience was thin.

Anne turned to leave, her voice filled with bitterness. "Don't blame me because I put my self-esteem in high regard. I wouldn't be surprised if you exchanged me for your business."

As Anne stormed out of the room, Taylor sighed heavily and turned to Diego, waiting for him to decide the next step.