Chapter 5 Eyes on Me, Again

VANESSA'S POV

The water in the dorm bathroom is freaking cold, but I have no choice than to use it. I'm leaning over the sink, scrubbing my hair with paper towels. The red drink is everywhere. On my forehead, my ears, and it's dripping down the back of my neck. Every time I think I've got it all, I see another pink streak running down the drain.

My hands are shaking from the rush, and wow… this feels amazing. I can't stop thinking about Melissa's face in the sauce. It felt way too good.

"V! Oh my God, V!"

The door swings open with a bang and Lena rushes in, her face lit up with a huge grin. She looks so hyped, like she just got the best news ever.

"That was the most insane thing I have ever seen in my life!" she screams, jumping up and down. "I swear, the whole room just stopped breathing. Melissa looked like a drowned rat! A red, messy, drowned rat!"

"Keep it down, Lena," I mutter, grabbing more paper towels. "The RA is going to hear you."

"Let her hear me!" Lena laughs, leaning against the sink next to me. "Everyone is talking about it. The school's private chat is blowing up. Someone even made a meme of the sauce drop already. You're a legend, fam. Literally a legend."

I finally look up at the mirror. My face is pale, and there's a smear of tomato sauce on my cheek. I look a mess. "I'm not a legend yet, Lena. I'm probably going to get expelled. My scholarship is tied to a good behavior clause. Dumping pasta on the Dean's favorite student isn't exactly good behavior. But I'm done being a weakling. If the Dean wants to kick me out for defending myself, let him try. I'm tired of playing nice just to stay in this school."

Lena’s face lights up. "That’s what I’m talking about! That clown started it. Everyone saw her dump the drink first. You can’t get in trouble for standing up for yourself."

"In this school? We'll see" I say, finally turning off the tap. I grab my ruined hoodie and try to squeeze it out. The red stain is deep. It's never coming out.

"Melissa is going to make my life hell for this. And Adrian, I don't even know what he's going to do."

"Adrian was low-key laughing at her, V," Lena says, her voice dropping. She starts helping me clean up the mess on the counter. "I saw him. He didn't even try to help her. I saw him watch you walk out like you were a movie star. It was kind of weird, honestly."

"Whatever," I say, throwing the paper towels into the bin. "I just want to sleep for a week."

"No way," Lena says, grabbing my arm. "It's Friday. The North Shore bonfire is tonight, remember? Everyone's going. You can't stay home. You have to come."

"Are you crazy?" I stare at her. "I just started a war in the cafeteria. The last thing I want to do is go to a beach party and see those people again."

"That's exactly why you have to go!" Lena insists. "If you hide in your room, it would look like you're scared or ashamed. You have to walk onto that beach like you don't give a damn. Plus, the music is going to be lit, and I heard the jocks brought enough food to feed an army."

I look at my ruined hoodie. My wolf is restless, and just thinking about a crowded, noisy beach makes my skin itch. But Lena's right, hiding would make me look weak. After today, I'm done being the girl who just takes it.

"Fine," I sigh. "But if Melissa tries anything else, I'm leaving."

"Deal!" Lena chirps, heading for the door. "Wear that black top you have. You look dope in it. We're leaving at eight!"

She bolts out of the bathroom, probably to see the latest drama on the school app. I'm left alone in the silence. I look at my reflection one more time. The drink stain is mostly gone, but my eyes look tired. I know the Ghost version of me is gone. I can't go back to being the girl nobody notices.

I head back to my room and change my clothes. My phone buzzes on the nightstand. I pick it up, frowning at the unknown number on the screen.

Nice move today, Ghost Girl. See you at the beach.

I stare at the words until they blur. My heart skips a beat, and I feel a strange mix of annoyance and something else I don't want to name. How did this person even get my number?

I throw the phone on my bed and stare out the window. Ugh. Tonight's going to be crazy, and I just hope I don't lose it.

Then my phone buzzes again. Same unknown number.

Unknown: Don't let anyone see you tonight. Not even Lena.

Ugh. This isn’t a prank. Someone’s serious. Whoever sent this knows something.

I walk back to the mirror and stare at myself. I look normal. I look like a regular seventeen-year-old girl. But then, for a split second, my eyes flash a bright, creepy gold.

I gasp and step back, my heart beating really fast. I’m losing my control. Tonight isn’t just about Melissa or Adrian or a stupid party. Someone is watching me. And they know exactly what I am.