Chapter 4: confront, rekindle
When Monday rolled around, whispers were already floating through the halls, a steady hum of voices carrying a new rumor: Kelly and Scarlet were dating. Kelly noticed the pointed stares, the giggles stifled behind hands, the occasional finger pointing as she passed by. It felt like everyone was waiting to see her reaction, ready to pounce the moment she acknowledged it.
In their usual meeting spot by the lockers, Scarlet leaned against the wall, her face impassive but her eyes glinting with amusement as Kelly approached. "Have you heard?" Kelly asked, voice low but unable to mask her irritation. "They're saying... you know."
Scarlet just shrugged, her mouth twitching into a smirk. "I know. It's hilarious."
Kelly's eyes widened. "Hilarious? They're practically shouting it down the halls!"
Scarlet shrugged again, unbothered, and then leaned closer, whispering, "Then why deny it? Why not... play along?"
Kelly blinked, her cheeks heating up. "You... you want to pretend we're actually dating?"
Scarlet gave a nonchalant nod. "Think about it. Watching them freak out, getting all worked up over something they started." She arched an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "Besides, maybe it'll get them to back off for a while."
Kelly hesitated, biting her lip. The idea of fueling the rumor should have felt mortifying, but the thought of outsmarting the mean clique—and doing it with Scarlet—sparked a mischievous thrill. "You really think it'll work?"
Scarlet's smirk deepened. "Trust me."
Trust her. Kelly turned the words over in her mind. Scarlet always seemed so sure of herself, like nothing could touch her. It was the kind of confidence Kelly had only dreamed of having. Maybe being by her side could make me feel that way too—like I belonged.
And so, with a pounding heart and a shaky smile, Kelly nodded. "Alright, let's do it."
They didn't have to try very hard to make the rumor believable. The way Scarlet casually draped an arm over Kelly's shoulders as they walked through the hall, the small, secretive smiles they exchanged, the way Scarlet leaned in close as if sharing something just between them—it all sent the school buzzing with speculation. Every glance, every shared laugh, and every fleeting touch only made the rumors spread like wildfire.
At lunch, Kelly noticed Sarah and the other girls from her old friend group watching them from a nearby table, their expressions a mix of disbelief and something bordering on jealousy. Max sat among them, glaring with thinly veiled irritation as he watched Scarlet drape herself over Kelly's shoulder, murmuring something in her ear that made Kelly laugh.
When Kelly caught Sarah's eye, she couldn't help herself; she leaned in closer to Scarlet, letting her head rest against Scarlet's shoulder for a moment. The look on Sarah's face was priceless, her jaw dropping slightly, her eyes narrowing in disbelief.
"Looks like they're taking the bait," Kelly whispered, struggling to keep her voice steady.
Scarlet chuckled, her hand brushing a strand of hair behind Kelly's ear with exaggerated tenderness. "They're practically eating it up."
But the mean girls weren't ones to back down. A few days later, Sarah intercepted Kelly in the bathroom, cornering her with a mocking smile. "So, is Scarlet your little protector now? Didn't think you could stoop that low, Kelly."
Kelly crossed her arms, feeling Scarlet's courage rub off on her. "Funny you care so much. Seems like you're more invested in my life than I am."
Sarah scoffed, her smirk faltering. "Please. It's just sad seeing you cling to anyone who'll give you attention."
But before Kelly could respond, the door swung open, and in walked Scarlet, her expression darkening as she saw Sarah crowding Kelly. Without a word, she strolled up to Kelly, slipping an arm around her waist and giving her a quick, casual kiss on the cheek, just close enough that Sarah had no choice but to witness it.
"Everything okay in here?" Scarlet asked, her voice a touch too calm, her eyes hard as she met Sarah's gaze.
Sarah's smirk vanished entirely. She glared at Scarlet, trying to regain her composure, but it was clear she'd lost the upper hand. "Whatever," she spat, storming out, but not before shooting Kelly one last venomous look.
As soon as she was gone, Kelly let out a shaky breath, laughing softly. "You didn't have to do that, you know."
Scarlet shrugged, her hand lingering at Kelly's waist a moment longer before she stepped back. "You've got to sell it, right?" But there was something in her eyes, something warm and unexpectedly soft, that sent an unfamiliar flutter through her chest, one that she tried—and failed—to ignore. She reminded herself that it was all just an act, but the way Scarlet leaned in close, her voice low and teasing, made it feel anything but.
It's just pretend. This is about the rumors, about shutting them up. That's all. But each time Scarlet's fingers brushed hers, each time her laughter rang in Kelly's ears, the line between acting and something more blurred a little further.
Still, she tried to focus on Jax, hoping that maybe he would make her think differently. But over the next few weeks, Kelly's feelings for Jax began to shift.
"Hey, Kelly," he greeted, his turquoise eyes bright but a little cautious. "What's up?"
"Hey, Jax." She tried to keep her voice steady, though the swirling rumors were on her mind. "I just wanted to... talk, I guess. There's been a lot of talk lately—about me and Scarlet. You've probably heard it."
Jax shifted, his smile fading slightly as he scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah, I... I have. People are saying... well, you know."
Kelly gave a small, nervous laugh. "Yeah. I know." She paused, hoping he'd say something that showed he didn't believe it or that he'd brushed it off. But Jax just kept his gaze averted, almost avoiding her eyes.
"Well, it's just rumors," Kelly said softly, "but I didn't want you to think... I mean, if it bothers you—"
"No, no," he interrupted, his tone a little too quick. "It's just... Scarlet's kind of intense, you know?" He gave a half-laugh, though it didn't reach his eyes. "People are saying you two are, like, a thing. Like, dating. I just didn't know if... well, if I should stay out of it."
Kelly felt a small pang at his words, his hesitation to stand by her because of a simple rumor. She forced a smile. "So, just because of a rumor, you'd rather... stay out of it?"
Jax hesitated, glancing down. "It's not that, Kelly. I just don't want any drama, you know? People are talking a lot, and I didn't think you'd want someone getting involved. If you're... close with Scarlet, maybe it's better if we just keep things chill."
Kelly swallowed, the reality of his words hitting her harder than she'd expected. It wasn't just the rumors—he wasn't interested enough to see beyond them. Jax wasn't the guy she thought he was, and she realized, standing there in the hallway, that he wasn't who she'd built him up to be.
"Yeah... I get it," she replied, her voice steady but her smile a little sad. "Thanks, Jax."
As she walked away, her chest felt heavy, yet lighter all at once. The boy she'd built up in her head was just that—a fantasy. Jax wasn't the warm, loyal person she thought he was. He was cautious, lukewarm, unwilling to stand by her when it mattered most.
Scarlet never cared about the rumors. She never hesitated to be by my side. She's been more of a friend—more of everything—than Jax ever was. How did I not see it before?
In the days that followed, Kelly couldn't stop thinking about Jax's reaction. His hesitance. His unwillingness to fight for her, even a little.
Was I really so blinded by how he looked? I thought he was kind, but kindness without courage isn't worth much. I thought he was warm, but it was Scarlet's warmth that made me feel safe. Protected. Like I mattered.
She caught herself watching Scarlet during lunch, her sharp features softening as she laughed at some inside joke with Kelly. There was something in Scarlet's gaze that Kelly hadn't noticed before—something real, unflinching.
Scarlet doesn't pretend. She doesn't care what people think, but she still cares about me. And I...
The thought stopped her cold. I care about her too.
It wasn't just the rumors, or the way Scarlet had defended her, or even the fake-dating plan that had brought them closer. It was the way Scarlet saw her—really saw her—and stood by her anyway. The way she made Kelly feel braver just by being near.
Maybe Jax was never the one I was drawn to. Maybe I just wanted someone to make me feel like I wasn't alone. And Scarlet... she does that without even trying.
For the first time in weeks, Kelly felt something besides shame or fear. She felt clarity. She felt hope. And as Scarlet's smirk caught her across the room, Kelly smiled back, the weight on her chest lifting ever so slightly.
...............................................
Scarlet's apartment
The light in Scarlet's basement was dim but warm, casting soft shadows across the walls, where stacks of mixtapes and artwork were arranged in an organized, almost meticulous way. Kelly marveled at the sight, stepping deeper into the room, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Wow..." she whispered, trailing her fingers along a row of cassette tapes marked with different dates and cryptic names. She picked one up, reading the title in Scarlet's neat, slanted handwriting. Each mixtape looked like its own piece of art, the covers painted or sketched with care. "You made all of these?"
Scarlet, lounging against her desk, watched Kelly with an amused smile. "Yeah. Just a little hobby." She shrugged like it was nothing, but there was a flicker of pride in her eyes.
Kelly turned around to face her, holding up one of the tapes with admiration. "These aren't just hobbies, Scarlet. They're masterpieces." She placed the tape back, then caught sight of a sketchbook lying open on the desk. Her eyes widened when she took in the detailed, haunting sketches within. "And you draw too?" she blurted out, excitement spilling over before she could stop herself.
Scarlet chuckled softly, watching Kelly's expression light up. For a moment, she couldn't help but just... look. She looked carefree, more like herself than Scarlet had ever seen at school. She's so genuine, Scarlet thought, her chest tightening at the sight of Kelly's unfiltered admiration. It's not like anyone else would care this much about some mixtapes.
"You like it?" Scarlet asked, her voice quieter, almost as if afraid to break the moment.
Kelly turned to her with a playful smile, nudging her shoulder. "Why didn't you ever tell me you were an artist?" she teased, her tone light and gentle. "How could you hide this from me?"
Scarlet smirked, her usual confidence slipping back into place as she shrugged. "You never asked."
Kelly, meanwhile, was oblivious to Scarlet's inner turmoil, her focus still on the art and tapes scattered around the room. This is so different from what I expected. She always seems so untouchable at school, but this? This is personal. Honest. Beautiful.
Scarlet tilted her head, her eyes flicking over Kelly's soft white shirt with its lace-trim neckline, the knitted cardigan that hung loosely over her shoulders, and the black skirt that swayed slightly as she moved. She looked so relaxed, so unguarded, and it struck Scarlet how different Kelly seemed here, away from the prying eyes of the school. She's softer than I thought, Scarlet realized, her throat tightening. And prettier than I should admit.
But even Scar is a little flustered herself. She'd never expected to see Kelly this... adorable, and it caught her off guard. "You know, I never see you like this," she murmured, her voice softened. "It suits you... this look. Better than that eyeliner on your face."
"Oh, please. I look good either way. But, thanks for noticing," Kelly shot back with a playful grin, adjusting her cardigan as she continued looking through Scarlet's art. Did she really notice? Does she mean it?
As Kelly stood, her gaze intent on a particularly vivid sketch of a city skyline, Scarlet found herself watching her again, noticing the way her lashes fluttered as she studied each line and detail. The innocence and curiosity in her expression brought out a side of Kelly that Scarlet had rarely seen. It was soft, genuine, and unguarded. The words slipped out before she could stop herself.
"Has anyone told you that you're really pretty, Kel?" Scarlet's voice was soft but steady, her eyes tracing Kelly's profile.
Kelly's cheeks flushed, and she managed a scoff, rolling her eyes but not meeting Scarlet's gaze directly. "They're not here right now, you don't have to flirt, you know?"
Scarlet took a step closer, leaning back against the table with her elbows, her eyes dancing with mischief. She tilted her head, dropping her voice to a murmur as she leaned in, just close enough that Kelly felt the warmth of her breath. "I mean it."
Kelly's breath caught, her pulse racing as her gaze flickered to Scarlet's lips before she quickly looked away. She can't mean it. She's Scarlet. She's teasing. She always teases... doesn't she? Confused at her words and her own reaction, unable to find words as Scarlet's gaze stayed locked on hers.
For a moment, Scarlet felt her walls slipping. You're playing with fire. Stop it now, she thought, but her hand twitched at her side, wanting to reach for Kelly. She pulled back instead, flicking Kelly lightly on the nose with a laugh to break the tension. "Gotcha," she teased, forcing her usual smirk as she stepped away. Keep it light. Don't scare her off.
Kelly let out a huff, crossing her arms with a slight pout. But even as she tried to hide it, a small smile broke through, her cheeks were still warm and her heart unexpectedly light. What just happened?
As Scarlet leaned back against the desk, watching Kelly's smile linger, she felt a strange mix of satisfaction and regret. Why does it matter so much? Scarlet wondered, her smirk faltering for just a second. It's not supposed to.
........
The afternoon sun cast long shadows on the nearly empty street as Kelly walked home, her mind drifting between thoughts of Scarlet and the subtle shifts that had taken place in their bond. For the first time in a long while, she felt less alone, more like herself.
But as she turned down a quiet alley near her home, she suddenly felt a presence behind her. Before she could react, Max was there, stepping in front of her and blocking her way. His gaze was intense, dark, and unsettling, his smirk twisted with something cruel and vindictive.
"Hey, Kelly," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with malice. "Been a while."
Kelly instinctively took a step back, her heart pounding as unease crept into her veins. She tried to sidestep him, but Max moved with her, blocking her path again, his smirk widening as he loomed closer.
"What do you want, Max?" she managed, her voice steady despite the fear brewing inside.
"Oh, just wanted to catch up," he sneered, his gaze sweeping over her in a way that made her skin crawl. "Scarlet's new little friend, huh? She always did have a soft spot for the wounded birds." He chuckled darkly, a menacing glint in his eyes as he closed in. "Funny thing is... she left you all alone, didn't she?"
Kelly's breath hitched as he leaned even closer, backing her into the cold, rough brick wall. She tried to move, to push him away, but Max pressed his hand firmly against the wall beside her, trapping her in place. Panic started to rise in her chest, her pulse quickening as she realized she was cornered.
"Let me go, Max," she said, her voice wavering as she tried to stand her ground, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing her fear.
But Max just smirked, his hand suddenly moving to cover her mouth as he leaned in even closer. "Oh, I don't think so," he murmured, his voice a sick whisper as his hand pressed harder against her mouth, silencing her before she could cry out for help.
Desperation flooded through her as she struggled against him, her muffled cries caught beneath his palm. She tried to push him away, but he was stronger, his grip unyielding as he held her in place. Her heart pounded wildly, panic setting in as she realized no one was around to help.
Just when the hopelessness began to claw at her, she heard a voice, cold and sharp, cutting through the tense silence like a blade.
"What have i told you Max?"
Kelly's eyes widened, relief and disbelief flooding her as she looked over Max's shoulder. There, standing at the end of the alley with a look of pure, icy fury, was Scarlet. Her jaw was clenched, her eyes blazing with a dangerous intensity that Kelly had never seen before.
Max froze for a split second, glancing back with a sneer, but he didn't release Kelly. Instead, he tightened his grip, as if testing Scarlet, daring her to intervene. "Oh, hey, Scarlet," he drawled mockingly. "Say hi to your little girlfriend."
Scarlet's expression didn't waver; if anything, her eyes grew colder, her fists clenched tight at her sides. She took a deliberate step forward, her voice a low, menacing growl. "Let. Her. Go. I won't say it again."
Max smirked defiantly as he glanced between Kelly and Scarlet, his grip still firm on Kelly's shoulder, ignoring Scarlet's warning. "Oh, come on, Scarlet. All this for that little hoe?"
Before he could finish, Scarlet lunged forward, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him away from Kelly with surprising strength. With a swift, precise movement, she threw him to the ground, her expression ice-cold as he struggled to process what had just happened.
Scarlet stood over him, her gaze blazing with fury. "Don't ever touch her. Or talk about her that way."
Max, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes, sneered up at her. "What's the matter? Doing all this for that little—"
That was all it took. Without hesitation, Scarlet's fist connected with his face, silencing him mid-sentence. The sharp crack echoed down the alley, and Max staggered back, clutching his jaw as blood trickled from his nose.
Scarlet didn't flinch. She loomed over him, her voice a deadly calm. "If I ever see you near her again," she said slowly, each word laced with venom, "you'll wish you hadn't."
Max scrambled to his feet, rage mingling with fear in his eyes, but he knew better than to retaliate. He spat a bitter curse, shooting one last glare at Kelly, before retreating down the alley.
As Max disappeared around the corner, the shock and adrenaline that had kept Kelly composed finally began to fade, and all the fear and tension she'd bottled up broke free. She took a shaky breath, but it was no use—the tears came anyway, hot and uncontrollable, spilling down her cheeks.
Without thinking, Scarlet stepped closer, her initial instinct to reach out softened by the sight of Kelly's vulnerability. She hesitated, unsure, but then reached out and wrapped her arms around Kelly, pulling her close. It was the first time she'd ever really hugged anyone like this, and for a moment, it felt unfamiliar, almost unsettling. But as Kelly clung to her, burying her face into Scarlet's shoulder, Scarlet felt herself relax, her own guarded walls lowering just a little.
"Hey, it's okay," Scarlet murmured softly, gently brushing a hand over Kelly's hair. "You're safe now, Kel. I won't let anything happen to you."
Kelly's fingers clutched at the back of Scarlet's jacket as she cried, letting herself fully break down in a way she hadn't allowed in a long time. All the loneliness, betrayal, and hurt she'd kept hidden rushed to the surface, and for once, she didn't have to bear it alone.
After a few moments, Kelly's sobs softened, and she managed to lift her head, wiping her eyes and looking up at Scarlet with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "Thank you, Scar," she whispered, her voice still trembling. "For everything."
Scarlet looked down at her, an unexpected warmth in her gaze. "You don't have to thank me," she said gently. "I told you—I've got your back."
The school buzzed with whispers as the fallout from Max's actions spread. The principal had taken immediate action once he received the report, and Max was suspended for his behavior. The news traveled fast, but it wasn't the only thing people were talking about. The incident had sparked a wider conversation about boundaries, respect, and the truth behind Kelly's past relationship with the popular crowd.
As for the mean girls, they hadn't escaped unscathed either. Kelly had already begun to heal from their hurtful actions, but there was one more thing that still weighed heavily on her heart. Her former best friend, Sarah, was at the core of it all. It was hard to reconcile the girl she once trusted with the betrayal she had faced. The public shunning, the rumors, the exposure—it had cut Kelly deep, especially since she'd once been Sarah's closest confidante.
But one thing Kelly couldn't ignore was what she had witnessed the other day.
...........
It had been a regular afternoon, the type where the world moved on without realizing the small, invisible threads that could change someone's life. Kelly was walking down the street when she saw Sarah's younger sister, Lily, standing on the edge of the railway platform. The train was coming, and Lily was too close to the tracks, her mind seemingly elsewhere, lost in her own world. Without thinking, Kelly dashed forward, grabbing Lily just as she was about to stumble into the path of the oncoming train.
It had been a moment of pure instinct, and the relief in Lily's eyes as she realized what had happened made Kelly's heart skip a beat. But the encounter didn't end there. Later that evening, when Kelly mentioned it to Scarlet, it struck a nerve with her. Scarlet, who had her own history of betrayal, was quick to remind Kelly of her worth. "You saved her life, Kel. No matter what anyone says, that's something no one can take away from you."
The next day, as fate would have it, Sarah was there. She had been avoiding Kelly, probably out of guilt, but today, she couldn't hide from the confrontation that was coming. Scarlet, never one to back down, had taken matters into her own hands.
It was after school, and the two girls found Sarah near the lockers, trying to avoid their gaze. She looked different, though. The once confident, almost cocky girl who had always been a part of the mean girl clique was now just someone hiding behind layers of regret.
Scarlet, without hesitation, stepped forward, her eyes hard. "You think you can just let it all slide? Do you even know what you did to Kelly? You betrayed her in the worst way, and now, look at you. Hiding behind all the lies and cruelty you started."
Sarah didn't respond at first. She shifted uncomfortably under Scarlet's intense stare, unable to find words. But then, in a voice that shook with a mix of defensiveness and regret, Sarah said, "You don't understand, Scarlet. I... I didn't know what I was doing. I thought... I thought maybe... it'd make me more popular, you know? I was just—"
Scarlet's eyes narrowed, her voice growing colder. "You were just what? Trying to tear down the one person who always had your back?" She stepped closer, her presence dominating. "You did that to someone who saved your sister's life, someone who loved you like a friend. And now you're going to try and justify it?"
Sarah's shoulders sagged as the weight of her actions came crashing down. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. The guilt was evident on her face, but it wasn't enough. It could never be enough.
Scarlet's voice dropped to a chilling whisper. "You really don't deserve the word 'friend,' Sarah. Not now. Not ever."
With those words hanging heavily in the air, Scarlet turned and walked away, leaving Sarah standing there, her hands trembling at her sides.
Kelly, who had been standing quietly behind her, hadn't expected such a raw confrontation, but as Scarlet stood by her, her presence a comforting anchor, Kelly felt a wave of relief wash over her. She didn't need Sarah's apology—she needed to stand strong, to prove that she was worth more than the lies and the betrayal.
When they finally left the school, Kelly could feel the weight lifting. She knew that the hardest part was behind her, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like she could breathe again. As she walked beside Scarlet, she realized that their bond was growing stronger, not just because of the past they shared, but because of the unwavering support they offered each other now. Scarlet wasn't just her protector anymore. She was her partner, her friend—someone who truly understood what it meant to fight for what mattered.
"Thanks for everything," Kelly whispered, her voice full of gratitude.
Scarlet glanced over at her with a rare smile, one that was soft but genuine. "Always, Kel. Always."
......................
It had been a week since the confrontation with Sarah, and despite the tension lingering in the air, Kelly had tried to move forward. She had learned that closure didn't always come from an apology—it came from accepting what had happened, forgiving, and making peace with the past. And for her, that meant accepting Sarah's public apology.
It wasn't easy. There were whispers, stares, and a few lingering doubts from some of their former friends. But Sarah had done something Kelly hadn't expected. She stood in front of the entire school, with the mean girls by her side, and confessed everything. She admitted to her role in spreading the rumors, hurting Kelly, and betraying their friendship. Her voice was shaky, but the sincerity in her words was unmistakable. Sarah even apologized for the way she'd treated Kelly, for using her as a pawn in her quest for popularity.
Kelly stood at the back of the crowd, her arms crossed, watching Sarah pour out her regret. She didn't feel angry. Not anymore. Maybe it was because she understood now, in a way, what had pushed Sarah to act out. The pressure to belong. The fear of being left behind. And Kelly had once been there too, caught between wanting acceptance and staying true to herself.
When Sarah finished, her gaze found Kelly. Kelly didn't say anything for a long moment, just took in the sight of her former best friend—vulnerable, stripped of her previous arrogance.
"I forgive you," Kelly said simply, her voice steady. "But it's not about getting back what we had. It's about us moving forward."
And just like that, Kelly was back in the fold—the popular clique once again welcoming her with open arms. The girls who'd once made her life miserable were now sheepishly trying to prove they'd changed. But this time, Kelly didn't feel like she was walking on eggshells anymore. She was stronger, more herself, and less willing to bend to anyone's expectations.
But there was one thing that had shifted. One person who wasn't trying to fit into the mold of popularity again.
Scarlet.
Scarlet had never cared for popularity. She didn't need the validation or the attention. To her, the popular crowd was just noise—shallow, fleeting, and fake. She'd seen it all before: people who traded loyalty for power, who played nice when it suited them, and who scattered like cockroaches when the lights came on. That world wasn't for her. It never had been.
But Kelly? Scarlet wasn't so sure anymore.
As Kelly glanced back at her, their eyes meeting briefly across the courtyard, Scarlet felt a flicker of something she couldn't quite name. Pride, maybe. Or worry. Kelly had come so far, rebuilt herself from the ashes of their betrayal. And now she was walking right back into the fire.
Scarlet took a drag from her cigarette, exhaling slowly as she watched Kelly throw her head back in laughter, the sound carrying faintly over the hum of the courtyard. She didn't belong with them—not really. Kelly was different. She had a light, a spark that the popular girls could only pretend to understand. And yet, here she was, finding her way back into their fold, as if trying to prove something to herself.
Scarlet told herself she didn't care. That it wasn't her place to judge. Kelly could make her own choices, and if she wanted to give those girls a second chance, who was Scarlet to stop her?
And yet, it stung.
Scarlet flicked the cigarette to the ground, grinding it out with the heel of her boot. She hated how much it bothered her, how much she wanted to pull Kelly aside and ask her what the hell she was doing. Did Kelly really think those girls had changed? Did she really believe they deserved her forgiveness? Or was this just another way for Kelly to chase the sense of belonging she'd been craving for so long?
But Scarlet didn't say any of that. She couldn't. Kelly had been through enough, and the last thing she needed was Scarlet's cynicism dragging her down. So, she stayed quiet, watching from the sidelines like she always did, her arms crossed and her heart heavier than she wanted to admit.
When Kelly finally broke away from the group and started walking toward her, Scarlet straightened, her expression unreadable. She didn't let herself hope for anything—not an explanation, not a declaration, not even a promise. Scarlet had learned a long time ago not to expect too much from people. It was safer that way.
But as Kelly stopped in front of her, a small, hesitant smile on her face, Scarlet felt her defenses waver.
"Still out here?" Kelly asked, her tone light, teasing. It was the kind of thing she always said, as if she was trying to bridge the gap between their worlds.
Scarlet shrugged, her voice cool. "Where else would I be?"
Kelly chuckled, glancing back at the girls she'd just left behind. "They're not so bad, you know. They're trying."
Scarlet raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching in the ghost of a smirk. "Trying to what? Convince you they've changed? Or convince themselves?"
Kelly didn't answer right away. She looked thoughtful, her hazel eyes softening. "Maybe both," she admitted. "But I'm not doing this for them. I'm doing it for me."
Scarlet studied her for a moment, her gaze searching. There was a quiet determination in Kelly's voice, a strength that Scarlet couldn't help but respect.
"Good," Scarlet said finally, her voice low. "Just don't forget who you are, Kel. Don't let them drag you down again."
Kelly smiled, a real one this time, and it hit Scarlet like a punch to the chest. "I won't," she said softly. "Not with you keeping me grounded."
Scarlet snorted, her smirk returning as she leaned back against the wall. "Don't count on me for that. I'm just here for the show."
But even as she said it, Scarlet knew it wasn't true. She wasn't just there for the show. She was there for Kelly, whether Kelly realized it or not. For Kelly's part, she had built her own path, and if Scarlet was still willing to stand at the edge, observing from the periphery, Kelly was okay with that.
Because, in a world that was constantly shifting around her, Scarlet was the one thing that felt solid. The one person who had never asked her to be anyone other than herself.
And maybe that was all Kelly needed.
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