Chapter 20
Teenagers were still a baffling bunch, always eager to defy expectations. The fact that no one believed in them only fueled their rebellious spirit. Determined to ace Class A, with just over ten days until the unit test, they couldn't afford to slack off. Though unnerved, Maura's inherent energy remained undeterred. She had a clear plan and wouldn't let anything derail it. "You need to balance work and play," she reminded her friends.
After her words, the teacher's supervision ended, and the students reluctantly returned their books, heading to the playground. Class A was already there, doing exercises.
"Tek, Moura, and that parasite living at your place!" Alison teased Maura with a sly grin. "Why don't we give her a hard time?" Surrounded by students, Maura—known for her sweet and gentle nature—protested quietly. "Alison, don't say that. She's my—"
"Your sister? Her? Seriously?" Alison scoffed, giving Maura a look of disappointment. "Have you already forgotten how she used to treat you? That rude brat is not worthy of being your sister."
The gossip was too juicy to ignore. Classmates lowered their voices, perking up their ears to eavesdrop.
"Sister," Maura's voice wavered, her eyes reddening. A hint of sniffling broke through, her words almost a confession of Aurora's frequent bullying.
Maura was considered the campus belle of Merrida High School; many students adored her. Hearing about the bullying, the hot-headed boys couldn't let it slide. They silently agreed to find a chance later to embarrass Aurora and help Maura vent her frustration.
Meanwhile, Aurora found a quiet spot to relax.
After the group dispersed, Maura slipped away and approached Aurora by the pool. She wore a checkered skirt, the sunlight enhancing her delicate, youthful appearance.
"What do you want?" Aurora showed no interest in talking. She'd finally found some solitude.
Maura stood before her, hands behind her back, unintentionally blocking the sun. Her face was shadowed, her expression unreadable.
As the water shimmered, an idea sparked in Maura's mind. "Aurora, look around—no one's here. If you fell in, do you think anyone would save you?" Maura's voice was sweet, but with a sharp undercurrent. She felt it was time someone taught Aurora a lesson for her arrogance.
Aurora slowly stood up, locking her gaze on Maura without blinking. Her towering height cast a long shadow, her eyes remaining cold and untouched by the sunlight.
Maura's voice faltered. Aurora's height made her feel smaller, as if she'd already lost. No way, Maura thought, I'll get the upper hand.
"Get in there!" A flicker of malice crossed Maura's eyes as she shoved Aurora hard.
To her surprise, Aurora, sensing Maura's hostility, was prepared. Instead of dodging, she grabbed Maura's arm, swiftly spun, and shoved her into the pool.
Water sprayed everywhere as Maura's eyes widened in shock, her hands grasping at nothing as she plunged beneath the surface. This hasty plan was riddled with flaws from the start.
"Ahh!" Maura thrashed, bobbing helplessly, sending sprays of water everywhere. Her scream pierced the silence, drawing attention. Several figures rushed to the pool's edge, led by someone all too familiar.
"Aurora, how dare you push Maura!" Alison, without hesitation, blamed Aurora. She immediately jumped into the pool, swimming toward Maura. Others followed, Damon being the fastest.
"Oh, it's a game? Fine, let's play," Aurora thought, a wicked glint in her eyes as she dove in.
She was the closest and first to reach Maura's flailing hand. Grabbing Maura's hair, Aurora pulled her under, shouting innocently, "Maura, I've got you! I'm here to save you!"
The mimicry vanished from Maura's eyes in an instant as she gulped water, completely off guard. The sensation of drowning hit her hard. Water rushed into her nose, a sharp pain in her chest becoming unbearable.
"Help! Help me!" Real panic crept into Maura's voice. She struggled against Aurora's iron grip, but it was futile.
Aurora yanked Maura up enough for her to cough out water before shoving her back under. With her free hand, she splashed water, affecting those nearby.
As Damon swam to pull Maura to safety, Aurora screamed, "Damon's touching me! He's touching me!"
At the accusation, Damon recoiled. "What the hell! I didn't—" Water sprayed his face, forcing him to hold his breath.
Fine. If I can't reach Maura from above, I'll go underwater, Damon thought, changing his strategy. He dove beneath the surface, the sunlight reflecting off the water's bottom, creating a hazy effect.
"Maura, are you okay?" Aurora's voice dripped with fake concern as she briefly pulled Maura's head above water, then dunked her again.
"H-Help!" Maura gasped for air, her lungs burning. Just as she got a breath, she was forced under again. She thrashed, only able to grasp Aurora. Regret washed over her; she never thought Aurora would know how to swim.
"Maura, I'm here to save you," Alison shouted, reaching them and trying to pull Maura away.
But Aurora wouldn't let that happen. Since Maura loves the pool so much, she can stay a little longer, she thought.
A flash of memory from her past life struck Aurora. Something similar had happened before. She couldn't swim then, and after Maura had pushed her into the pool, she nearly drowned. Pulled out, shaken and cold, she'd spent two weeks in bed with a fever. Her lungs were permanently damaged, leaving her with a deep-seated fear of water.