"He's my brother. Fraternal twin, to be exact."8964 copyright protection471PENANAE9GzW5rArL 維尼
December still couldn't wrap her mind on what Pierre just said.8964 copyright protection471PENANAf7DCa0QuxN 維尼
What…I can't even…?8964 copyright protection471PENANA3y45JIR7mt 維尼
How did I not noticed that at all?8964 copyright protection471PENANAW7AToKUKeM 維尼
When she was slowly coming out of the shock, the bell rang and just like that, everyone around her started to move as the noise grew louder with chatters and the clanking of trays with people dumping them in the piled section.8964 copyright protection471PENANAMXeoDpTH7O 維尼
Unfazed, Pierre and Max stood, and Katya blinked before following suit. Even worse, Raven, her best friend who shared a strong intuition and almost accurate train of thoughts, disappointed her this time when she got up and simply said, "Ah, okay then. D, I've got to go tutor Blake right now, but I'll see you later."8964 copyright protection471PENANArsc4GBS0jG 維尼
December could only nod mutely, and just like that, they were gone.8964 copyright protection471PENANADHMKnwITOK 維尼
She was left there in her seat in the almost empty cafeteria, wondering confusedly to herself.8964 copyright protection471PENANA1ynIPOvKHB 維尼
"Am I the only one who's surprised at what I just found?"8964 copyright protection471PENANA5R4p9EE2cm 維尼
Their reactions at that moment seemed like she had dreamt it all up, and December chewed on her lip in uncertainty.8964 copyright protection471PENANA3hQiXl1KPR 維尼
She then shook her head and stared at the figures exiting the cafeteria.8964 copyright protection471PENANAQyogbDm1ck 維尼
I'm pretty sure I wasn't daydreaming.8964 copyright protection471PENANABT13o93g1I 維尼
She wished the conversation didn't end there because there were a lot that she needed to ask now that she knew about this. December didn't know how to process this entire information.8964 copyright protection471PENANAsJJNagrnpY 維尼
The only thing that she was fairly certain, however, was that the bells, which was something she always looked forward to during classes, had just interrupt their profound moment, and for once, she cursed its existence.8964 copyright protection471PENANAB16F0W0sSw 維尼
December felt like a zombie, as she walked down the empty hallway. She didn't know how long class had started – possibly a few minutes now – and while she would have rushed to them to avoid being reprimanded, she couldn't bring herself to move any faster.8964 copyright protection471PENANAhVANnx6A7z 維尼
It was like walking in a dream.8964 copyright protection471PENANAGZHU42TOVZ 維尼
Ridiculous as it seemed to mull this over being punctual in class, she was still not over what happened in the cafeteria. In fact, December could not believe that Pierre, Max, Katya and especially Raven, who was supposed to be on her side with this just acted as if she should have known about it.8964 copyright protection471PENANAfNhJzpjRcL 維尼
She frowned.8964 copyright protection471PENANAzXy4Q1FP0q 維尼
Did they not get that that was a huge thing? Especially since no one knew Pierre and Max were related?8964 copyright protection471PENANAF1hgG5Hs1O 維尼
And why did they become all hostile with each other in the first place?8964 copyright protection471PENANAuFq0N9gpSJ 維尼
So many thoughts racing through December's mind, even those suspicions that she wasn't even aware, all came crashing down on her.8964 copyright protection471PENANAlLxObdR5fJ 維尼
December then stopped in her tracks. But of course.8964 copyright protection471PENANASxTnhqBYhi 維尼
His evident animosity she saw in the hallway that time when she crashed into the lockers.8964 copyright protection471PENANAIqh8fTZBEe 維尼
His fluency in speaking Russian with them and now that she recalled, his prominent features that looked a little bit like Max. But more importantly, she bit her lip as another realisation dawned on her, she knew why she felt as if something was amiss earlier with them both.8964 copyright protection471PENANAe8sUI6zyj3 維尼
Their smiles.8964 copyright protection471PENANAVPDDU4DcZk 維尼
It was no wonder that they're siblings – no, twins – their similarities were apparent.8964 copyright protection471PENANAlt6VVB0R95 維尼
Why had she not noticed their resemblance before?8964 copyright protection471PENANAblb10WOBwg 維尼
She stopped and sighed to herself. "Why am I so worked up over all of this? They're twins? Great."8964 copyright protection471PENANAASdm1pHLzE 維尼
December tried to move again but found herself rooted. "And yet, why can't I stop wondering the reason why they seemed to clash?" She shook her head again.8964 copyright protection471PENANANp725bVGwI 維尼
I'm being too nosy for my own good…but damn it, I'm so curious!8964 copyright protection471PENANAjOOdcROgkD 維尼
The strong pull to get to the bottom of it, despite knowing that this wasn't her business was too strong to ignore. She didn't know why but she wanted to help them. December was puzzled at this sudden need to lend a helping hand. It wasn't as though she was reluctant, in fact, she had always been helpful, and, if she dared to admit it, she loved when people needed her assistance, yet this feeling was stronger than it had always been.8964 copyright protection471PENANArEXRtpNn1Q 維尼
I can't even make sense of what I'm feeling!8964 copyright protection471PENANAFXifgOCAmg 維尼
Unaware of the hateful gaze boring holes at her, December almost jump in fright when the figure appeared in front of her.8964 copyright protection471PENANAvbEq8y0gpg 維尼
"Karen." December said, startled yet wary.8964 copyright protection471PENANAsIn6ClkjuR 維尼
Pursing her lips, the blonde beauty snapped, "Are you dating Zach?"8964 copyright protection471PENANAlMiHLsI6JI 維尼
She looked at her in confusion before her expression became indifferent as she felt her temper rise.8964 copyright protection471PENANA4831eSHwes 維尼
Oh, for Heaven's sake!8964 copyright protection471PENANA1Egjb6oumY 維尼
"Didn't your cronies tell you? And why does anyone care, anyway?" She snapped back.8964 copyright protection471PENANA63NAJ7HzGS 維尼
December had had enough with being patient. First she was being attack by none other than Karen's cronies, and with the shocking information she just found out about Pierre and Max, coupled with the sudden appearance by the she-devil herself, December was just too frazzled to even care.8964 copyright protection471PENANA2NXQdxpSJW 維尼
Taken aback, Karen stared at December with anger simmering behind her eyes, but it slowly dissipate when a smile suddenly curled her lips.8964 copyright protection471PENANAwtW1pKgzSm 維尼
"You really have some balls, December," Karen spat. "So, what? Now that the golden boy of the school notices you, you've suddenly grown a spine?" December had no time to react when Karen took a step too close to her. "What have I always told you?"8964 copyright protection471PENANA4P1HGSuEKV 維尼
December was distracted by the uncontrollable rage in Karen's eyes. There's no mistaking the hardened gaze and sharp glare directed at her. Karen was furious.8964 copyright protection471PENANApMgXTkjlS6 維尼
But why?8964 copyright protection471PENANADz4pPWo73b 維尼
She never knew why Karen made her a target in the first place, never even did anything to her, unlike the girl who had humiliated and belittled her every chance she could get.8964 copyright protection471PENANAP3fwNvfuIp 維尼
When she didn't answer, Karen gritted her teeth venomously, "What. Did. I. Tell. You?"8964 copyright protection471PENANAr2qtuK54xE 維尼
December was startled, and she took a step back due to the intensity in her gaze. "W-what?"8964 copyright protection471PENANANt8sTEQRUY 維尼
The small laugh elicited from Karen was nothing but mocking. "Of course. You couldn't even remember one simple thing. I guess I have been lenient in the lessons, haven't I?"8964 copyright protection471PENANAXdP2l5MXx1 維尼
December stiffened, a foreboding feeling settling in her gut. Wait... this is…?8964 copyright protection471PENANAopdxlZJll7 維尼
"Very well, then. " Karen sighed dramatically. "Considering how faulty that memory of yours can be, allow me to refresh it, hmm?"8964 copyright protection471PENANA22bg3JeaIs 維尼
Too engrossed in her turmoil, she was too late in defending herself when Karen threw a swift punch to her stomach, before using her knee to inflict the blow again.8964 copyright protection471PENANAOLGgJQVK5O 維尼
Seeing December gasping sharply and wincing in pain on the floor brought Karen some satisfaction. She would make it her duty to remind December who was in charge of the academy.8964 copyright protection471PENANAUxRsE87y6x 維尼
She couldn't have December being the center of attention by the student body – her student body.8964 copyright protection471PENANAdLq3xPTZJx 維尼
Because she own every one of them, especially the boys in this school. Since her ancestor built this academy, she felt it was hers to rule by right and she would bend them over to her whim.8964 copyright protection471PENANAcMtyrq96Zc 維尼
Despite the news that broke out about the student President, the guy who was worshipped by everyone and are looked upon as her almost equal in popularity, people started to gush about her enemy instead.8964 copyright protection471PENANAP8nJgFkPhT 維尼
How sweet they looked, how perfect and adorable they were together.8964 copyright protection471PENANAenneiDrF4B 維尼
Karen wanted to gag herself.8964 copyright protection471PENANAxVXY7MXM6P 維尼
As popular as he was, she was the one whose status are elevated like a goddess. They should be comparing her with Zach, instead of the weakling before her.8964 copyright protection471PENANASf6qIA9ej2 維尼
She could have made him more popular, too.8964 copyright protection471PENANAjNpxM0BxBl 維尼
There had never been a decrease in her popularity, yet today had been its first mark. Worse, they were people whom she deemed acceptable enough to be part of her circle, which was a lot compared to those outcasts. It only took one person from her clique to say something nice about her, and that was enough to make her flip, as well as punished whoever said it.8964 copyright protection471PENANAszUbgE0lXV 維尼
Those people, Karen chuckled to herself, their significance to me is as important as a dirt, and that includes her little circle of friends.8964 copyright protection471PENANAuiePMfeSqN 維尼
Karen then amended herself as she thought she could make some exception to December's little friends, since she saw some potential in one of them to be a part of hers.8964 copyright protection471PENANA3widwTCrb9 維尼
She tried to calm herself, but looking at December's pitiful face made it hard to. She wanted to inflict more pain to her just like how her pride had suffered. Still, Karen reminded herself that she could be jeopardising her reputation if someone caught her doing this. She hoped those blows would be enough for compensation.8964 copyright protection471PENANAkwIZzGq3L4 維尼
Winning the crowd's affection wasn't easy, surprisingly but she would always come out victorious, because if there are things she hated about December, which are countless, was to see her grabbing that shining spotlight which should have been hers.8964 copyright protection471PENANAvDa8qMvUkD 維尼
She gritted her teeth in anger, her fist clenched tight she was sure blood was drawn on it.8964 copyright protection471PENANACRMAsb36sm 維尼
But then, she suddenly smiled to herself, seemingly determined as something came to mind.8964 copyright protection471PENANAyFPjYKiyF4 維尼
I will bid my time, she soothed herself, but first, I'll give her the lesson she has forgotten.8964 copyright protection471PENANAP0T7iEGJ8a 維尼
"Life is like a chess game and everyone is a piece, December. When you're the master of the game, everything goes your way. And by you," she put her finger on December's forehead before pushing it, then pointed to herself, "I mean me because let's face it…I always get what I want." Karen took a step back, crossed her arms and smiled smugly.8964 copyright protection471PENANAqsPDf4CNYK 維尼
"Oh, and before I forget," She crouched to December's level, holding the girl's gaze with hers sharply, "I want you to remember this," she enunciated it slowly as though December was incapable of understanding her. "You don't deserve to be treated kindly by me. You're beneath me, do you hear?"8964 copyright protection471PENANAlhqMkLc24G 維尼
A brief flash of emotion passed Karen's face but it had disappeared fast enough for December to name what it was.8964 copyright protection471PENANAfPlx9KM4yF 維尼
Karen's voice was tinted with amusement as she said, "All the guys in this school want me, not you. Not your friends, and…" she chuckled darkly before continuing in a sugary voice, "Not even your boyfriend. You know why? Because you're pathetic and no one cares about you."8964 copyright protection471PENANAMFWiXPJ39e 維尼
Satisfied at what she saw, Karen hummed to herself and made a move to walk away. Before she could, December stopped her.8964 copyright protection471PENANAKnsfZIL6eB 維尼
She had been sitting there, taking the blows and words in. This had happened before but the intensity was doubled this time. It hurt a lot, December could not deny that. Karen had no right insulting and humiliating her, yet she couldn't do anything to defend herself at the onslaught.8964 copyright protection471PENANAuTfnukJWw3 維尼
December felt shame and anger at herself, and while half of her felt numb because of what Karen said and who it reminded her of, what she could conclude from the entire monologue was that she was wrong on the last account.8964 copyright protection471PENANAIw6kZmOXYr 維尼
How could she possibly know what her friends were thinking? Or even Zach? She hardly saw him crossing paths with her let alone talked, despite both being looked up on by the rest of them. She hardly spoke to any of her friends and she could never have known the extent of their kindness towards December.8964 copyright protection471PENANAGPTof6AiTk 維尼
So after all that, the only thing that she elicited to Karen's rant was a low chuckle.8964 copyright protection471PENANA1ynMmLfkKd 維尼
She stood and spoke, her gaze firm. "If this is the worst you could do to me, Karen, then I'm afraid you're losing your touch."8964 copyright protection471PENANAqpjXlYCbst 維尼
December knew how much Karen hated her authority being undermined and she had just challenged that. Despite hurting, she wanted to inflict some blow to the hateful blonde's ego, and by the look of it, it hit bulls eye.8964 copyright protection471PENANAKcZ8tL1Xc6 維尼
Karen narrowed her eyes into slits, her fist itching to hit December again. She licked her lips and blinked, composing herself to look unaffected. A dangerous glint flashed in her eyes as she grinned menacingly.8964 copyright protection471PENANAPbUMJr2ffz 維尼
"This will be fun, actually. Grow some backbone then. I will just have more fun breaking it."8964 copyright protection471PENANA8BioEQDixC 維尼
"Why do you hate me so much?" It seemed like that was the only question she found herself often wondering, with her brother and now Karen.8964 copyright protection471PENANAEq6iBMEYMl 維尼
The question came unexpected and it took Karen off guard, but as if she remembered the reason why, she seethed, "You simpleton. After all these years and you still don't get it? I hate you, your every core, your mere existence disgusts me!"8964 copyright protection471PENANA7AbNmMyTZ7 維尼
December didn't falter, even though the glare in Karen's amber eyes were enough to burn a hole in her.8964 copyright protection471PENANANsTOxVgaCS 維尼
"You won't always get your way, you know."8964 copyright protection471PENANAtQkTRHtinP 維尼
Karen stared at December, an eyebrow raised as she looked on, both amused yet puzzled.8964 copyright protection471PENANAAUkZFxNBKT 維尼
She chuckled airily. "You truly have no idea who you're dealing with, do you?"8964 copyright protection471PENANAzXnpyXJAQS 維尼
December's electric blue eyes were hard as steel, and this time she paint her lips with a smile. A smile that was enough to make Karen doubt herself for one miniscule second.8964 copyright protection471PENANAPPJYlwbu08 維尼
"Neither do you."8964 copyright protection471PENANA7OY8R1RYch 維尼
With that, a silent challenge had been spoken between them, making their past involvements seemed insignificant. This time, no one could anticipate what were to come for them; it would be a change so huge that it could either make or destroy them.8964 copyright protection471PENANAv6PIpmub4j 維尼
After the face-off with Karen, December went to the washroom.8964 copyright protection471PENANAr1TxhEY5yx 維尼
She felt lightheaded.8964 copyright protection471PENANAVG3uSCIm6H 維尼
Everything that happened today left her feeling overwhelmed and tired. She needed time to gather her thoughts and focus on them, specifically on what Karen told her in all those rants.8964 copyright protection471PENANAzSLDvo4Svp 維尼
It was eerily familiar…those words that Karen uttered to her. She realised why she was frozen in her spot earlier.8964 copyright protection471PENANAJStu65dcfM 維尼
They reminded her of her brother.8964 copyright protection471PENANAL9o9FyYNtz 維尼
"You couldn't even remember one simple thing. I guess I have been lenient in the lessons, haven't I?"8964 copyright protection471PENANAK9VR9TE9aq 維尼
"You're worthless and it seemed like I'll have to drill that into your thick skull since you haven't learned your lesson yet. Maybe I have been lenient all these years."8964 copyright protection471PENANA201UXH6amL 維尼
Pain. There's a sharp pain in her chest. No.8964 copyright protection471PENANAxRGjjjuvr5 維尼
"So, what? Now that the golden boy of the school notices you, you've suddenly grown a spine?"8964 copyright protection471PENANAGgAK0vidZk 維尼
"…Guess you found some backbone, didn't you?"8964 copyright protection471PENANAph931kEhKE 維尼
Was there air in the room? She needed space to breathe. Why are the walls suddenly closing in on her? Help.8964 copyright protection471PENANAA6Vt7GrXjC 維尼
"You know they don't really care about you."8964 copyright protection471PENANAr6UMs2Wkjz 維尼
"You know why? Because you're pathetic and no one cares about you."8964 copyright protection471PENANAZIFFsGL84A 維尼
In her mind, she could still hear Michael and Karen's voices dripping those venomous words in her head, repeating louder, and louder, and louder until she could no longer discern which ones were their voices as the words overlapped with one another… Stop, please.8964 copyright protection471PENANA1TZ9d1Z0xp 維尼
"You don't deserve to be treated kindly by me. You're beneath me, do you hear?"8964 copyright protection471PENANAOeqzabnZYp 維尼
"An unlikable, friendless, pathetic girl like you do not deserve to be treated equally by me."8964 copyright protection471PENANAuw89Urs0yi 維尼
December shut her eyes tight, her fist clenched tightly as she pressed it against her chest. Something snapped within her.8964 copyright protection471PENANAmjO9QFD0Ea 維尼
"ENOUGH!"8964 copyright protection471PENANATBHV3Ii2bR 維尼
Her breathing was heavy, breaths come in gasps until she couldn't hear anything but the sudden white noise that grew louder at a constant frequency. She opened her eyes and stared at the girl before her, tears streaming down her face…her hands slowly bringing them to her ears, her lips trembling as her eyes looked at her wide, unblinking and bleary.8964 copyright protection471PENANAuvUPQH0r1T 維尼
December stepped back from the counter as if her skin were scalded, horrified at the image as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Slowly, her senses started to kick in and she was beginning to make sense of her surroundings. The ventilator fan whirred quietly, the sound of droplets from the water tap echoing like a constant rhythm of a pendulum, and the air – yes, she could feel the air rushing in to her lungs again, her chest no longer felt constricted.8964 copyright protection471PENANABOdegGMlnz 維尼
What…what just happened?8964 copyright protection471PENANApigg76zi3c 維尼
December was still disoriented and she tried to focus on her breathing, and once she could calm herself, she picked out her thoughts.8964 copyright protection471PENANAMMtjxe6Pkw 維尼
The girl before her looked bruised, pathetic, and very, very weary. December could barely recognise herself in the girl. She let out a sob before biting her lower lip, that slight feeling of disgust washing over her at who she had become.8964 copyright protection471PENANA9sgl877mgy 維尼
As she studied herself in the mirror, she was all the things her brother and Karen had told her. The girl in the mirror was the outcome of those words.8964 copyright protection471PENANAmUtdfup93T 維尼
Yet.8964 copyright protection471PENANAzqk7vJp7Z3 維尼
December blinked her eyes, wiping her tears away. As she looked past the girl, December knew that was not who she really was; she should have known better.8964 copyright protection471PENANA7oNHohYTTT 維尼
Am I really that easy to break? Is the girl before me so fragile?8964 copyright protection471PENANAc9NbWu0xK5 維尼
Not if I have a say in this, she thought to herself with a sniffle and a determined look.8964 copyright protection471PENANAR1Y6LyHpDw 維尼
She tried to remember those picnics, trips, every little occasion and celebrations and happy moments she had with her parents and friends into mind, tried to remember the sound of her laughter when she was truly in bliss because of them; there were plenty. 475Please respect copyright.PENANACE7M4yujpf
8964 copyright protection471PENANAG8qiD6H4ld 維尼
December smiled inwardly.8964 copyright protection471PENANA9cBmKR4RIK 維尼
She couldn't possibly have dreamt any of them all.8964 copyright protection471PENANAisaR6mOAPe 維尼
She was a bright and cheerful girl, and despite her average academic achievements, she was loved. She was loved by her parents, and she was loved by her friends…and no one – especially not Karen nor her brother was going to change that.8964 copyright protection471PENANAQbxcwGIarz 維尼
I'm so sick of this.8964 copyright protection471PENANAzlzff1ONFn 維尼
She didn't want to be the bruised and helpless girl before her anymore.8964 copyright protection471PENANAsIJQA7gEkd 維尼
She needed to remember that.8964 copyright protection471PENANAbt7QbLwae5 維尼
She needed to believe in herself….slowly, but surely.8964 copyright protection471PENANAwvuBvZ6BqN 維尼
December tried to muster a smile onto her face. The vision before her struggled with the gesture, it seemed heavy to curve her lips upwards but she managed to do that until finally, she saw reflections of her old self.8964 copyright protection471PENANA8xcfGaH5r2 維尼
I'm picking up the pieces again, but this time I won't back down so easily.8964 copyright protection471PENANAozx5RFDJ1Y 維尼
Classes must have come and went, and she knew she hadn't attended any one of them that afternoon. December didn't care, but her friends didn't seem to share that notion.8964 copyright protection471PENANAAX4Ef29Tg9 維尼
She picked up the phone on the second call, looking at the receiver briefly before answering, albeit a little hesitant, "Hey, Raven."8964 copyright protection471PENANAs5tifaJZHS 維尼
"Don't 'hey' me! Where have you been? Where are you? You've missed the last two classes already!"8964 copyright protection471PENANAPfzfh1IVwS 維尼
December winced, one because of her friend's high pitched tone – which only ever came up when Raven was extremely worried, and for a moment, she felt bad for not telling her – and second, because she had just finished inspecting the damage Karen did to her; the bruises started to form but while it didn't look ghastly, it felt excruciating.8964 copyright protection471PENANAZWo32ZadHs 維尼
Damn, Karen. December bit her lip in irritation.8964 copyright protection471PENANANhsjYjAfmH 維尼
"I should have texted, I know but I was…." December paused, not certain whether she wanted to tell Raven what happened. As soon as that thought crossed her mind, she frowned at herself.8964 copyright protection471PENANAIHdes2B9tX 維尼
Sure, this had happen before but back then, she hadn't had courage to speak up in fear of being pitied. What was worse, she already knew by experience that she couldn't tell anyone about it because Karen would always find a way to twist things and escape punishment.8964 copyright protection471PENANAvpkwMBTHF9 維尼
She shook her head. She was no longer the timid December, and while she would have to figure out how to get back at her, she needed her friend right now.8964 copyright protection471PENANAbHDsWW2KFz 維尼
She repeated her newfound mantra. Believe in yourself.8964 copyright protection471PENANAtxkku8glDk 維尼
"Actually, I'm in the third floor's lavatory..." She trailed off and frowned, fully aware now of which floor she was once she checked the plated signboard above the ceiling outside.8964 copyright protection471PENANAvMmiDz1hQa 維尼
She could imagine Raven looking puzzled at that, and it was apparent in her voice when she said, "What? What are you doing there? Classes are always held in the first and second floor. How did you even ended up there from the cafeteria?"8964 copyright protection471PENANAYAbXFLxmMj 維尼
December blinked. "I…don't even know that, actually."8964 copyright protection471PENANAROuZbplNPp 維尼
It was true, in her half-dream state of wandering around the hallway figuring some things out, she had somehow wind up on the upper level, where some clubs used the space to practice and the music room was located. It usually remained empty during class hours yet that was also where Karen had found her. A small part of December had wondered what Karen was doing on this floor but she soon cast the thought away, not thinking it mattered.8964 copyright protection471PENANASk2uP9LiP6 維尼
"You really do suck at directions, D." Raven joked a little, though her worry was still evident.8964 copyright protection471PENANAPjROV2oSAG 維尼
December chuckled half-heartedly. "I'm sorry…and you're right, I'm terrible at them."8964 copyright protection471PENANAydZa9kTA6W 維尼
December thought she really needed to be aware of her surroundings now, or it might just land her in trouble someday.8964 copyright protection471PENANAC8UNExWzSd 維尼
"So, do you want to tell me what is going on? You've got us all worried."8964 copyright protection471PENANAuQT3fUPHrI 維尼
December let the twinge of pain hit her, and said quietly, "I know," before continuing, "Let's meet up at the dorm first."8964 copyright protection471PENANAxlz6NZYTxy 維尼
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