That morning, the two girls were going about their usual activities at Elsa's house. Mira hadn't gone home the previous day, even though she'd promised Elsa she was only going to stay for two days before heading back.
"Mirabel, I really think you should talk to your parents now. It's been three days already," Elsa said as she sat in front of her mirror, applying dye to her hair.
Mira, who was busy scrolling through her phone, sighed and sat upright on the bed. "I still need time, Els… I need time to wrap my head around all of this."
Elsa glanced at her through the mirror, her fingers pausing mid-motion. She turned gently to face her. "Mira…" she said softly.
Mira let out another sigh and moved to sit at the edge of the bed. "I promise I'll talk to them. I have a reason now to not stay silent about everything."
Elsa looked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Mira inhaled deeply, almost as if steadying herself. "I overheard you and your mom the other night. You were talking about Damian… and my mom."
Elsa gasped, her hand falling to her lap. "I… Mira…"
But Mira cut in gently, "I understand, Els. You weren't supposed to tell me. But I'm glad I heard you both that night. I feel like such a fool for talking to my mom that way." Her voice dropped to a whisper.
Elsa's heart ached. She had known how all of this would unfold, yet she didn't know how to undo it. She wasn't even sure if meddling would help, but deep down, she hoped Mira could fix it herself. In the first timeline, Elsa never knew the real reason behind Mira's parents' divorce. Now that she did, knowing it was all a misunderstanding, she still felt uneasy like an outsider in someone else's family business.
If anyone could fix this, it was Mira.
Elsa gave her a soft smile. "I'm sorry you had to overhear that, but I'm also glad you understand what's really going on now. Your mom is a good person, Mira. She'd never intentionally hurt you or your dad. Right now, what matters most is that you talk to them, tell them how much you want your family to stay together. Maybe even convince your mom to open up to your dad. It looks like she's struggling... and she's been struggling alone."
Mira nodded slowly. "I'll talk to them. I'm going to go home later today anyway… I need to pack my bag for the field trip tomorrow."
Elsa smiled and turned back to the mirror, resuming her work on her hair.
Mirabel watched her closely, her arms folded. "I still don't understand why you're dyeing your hair blonde. It's not very 'Elsa-coded' at all."
Elsa laughed softly. "I love blonde, Mira."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "And why are you so excited about this trip? It's not like you."
Elsa went quiet for a moment, her gaze softening. In the original timeline, school trips never excited her. She often found reasons not to go. Her severe motion sickness made the thought of traveling unbearable. It was Mira who always dragged her along, who always insisted they'd have fun. Now, back in time, Elsa was determined to savor every moment. Because after Mira died… Elsa had deeply regretted not cherishing these simple, joyful memories.
She shrugged. "Well… I guess I just need something to clear my head a bit."
Mira hummed thoughtfully. "Hmm… Fine then. I just hope you don't end up sick in the bus tomorrow. I can't handle that stress again. Please, no motion sickness this time," she said, pressing her palms together in mock prayer.
Elsa scoffed and turned to face her, her gloved hands still coated in dye. "Excuse me, Miss I know how to handle myself, thank you very much. I won't go throwing up everywhere."
Mira burst out laughing. "You say that now…"
Elsa playfully grabbed the dye bowl and stood up. Mira instinctively shifted back, confused.
"Come on, Mira. Why don't you want to dye your hair? It would look so nice."
"Nooo… never. I love my black hair. Blonde won't even fit me," Mira protested, shielding her head like Elsa was going to lunge.
Elsa's shoulders sagged with a pout. "Anything looks good on you, Mimi. You've had black hair forever. A little tint won't hurt."
"I said no ma'am! I'm good," Mira giggled, wagging a finger. "And since when did you start loving your hair this much?"
Elsa grinned widely. "Well… I guess it's not as bad as I thought."
Mira laughed as Elsa sat back down, carefully sectioning her hair and applying more dye.
For a while, the room went quiet, the only sound being the occasional squeeze of the dye tube and rustling of foil. Mira fidgeted nervously with her fingers.
Elsa glanced at her through the mirror. "Spill it. I know you've got something on your mind, you've been doing that nervous finger thing for a while."
Mira looked at her, then let out a shaky sigh. "It's about Adrian."
Elsa straightened slightly, her eyes catching Mira's in the mirror. "What about him?"
"You… you guys aren't talking again, are you?" Mira stuttered a bit.
A soft laugh escaped Elsa's lips. "Why? Why are you stuttering like that? What's wrong?"
Mira went silent, then shrugged awkwardly. "I mean… I just want to make sure my best friend isn't talking to her ex again. That would be weird, right?"
Elsa raised a brow. "Why would it be weird? I already told you last time we just hung out. And we've been texting lately… but it's really nothing serious."
Mira gave her a long, pointed look. "Let it stay that way, Elsa. I know you're feeling confused because you found out the breakup was a misunderstanding, but that doesn't mean you should go back to him. I never liked Adrian from the start, remember?"
Elsa sighed heavily. "I hear you, Mira. Nothing's going to happen. I promise. I don't have feelings for him anymore."
Mira nodded, satisfied. "Good."
---
Later that day, Mirabel decided it was time to go back home. She wasn't sure how to feel or how to act once she faced her parents especially her mom. The guilt weighed heavily on her. She had been so harsh, so blinded by her own pain that she hadn't seen her mom's. Now, with the truth in hand, it felt like a mix of pity and fear. Pity for what her mom had endured… and fear of what her mom would feel knowing that Mira now knew her darkest secret.
But one thing was clear.....Mira was now determined to do everything she could to keep her parents together. It had all been a misunderstanding. It could still be fixed.
She stood on the doorstep of her house, heart pounding. Taking a deep breath, she hesitated for a moment before flinging the door open. The house was surprisingly quiet. She stepped inside and glanced around the parlor, her footsteps echoing.
With a heavy sigh, she climbed the stairs toward her parents' room. The door was slightly ajar. She pushed it gently—only to freeze at the sight.
Her mom was packing.
Mirabel's eyes widened. She burst into the room, her voice sharp and panicked. "What are you doing, Mom?!"
Lauryl flinched and turned quickly, gasping at the sight of her daughter. "Mira…" she said breathlessly.
Mira's eyes darted from the half-packed bags to her mom's face. "What's going on? Why are you packing?"
Lauryl's lips trembled. "The divorce will be finalized tomorrow… I thought I'd start moving things out, little by little."
Mira's voice rose in frustration. "You're really going through with this? You're seriously doing this?"
Lauryl's voice cracked as tears welled in her eyes. "I messed up, Mira. I broke this family. I don't blame your father. This is my fault… all of it." She choked back a sob. "I'm sorry I couldn't be the mother you needed. I'm sorry I made you feel ashamed of me."
Mira's anger flared. "Stop it, Mom! Just stop."
Lauryl froze.
Mira's voice trembled, heavy with emotion. "How can you give up on me so easily? How can you give up on us this easily?"
Lauryl moved toward her, voice shaking. "No, baby, I'm not giving up on you. I love you more than anything—nothing could ever change that. It's just that I—"
"Damian," Mira said, cutting her off.
Lauryl's face went pale. "What?" she whispered, stunned.
"That man. He's the reason you're like this, isn't he?"
Her mother stepped back, her hands trembling. "How… how did you know?"
"I overheard Elsa's mom last night," Mira replied quietly. "That's how I found out about him."
Lauryl's eyes brimmed with tears. She looked down, speechless.
Mira's voice softened. Her eyes filled too. She stepped closer, gently taking her mother's hand. "Mama…"
And that was all it took. Lauryl collapsed into sobs.
Mira held her tightly, rubbing her back as tears streamed down both their faces. "It's okay, Mom… It's not your fault. You're fine. You're still the best mom."
Lauryl clung to her, letting years of bottled-up pain escape in her daughter's arms. Mira could feel it, every tremble, every tear was a wound that had never healed.
After a long silence of comfort and tears, they sat side by side on the bed.
"I'm sorry you had to go through all that, Mama," Mira said, her voice low.
Lauryl sniffled. "I should've told you. I was just… scared. It's a part of me I never wanted anyone to see. My darkest trauma. I didn't want to bring it into our family."
"I understand, Mom. I know that feeling too," Mira said quietly. "I felt that way when Matthew used to take photos of me… when I couldn't tell anyone."
Lauryl's fists clenched at the mention of his name. "Good thing he's dead. I wanted to throw him into a pit of fire."
Mira smiled faintly. "Mama… please talk to Dad. I know it won't be easy, but you can try."
Lauryl's breath shook. "I don't think I can face him. I've tried so many times, Mira, but I always freeze up. I feel so guilty, so small."
Mira shook her head. "No, Mama. You can do this. Do it for me. For us. I know you love Dad. And he loves you more than anything. If anyone would understand… it's him."
Her mother was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "Okay. I'll tell him. I'll try."
Mira smiled, her eyes glassy. "Thank you. Dad will understand."
Lauryl smiled back, faint but real. "I love you, baby. And I love your dad. I don't want to lose this family either."
"We'll get through this. Together," Mira whispered.
Lauryl nodded slowly, her eyes soft. After a brief pause, she said, "Mira… I know I haven't been paying enough attention to you lately, and I'm truly sorry for that. I know how secretive you can be, and I didn't know how to break through and ask what's really been going on. I feel like I've failed you."
"No, Mom… it's okay," Mira replied gently, taking her hand. "I know I'm hard to read sometimes. It's my fault too, for shutting you out and making you worry."
Her mom gave her a grateful smile, though the concern in her eyes didn't fade. Then, after a beat of silence, Lauryl spoke more seriously. "There are two things I want to ask you."
Mira tensed.
"I want to know why you allowed Matthew to do those horrible things to you… and what exactly he used to threaten you. And second—why did you try to kill yourself that day?" her mom asked, her voice barely steady, like she was forcing it out despite the pain.
Mira's heart thudded.
Her throat tightened. These were things she hadn't even fully admitted to herself—secrets that lived in the shadowy corners of her memory. She didn't know how to answer. She didn't want to answer. And most of all… she didn't want to scare her mother.
So she withdrew her hand quietly and began fiddling with the hem of her dress.
Lauryl noticed immediately. "It's okay, baby. You can talk to me. I won't judge you. I'll understand. I'm just… so worried about you." Her voice cracked with desperation. "I know Elsa knows some of what's going on. But she won't say anything either. Your dad and I… we're terrified, Mira. Please. Talk to me."
Mira looked up at her mom slowly, eyes glossy with guilt. She hesitated, then finally spoke.
"About the suicide thing…" she began, voice trembling. "I… I don't really remember what happened that day. I don't know if I actually did it or not."
"What?" her mother said sharply, the fear rising in her voice.
"No, Mom,don't panic. Please. I'm not in any danger right now, I promise." Mira tried to smile but it barely held. "I'm still trying to piece together what really happened that day, so… don't worry about it too much, okay?"
Lauryl grabbed her daughter's hand with trembling fingers. "Mira, don't tell me not to worry. I have a terrible feeling in my gut about all of this. What if… what if someone did something to you that day? What if this wasn't just an accident or a moment of weakness?"
Mira quickly cut in. "No, Mom. It's nothing like that. It's really not that serious i swear."
Her mom wasn't convinced. "Mira, you know you can tell us if someone's threatening you, right? Your dad and I would move heaven and earth to protect you."
"I know, Mama," she said softly. "And I appreciate that. But I'm okay. Really."
Her mom stared at her for a long moment, still searching for something in her daughter's face something solid, something that would put her heart at ease.
Then came the question Mira had feared the most.
"And Matthew?" Lauryl asked, her voice dropping.
Mira's stomach clenched.
Her face went pale. That was the one thing she couldn't talk about. The thing she hadn't even told Elsa. The blackmail. The photos. The way he toyed with her mind. The dark, unspoken truth that haunted her in silence.
She couldn't speak of it. Not now. Maybe not ever.
Mira forced a small smile. "Mom, I'd rather not talk about that again. It brings back bad memories. Can we just… let it go?"
But Lauryl didn't budge. "No, Mira. I can't just forget. I'm scared you're suffering through all this on your own. Can you just—just this once, open up to me?" Her voice cracked, and tears brimmed in her eyes.
Mira's heart broke seeing her mother like that.
She wanted to tell her. She really did.
But her mind screamed that it wasn't the right time. She wasn't ready. The truth would only bring more pain. And besides… she still didn't know who was watching her. Who was behind the strange things happening. Who had tried to silence her that day.
"Mama…" she whispered. "Please trust me. I'm okay. You don't need to stress over it. It's in the past. I've moved on."
Lauryl sighed shakily, wiping away her tears.
Mira leaned forward and hugged her. "I love you, Mama. Please don't worry about me. I promise, I'm strong."
Her mom held her tightly in return, one arm around her shoulders, the other cradling the back of her head.
"I love you too, my baby," Lauryl whispered, though Mira could still hear the anxiety in her voice.
They held each other quietly, a mother and daughter clinging to a fragile moment of comfort amidst the storm of secrets and scars.
Mira went back to her room. She sat on her bed, staring at nothing, her thoughts racing. She was determined now, no matter what, she was going to do something to stop this family from falling apart.
Just then, the thought of the school trip jogged her memory. She stood up suddenly and pulled out her pink box from under the bed. Laying it down, she smiled faintly, then sighed. Deep down, she didn't really want to go. She loved trips, but at that moment when things weren't looking good, Mirabel didn't want to go. But as long as Elsa was going, she felt a little more at ease, maybe even happy.
She set the box aside and walked over to her study table. She opened a drawer and pulled out her diary, her trusted outlet, the one thing that seemed to understand her more than anyone. Mira opened it slowly, the pages worn and familiar. She sighed heavily and began to write.
> "Hey... it's been a while. I haven't been able to write anything down because I've been too overwhelmed by everything lately...
>I've come to realize a lot in the past few days. Apart from my parents' divorce saga, I have other things weighing heavily on my mind. Honestly... I'm scared. Really scared. I try to stay calm and pretend I'm okay, but knowing that my life could be in danger is a nightmare on its own.
>That night... from what I can remember, I went to school to pick up a note I forgot. I searched for it but couldn't find it. I tried calling Elsa to check if she had it so I could come over, but she didn't pick. I thought she was mad at me or ignoring me. I was about to leave... then something hit me from behind. Everything went black.
>I woke up in the hospital, and someone had slit my wrist. They left me to die. That person could do worse.
>I'm suspecting Seraphine... but I'm not sure. All of this is driving me insane. I feel lost, and I don't know what to do anymore."
Mira dropped her pen, her hands trembling. She buried her face in her palms and let out a long, shaky sigh.
A soft knock came at the door. She quickly closed the diary and turned.
"Come in," she said quietly.
The door opened gently, and her father walked in. He had returned from work. Mira lowered her gaze, her heart tight with guilt and tension.
Her dad walked in slowly and sat on a chair beside her. Silence hung in the room.
Then, gently, he reached for her hands. "Mirabel... I'm so sorry you have to be caught up in all of this," he said quietly.
Mira looked up quickly, her eyes already misty. "No, Dad. I'm the one who should apologize.....for the way I lashed out at you the other day. I wasn't thinking straight."
He shook his head. "No, sweetheart... you had every right to be upset. You were hurt. And I understand."
Tears gathered in her eyes. She swallowed hard, struggling to hold herself together. "Dad... please. Can you guys talk this out? Please?" she asked in a pleading tone.
"Mira…" he said softly, but she cut him off gently.
"I know you don't really want this... and I can tell Mom doesn't either. I feel it, you both still love each other. I can't imagine the two of you being apart. Please... just hear her out. She has something to say."
Her father let out a shaky sigh. Silence fell again.
"Please... do it for me," Mira whispered. "For us. For this family."
After a long moment, he finally nodded. "Okay."
Mira let out a relieved laugh through her tears and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Dad. I love you."
"I love you too, my princess," he said with a soft smile, kissing her forehead.
When he left the room, Mira sat still, hope blooming quietly in her chest. Maybe—just maybe—things were going to get better.
---
Night fell.
Mirabel packed her things carefully. She had dinner with her family, took a warm shower, and tucked herself into bed, staring at the ceiling for a long time before sleep finally took her.
---
The next morning, back at Elsa's house Elsa was already up.
Her bags were packed from the night before. She took a shower, did a quick facial routine, then dressed in blue jeans and a cropped top, layering it with a jacket. She stretched her hair neatly and left it to fall over her shoulders. A touch of lip gloss and moisturizer, a spritz of perfume, and she was ready.
There was a knock.
Her mother walked in carrying two bottle flasks and a nylon bag. "Wow... you look good," Elizabeth teased with a smile.
Elsa turned and smiled softly. "What's all that?"
"Oh, just mint tea," her mom said, raising the bottles. "I made it just in case. You know how you get sick while traveling. Give one to Mira, too."
Elsa rolled her eyes. "I'm not a baby, Mom. I already told you I'll be fine. And besides, you know I hate that tea. Who drinks mint tea? It's worse than mint ice cream. Ugh."
Elizabeth placed the bottles beside her. "That's your problem," she said with a shrug. "I'll keep making them until I'm convinced you're totally fine."
She handed over the nylon bag. "I also packed some drugs, cramps, headaches, purging, body ache, ....you name it."
Elsa groaned. "It's just three days..."
Her mom stormed out. Elsa sighed in frustration and picked up her phone and texted Mira
Elsa: "You ready?"
Mira: "Yes... I just got into a taxi."
Elsa: "Alright, see you there."
A moment later:
Mira: "Wait! Elsa, can you pack up some extra singlets? I just realized I only packed one."
Elsa: "Girl, you're obsessed with me. I know you intentionally didn't pack yours so you can wear mine. But it's okay, I understand."
Mira: "tchhh...don't flatter yourself. I literally forgot. By the way, I called Susan this morning, she said she'll be about 10 minutes late."
Elsa: "Ugh, of course she's late. Probably busy layering makeup and picking out five different outfits."
Mira: she sent a laughing emoji "Yes yes... she loves things like this."
---
Elsa told her parents goodbye, grabbed her suitcase, and got into a taxi. When she arrived at the meeting point, most of the students were already there waiting by the bus.
She spotted Mira first and walked over with a big grin.
"You look... hot?" Mira teased.
Elsa struck a pose. "I do?"
Mira laughed. "You packed the singlets, right?"
Elsa nodded. "Do I have a choice?"
"Bad news though," Elsa said suddenly.
Mira's face dropped. "No. Don't tell me it's what I'm thinking…"
"What do you mean?"
"Your period…?"
Elsa gave her a flat look. "No! Don't jinx it. I can't be on my period now, please."
Mira sighed in relief. "So what's the bad news?"
Elsa raised the lunch bag. "Mom made mint tea again."
Mirabel groaned. "Not again…"
"She says it's for motion sickness."
Mira frowned. "She knows we can't waste it, that's why she packs it. That tea is vile."
"I know. But… I guess I have to drink it anyway."
"Yeah yeah... for your own good," Mira replied with a sigh.
After a moment of silence, Elsa asked quietly, "Did you talk things out with your parents?"
Mira nodded. "Yeah… I persuaded Mom to tell Dad everything. I just hope it works out."
Elsa gave her a reassuring pat. "It will. Don't worry, Mira. They'll figure it out."
Mira gave her a small, hopeful smile.
Just then, Adrian walked toward them.
Mira's smile disappeared. Elsa looked away awkwardly.
"Hey girls…" Adrian greeted.
Elsa said nothing. She kept her eyes on the ground.
After an awkward pause, Mira replied coldly, "Hi Adrian. Fancy seeing you here. I thought you hated trips."
Adrian chuckled. "I do… but I figured there are some things I need to sort out."
His gaze shifted to Elsa.
Mira stepped in front of him. "No one wants you here. Don't think you can manipulate Elsa whenever it suits you."
Elsa blinked, surprised at Mira's sudden anger. "Hey... what's wrong?" she asked, tugging gently at her friend's arm.
Mira cleared her throat and moved back.
Adrian looked annoyed. "Elsa, I've noticed you've been avoiding me. Everything okay?"
Elsa let out a tired sigh. "Everything's fine. I've just been... busy."
Mira folded her arms, lips pressed together.
"Well, I guess we'll talk at the destination. Mira and I were in the middle of something before you stepped in," Elsa added.
Adrian nodded stiffly and walked away, returning to his spot beside Brittany. The sight made Elsa's stomach twist. She looked down, guilt creeping in.
Mira tapped her shoulder. "Don't let him bother you. You don't owe him anything."
Elsa turned to her. "Do you hate him this much... or do you guys have some secret beef?"
Mira laughed nervously. "No one likes their best friend's ex. Isn't that the rule?"
Elsa just sighed.
"Girls!" Susan shouted from a distance, running toward them with a massive suitcase. Everyone turned. Some students whispered, some laughed.
"Susan!" Mira gasped. "It's just a three-day trip. What did you pack in there?"
Susan panted, hands on her knees. "Oh please, it's not that much. I brought snacks too.....midnight snacks, you know?"
Elsa laughed. "Typical Susan."
Mira hooked her arm around Susan's. "You brought my favorite gummy bears, right?"
Susan grinned. "First thing I added to the cart!"
"Yay!" Mira squealed.
They all laughed together.
"Ooh… Mira, Elsa told me what happened," Susan said quietly, her tone growing gentle. "Are you okay?"
Mira's smile dimmed slightly. "Yeah… I'm okay. I think they might talk it out and settle everything. It was just a misunderstanding."
Elsa nodded in agreement beside her.
Susan reached out and gently cupped Mira's face. "I'm so sorry, Mirabel. You've been through so much."
Mira looked down, blinking quickly.
Susan smiled softly. "We're always here for you, Mimi. No matter what. We love you."
Mira gave a small, grateful smile and nodded. "I love you guys too."
As more students gathered, chatting and laughing in groups, Susan scanned the area and frowned.
"By the way… I don't see Seraphine anywhere."
Elsa followed her gaze. "I guess she's not coming."
"I'm glad," Mira muttered. "At least I'll feel safer."
Susan nodded firmly. "Yeah. That girl's always up to something."
Elsa's eyes shifted, and then locked onto someone across the lot.
Liam.
He stood a little off to the side, joking around with a few of his friends. Something about seeing him there made Elsa's stomach flutter, she wasn't sure if it was nerves or something more complicated.
"Umm… I'll be back," Elsa said quickly, heading toward him.
Mira and Susan exchanged a puzzled glance.
Elsa walked up with a shy smile. "Hey."
Liam's face lit up as he stepped away from his group. "Elsa."
"I didn't expect you to come for this trip," she said.
He chuckled. "Yeah, neither did I. But… I'm here anyway."
Elsa laughed softly, then paused. There was a sudden silence between them that felt heavier than usual.
"I just came to say hi," she added quickly.
Liam raised a brow playfully. "Should I be concerned?"
"No, no," she said, laughing awkwardly. "Just hi."
He blushed slightly. "Alright then. Well, I'm looking forward to having fun with you on this trip."
After a while, it was finally time to board the bus. Elsa was still chatting with Liam, her laughter light but her mind suddenly heavy. As students began grabbing their bags and heading toward the vehicle, a sharp memory flashed through her like a cold jolt.
In the first timeline, during this exact trip, she had been paired with Adrian. Somehow, fate had twisted her into sitting beside him throughout the ride, and that memory came back now.
She froze, her smile faltering for a second.
Her heartbeat skipped.
Panic crept up her spine.
No. No way was she going to let that happen again.
The thought of sitting beside Adrian after she found out about Brittany, the guilt of sitting beside him made her stomach turn. She felt an intense need to rewrite that moment, to snatch back control before the universe paired her with him again like it did the last time.
Then, suddenly, a bold idea struck her.
She swallowed, Without thinking twice, Elsa turned to Liam and instinctively reached for his hand.
Liam blinked in surprise.
"Be my partner," she blurted out with a nervous laugh. "Like... seat partner, I mean."
Liam blinked, clearly surprised by her sudden request, but there was a spark of warmth in his eyes. "Okay…" he said, nodding slowly, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He didn't understand her urgency, but he wasn't going to turn her down either.
Elsa nodded quickly, then ran back toward Mira and Susan.
"Sorry, guys," she said, grabbing her suitcase. "You'll have to sit together."
Mira's brow furrowed. "What? Why?"
Elsa hesitated. "Um… Liam. He wants to talk to me about something important. So…"
Mira gave her a skeptical look.
Susan groaned. "Elsa, come on… we were supposed to sit together."
"I know. I'm sorry, Susan," Elsa said, squeezing her arm gently.
Susan sighed in defeat. "Fine."
Elsa smiled in relief and headed back to Liam, suitcase in hand. The students started boarding the bus.
Elsa sat by the window; Liam sat beside her.
Mira and Susan sat together nearby.
Then just as everyone was settling in Adrian approached and walked to where Mira and Susan were seated.
Susan looked up and scowled. "What are you doing?"
Adrian gave her a half-smile. "Susan, please. Can I sit here? Mira and I need to talk."
Susan scoffed. "What makes you think I'd scoot over for you?"
Mira folded her arms tightly. Her expression darkened.
Adrian sighed. "Fine, just five minutes. Then you can come back."
"No," Susan snapped. "Mira doesn't have anything to say to you. Since when have you two had deep talks? It's always been Elsa you're obsessed with."
Mira nodded stiffly.
Adrian looked at her, then smirked. "Then I guess I'll say what I have to say right now."
"Fine," Mira snapped.
Susan blinked, surprised. "Wait, what?"
Mira looked at her. "Please… just switch seats for a moment."
Susan hesitated. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," Mira said with a forced smile.
Susan grumbled, picked up her bag, and moved across the aisle. Adrian took the seat beside Mira.
He leaned in slightly. "Okay, you can drop the act now. Don't you think it's time we talk?"
Mira glared at him. "We have nothing to talk about."
"Oh really?" he said, folding his arms. "Are you acting like this because you're scared I'll tell Elsa the truth? I thought you'd have come clean by now. But from the last time I spoke with her, she still seems clueless… which tells me she doesn't know anything yet."
Mira's chest tightened. Her eyes widened with panic. "Don't you dare say anything to her," she said, her voice trembling.
Adrian scoffed. "Damn, you're such a good actress. Elsa would do anything for you, literally anything and here you are, pretending like a good person. It's actually impressive. You belong in a soap opera."
Mira's fists clenched tightly. Her breathing quickened.
"If she finds out the truth," he added coldly, "I wonder if she'll still be worried about you."
Her voice was barely a whisper. "What do you want?"
Adrian leaned back, smirking. "What do I want? Nothing. I just think she deserves to know the truth."
"Then why are you doing this?" she asked, voice cracking.
He tilted his head. "Because people like you deserve consequences."
Mira grabbed his arm tightly and whispered. "Keep your mouth shut. I'll tell her myself soon. Don't you dare say anything to her."
He yanked his arm away. "You don't get to tell me what to do."
He stood up and called over to Susan, smiling like nothing happened.
Susan groaned and returned to her seat.
"I don't like him," she muttered under her breath.
Mira said nothing. She was pale. Her fingers trembled as they pressed into her lap.
Susan noticed. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Mira said quickly. "I'm… fine."
Susan reached out and touched her forehead. "Jeez, you're sweating. Are you feeling sick?"
Mira swatted her hand away. "I said I'm fine!" Her voice was sharp.
Susan pulled back, startled. She glanced at Adrian, who just shrugged smugly.
Susan narrowed her eyes and turned back to Mira, but said nothing.
Mira turned to face the window. Her chest rose and fell unevenly as she bit down on her thumbnail.
The bus began to move.
The trip had just begun... but for Mira, the tension in her chest made it feel like she was heading straight into the storm.