Chapter 12 - "Damsel in Distress? Not with Sylvia Around!"

A weight lifted off my shoulders as I went about preparing breakfast, my heart soaring at the thought of Alex's return this week. But little did I know, a storm was brewing on the horizon.

At school, I crossed paths with Shinji, his eyes narrowing as if he was still seething from our last encounter. I could sense his resentment, his desire for revenge lingering in the air.

Ever since the incident, I'd been thrust into the spotlight, with people watching my every move. But it wasn't the kind of attention I craved - it was suffocating, a constant reminder that I couldn't escape the drama that surrounded me.

Last night, Alex's mom had approached me with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mystery. "How's your studying going?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

I replied, trying to sound nonchalant, "It's going well, Mother. Anything else?”

She paused, her expression turning enigmatic. "I'm happy you're here... but I have to ask, have you considered taking your talents abroad? Your academic performance warrants it, and I think it's time you spread your wings.”

My heart skipped a beat as I sensed the weight of her words. A new path was unfolding before me, one that could change everything.

"I need to think about it," I replied, trying to sound calm, but my mind was racing with the possibilities.

"Listen, Sylvia... I need to be honest with you," Alex's mom said, her voice filled with conviction. "At first, I thought Natalie was the one for my son, but then I saw you... saw the way you care for your little brother Steward, and the way you interact with my family... and I knew. I knew you were the one who truly deserved to be by Alex's side.”

She paused, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. "You possess a heart unlike anyone else, Sylvia. A heart that's full of compassion, of kindness... and that's what I want for my son. I want him to be with someone who will nurture his soul, who will bring out the best in him.”

I felt a flutter in my chest as I listened to her words, words that spoke directly to my heart. I knew she had always seen something in me, something that she wanted to cultivate, to help grow. But I never expected this... never expected her to want me to be with Alex.

"But... but what about the school?" I stuttered, trying to process everything. "You wanted me to go to the Vatican level, to reach my full potential…"

Alex's mom smiled, her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint. "That's still the plan, Sylvia. But now... now I see that your true potential lies not just in your studies, but in your heart.

And I believe that Alex can help you unlock that potential, can help you become the person you're meant to be.”

A burning desire simmered deep within my heart, but a nagging sense of unease lingered. Something was off about Alex's mom, a sense of urgency that didn't quite add up.

As I watched Hana and Steward head to class, Tama and Hazlan's sweet exchange caught my eye. But my momentary distraction was shattered when Shinji blocked my path, his arm shooting out like a vice.

"You think you're clever, don't you, bitch?" he sneered, his eyes blazing with resentment. "You humiliated me, and now I'm going to make you pay.”

I bowed, a sweet smile masking my seething anger. "Maybe you should focus on your studies, Shinji." I tried to walk away, but his grip on my arm was like a vice.

Pain shot through my arm as his fingers dug deep. With Alex away at his school program, I knew I had to rely on myself. I wouldn't let Shinji bully me.

With a swift motion, I knocked his arm away and dragged him to his class, the other students watching in shock. Shinji's eyes widened in surprise, but I just smiled, my heart racing with adrenaline.

"You should've learned your lesson by now, Shinji," I whispered, my voice dripping with intensity. "Don't mess with me again."

I shoved him into the classroom, but in a split second, he swung a vicious punch at me. I caught his arm mid-air, my grip like a vice, and countered with a swift strike that sent him crashing to the floor. The sound of his body hitting the ground echoed through the room.

Shinji lay motionless, knocked out cold. I stood over him, my chest heaving with adrenaline, and addressed the stunned students.

"Make sure he attends class from now on. If he doesn't, a hospital visit will be the least of his concerns." My voice was low and even, but laced with a hint of menace.

I bowed, a swift and precise movement, and turned to leave. The students watched me go, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and awe.

As I walked away, I could feel their gazes on me, whispering among themselves about the intensity of the scene they just witnessed.

I couldn't believe it. I was actually channeling Alex's confident swagger, his fearless attitude. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized it, and I quickly covered my face with my hands, mortified.

But my embarrassment was short-lived, as I approached my classroom to find it in disarray. The usual calm and collected students were now rowdy and celebratory, like they were in the midst of a party. I exchanged a bewildered glance of my own classmate, who is standing at the entrance, looking just as perplexed as I am.

"What's going on?" I asked them, my voice barely audible over the din.

One of my classmate leaned in, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Shinji's little incident has become the talk of the school. Everyone's buzzing about the new 'strongest student' who took him down.”

My eyes widened as I realized the implications. I had unknowingly become the center of attention, and my actions had sparked a chain reaction that would change everything.

"Kukuku... you're going to become just like him one of these days, you know..." Mariam's voice sent shivers down my spine as she suddenly appeared beside me.

My heart sank, and I turned to face her, trying to sound nonchalant despite my growing unease. "Uh, Mar?" I asked, my voice laced with caution.

Mariam's grip on my shoulder was like a vice, her grin spreading across her face like a mischievous mask.

"Can't wait for his return, eh? Your darling?" She teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

My face burned with embarrassment as I tried to shake her off. "M-Mariam, stop it!"

But she wouldn't let up, her "kukuku" laughter echoing through the hallway, drawing curious glances from passing students.

My face was on fire, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Why did Mariam have to bring up Alex now, of all times?

"Mariam, seriously, stop," I pleaded, trying to salvage what was left of my dignity.

But she just chuckled, releasing me with a wink. "I'm just getting started, Sylvia. You're going to need thicker skin for what's coming."

Mariam's grin grew wider as she flashed a photo on her phone, the image sending my heart plummeting.

Alex, the guy I'd been thinking about nonstop, was standing alongside a stunning girl with piercing blue eyes and raven-black hair. My blood began to boil as I felt a pang of jealousy.

"Who is this?" I demanded, trying to keep my tone neutral despite the storm brewing inside.

Mariam's chuckle was like fuel to the fire. "Kukuku... meet Isabella, little sister of Luis, Alex's friend from Los Angeles. Never expected her to be so close to Alex, but it seems she's got a special connection to our beloved Alex.”

My mind raced with worst-case scenarios. What was Alex's relationship with Isabella? The thought of him with someone else made my skin crawl.

Mariam's teasing tone only added to my frustration. "What do you think, Sylvia? Looks like Alex is quite the charmer, even with his friend's little sister.”

My response is icy. "He needs disciplinary action.”

Mariam burst into laughter. "Kukuku, you're adorable when you're jealous! But don't worry, I'll get the scoop for you. After all, I have my ways.”

My eyes narrowed, a plan forming in my mind. Alex had no idea what was coming for him.

"Thanks for the info, Mariam," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're a true friend.”

Mariam winked. "Anytime, Sylvia. Now, let's get to the bottom of this."

Mariam swiftly changed the subject, her tone nonchalant despite the bombshell she'd just dropped. "Well, since you've encountered Shinji, it seems he's up to something again, but this time it's hidden from us. Priscilla's investigating, and Melissa, our President, ordered us to monitor him for any suspicious activity.”

I nodded, still reeling from the revelation. "Uh-huh... he never listens.”

Mariam's expression turned thoughtful. "Well, I guess we have another troublemaker on our hands, aside from Alex.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you need? Do you have a plan?”

Mariam's grin was sly. "Amin discovered something interesting. A remnant of the former loyalists from Borneo claims they'll follow Shinji, but the truth is, we've been waiting for this. Once we gather all of them, we'll clear up this mess once and for all.”

I stared at Mariam, awestruck by her cunning. If she became President next year, the school would be in for a wild ride. Her leadership style was both captivating and unsettling.

"Mariam, you're scary," I said, only half-joking.

She chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "That's what makes perfect for the job, Sylvia. Now, let's get to work. We have a plan to set in motion.”

As I entered the classroom, a sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach. Something was off, and I couldn't shake the feeling. I made my way to my seat, trying to blend in, but Mariam lingered beside me, her presence a constant reminder that today was different.

"Free time, courtesy of the teacher's meeting about IGNITE," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

But then, her expression turned serious, and she leaned in close. "Hey Sil, can I ask you something?”

I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation.

"What would you do if Alex came back?" Mariam's question caught me off guard, like a punch to the gut.

My mind went blank, unable to process the possibility. Alex, the guy who'd left without a word, the guy who'd sparked a fire within me... what if he returned?

Mariam's eyes locked onto mine, searching for answers. "Would you confront him, or avoid him?" she pressed on, her voice barely above a whisper.

I leaned in, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not sure, but if he's here, I'll be the same... because that's what I wanted.”

Mariam raised an eyebrow, her expression unsatisfied. "Save it, Sil. I know you wanted more.”

My face ignited like a firework, and I quickly covered it with my hands. "Dummy!!" I hissed at Mariam, trying to play it cool.

Just then, a group of girls joined us, their curiosity piqued. "Hey, I heard you always hung out with Alex... what's the scoop?" one of them asked, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Mariam grinned mischievously. "Oh, Sylvia here is just trying to play it cool, but I know the truth.”

I shot her a warning glance, but she just winked at me. The girls leaned in, eager for juicy gossip, and I knew I was in for a grilling.

"Well, spill the beans! What's going on between you and Alex?" another girl asked, her voice dripping with drama.

"Umm... there's nothing, really," I say, trying to downplay the situation and avoid any unnecessary drama.

But Mariam is like a ticking time bomb, ready to unleash chaos. "Ahh... nothing like a coconut drink by the beach, right?" She drops the bombshell with a sly grin.

My eyes widen in horror. "Mariam!!!! What on earth are you doing?!?! Is it not enough that everyone already knows?!" I hiss, trying to shut her down.

But it's too late. The damage is done. One of the girls lets out a loud shriek. "KYA!!!! You're so bold!!!! Babe!!!”

The conversation quickly spirals into a dramatic anime-style scenario. "Just like those romantic stories from the anime!!" another girl chimes in.

The boys, curious about the commotion, try to join in, but Mariam and the girls form a united front, pushing them aside. "Hey!!! This is girls' talk! Move it, boys!!”

One of the boys protests, "Ahh... man... I really need to know!!" but is swiftly silenced by Mariam's stern gaze.

I face-palm, mortified. This is not how I envisioned my day going. Mariam, however, seems to be enjoying the drama she's created.

The moment was interrupted by a frantic voice. "Hey VP!!! We have a situation now!!" Michael, a Form 5 student, shouted.

Mariam turned to him, concerned. "What's up?”

"There's a large group of people gathering outside the school...!" Michael was panicking.

Mariam's eyes narrowed. "Where are the security guards?”

"They're calling the police now!" Michael replied.

Mariam seemed to be avoiding the situation, but I couldn't stand it. I took off towards the gate, my heart racing. When I arrived, I was shocked to see Shinji with someone I knew - Halim's big brother, Hashim.

Hashim sneered at me. "Well, well, looks like we have the bitch... Hey new kid, is this the school you talked about?”

I recognized the group - they were the ones Alex had taken down before. But now, without Alex, they seemed to be looking for an easy target.

One of them taunted, "HEY, SINCE THAT MONSTER ISN'T AROUND, THIS WILL BE EASY!!!”

The group began to shout and cheer, but I was furious. I remembered how Alex had stood up to them alone, and I couldn't just stand by.

I approached one of the goons and smiled sweetly. "Please leave the premises... or we'll call the police... please.”

But he tried to grab my arm, and my blood boiled. I thought of Alex, who always ended up hurt after fighting. Not this time.

I pulled the guy's arm and kicked him in the face, hearing a sickening crack as he flew 10 feet away and slammed into the ground. The group retreated, intimidated.

"Please leave... or else..." I warned.

One of them snarled, "Or else what, bitch?!”

I smiled coldly. "Looks like you may need to see a hospital then."

I unleashed a swift roundhouse kick, connecting with one of the goons, and pulled his leg to swing him into another attacker. Then, I charged towards Hashim, but he blocked my kick with a smirk.

"Pretty strong... but I wonder why my stupid brother couldn't handle it..." Hashim taunted, underestimating me.

I seized the opportunity, landing a precise kick to his groin, and followed up with a flurry of kicks in a Street Fighter-style combo. Hashim crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

The goons were stunned. "What... the... fuc...?" one of them exclaimed.

"HASHIM IS DOWN! WHAT THE FUCK!!!" another shouted, panic setting in.

One of them turned to Shinji, "HEY KID, YOU SAID THERE'S NO MONSTER HERE! LOOK AT THE FRONT OF YOU!!”

Shinji's eyes widened as he pulled out a gun, but I swiftly kicked his arm, sending the weapon flying, and followed up with a kick to his face. I carried his unconscious body to the school gate.

With renewed confidence, I took down the remaining goons one by one, my movements fluid and calculated. I realized I could handle this situation easily, just like Alex would.

I glared at the retreating goons, exuding an aura reminiscent of Alex's intimidating presence.

"SHIT! ANOTHER MONSTER!" they cried, fleeing in terror.

Just then, the police arrived, surrounding the scene. I stood tall, my chest heaving with exertion, as the officers rushed to apprehend the goons.

Uncle Faruq appeared, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he gazed at me.

"Jeez, you're already like him... look at the carnage..." He chuckled, shaking his head.

A policeman approached, impressed. "Wow, you handled that well.”

Uncle Faruq muttered under his breath, "Looks like Alex... had someone following in his footsteps.”

He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Well, then all is good. Let us handle this."

I bowed respectfully and turned to drag Shinji towards the school infirmary, leaving Uncle Faruq and the police to deal with the aftermath.

As I walked, I couldn't help but think that Uncle Faruq's words held a deeper meaning.

Was I truly following in Alex's footsteps? And what lay ahead for me on this path?

The infirmary doors swung open, and I hauled Shinji inside, determined to uncover the truth behind his actions and the mysterious forces driving him.

I stormed back into class, still fuming from the earlier confrontation. Mariam was waiting, a sly grin spreading across her face.

"See, Michael told ya, it's done..." She said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I grabbed her clothes, my grip tight. "Bitch... hey, that's not funny.”

Mariam chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Kukuku... I know we both can handle them, but I just wanted to see how good you are…"

It dawned on me that Mariam had been testing me all along.

"Since you're strong... like Pris told me before... Alex seems to have trained you or something..." Mariam's words trailed off, her gaze piercing.

I narrowed my eyes, unsure if Mariam's interest was genuine or just another one of her mind games. She sauntered out of the classroom, leaving me with more questions than answers.

As class began, the tension simmered beneath the surface. But once the bell rang, signaling the end of the period, my classmates swarmed around me.

"Hey, have you heard the rumors?" one of them asked, voice barely above a whisper. "Shinji's gathering all the former members of the Borneo gang... like something big is brewing.”

Alyna, my friend since Form 1, turned to me with concern etched on her face. "This isn't funny, Sil. It took us ages to break free from their grasp.”

"What do you think?" she asked, her eyes locked onto mine.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Umm... maybe leave it to the student council. They'll handle it.”

Alyna raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, right. I'm sure they're just waiting for the perfect moment to strike... while the damage is done."

The teacher burst into the classroom, her face etched with concern. "Class, I need to inform you of a serious incident that occurred outside school grounds.”

The room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air.

"As of now, the police are assisting us, and they've advised us to return home immediately. All after-school activities are canceled until further notice.”

The classroom erupted into whispers and worried glances. My mind racing, I thought back to how Alex would handle this situation.

His absence felt like a gaping void, and I couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

"Alex..." I whispered to myself, a pang of longing in my chest.

I glanced around, noticing Alyna's worried expression and the uncertainty etched on my classmates' faces.

A chill ran down my spine. Something was off.

"Alex, where are you?" I thought, desperation creeping into my heart.

The teacher's voice cut through my thoughts. "Please, everyone, remain calm and head home immediately. Your safety is our top priority.”

As the class began to disperse, I felt a sense of foreboding settle in. This was far from over.

"Alex, please come back..." I whispered, my eyes scanning the empty spaces, hoping against hope that he'd appear.

But the silence was deafening.

Alyna approached me, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hey, Sil, you okay? This is getting scary.”

I nodded, trying to reassure her, but my mind was already racing with worst-case scenarios.

Fade to black.