Drayton slid into the swimming pool and swam toward her, a lazy confidence on his face. He tried to get close, but the moment Mel noticed him, a wave of disgust washed over her. Her mind replayed what she had seen earlier—the way he grabbed the girl's neck, the memories—and suddenly the water felt suffocating.
She stood up and climbed out of the pool without a word.
"Hey—wait," Drayton said, reaching out to grab her wrist.
Mel spun around sharply and shoved him hard. He lost his balance and fell back into the pool with a loud splash. Laughter erupted around them as he resurfaced, water dripping down his face, a crooked smirk forming instead of anger.
Mel didn't look back.
She walked back into the party, still in her bikini, water trailing behind her. As she scanned the room, she spotted Conrad laughing with a few girls. Something twisted in her chest, but before she could move, someone stepped in front of her.
"Hey," the basketball player said softly. "I'm Archie. I didn't get to introduce myself earlier."
He paused, clearly flustered, eyes lingering for a second too long. Mel was soaked, moonlight and party lights reflecting off her skin, her hair clinging to her shoulders.
"Would you mind grabbing a drink or something?" he asked.
"I don't drink," Mel cut in flatly.
Before he could respond, she turned away and disappeared into a corner of the crowded room. She slipped her dress back on, her hands trembling slightly as the noise of the party faded into the background.
Without telling anyone, Mel booked a ride.
When the car arrived, she climbed in and leaned her head against the window as the city lights blurred past.
What a night, she thought bitterly. One hell of a night.
Back at her condo, she kicked off her shoes, grabbed the nearest clothes she could find, and changed without even turning on the lights. Exhaustion settled deep into her bones.
She crawled into bed without showering, curling into herself as the events of the night replayed in her mind—faces, words, pain she wasn't ready to unpack.
Within minutes, sleep finally claimed her, heavy and restless.
---
The next morning, Mel woke up early with a fever. Her body felt heavy, her head pounding softly. She forced herself out of bed and headed straight for the bathroom.
The cool water from the shower washed over her skin, slowly bringing her temperature down. She stood there longer than usual, letting the calm settle her breathing.
Afterward, she dressed in a casual outfit—a flowing maxi skirt and a fitted shirt that clung to her like a second skin. She tied her hair back loosely and walked into the kitchen.
Mel grabbed a box of cereal, poured in some milk, and ate quietly. Before leaving, she swallowed a pain reliever to keep the fever under control. Riding her bike was out of the question today, so she ordered a ride instead.
When she arrived at school, the familiar noise of students filled the air. She made her way toward her class—and spotted Andre already waiting for her near the entrance.
"Morning, Lucy," he said, studying her face. "You don't look so good."
"I'll be fine," she replied softly.
Together, they headed to class, walking side by side as the day slowly began.
---
They entered the classroom just as the lecturer began speaking.
"Today," the teacher announced, "you'll be working on a group presentation. Each group will consist of three students, and your topic will be 'The Influence of Inflation on the Global Market.'"
Murmurs filled the room as the teacher began assigning groups.
Mel was paired with Andre and Alfred.
Before she could even react, Drayton raised his hand. "Sir, I'd like to swap places with the third member in Mel and Andre's group."
Alfred shrugged. "I don't mind," he said casually.
Mel rolled her eyes. Of course, she thought. Not today.
She had no energy for Drayton's antics. All she wanted was to get through the day without collapsing.
Andre glanced at her and frowned. "Lucy, are you okay?" he whispered. "You look worn out."
She forced a small smile. "I'm fine."
Andre wasn't convinced. He stepped closer and gently placed a hand on her forehead. His eyes widened.
"Jeez… you're burning up," he said quietly. "Let's take you to the infirmary."
"It's not a big deal," Mel insisted, pulling away. "I'll be okay."
Andre leaned back in his seat, worry written all over his face.
The day dragged on slowly until fifth period—Linguistics.
Mel sat quietly, her mind drifting, her vision blurring at the edges.
"Miss Lucy," the teacher called suddenly. "You seem absent-minded today. Please come forward and answer the question."
Andre raised his hand. "Sir, she's not feeling well—"
"That's enough," the teacher cut him off. "She can speak for herself."
Mel stood up, steadying herself, and walked to the front of the class.
"I'll repeat the question," the teacher said. "Explain your experience in this school as an international student—in your native language. No English."
A hush fell over the room.
Mel nodded slowly and began speaking in Italian. Her voice was soft but steady at first. All eyes were on her—some curious, some impressed.
But one pair of eyes watched her with something darker, something intense.
As she continued, her vision began to fog. The words started to slip away. The room felt too bright, too loud.
She stopped mid-sentence.
"Why did you stop?" the teacher asked sharply.
"Sir, I—" Mel began.
"Answer me in your native tongue, young woman," he interrupted.
She tried again. Her lips moved, but the floor seemed to tilt beneath her feet. The sounds around her faded.
Then everything went black.
Mel collapsed.
Andre was out of his seat instantly. Drayton moved too, but Andre reached her first, scooping her into his arms before anyone else could touch her.
"Get back," Andre snapped when Drayton stepped closer.
The class erupted into chaos. Students poured into the hallway as the next class was disrupted, whispers and gasps filling the air.
At the infirmary, Mel lay unconscious as an IV was inserted into her vein. The school nurse examined her carefully before turning to the teacher.
"She has a high fever," the nurse said. "She's malnourished and shows signs of severe mental strain. She needs rest immediately."
The teacher nodded, visibly shaken. "No visitors," he announced. "Everyone should return to class."
Students slowly filed out.
"Andre, Drayton—you too," the teacher added.
They didn't move.
"We're not leaving," Andre said firmly, his eyes never leaving Mel.
Drayton crossed his arms. "Neither am I."
The teacher hesitated, then sighed, leaving them there—both standing watch, each for very different reasons.
---
Andre and Drayton stayed in the infirmary until Mel finally stirred awake, missing the rest of their classes entirely.
The room was quiet except for the steady beep of the monitor.
Andre broke the silence.
"What game are you playing here, Dray?" he asked coldly, seated across from him. "She's not like the others. She's not someone you toy with or toss around. I don't want her dragged into your messy life. And if you're planning something—just stop. I won't let you hurt her."
Drayton leaned back in his chair, a slow smirk spreading across his face.
"And what makes you think I'm up to no good with this girl?"
Andre's jaw tightened.
"Because I know you. I know exactly what you're capable of." His voice dropped. "The last girl you played mind games with ended up dead—after she found out she was pregnant. So stay the hell away from Luciana."
The smirk faded.
Hours later, as evening settled in and school officially ended, Mel remained asleep. Valentino, Estevan, and Kelvin had all stopped by quietly earlier, checking on her before leaving without waking her.
When Mel finally opened her eyes, the room felt strangely still.
Andre was at her side instantly, handing her a glass of water. "Take it slow."
The nurse came in shortly after, checking her vitals.
"You're malnourished," she said gently. "You're also under a lot of mental strain. I strongly recommend you see a psychologist."
The word made Mel's skin crawl.
The nurse continued, "Do you have a legal guardian who can take you home? You shouldn't be alone tonight."
She carefully removed the IV from Mel's hand.
Mel nodded faintly. "Can I have my phone?"
Andre handed it to her without hesitation.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she scrolled through her call log—until she stopped.
She swallowed hard and pressed call.
"Alessandro…" her voice was crisp but cracking. "I need you. Can you come pick me up at school?"
There was a pause. She gathered her strength.
"It's the British College of Brazil."
"I'm on my way, amore," Lucas replied without hesitation.
Mel lowered the phone and looked at the nurse.
"He's coming."
Andre stared at her, stunned.
"Lucy… is that the crazy guy from last night?" he asked quietly. "What are you doing?"
Mel didn't answer.
Across the room, Drayton stood stiff and silent. He felt completely out of place—burning with something he couldn't name.
All he could hear in his head were her words, echoing over and over again:
I need you.
And it filled him with nothing but rage.