The last examination was just around the corner, and the entire school buzzed with tension. Students flocked to the library, heads buried in textbooks, murmuring formulas and theories. Every corner of Dudley looked like an intense study zone. Well, every corner except the one Frances occupied.
Frances, as usual, lounged at her desk like the queen of indifference, legs crossed, a lollipop in her mouth, and not a single trace of worry on her face. She ignored the pile of textbooks around her, completely unbothered, even though Rain had begged and begged her to take her exams seriously this time.
"Just read a little, Frances," he had pleaded, holding her hand earnestly. "Just for me."
But Frances had only grinned lazily and shrugged. She didn't care about acing anything, average was perfectly fine in her world.
Still, to save Rain some face, she carried a textbook to class today. Not to read it, of course, it was just an accessory to keep him off her back. Her friends all stared at her like she'd grown a second head.
Evie, sitting beside her, leaned in with a knowing smirk. "You ain't reading shit," he muttered under his breath.
Frances winked without looking up. Busted.
Just then, her phone buzzed. She snatched it up without hesitation, unlocking it with a quick flick of her thumb.
Rain:
"Baby, Mina is doing a solo artistic swimming inside the school today. I know you are a fan of hers so I got us a ticket."
Frances's eyes lit up. A wide smile spread across her face. Mina had already sent her a free ticket, but still, it was the thought that counted. That kind of sweetness deserved a reward.
She replied immediately:
"Aww thank you babe! Hit me up when it's time to go okay? I love you!"
Rain:
"I love you too!"
Frances giggled softly and nudged her book aside without guilt. Exams were coming up fast, and prom was just two days away. Everyone was pretending to study for now, but by tomorrow? Books would be forgotten, and prom prep would take over.
Frances was especially excited. She'd be going with Rain, and she couldn't wait to show off her custom-made dress. His reaction was going to be priceless.
"Big sis, it's time to go to Mina's event," Evie whispered, snapping her back to the moment.
Frances's eyes lit up. She slammed her fake-study book shut. "Yes! Let me go and take Rain."
She bolted from her seat, weaving through students and grabbing Rain's hand. Students were already filing out of the class like bees out of a hive.
Mina was a sensation on campus. A dazzling swimmer with grace and flair. She came from the lower class, her dreams nearly crushed by lack of support, until Frances spotted her in Year One and introduced her to the C Foundation. That connection changed her life.
Now Mina was a top swimmer. People bought tickets to see her perform, even within the school.
Frances and Rain walked hand-in-hand toward the stadium-sized pool area. Dudley's swimming facility was massive, a marvel on its own. They joined the long line of students trickling inside. Frances didn't cut ahead despite her usual privilege, because Rain was beside her, and she respected his quiet presence.
Inside, they were ushered to the front row. Frances paused, her brows lifting in surprise as she scanned the empty seats around them. The next set of students in the VIP section were at least ten seats away.
She turned to Rain with a raised brow. "Rain! How many tickets did you buy?"
Rain scratched his head, looking sheepish. "You know I'm not usually comfortable with so many people around. That's why… that's why I bought so many seats."
Frances exhaled and shook her head. "Rain! You don't like many people around but now there will be many attention on us now. We shouldn't be wasting money."
"I'm sorry baby. I won't do that again," he said quietly, holding her hand and lowering his gaze like a child being scolded.
Frances sighed, her expression softening. "It's fine babe, I understand you perfectly. It's okay! You don't have to do what's inconvenient for you. If this is what makes you comfortable I can't stop you: your safety comes first."
"Thank you baby."
"The show is starting soon!" Frances beamed, turning her attention to the pool. As the anchor's voice echoed through the loudspeakers, something clicked in her memory.
Her eyes widened. "It's the ticket!"
She stood up suddenly, grabbing her bag. "Babe, I'm going to the bathroom for a while okay?"
"Okay baby. Don't take long," Rain said, looking a bit confused.
Frances hurried toward the bathroom and spotted one of the janitors, a woman with graying braids and a mop in hand.
"Ma'am please, can you please give one student this ticket for me?"
The woman paused and stepped closer. "Is there a specific student that you would like to go give it to, Miss?"
"Oh no no! Just any random person!"
"Can I give it to my granddaughter please?"
"Your granddaughter?"
"Oh yes! Actually she got into Dudley through scholarship so we can't afford something like this. She wanted to go to the show so badly to watch Mina. She's also an aspiring artistic swimmer, but the ticket is a bit costly."
"That's crazy! It's fine ma'am! You can give it to her."
"Oh my goodness! You are so sweet Miss! I'm so grateful for this. She will really appreciate it a lot."
"It's nothing! I also got it for free, it will be bad if it goes to waste."
"Some student won't be generous enough to give it out. They would rather sell it or throw it in the trash than to give their fellow students."
"That's rubbish! You should go quickly ma'am. The show starts in a minute or two."
"Oh yes yes! I'm gonna go get her now!"
The woman bustled away, and Frances ducked into the restroom. After freshening up, she walked out and was immediately struck by the sound of applause and gasps.
Mina had just entered, looking breathtaking in a rhinestone-studded blue pin-down suit that shimmered under the lights like stardust. Her confident strides were met with cheers, the crowd bursting into noise as she approached the pool.
Frances stood still for a moment, watching proudly. Her eyes glistened. It felt like watching a little sister shine on the world's biggest stage.
The music began.
Mina dove in.
Frances took her seat beside Rain, exchanging a glowing smile with him. As Mina danced through the water like a living artwork, Frances lifted her phone and began recording, careful not to miss a second.
Then… she paused.
A strange smell tickled her nose, faint but odd. Chemical, metallic. She sniffed subtly again. The scent grew stronger, slithering into her senses like a warning.
She tried to ignore it and kept filming.
"I will find out later!" she thought. But then she noticed something… off.
The lifeguard stationed nearby, why was he bending instead of standing?
Her instincts screamed.
Frances stood up abruptly, her eyes locked onto the pool. She shoved her phone into Rain's hand.
"Cici? What's wrong?" Rain asked, concerned.
"Something is wrong! There's something wrong, I feel a bit uneasy."
Rain rose instantly. "What happened? Are you feeling unwell? Should we go back?"
"No!" Frances snapped, then caught herself and softened. Her eyes were sharp with urgency as she looked back at the water. She gently pushed Rain back into his seat. "Babe! No matter what happens now do not follow me, okay?"
"What's going on?"
"Just listen to me okay?! I'm coming right back."
She handed him her jacket and unfastened her tie, She walked straight up to the pool's edge.
Rain's breath caught in his throat.
The crowd murmured in confusion.
"Is Frances trying to ruin the show now?" someone muttered.
Frances ignored them.
She took a single breath, and jumped into the pool.
Gasps erupted.
Rain sprang up, face pale. "What's going on here?"
"Why did Frances jump into the pool?"
"Frances is crazy!" whispers filled the air.
Underwater, Frances grabbed Mina. The girl thrashed, angry and confused.
"Get the fuck out Frances!" Mina yelled as Frances yanked her arm.
"No! You get the fuck out! You are gonna get yourself killed!"
"I'm almost done with the performance why ruin it?!"
"You are crazy Mina! You are gonna ruin yourself just to perfect one stupid show?! You are insane!" Frances yelled, voice cracking. She slapped the back of Mina's neck and pulled her toward the surface.
They emerged, coughing. The crowd stared, stunned.
Mina's skin, red, inflamed. Alarms rang in several students' heads.
"Get some fucking water!" Frances screamed.
Someone rushed over with bottled water. Frances splashed it over Mina, whose eyes fluttered open weakly.
Then Frances slapped her across the face.
Gasps.
"Frances what are you doing?" a teacher called, stepping forward.
"You ask Mina what the fuck she is doing?!! The water is poisoned and she kept performing, she will get herself killed!"
"What? The water was poisoned? What is going on?"
"Look at her! See her body and face! If she stays in there any longer her whole body will become numb, she might die!"
"Mina how can you be so stupid? You should have ended the show," the teacher scolded.
Tears streamed down Mina's face. "I'm so sorry! This is my last show for my classmates I don't wanna ruin it. People paid a lot to come here."
"You don't wanna ruin it but you can ruin your face for it? You are crazy!"
Frances stood, furious and wet.
"Cici!!" Rain called, rushing over and grabbing her hand. "Are you okay baby? Why did you jump into the pool?"
"I had to save this foolish girl you see."
"Frances how did you know there was something inside the pool?" the teacher asked.
"Frances has a strong sense of smell. She must have smelled it," Evie explained, arms folded, nodding knowingly.
"Please take her to the hospital, I have something to take care of. Rain, please wait for me."
She gently pulled her hand from his. Rain clutched her jacket, his eyes worried.
"Don't be worried, I'm coming!" she reassured him.
Frances removed her tie fully, wrapped it tightly around her palm like a fighter, and marched away from the pool.
The crowd stared in stunned silence.
And Rain? He just stood there, Frances's jacket pressed to his chest like a shield.
Frances paced around the pool area, eyes scanning every corner with urgency. Her brows were furrowed, breath uneven, heart racing. The crowd had thinned, and students were already whispering rumors, but she wasn't ready to stop.
Where is he?
She turned quickly toward the shallow end, nearly bumping into a student, but she barely noticed. Just as she rounded a corner near the storage room, she spotted Mina being ushered out of the pool by school nurses, wrapped in towels and blankets. A breath of relief escaped Frances's lips, and her shoulders relaxed just a little.
"Miss, are you looking for something?" a calm voice asked behind her.
Frances turned sharply, and her tense face instantly lit up when she recognized the older janitor from earlier.
"Yes ma'am! Please I wanna see the lifeguard that was in charge of the pool earlier. I have looked everywhere, I can't find him."
"Oh, the lifeguard? That's James! He's the one on duty today. I saw him go to the changing room earlier. He hasn't left there since."
Frances's eyes widened in realization. "Oh my! Thank you so much, ma'am! Don't worry, ma'am. I will come and check you after this is over, okay? I would like to meet your granddaughter, maybe I can help out."
"That's so nice of you, Miss. I'm so grateful."
"It's fine!" she replied breathlessly before sprinting down the hallway toward the changing room.
With one swift push, she burst the door open. It echoed sharply across the silent space. The room looked empty at first glance, lockers lined one side, and faint fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. But then, she heard it. A voice behind a row of lockers. A low, frantic whisper.
"Miss, you need to do something. If they find out anything, I would be implicated, you won't be spared either! Oh no, I'm not threatening you, I just want you to ensure my safety, please."
Frances followed the voice like a hound to its prey. Her boots tapped slowly against the tiled floor until she stopped right in front of him. Arms crossed, head tilted, eyes blazing.
"Hi bro!" she said dryly.
The man jolted, nearly jumping out of his skin. The phone slipped from his fingers and clattered to the floor.
"Did you hear that?" he asked, voice trembling.
Frances smiled, dark and amused. "Of course I did. And guess what? I've been looking for you the whole day!"
"What? Looking for me?"
"You poured chemicals inside the pool, right?"
"How did you know?"
"I saw you. And unfortunately, you'll be spending a long time in jail."
His face twisted. "What if you saw me? You don't have any evidence. And you can't testify either because you won't be leaving here so easily!"
He lunged behind him and grabbed an iron rod. Swinging it with both hands, he aimed straight for her, but Frances caught it in one clean motion. Her grip overpowered his, and slowly, with visible fury in her expression, she pushed the rod down.
She yanked it from his hands and, with a grim twist, brought it down hard on his head. The clang echoed like a death knell. Blood trickled down his forehead.
"How can you be so strong?!" he gasped, stunned.
"You must have not heard of Frances in this school. If you had, you wouldn't mess with my friend," she growled and flung the rod aside. Her fists flew next one to his jaw, then another, and another.
His cries were drowned in the thud of flesh meeting flesh.
She didn't stop until his face was red and swollen, barely recognizable.
Panting, she reached for a water bottle on a desk, uncapped it, and splashed it over his head. He gasped, flinching from the cold.
With a steely expression, she grabbed his shirt and hauled him up. Blood stained her white shirt, but she didn't flinch. She dragged him across the floor and out into the open.
Outside, students gasped and froze. Their mouths parted in disbelief. Phones were out, some recording, some frozen in their hands. Frances's bloody knuckles gleamed under the sun.
She threw away the tie wrapped around her hand. The red-stained cloth fluttered to the ground.
"Frances is crazy! Is she trying to kill someone? What did that man do wrong?" the students murmured in horror.
"Sean!"
"Yes, Miss!" Her bodyguard snapped to attention.
"To the principal's office."
"Yes, Miss!"
Sean grabbed the man firmly, dragging his battered body. Frances followed with a determined stride, bloodied and unflinching.
By the time they arrived at the office, a group of teachers had already gathered. Mina's father stood near the window, his arms crossed, eyes filled with worry. Rain was among them. His eyes widened in horror as soon as he saw her.
She noticed.
Her pace slowed, and she instinctively hid her hand behind her back. Her once-white shirt clung to her, blotched with blood. Regret pinched her chest, why hadn't she changed first?
"Rain is probably scared of me now…" she thought, heart skipping.
He didn't step forward. His hands clenched by his sides, his jaw tight.
"Frances? Who is the man? Why did you beat him up this much?!" the principal's voice thundered through the room, dragging everyone's attention.
"Sir! He is the culprit. He poisoned the pool."
"What? He poisoned the pool?"
"Yes!" Frances approached Rain and plucked her phone from his hand, fingers brushing his. She unlocked it, scrolled, clicked on a video, and handed it to the principal.
"This was when he was pouring that chemical into the pool. I think he didn't do it ahead of the event because of the strong smell being detected. So he did it while she was still inside."
"Mr. Man, how could you do this to a student? You almost killed her!" the principal snapped. The man kept his gaze fixed on the floor, shame coating his face.
"Someone sent him. He was on a call when I found him earlier. He's acting on someone's order, and I'm sure it's a student."
Gasps filled the office.
"A student?"
"Yes, sir." Frances stepped closer, her glare sharp. "Why ain't you talking yet? Do you want another beating?"
The man stiffened. His bruised mouth quivered.
"It is one of the students, sir. Her name is Hazel Castro. She is Mina's classmate and also a swimmer. She lost to Mina in the last two competitions, so she has always hated her. Recently, she found out students were voting for Mina as prom queen instead of her, so she was mad and wanted to ruin her skin. That's why she sent me to pour the chemicals into the pool today."
Frances's jaw clenched. "Hazel? Such a crazy bitch!"
"Mr. Johnson," Mina's father said, voice shaking. "The girl called Hazel is from the Castro family. They're quite powerful. We might not be able to fight against them. Our family is too small."
Frances rolled her eyes. "You don't have to worry about that, sir. Dudley has too many rich parents than to be worried about losing just one. We treat everyone equally. But if Dudley is not gonna do anything, I will definitely do something!"
The principal shifted awkwardly. "Oh, don't worry, sir. We treat all students equally! As for Hazel, she will be expelled immediately. We will seek justice for Mina."
"Dudley doesn't keep evil students. Hazel is evil-minded and bad. Because of competition, she's willing to harm a schoolmate, and for a crown that will be worn for just a day. She needs to wake up and accept the fact that Mina is more popular and well-loved than she is…"
She kept going, her voice strong, her expression thunderous. The room listened in stunned silence.
"Sean?"
"Yes, Miss!"
"Kindly see off our lifeguard to the police station."
"Yes, Miss!"
"I'll leave the rest to you, Mr. Principal."
"Sure, Frances! I'm so grateful for your help."
"Thank you so much, Frances! Thank you for looking after my daughter since all this while, you are such a gem," Mina's father said.
She nodded firmly, eyes starting to lose focus.
"Wait! Didn't Frances also jump into the pool?" Evie pointed out.
They all gasped.
Rain's eyes darted to Frances just as she swayed. Without hesitation, he lunged forward and scooped her into his arms.
"What are you doing, Rain?"
"We are going to the clinic!"
"Let me down!"
"No!… I won't!" he said, and carried her swiftly from the room.
Barely a few steps out, her body went limp.
"Frances has fainted!" Evie cried, panic rising.
"Fallon, get the car!" Rain shouted, voice cracking.
Fallon bolted ahead and went ahead to bring the car forward. Rain gently placed her inside. Everyone else jumped into their cars and sped off.
Rain sat beside her in the backseat. As he looked at her, his breath caught. Her shirt clung to her skin, and redness spread across her chest.
His hand trembled as he pushed the shirt slightly aside. His heart broke.
"Frances… how can you do this to yourself? Just to save someone, you harmed your body like this…" His voice cracked, and a tear slid down his cheek.
He pulled her into his chest, holding her like a lifeline.
They reached the hospital. Nurses rushed to receive her. She disappeared behind the emergency room doors while the rest were left waiting, pacing, worrying.
"Frances is crazy, I swear! She saved Mina and left herself. That chemical is dangerous, and she didn't even wash her body before going out there to fight," Lawrence muttered.
"She should have said something to us and gone to the clinic," Morgan added.
"She was probably worried about the culprit running away," Abby said.
"She slapped Mina at the poolside for not putting her safety first, but now she did the same thing…" Evie shook his head.
Rain stood alone, eyes fixed on the ER door. He hadn't moved since they arrived.
When he saw Frances walk into that office, bloodied, bruised, still standing tall, his heart nearly gave out. He didn't know whether he feared for her… or for what he'd become without her.
Frances wasn't just important. she was everything.
The door finally creaked open.
"Doctor! How is she?" they all asked.
"She's fine now. Just some skin irritation. The chemical didn't penetrate her skin that much, so she'll be okay."
"Why did she faint then?" Evie asked.
"She was probably exhausted, but there's nothing serious going on. So you guys don't have to worry."
They exhaled together, relieved, broken, but still holding on.
They were allowed to see Frances later that evening, when she finally woke up. The room was alive with the chatter of her friends, all gathered in a tight circle around her bed, voices buzzing with concern and disbelief.
"I have never seen someone more careless than you, Frances. I can't believe you actually jumped into that pool," Lawrence said, shaking his head with a mix of exasperation and awe. The others nodded in agreement, eyes wide with a mix of shock and admiration.
"When I saw her approach the pool, I was just wondering what the fuck was going on!" Evie added, voice rising with disbelief.
"No one could have believed that the pool was poisoned with a chemical. Mina would have been injured badly if not for her," said Coco the tension in the room thickening.
"Fr! How do you feel now, Frances?" Cora asked softly, leaning closer. Frances only shook her head faintly, her expression unreadable. The noise of their chatter didn't seem to bother her at all; her mind was elsewhere.
Her eyes scanned the room, but she wasn't really seeing her friends. Her heart pounded fiercely, thoughts spinning uncontrollably.
He must be mad at me! she thought, biting her palm until it hurt. Rain must have been scared seeing me covered in blood. He probably hates to see me now! Rain is quiet and easygoing, it would be so hard for him to accept a troublemaker like me.
Her fingers trembled as she clenched her palm tighter. Her face flushed crimson, her heartbeat a wild drum inside her chest.
"Where is Rain? Why is Rain not here?" Her voice broke through the noise, sharp and desperate. Tears spilled down her cheeks, catching the light as they ran freely. Her friends went silent, stunned by the sudden outburst. They exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing. Frances searched every face, desperate for answers. The silence felt heavy, she knew something was wrong. Rain had probably left her.
"Cici! You are awake?!" The sudden, familiar voice sliced through the silence. Frances looked up, eyes bright and hopeful, as Rain stepped quietly into the room.
Without hesitation, she pulled the needle from her hand and rushed into his arms, clinging tightly.
"Rain! I thought you left!" she sobbed into his chest, her body trembling.
"What's wrong, baby? Why are you crying so much?" he asked, his voice gentle, soothing.
"Is Frances crying for Rain?" Morgan whispered behind them, eyes wide with surprise. The others nodded in quiet agreement.
"I can't believe it! She's in love that much?" Lawrence muttered, a hint of teasing in their voice.
"Guys, let's give them some privacy," Evie whispered firmly, and without another word, they quietly left the room, closing the door behind them.
Rain held Frances tightly, feeling the warmth of her tears soak into his shirt.
"I thought you hated me now and wouldn't want to see me. I was so worried," she murmured against him.
"Why would I hate you? I knew you'd be hungry when you woke up, so I went to Fallon's to get your food. Are you okay?" Rain said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
Frances hugged him tighter, the knot of fear loosening just a bit.
"I thought you'd abandoned me after seeing me do that to someone." She paused, voice shaky.
Rain set down the lunch bag gently and lifted her onto the bed, careful as he wiped her tears away with his thumbs.
"I will never abandon you, no matter what happens, Frances. I knew the kind of person you were before I fell in love with you. Besides, you were fighting for a good cause. How could I blame you?"
"Are you sure?" she whispered, searching his eyes.
"I am."
"You won't leave me alone?"
"Never. I was just worried about you, baby. You got me worried, Cici."
"I'm so sorry, babe. I'm really sorry."
"It's okay, baby. Sean and the principal have taken care of everything. You don't have to worry."
"How about Mina?" Frances asked, concern flickering in her eyes.
"She's fine. Hazel's been arrested, and the students have been told what really happened. No one will blame you for beating up the lifeguard."
"Who cares about them?" Frances muttered, clearly frustrated.
"We do! We care about your reputation. Please don't endanger yourself next time, okay? I was scared something might happen to you."
"It's nothing. Just that small chemical can't kill me."
"I know it won't. But be careful next time. We can always report things to the adults."
"The adults are slow to make decisions. I do it faster."
"Cici!"
"Okay, okay, I've heard you! Where's my food? I'm famished."
Rain smiled and picked up the lunch bag, opening it and handing the food over. Frances dug in hungrily, her spirits lifting as they ate together, laughter softly filling the room, weaving a fragile peace between them.