Chapter 8 THE FACE BEHIND THE SHADOW

Sleep refused to come.

Mila lay awake listening to every sound outside her window. The wind brushing the trees. A car passing too slowly. Her phone resting on the nightstand felt heavier than usual, like it might light up at any moment with another message meant to unsettle her.

Her mind kept replaying the screen at the dance. The photos. The note. The smile on that student's face before they vanished into the crowd.

By morning, her nerves were stretched thin.

At school, the whispers followed her everywhere.

Did you see the photos

Was that her boyfriend

Why would someone do that

Mila kept her head down. Mara stayed close, unusually quiet. Ethan barely spoke, his usual warmth replaced with something guarded.

Adrian wasn't at school.

That made everything worse.

During third period, Mila's phone vibrated in her pocket.

Unknown number.

Her heart stuttered.

She waited until the teacher turned to the board, then glanced down.

You looked beautiful under the lights.

But you always did love an audience.

Her fingers trembled.

She typed back before she could stop herself.

Who is this.

The reply came instantly.

Someone you forgot.

Someone who remembers.

Her breath caught. She slipped her phone away, her chest tight. This wasn't random anymore. This person knew her. Knew her well.

At lunch, Mila pulled Mara aside.

Something's wrong she whispered. Someone's messaging me.

Mara's face went pale. What do they want.

I don't know. But they're watching me.

Mara swallowed. Maybe you should tell the principal.

And say what. That someone is obsessed with ruining my life.

Before Mara could answer, Ethan approached.

I think we should talk he said quietly.

Mila nodded, uneasy.

They walked toward the back of the courtyard where it was quieter.

I didn't know about you and Adrian Ethan began. Not really.

Mila sighed. It's complicated.

Everything seems to be lately he said. Especially after last night.

She studied his face. There was something off in his tone.

Ethan did you know someone was going to do that she asked suddenly.

His eyes flickered. No. Of course not.

But the hesitation was there. Small. Almost invisible. But Mila saw it.

Before she could press further, Adrian appeared.

His presence shifted the air immediately.

We need to talk Mila he said.

Now.

Ethan stiffened. Whatever this is can wait.

No it can't Adrian replied. Not anymore.

Mila held up her hand. Stop. Both of you.

She turned to Adrian. What did you find.

Adrian's jaw tightened. The number messaging you. It's been used before. Last year.

Mila's stomach dropped. Used for what.

Anonymous complaints. Threats. Someone trying to ruin another student.

Who.

Adrian hesitated. Someone who was suspended.

Mila felt cold. Suspended for what.

For spreading lies he said quietly. For obsession. For refusing to let go.

A name formed in her mind before he said it.

Lena.

Mila staggered back slightly.

Lena was a girl she used to sit with in freshman year. Quiet. Observant. Always watching. They had grown close for a while, until things turned strange. Possessive. Intense. Mila had slowly pulled away.

Lena disappeared soon after.

She wouldn't she whispered.

Adrian met her eyes. She blamed you. For everything.

Mila's phone vibrated again.

She didn't need to look.

She already knew.

I warned you.

You always leave people behind.

Her throat tightened.

Ethan spoke suddenly. This is insane. You can't just accuse someone without proof.

Mila turned to him sharply. Why are you defending her.

He looked startled. I'm not. I just think we should be careful.

Adrian watched Ethan closely. You know her.

It wasn't a question.

Ethan's silence was answer enough.

Mila's heart sank.

I used to tutor her Ethan admitted. After she got suspended, she reached out. She said you abandoned her.

Did you give her my schedule Mila asked softly.

He looked away.

Just once he said. She said she wanted to apologize.

The betrayal cut deeper than fear.

You told her about the dance Mila whispered.

Ethan nodded miserably. I didn't know she'd do this. I swear.

Mila stepped back like the ground beneath her had cracked.

You brought her back into my life she said.

I was trying to help he pleaded.

Adrian moved closer to Mila protectively. You helped her stalk us.

Ethan's voice broke. I didn't mean to.

The bell rang, loud and sharp, but none of them moved.

Mila wiped her eyes. I trusted you.

She turned and walked away.

That evening, Mila sat in her room staring at the window.

A shadow moved outside.

Her breath stopped.

She stood slowly and approached the glass.

There, standing beneath the streetlight, was a girl.

Lena.

She smiled and lifted her phone, tapping the screen once before slipping back into the darkness.

Mila's phone vibrated.

We're not finished yet.

You owe me the ending I deserve.

Mila's hands shook as she typed one final message.

This ends now.

The reply came slower this time.

Good.

I've been waiting.

Mila locked the window, her heart pounding.

Behind her, the past had returned.

And this time, it wasn't hiding.