Chapter 9 WHEN THE MASKS SLIP

Mila did not go to school the next day.

‎She told her mother she felt sick, which was partly true. Her body ached with exhaustion, but it was her mind that refused to settle. Every sound outside her window made her tense. Every vibration of her phone sent a rush of fear through her chest.

‎Lena had crossed a line.

‎She was no longer hiding behind messages or screens. She had shown herself. On purpose.

‎By afternoon, Mila's phone lit up with a call from Adrian.

‎You can't stay home forever he said gently. But you also shouldn't be alone right now.

‎I know Mila replied. I just needed time to think.

‎That worried him more than panic ever could.

‎That evening, Adrian came over with Mara. They sat in Mila's living room, the curtains drawn tight. The air felt heavy, like the calm before something broke.

‎She's enjoying this Mara said quietly. The fear. The attention.

‎Adrian nodded. Lena wants control. And she's getting closer because she thinks no one will stop her.

‎Mila folded her arms. Then we stop her.

‎Adrian studied her face. Are you ready for that.

‎She hesitated. I don't know if I'm brave. But I'm tired of being hunted.

‎The next morning, Mila returned to school.

‎Whispers followed her again, but this time she lifted her head and kept walking. She stayed near teachers. Near friends. Near people. Yet she still felt watched.

‎During second period, a folded note slid onto her desk.

‎Her heart raced.

‎She didn't open it immediately. She waited until the bell rang and the classroom emptied. Then she unfolded the paper slowly.

‎Meet me after school

‎Old science wing

‎Come alone

‎You owe me honesty

‎No signature.

‎She didn't need one.

‎Mila showed the note to Adrian during lunch.

‎Absolutely not he said.

‎I have to she replied. If I don't, she'll keep coming.

‎Adrian shook his head. Then you're not going alone.

‎She met his eyes. She said alone. If she sees you, she'll disappear again.

‎He clenched his jaw. Then we do this smart.

‎By the time the final bell rang, Mila's heart felt like it might burst out of her chest. The old science wing had been closed for years. Most students avoided it. It was quiet. Isolated. Perfect for secrets.

‎She walked there slowly, her footsteps echoing. The hallway smelled like dust and forgotten textbooks. Lockers lined the walls, their paint chipped and dull.

‎Lena stood at the far end.

‎She looked exactly the same and completely different. Her hair was neater. Her smile calmer. Her eyes sharper.

‎You came Lena said softly.

‎Mila stopped a few steps away. You asked for honesty. Start talking.

‎Lena tilted her head. You never liked being told the truth.

‎Mila's hands shook but she didn't back away. Why are you doing this.

‎Lena laughed quietly. Doing what. Helping you remember who you really are.

‎I remember enough Mila snapped. You're stalking me.

‎Lena's smile faded. No. I'm reminding you.

‎Reminding me of what.

‎Of how easily you replace people Lena replied. One day we were inseparable. The next day you pretended I didn't exist.

‎Mila swallowed. I didn't abandon you. You pushed me away.

‎Lena stepped closer. You chose him. And when you got bored, you chose someone else.

‎That's not true Mila said. You scared me. You tried to control everything.

‎Lena's eyes darkened. I loved you.

‎The words landed like ice.

‎Not like that Mila said quickly. Don't twist this.

‎Lena's voice trembled. You don't get to decide how people love you.

‎Footsteps echoed suddenly.

‎Lena's head snapped up. I said alone.

‎Mila's heart dropped.

‎Ethan stepped out from behind the corner.

‎I told you she wouldn't come unless she felt safe he said quietly.

‎Mila stared at him. You're still helping her.

‎Ethan looked guilty. I'm trying to fix this.

‎Lena laughed again. He's trying to save you. The way he always does.

‎Mila turned to him. You knew where I'd be.

‎He nodded slowly. She asked me to make sure you came.

‎Tears burned in Mila's eyes. You betrayed me twice.

‎Ethan's voice cracked. I thought if you two talked, it would end.

‎Lena shook her head. No. This is the beginning.

‎Suddenly the lights flickered.

‎Mila's breath caught.

‎Lena stepped back smiling. See. Even the building remembers.

‎Mila's phone vibrated.

‎A message from Adrian.

‎Where are you.

‎Before she could reply, Lena snatched the phone from her hand.

‎No interruptions Lena said. This moment belongs to us.

‎Mila lunged for it, but Ethan held her back instinctively. The second he realized what he'd done, his face drained of color.

‎Let her go he whispered.

‎Lena's smile vanished. You had one job.

‎She turned and ran.

‎Mila broke free and chased after her, heart pounding. Lena disappeared down the stairwell. Mila followed without thinking.

‎She burst through the door onto the ground floor just as Lena slipped out the back exit.

‎Adrian stood there.

‎Lena froze.

‎So this is where you've been Adrian said coldly.

‎Lena's eyes flicked between them. You always ruin things.

‎Adrian stepped forward. It's over.

‎Lena laughed shaking her head. You still think this is about you.

‎She backed toward the exit. This story doesn't end how you want it to.

‎Then she was gone.

‎Security alarms blared.

‎Teachers rushed in.

‎Chaos filled the hallway.

‎Later, Mila sat on the steps outside, shaking. Adrian wrapped his jacket around her shoulders.

‎She's escalating he said quietly. She won't stop now.

‎Mila stared at the ground. She said she loved me.

‎Adrian nodded. Obsession feels like love to the wrong person.

‎Ethan stood a few feet away, silent, ashamed.

‎I never wanted to hurt you he said.

‎Mila didn't look at him. You still did.

‎Police cars pulled up outside the school.

‎As officers stepped out, Mila felt a strange calm settle over her.

‎This was no longer a secret.

‎And somewhere out there, Lena was watching.

‎Waiting.

‎Planning her next move.