Chapter 5

Ava didn't rise to the bait.

Arguing was pointless. Defending herself against their twisted narrative was a waste of breath.

She looked at Scarlett, then at Jessica, then at the others.

Their faces were a mixture of malice and sheep-like agreement.

She simply said, "I'm not taking the test."

Then, she pushed past Jessica, ignoring Scarlett's outraged cry.

She walked away, her head held high.

She had her own plan. This small act of defiance was just the beginning.

Let them think what they wanted.

Their underestimation would be their downfall.

That night, Ava was home, reviewing her notes for the real plan.

A noise outside her window.

Before she could react, her bedroom door burst open.

Jessica Vance. And two of the football team' s bigger, less intelligent players, clearly roped in by Scarlett.

"What do you want?" Ava demanded, standing her ground.

Jessica smirked. "Scarlett was really disappointed you weren't going to make it tomorrow, Ava."

"So, we're here to make sure you do."

They grabbed her. Ava fought, but it was three against one.

They were strong, brutal.

One pinned her arms, another covered her mouth.

Jessica rummaged through her desk, finding her SAT admission ticket and ID.

"Got 'em," Jessica said, waving the papers.

They dragged her out of her house, shoving her into a waiting car.

Scarlett was in the driver's seat, a triumphant, ugly smile on her face.

"See, Ava? We're going to have fun tomorrow after all."

Ava' s heart pounded with fury, but also a grim satisfaction.

They were playing right into her hands.

They forcibly kept her at Jessica's house overnight. The next morning, they frogmarched her to the SAT center.