Big Surprise

Let's return to a time when Melissa's plan was still taking shape, a time of uncertainty and strategizing.

"I don't understand Mrs. Hill's explanations in math at all," a girl said in frustration.

"That's exactly why we're here, hiding out, while everyone else suffers through Mrs. Hill's **** chamber," an other girl replied sarcastically.

"Hold on, Susan, I gotta disagree. Look at this !"

A jolt of surprise ran through Susan as her eyes darted in the direction her friend indicated.

"Seriously?!" Susan sputtered, blinking rapidly as if willing the sight to vanish.

The bathroom door swung open. A girl, clutching a school uniform to her chest. Her face, etched with worry, scanned the hallway before darting back towards the restrooms.

"Susan, quick! The naked girl maybe sees us. We need to hide...now! "

"Well, that's a new one. Completely naked breakout? This school gets weirder by the minute."

"Let's follow discreetly. Maybe we'll understand what's happening."

They watched, hearts pounding, as the girl methodically hid pieces of clothing, her purpose shrouded in secrecy.

"Intriguing... and she's ditched the clothes. Listen, SuSan, here's a thought. Can you snag all the pieces she hid and bring them back here?"

"Scarlet. I can handle it."

***

Susan's voice held a hint of amusement. "Little did she know," she said, "the friend by her side was the one pulling the strings all along."

"Consider it a little upgrade to the game plan," Scarlet said with a grin.

"Vulnerability became your weapon. Stripped bare, you earned her trust and became the most valuable asset. Your own clothes lay in shreds, a testament to the gamble you took, but you emerged with hers, a symbol of your unexpected victory."

“Maybe.”

"Want to up the ante a notch? Let's chop up these clothes as well! It'll be a real wild ride!"

"Scarlet threw her hands up in exasperation. 'You've got to be kidding me! This is impossible!'"

"Need them, do you? How very predictable, Scarlet. Maybe this little game is a bit too much for you after all.", Susan said.

"Need them?" Scarlet spat, her voice laced with anger. "Don't you underestimate me."

"Surely you see my point,", Susan exclaimed, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Give me her clothes.”

The classroom door creaked open, and Scarlet stalked in, a tempest brewing in her eyes. Without a word, she made a beeline for the supply table, her movements sharp and decisive. Grabbing the scissors. Scarlet spun on her heel and faced the pile of clothes. With a fierce glint in her gaze, she began to hack away, the rhythmic snip-snip of the scissors the only sound in the tense room.

Susan, perched on a nearby desk, watched the scene unfold, a nervous chuckle escaping her lips. It wasn't a sound of amusement, but of unease. The raw fury radiating off Scarlet was palpable, leaving Susan unsure whether to be concerned or impressed by her friend's drastic action.