''Do you have any idea what you did got us to? Because of you, my investors withdrew their investment. Don't you know that, that girl has a special relationship with the Miles?
''She went and ran her mouth to Noah Miles?'' Samantha asked as her lips curved up unpleasantly.
''Noah Miles. You mean Gabriella Miles' son?'' Mrs. Logan asked.
''Yes, mother. They're friends''
''In any case, I want you to apologise to that girl tomorrow at school'' Mr. Logan said, feeling a bit of relief. If his daughter were still friends with the said girl, then as long as she apologised, everything will be fine.
''Dad, I can never do that. That bitch, she won't get away with this'' Samantha said, shocking her parents.
''Shut up and listen to me. Do you want to jeopardise my position in this city? That family shouldn't be messed with. I just lost three of my prominent investors because of your stupidity''
Samantha looked at her father unperturbed as she replied, ''dad, I won't apologise to Inayah. Not in this life. She is the person I hate the most in this world'' Samantha frowned and hurried into her room, locking the door.
''Come back here. Look…'' Mr. Logan felt exasperated. He turned to his wife and asked, ''what is wrong with this girl?''
''Darling, relax. I will talk to her later'' Mrs. Logan tried to calm her husband down.
Samantha sat on her bed and swore, ''Inayah, I won't let you get away with this. I promise you''
…..
Fountain High School.
''So, did you have a great time with the devil?'' Clara asked as they walked towards their classroom after having their breakfast. Bertha was busy playing a game on her phone. Her right arm was intertwined with Inayah who led her as they walked while she played with her phone.
''What great night? I practically embarrass myself in front of him every time I see him'' Inayah said but blushed making them not to believe her.
''I can totally picture that'' Bertha chirped in as her gaze remained on the phone. Inayah pulled her closer as two students walked passed them, almost bumping into Bertha.
''I know, right?''
Inayah looked ahead and saw Samantha walking towards them. She looked quite furious.
''What does she want again?'' Inayah muttered before Samantha got closer to them. Before she could react, she felt a palm on her cheek. The nails on Samantha scratched through her face, making quite a number.
The scene shocked everyone that was present on the hallway but everyone knew better not to get into their matters.
Inayah touched her face and looked at Samantha, ''did you just slap me?''
''How dare you mess with my dad's company? You little slut. If you want revenge, why don't you come at me?'' Samantha prepared to attack Inayah again and her two little friends stopped her.
''Samantha, are you out of your mind?'' Bertha asked, putting her phone away.
''How dare you slap her?'' Clara asked.
''You two had better stayed out of this before I put my eyes on you'' Samantha sneered.
''Samantha Logan, right?'' Noah walked to them from a distance. He stepped closer to Samantha and whispered into her ear, ''get ready for the consequences for messing with what is mine'' he said and turned to Inayah. ''Come with me, Ayah'' Noah said and pulled Inayah away.
''Now, you want to make this physical?'' Clara looked at Samantha feeling disgusted. For a moment, Samantha stood rooted on the spot. She seemed pretty confused as her friends pulled her away.
''I guess whatever happened to her is huge this time'' Bertha looked at them as they walked away.
…..
Noah handed Ayah a pack of ice cubes and sat by her side. He looked at the scratched marks and asked, ''are you alright?''
''Yeah, I guess'' Inayah replied, putting the iced pack on her cheek.
''I'm sorry. I wasn't there early to stop her from hurting you''
''It's okay. I mean this is not your fault anyway'' Inayah stopped him from touching her face.
''Still, I should have been there to protect you''
''This is enough'' Inayah said, referring to the pack. ''I wonder what happened to her family? I have no idea what she is talking about''
''Haven't you heard the news?'' Noah asked as he studied Inayah's reaction keenly.
''What news?''
''Don't you watch the TV? Yesterday, Logan Constructions lost a lot of shares because their investors suddenly withdrew their investment and the recent government city hall project that they won was given to a different company because they didn't have enough funds to start the project. Miles Incorporation is the main investor for the new company that took the project away''
''But, how does that affect me? I didn't cause it. In business people lose and win all the time. Why is she taking it out on me?''
''You did'' Noah said and for the first time since they got to the bench, Inayah turned to really look at him.
''What?''
''My uncle did it because you were bullied by Samantha. That is what I'm curious about, Inayah. What exactly is your relationship with my uncle for him to do that just for you? My uncle isn't exactly the kind type or someone who does things at a whim''
Inayah suddenly stood up. ''Let's go. Class will begin soon'' she said and walked away.
Year 3 Class C.
When Clara and Bertha saw Inayah coming into the class with Noah, they stood up with worried gazes.
''Ayah, are you alright?''
''Of course, I am fine. It was just a slap…'' Inayah turned to look at Samantha and added, ''a slap I won't forget to return it back later. Look forward to it, Samantha. You have officially crossed the line''
When Inayah sat down, Sandra threw a bar of chocolate at her and said nonchalantly, ''you should eat something sweet when you are hurting. And… don't forget to return the slap. I will look forward to see how it goes''
''You just have a way of consoling some people. Can't you be nice at least?'' Bertha asked her desk mate.
''Why? it's not like I was the one who slapped her'' Sandra said sarcastically and chuckled.
''Thank you, Sandy'' Inayah smiled as she unwrapped the chocolate.
…..
Hanna's Eatery.
Counter.
Mrs. Hanna checked Inayah's cheek and exclaimed, ''gosh, that girl is one wicked soul. How could she do this to my precious babe?''
''I almost couldn't believe it'' Bertha said as she put on her apron.
''Mrs. Hanna, do you think it will scar?'' Inayah asked. She didn't want Jasper to see her in that state. She was afraid what next he would do to Samantha's family.
''You need to get cream for it. Why do you have so many people that don't like you?''
Bertha tilted her head and asked, ''my question exactly. I wonder how many people she offended in her past life?''
''But, why did she accuse you of causing her father's company harm?''
Inayah shook her head. She couldn't tell them about what Jasper did. At least, she couldn't tell Mrs. Hanna about it. ''I don't know'' Inayah replied.
''You should go home early today. I will close the diner with Mrs. Hanna today'' Bertha said as she picked Inayah's bag from under the counter cardboard for her.
''Oh, best friend. Thank you''
''Whatever''