Love Is Second Best — Chapter 13: CARMELLA'S TRUE COLORS

Carmella's POV

It was already past eight in the evening when I asked Hope that I should go home. She agreed right away and she even told her dad about it.

"I will drive you home, Carmella. It's a bit late and it is my responsibility to return you home. Your mom might get angry if you will go home later than this time."

"T-Thank you so much, sir. I think it's a bit too much already."

"No, I insist. You're my guest and I personally invited you. You are my responsibility, that's why I should do this."

"T-Thank you, sir." I bowed down because I am really thankful. From a fraction of time, I am able to experience what's like having a sweet and understanding father like him. Hope is really lucky to have sir Leonard as her father.

"You're always welcome, Carmella. Thank you for helping my Hope as well."

"It's a pleasure, sir. I love to be friends with your daughter."

"I am glad to know that she's getting along with you very well. She's too shy, I am worried that she might not get any friends for herself. I am glad that she was able to get comfortable with you."

Hope's dad drove me quietly and when the car's engine stopped in front of our gate, I saw the light from my mom's window. I swallowed hard.

"S-Sir, I really have to get going." I am about to get out when he insists on the Crème brûlée made by Nana Hannah. I awkwardly smiled as I grabbed the paper bag.

"Sir, thank you so much."

My heart raced fast. I am really nervous when I am anticipating my mom to wait for me. I am not always feeling well whenever I think about it.

"Please take care." I still heard Hope's dad and his voice as I shut the door behind me as I went inside the house. As soon as she heard my steps, I could hear her roaring voice.

"Where have you been?"

"Mom, I told you...I will be going to Hope's house."

"I don't care who the hell is that nor where you've been. I want you to be mindful of the time! Since when do you plan to lie to me?"

"M-Mom, I am so sorry. It's not my intention to lie to you."

I got a slap from her as a response. When I started to cry, she left in front of me and slammed the door of her room. I even shut my eyes a bit because of the impact it made.

When I am inside my room, I can see that I have a red mark on my left cheek as I cry in front of the mirror. I looked at myself as I closed my fist. I slowly glanced at my wallclock and it was almost ten minutes to nine in the evening.

No, I don't have any reason to hate my mom because it is my fault. I got a cube of ice and placed it on my swollen cheek. I hope it will heal by tomorrow. I can't imagine myself being pitied by anyone. It is not me. I can't just accept it that easily.

The next morning, right after I wake up, I check my cheek. Thankfully, it's not too swollen compared to last night. I almost avoided everyone's gaze and their judgements. As I entered our room, I can feel that all eyes are upon me now.

"Gosh, I think she's being harsh on her again."

"Yeah. I wonder what is the reason for this time..." I overheard from my other classmates. From that, I haven't fought back my tears anymore. Some of my classmates saw what happened but they seem to be ignorant about it.

Well, what's new? I am not the type who will show how weak I am. I wiped the tears from my eyes and as I looked up, I could see the worried face of Hope.

"W-What happened?"

"I slept for a long time and I think that made my eyes red a bit."

She touched my shoulders and gently massaged it. I also held it back with my hands and nodded at her. I tried my best to force a smile so that she'll not be too worried about me.

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Hope's POV

We're seated a bit far from each other in our Computer class. Even if we're doing some activities, I can't help but to worry for Carmella.

As soon as I arrived, most of our classmates were looking at her as she wiped her tears as quickly as possible before it even rolled on her cheeks. She thought I didn't see it but right after I entered the door, I already witnessed how it started. Now, I am wondering what my other classmates mean by what they've talked about earlier. Whom were they referring to?

"Hey, Hope. Wassup?"

"Hello, Thelma." I smiled at her. I guess she noticed me looking at Carmella from afar.

"Hmm...wanna know something interesting?" She whispered in my ear as she looked at Carmella's direction. I saw her smirk.

"What is that?"

"Don't get too close with that bitch, she will just ruin your life." I faced Thelma as I closed my fist. She’s looking at me in a mocking facial reaction.

"W-What are you trying to tell me?"

"I am saying the truth. Everyone hates her because she's crazy and a trying-hard bitch."

"You know what, Thelma? I do not tolerate mean judgement towards other people. Do not do unto others if you don't want it to happen to you too."

"Hope, why are you trusting her very well even if you don't know her yet?

"I am not sure what you're talking about but I know her."

"Really? How well do you know that girl?" She sounded as if challenging me as I glanced at Carmella.

"I am sure you're wrong about what you're saying. Carmella is one, good friend. She doesn't deserve that much hate coming from you guys."

"Girl, if I were you, I won't be protecting someone like her. I knew her more than you do."

"So, are you not ashamed of me? You knew her very well and yet you're the one to judge her more."

"Hope, a friendly advice. Please keep away from her company or just regret it later on."

"What do you mean?" I asked, really curious. It's as if my head wanted to explode because of what Thelma is feeding my thoughts.

"She's a monster for the top spot. She will do everything just to reach there and she will eliminate whoever comes in her way."

"Can she really do that?"

"Why do you think she has no friends at all? Can't you observe it yourself?"

I paused from what I am doing from my computer and looked at Thelma straight into her eyes. I shifted my gaze on Thelma and Carmella who was busy with other things.

Who is telling the truth right now? I think I also have the right thing to know since I am also Carmella's friend as of the moment...

I was a bit surprised when someone sat beside me.

"Hi, Marielle!" Thelma greeted her other dear friend. I am now in between them. I felt really awkward and cornered at the same time.

"Oh, what's hot?" I am more than sure she's asking about what we've been talking about before she arrived. I roamed my eyes around the computer room hoping that our teacher is around but I am just really unlucky.

I really have to force myself to talk and interact with the both of them even if I don't want to. I don't want to appear rude, either.

"Oh, I guess it's Carmella, right girls?"

"Yup. I am just giving Elise Hope a heads up of what she's like."

"Oh, that snake." Marielle chuckled. She folded her arms as she said those words. She even rolled her eyes pertaining to Carmella.

"Why are you guys like that? Can you even hear or see yourselves? How can you be so mean to someone who doesn't care to the both of you?"

"Because we're concerned about you, Hope. You're still new here so she's free to manipulate you." It’s more sarcasm than fact. I can’t even feel that she’s really ‘concerned’ about me.

"I don't think so."

"Wilms, don't mind that psycho. She needs to be at the top more than all of us." As soon as I heard this one, I became more interested all of a sudden. Are they really saying the truth?

"If she can't get high scores, her mom will beat her to death or even kneel on some rock salt or mung beans for an hour."

I widened my eyes when I heard it from here. I remembered the bruises on her knees. Was it all because of her mother? How is it possible that she will do that to her daughter? Were the both of them really saying the truth?

"Wait, you're all joking, right?"

"Why will we ever joke around? That's what happens to her if she'll not be on top. That's why no one dared to try to beat her."

"Yup. We don't want her to be dead, so..."

"Eli, please do us a favor." Thelma smirked at me. They all shifted their eyes at me as if expecting something.

"Beat Carmella. Please? I know you can easily do it because you're an achiever." Marielle added as Thelma nodded in agreement.

"Girl can you still remember the look upon Carmella’s face when she knew that Hope got the highest score in our Literature class last time?" They said as they did a high five. I suddenly stood up from between them as I frowned. I don't care if what they say is true or not. The most important thing right now is for me to leave Thelma and Marielle because they're getting toxic. I couldn't stand listening to them anymore. I don't know why but I am not used to hearing those kinds of conversation. Hearing them talking behind Carmella's back is hurting me too much. It is because I often go with her and I am somehow getting closer to her more than them. However, I am also wondering...is it true about what they are talking about her mom?