Chapter 2: A Pearl’s Death
Ephyra patted her red hair which was messily braided on one side of her shoulder as she stood at the entrance of the top class, hugging a white envelope and teddy bear and patiently waited for Alan.
She waited for the whole break period while ignoring the looks and whispers sent her way by the few students littering the hallway.
But when she didn't see Alan or any of his classmates, she decided to drop it on his desk.
Walking into the expansive classroom, she went straight to Alan's desk and carefully placed the heartfelt letter on his desk, hoping it would finally convey her feelings and help him understand her. Alongside the letter, she placed the small teddy bear and prayed that he reads the letter and any misconceptions he had of her would be cleared.
But fate had other plans. As Mira Allen, Ephyra's stepsister, walked into the classroom just after she left to leave a lunchbox for Alan, she noticed the letter and teddy bear on his desk. Her blood boiled at the sight—how dare anyone else try to win Alan's heart? How dare they write a love letter to her Alan? Seething with jealousy, Mira snatched the letter and the bear.
As she read the letter, her anger intensified. Upon realizing it was from her stupid step-sister, Mira's rage consumed her, drowning out any trace of reason. After school, she wasted no time; she hired a group of thugs to intercept Ephyra on her way home, while Mira herself hurried back to change clothes and call her friends. They all headed to a secluded alley where the thugs had detained Ephyra.
When Mira arrived, her heart leapt with joy at the sight of Ephyra's swollen, terrified face, likely the result of a struggle with the thugs. She grinned as she approached her stepsister after paying the thugs and dismissing them.
"Oh, Ephyra," Mira cooed mockingly, "how pitiful you look."
One of Mira's friends snickered and added, "You mean how miserable she looks."
The group laughed in unison as Ephyra's confusion and fear grew. She could barely form words. "M-Mira? What is happening? W-what are you doing?"
Mira's eyes narrowed, "What am I doing? What does it look like, dear sister?"