Second Life, Different Choice

The noise died down instantly, and everyone turned to look at us.

"Isn't Katrina already annoying enough when she's in charge? Why are we bringing her, too?"

Hayley spoke up slowly. "If Katrina comes, she'll be controlling everything. It's just going to ruin the mood. I'm the one who suggested this trip. That would put me in a tough spot."

She glanced at me with clear annoyance, her eyes sharp with warning, as if she was afraid I would interfere with her and Terry.

After all, I still carried the label of Terry's ex. She had every reason to worry that something might spark again.

Seeing the jealousy on her face, Terry looked at her with a soft, indulgent smile and quickly explained, "Hayley's right. Katrina's way too much. Remember that time we grabbed barbecue from that roadside place? She actually went into the kitchen to check things out. The owner almost kicked us out."

The others exchanged looks, then nodded in sync, glaring at me with growing irritation.

I shrugged helplessly. That had been right before the SAT. Everyone knew those roadside spots weren't exactly clean. If someone got sick and messed up their exams, it just wasn't worth the risk.

But to them, my caution just made me a problem.

I let out a quiet sigh, tightening my grip on my backpack.

"We're almost graduating. I'm not the class monitor anymore. I'll just mind my own business, okay? And I'm not going to report this to anyone's parents."

Terry let out a cold laugh and suddenly flipped my backpack upside down.

My heart jumped. I lunged forward, trying to grab it back, but he shoved me down, pressing hard on my head.

"You don't have any credibility with us anymore. If you want us to trust you, smash your phone right here in front of everyone."

As he spoke, he pulled my laptop out of my bag.

My face went pale. I grabbed his arm, shaking it.

"Please don't. I saved up for three months to buy that."

He lowered his gaze and let out a soft laugh, his tone easing just a little.

"Must've been tough, huh? Fine, we won't break it. Just give me your account password."

At that moment, something snapped. I shoved him with everything I had, knocking him to the ground.

I reached for my laptop, but a few taller, stronger classmates rushed in and pinned me down hard.

Terry picked up a sharp rock from the grass and dragged it lightly across my cheek. I couldn't stop the shiver that ran through me.

"Your face or your laptop. You choose."

His eyes darkened, and my throat tightened.

"The password is 2025…"

He quickly filled out my college applications for me, then casually smashed the laptop to pieces anyway.

"I even helped you pick a college that suits you. Don't forget to send me a thank-you card when you get in."

Grinning, he pulled Hayley into his arms and raised his voice.

"Problem solved. Now we can all relax and have some fun."

The class erupted, cheering and teasing as they watched the two of them.

I let out a bitter laugh, crouching down to gather the broken pieces of my laptop.

I turned to leave, but three tall, broad-shouldered guys stepped in front of me, blocking the way.

Terry shot me an impatient look.

"Hayley's bus is here. Find somewhere to lock Katrina up first."

They dragged me onto a bus and took me to an abandoned park, not a single person in sight.

I was shoved hard into a rusted dog cage, hitting the ground. As I struggled to get up, I heard the click of a lock snapping shut.

Terry tugged on it once, making sure it held.

"Once the application deadline passes, this lock will open on its own. Go ahead and scream all you want. There's nothing around here but abandoned buildings."

With that, he turned and got back on the bus heading for the rafting trip.

I forced down the panic rising in my chest and dropped to my knees inside the cage, feeling around desperately.

Half an hour passed. All I had to show for it were torn, scraped palms.

No matter what, I had to find a way out!