š ENCHANTRESS IN DISTRESS š
She is naive, he is cruel
Romance and Tragedy
By: Authoress Lovely
š Episode Eleven š
...
Golden Cloves High
Tuesday morning dragged its feet across the corridors of Golden Cloves High. Students drifted between classrooms, their chatter pitched higher than usual, laughter edged with nerves.
Outside the examination hall, fifth years gathered in tight clusters. Today was subject-specific for _esame di stato_ ā Biology for Science, E-commerce for Commercial, Literature for Art.
Ryan leaned against the marble pillar by the main entrance, his jaw tight. His fingers tapped against his thigh, a restless rhythm. E-commerce. The one subject that kept him from the basketball court more times than he could count. He barely scraped a D in every mock.
Aurelio nudged his shoulder. "You're going to do great."
Ryan let out a breath that wasn't quite a laugh. "E-commerce has never been my best subject, bro. I barely pass it and it always threatens my spot on the team." His voice dropped. "One bad grade and Coach benches me."
"I know, man. But you do pass it," Aurelio said. "And we spent all night on it. Supply, demand, digital marketing models. You've got this. It's going to be a breeze."
Ryan's mouth twitched. Not a smile, but close. "Hope you're right."
"He's always right when it comes to books," Brielle called out, appearing with Loredana in tow. She slung an arm around Ryan's shoulder like she owned the space. He sighed, heavy and familiar. Aurelio and the other girls rolled their eyes in unison.
"Drama queen," Aurelio muttered.
Brielle pouted, then flicked her hair. "But seriously. You two are getting too close for our liking. You don't carry us along anymore."
Loredana nodded, arms crossed. "What exactly happened at Ryan's house? You've been inseparable since then."
Nicoletta, the only Art student in their group, joined them, tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "Yeah. We want details."
Ryan and Aurelio exchanged a look. The kind that said _not here_.
"We promise," Aurelio said, his voice light but firm. "After today's paper, we'll tell you everything."
"Fine," Loredana said, pointing a manicured finger at them. "But you better fill us in on every single detail."
The boys nodded like obedient puppies.
The bell rang, sharp and final. The chatter died as students filed into the hall, taking their assigned seats. Invigilators began distributing papers. The air turned thin.
Fourth Year Classroom
Rosanna paced the corridor. Back and forth. Back and forth. Her sneakers squeaked against the tile.
Caterina was never late. Not once in four years. Not during fever season, not during the bus strikes, not even when Thompson forgot to set an alarm.
She bit her lip and checked the clock again. First period in two minutes.
"I really hope she's alright," Rosanna mumbled.
The bell rang. She bolted into the classroom, sliding into her seat just as Miss Adeline stepped in with a stack of booklets. Miss Adeline's gaze swept the room, sharp behind her glasses, and stopped at the empty chair beside Rosanna.
"Where is Caterina?" Miss Adeline asked.
Heads shook. No one knew.
Miss Adeline adjusted her glasses. "Rosanna, stand."
Rosanna stood, her palms damp. "I don't know, Ma. She didn't call or text. It's not like her."
"You may sit." Miss Adeline's frown deepened. "It is unlike her indeed."
"Ma," Rosanna said before she could stop herself, "do you have her home address? I want to check on her after class."
Miss Adeline studied her for a second, then nodded. "It should be in her student file. See me after the period."
Relief punched through Rosanna's chest. "Thank you, Ma."
"Now," Miss Adeline continued, turning to the class, "do you all remember that your final exams start the first week of November? I hope you haven't relaxed after your first paper."
A collective groan answered her.
"I want you all to move on to your fifth and final year prepared for your _maturitĆ _ next year. That is the exam fifth years write before college. It is also called _esame di stato_." She began passing out the booklets. "This questionnaire is for you to fill. It asks about your preferred course of study and choice of college. Take it seriously. Think carefully before you write."
The room filled with the sound of paper shuffling. Pens clicked. Whispers started.
Rosanna stared at the front page. _Name. Desired Course. Preferred University._ She already knew. Literature. She wanted to write, to publish, to see her name on spines in bookstores. She and Caterina had a plan: Rosanna would write the scripts, Caterina would act and sing them. Rosanna as manager and screen director. Caterina as the star.
Her smile faded when she glanced at the empty seat.
"I'm going to visit you and scold you for making me worry," she whispered.
The noise level rose as students compared answers. Miss Adeline struck her wooden stick against the desk once. Silence snapped back.
"I know you're tense, but that doesn't warrant the noise," Miss Adeline said. "And don't forget the upcoming inter-school competition. Those who submitted their names should complete the registration steps by Friday."
A few students nodded. A few called out "Yes, Ma."
"Very good," Miss Adeline said. "Now begin."
After School
The examination hall emptied in waves. Fifth years spilled into the courtyard with different faces. Some grinning, some blank, some already mourning their scores.
Aurelio and his friends stepped out together. Brielle's lips were set in a deep pout.
"Why would they ask me to draw the process of transpiration and how it affects photosynthesis?" she complained. "How am I supposed to know? I just wrote whatever came to mind." She sniffled dramatically.
Loredana shook her head. "After all your rant, guess who still comes out with an A plus."
Everyone laughed. Brielle's pout deepened.
"How was your exam?" Aurelio asked Ryan.
Ryan exhaled and the tension in his shoulders dropped. "Better than I expected."
"That's really good," Aurelio said, grinning. "Mine was good too."
"So no one will ask about mine just because I'm the only Art student?" Nicoletta asked, pressing a hand to her chest in mock hurt.
They all groaned, then laughed.
"For your information, it was fine," Nicoletta said, lifting her chin. "And I'm going to ace it."
"As always, babes," Brielle cheered.
Nicoletta's phone chimed. She glanced at it and sighed. "My dad's here. Gotta go. Bye, y'all." She waved and jogged toward the gates.
"Bye," they called after her.
"Were you able to talk to Caterina yesterday?" Brielle asked Ryan.
He shook his head. "Planning on doing that today."
"Don't forget to tell us what's going on with you boys," Brielle said. "Me and Loredana have somewhere to be. Bye, boys." She and Loredana waved and left, hips swaying, leaving perfume in their wake.
"So," Aurelio said to Ryan once they were alone, "let's find Caterina so you can apologize."
They headed for the fourth year wing.
Fourth Year Corridor
Rosanna was the last to leave her classroom. Miss Adeline had given her a copy of Caterina's address and the extra questionnaire. She clutched both papers to her chest and turned the corner ā and walked straight into Ryan's chest.
She stepped back, frown instant. The air went awkward and cold.
"Caterina isn't here for you to bully," Rosanna said before either of them could speak.
"We aren't here to bully her," Aurelio said quickly. "We just wanted to talk to her."
Rosanna's eyes narrowed. "Talk to her about what? And for your information, she didn't come to school today."
The boys stiffened.
"Any idea why?" Ryan asked. His voice was quieter than usual.
Rosanna blinked. Ryan asking about Caterina without venom was new. "No. I'm going to her house to find out." She moved to step around them. "If you'll excuse me."
"Can we come with you?" Ryan asked.
Rosanna froze mid-step. She turned slowly, like she wasn't sure she heard right. "Why all of a sudden? You of all people treated her like trash. You bullied her. You made her stay here miserable. Do you want to leave one last scar before you graduate? You've traumatized her enough. You want to add more?"
Ryan flinched. Aurelio looked down.
"Cat got your tongue?" Rosanna didn't stop. Her voice shook with anger. "What did she ever do to you? Is it because she's a scholarship student? Does that make you feel like a god? You're heartless, Ryan. Every day she lived in fear. Fear of the Golden Blings. The rulers of this school." She sucked in a breath and turned on Aurelio. "And you. I don't know your motive. Is this part of your scheme? Befriend her, use her, then break her?"
Silence. Thick and ugly. Guilt sat heavy on both boys' faces.
"Cowards," Rosanna spat. She turned to leave.
"I'm sorry," Ryan said.
The words were so soft Rosanna almost missed them. She stopped.
"I'm sorry I was mean to Caterina," he went on. His throat worked. "I'm sorry I made her a target. I'm sorry I made her life miserable. I know I was cruel and nothing I say will make it right." He hiccupped, forcing the tears back. "I am truly sorry, Rosanna."
Rosanna's anger cracked. She looked at Aurelio, tears in her own eyes now. "Got anything to say?"
Aurelio cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head. "I don't have an ulterior motive. I justā¦ I want to stop. The bullying. All of it. And I sort of like her."
Rosanna's mouth fell open. "You don't owe me an apology. You owe it to Caterina. And what did I just hear you say? You like my Caterina?"
Ryan studied his shoes. Aurelio gave a nervous half-smile.
Rosanna stared at them, then let out a breath that was part laugh, part disbelief. "So. Do we get to follow you to her place?" Aurelio asked, trying for playful.
Rosanna held his gaze for three seconds, then nodded. "I guess so. You're driving, because I was planning to take a cab. And you will tell me why you started bullying Caterina." She pointed at Aurelio.
He nodded, relieved. "Shall we?"
Thompson House
The house reeked of stale beer and something sour. Empty bottles lined the living room. Plates with crusted food sat on every surface. The curtains were drawn.
Thompson sat on the floor, back against the couch, unshaven, eyes red. He hadn't changed clothes since Monday night. Caterina's face ā shocked, betrayed ā played on loop in his head.
"I'm so sorry, Caterina," he whispered to the empty room. "I betrayed you. I've been the root of your problems."
A knock hit the door. He startled, then dragged himself up, holding his head. The hangover split his skull.
He opened the door and froze. Three students. Rosanna's face he recognized from school events. The two boys behind her were Golden Blings. His stomach dropped.
Ryan and Aurelio took in the house. The smell hit first. Then the sight of Thompson ā broken, reeking, eyes hollow.
"So this is where she lives," Ryan said quietly. The guilt was a stone in his gut.
"How is Caterina?" Rosanna demanded, pushing past Thompson.
Thompson's face crumpled. That was answer enough.
"Caterina? Caterina!" Rosanna called, moving through the living room. The boys followed, covering their noses.
No answer.
"She's not here," Thompson said. His voice was raw.
"What happened to my friend?" Rosanna's voice broke. "Tell me she's fine."
Silence. The kind that makes your ears ring.
"What happened?" Rosanna was crying now. "Someone say something. The boys tried to steady her, but they were frozen too. They needed to know.
"The mafians," Thompson mumbled.
"Mafians?" all three said at once.
Thompson covered his face and sobbed. "I'm sorry. Sheā¦ sheā¦ Iā"
"Go on," Aurelio said, his voice suddenly hard. "What happened with the mafia?"
Ryan said nothing. He couldn't. His chest was too tight.
"She was taken," Thompson choked out. "By the mafia. Because of me. My debt. I gave her to them."
Ryan's knees almost gave. Aurelio's fists clenched. Rosanna's sob tore out of her, loud and broken.
"Caterina," she wept. "No. No, no, no."
And Thompson could only cry harder, his words useless now. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
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