"Amazing. That was wonderful, Alice," Liliana said, still wide-eyed. "You really are a good actress what you did back here felt so real. I'm impressed! I actually picked up a few pointers because of you."
Alice let out a small laugh, almost shy.
"I'm glad I could help," she said, sitting upright. "Now, excuse me I need to find Kira. I really hope she's okay."
Alice's voice trailed off.
"That's what happened, Alicia." Alicia's eyes darkened. "Oooh, that little brat. She's exactly like Julia. "Who's Julia?" Alicia scoffed. "Just some manipulative witch from high school. Always stirring up drama for fun."
She grabbed Alice's hand gently. "Listen, darling, you don't need to do much. Just lay low at school for a bit. Trust me the truth always finds a way out." Alice frowned. "So you want me to sit back and do nothing?"
"Exactly," Alicia nodded. "Those who truly know you will defend you. Besides… was there actually a real victim? "Of course there was," Alice whispered. "Her name is Rachel."
Alicia's eyes widened. "Oh… shit. You're screwed." Alice covered her face in her palms, the weight of it all crashing down. "You see? That's why I can't show my face at school tomorrow. This is beyond embarrassing." Tears slipped between her fingers.
"Hey, hey—don't cry." Alicia pulled her close. "You're way stronger than this. Don't let this nonsense break you." Alice sniffled. "But Rachel she's just a quiet, sweet girl in second year. She doesn't deserve this."
"Then we make it right," Alicia said firmly. "Tomorrow, we're going to her house. We'll take a gift basket, apologize to her properly, and explain everything."Alice blinked. "Is that… really a good idea?"
"Trust me," Alicia said, rubbing her shoulder. "It's not just a good idea it's necessary. And tomorrow, we begin damage control."
Alice smiled faintly. "Thank you, Alicia. Seriously. What would I have done without you?"
"Awwwwn, I love you too, dummy."
Alice chuckled. "I promise, I'm naming my firstborn after you. "Oooh really? And is Japheth going to be the father?" Alicia smirked wickedly.
"Alicia…" Alice groaned through gritted teeth.
"Okay! Okay! Sorry!" Alicia giggled. "I was just teasing. But seriously spill. Is he handsome?"
"Alicia, get out of my room."
"What?! Already? That's so mean! Especially after I just saved your reputation." Alice shook her head, laughing. "Out."
"I'm not going anywhere, girl. Not until you start talking about that boy."
Alice threw a pillow at her.
Also," Alicia whispered with a grin, "can you please wipe the tomato off your face? Your blush is blinding me." Their giggles filled the quiet mansion like music in the dark.
Unbeknownst to them, Peter and his wife were fast asleep. But Leo?
Leo was wide awake lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. Every single giggle from Alice's room pierced through the silence like a nail through his temple. He clenched his jaw.
Knock knock—SLAM.
"Alice, I wanted you to—" Lisa froze.
What in the world are you doing here?!" she snapped, startled at the sight of Alicia curled beside her daughter.
Alice groaned, sitting up groggily. "Mom, ever heard of knocking? "Well, good morning to you too," Lisa said coldly, folding her arms. "Thank you for reminding me to polish my manners."
"I wasn't trying to be rude, I just—"
Oh, so now you're trying to teach your mother manners?" she interrupted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Don't get me wrong—" Alice tried.
"I'm not getting you wrong," Lisa cut in sharply. "But ever since this little trophy wife stepped foot in this house, you've lost all your respect for me."Mother!" Alice warned.
Lisa raised her voice. "I want you downstairs in five minutes. And while you're at it, tell the maids to clean up this disaster. Your room looks like a war zone!" With one last glare, she slammed the door behind her—BANG.
Alice flinched.
"My door's going to break if she does that a third time!" she yelled after her. Alicia just stretched and smirked. "Well… good morning to you, sunshine."