"Kiss?" Mark echoed.

"Kiss?" Catherine burst out, jumping to her feet. "You kissed him?"

Sophia spun towards us, furious. "What the hell, Catherine? You've been spying on us this whole time?"

"If I hadn't followed you, would I even know you two kissed?" Catherine screamed. "How dare you kiss him, Sophia?"

"I kissed him?" Sophia let out a short, almost mocking laugh. "Please, Catherine. You just can't stand the fact that we kissed each other."

Catherine's face twisted with fury. Before any of us could react, she lunged forward, fingers tangling in Sophia's hair.

"Say that again," Catherine snarled as they struggled against each other.

Matthew and I rushed toward them, but we didn't make it in time. Mark shoved himself between them, forcing them apart.

"That's enough!" he shouted. His gaze swept over us, sharp with anger. "You should all be ashamed, listening in on private conversation." His eyes lingered on Matthew. "And you, of all people. I expected better from you."

Without another word, he grabbed Sophia's hand and pulled her away.

Catherine stood frozen, watching them disappear hand in hand. Then her strength gave out. Tears spilled freely as she sank to the ground.

"Did they really kiss?" She whispered, her voice breaking as she looked up at Matthew.

"I... I don't know," Matthew admitted.

She collapsed fully then, sobs shaking her shoulders. I knelt beside her, wrapping my arms around her as she cried.

"They mean more to each other than we thought," Catherine said between tears. "They have to be together."

"No," I said gently. "You heard him. He said he doesn't feel that way about her."

"Then what about the kiss?" Catherine asked, her voice raw. "Doesn't that mean something?"

I had no answer, because she was right. People don't kiss without feeling something, or at least, that's what I had always believed.

Meanwhile, Mark and Sophia walked in silence, trees closing in around them.

Mark sighed, letting go of Sophia's hand. "Sophia...about what you said back there, you shouldn't have. You just made things worse. They'll misunderstand everything now."

"Misunderstand?" She repeated. "I didn't know they were spying on us. And besides, I didn't lie about the kiss."

Mark turned to her, frustration etched on his face. "But it wasn't a kiss, Sophia. Our lips brushed, by accident. The space was tight, that's all. I barely even remember it, I'm surprised you do."

"You forgot about it?" Sophia asked, tears filling her eyes. "So tell me, after all these years we've been together... did any of it ever mean anything to you?"

Mark looked at her, feeling sorry for her. "I told you already, you're someone I care deeply about. A friend. But Sophia... there has never been anything romantic in my heart for you," he said, carefully stepping closer.

Sophia retreated instead, shaking her head as a bitter laugh escaped her. "A friend?" she repeated, tears leaking out. "You've played the hero in my life more times than I can count. We've spent days together, shared everything. We know each other inside out. You've built something with me, protected me, stood by me, even risked your life!"

Her voice trembled but she didn't stop. "When you found out I was taking advantage of how devoted you were to me in the ninth grade, you stopped talking to me. It broke me. And yet.... even then, you still came to my rescue. When my family was in trouble, you were there again."

She wiped her eyes. "After all that, you're telling me I'm just a friend? Why would you do all those things if you've never felt anything for me?"

Mark hesitated, "Sophia I.... I'm sorry. This is my fault. I never stopped to think what my actions towards you would cause."

Sophia stepped closer, searching his face. "Have you truly never felt anything for me? Not even once?"

"I'm sorry, Sophia," Mark repeated.

A bitter laugh escaped her. "You liar! You must be lying, no one risks their life for someone who means nothing to them."

"There's a reason," Mark said after a pause. "And I think you deserve to know it."

Sophia crossed her arms. "I'm all ears."

He drew a slow breath. "You're right, no one goes through such lengths without something driving them. It all started in our fourth grade, I came into the class and I saw a hairpin on you, it wasn't just familiar.... Sophia, it was unmistakable. That hairpin was one of a kind. It had been specially made for my Mom. There's no way anyone else should have had it."

"A hairpin?" Sophia repeated, trying to recall. "And that's supposed to explain why you've spent years protecting me?"

"Do you remember how you got it?" Mark asked.

Sophia tried to recall.

"You might not remember, but I can remind you," Mark continued. "My Mom gave you that hairpin. She did it because of your kind words to her. You don't know this, but you gave her hope when she had almost given up. Even though the illness still claimed her life, Sophia....you made her want to keep going, even if only for a while."

He paused, as if recalling the beautiful memories with his Mom back then. "When I saw the spark in her eyes, I wanted to thank you. I really did. But you ran off before I could. I was standing far away, so I didn't get a clear look at your face. Then years later, in fourth grade, I saw that hairpin again."

Sophia's eyes widened in disbelief, she stepped backwards and gave a mocking smile. "So you've been protecting me all these years just because of a hairpin?"

Mark shook his head and moved closer, "Not because of a hairpin. Because of your kindness to my Mom... don't you remember?"

Tears fell from Sophia's eyes, even as she laughed softly in disbelief, shaking her head again and again.

"Sophia...." Mark said, taking another step toward her.

"Don't you dare come any closer!" she shouted. "So none of it was ever real...."

"I'm sorry I led you to believe otherwise, it was never my intention Sophia...." Mark said, his voice heavy with regret.

Sophia, feeling so disheartened, ran off.

"Sophia!" Mark called after her, but she didn't turn back. He was left, standing there feeling regretful.

After staying with Catherine for a while, I recalled Ms. Nelly words on extra points that awaited the first three groups, we needed those points. We didn't have much time left, and wandering aimlessly through the arboretum would only waste what little time we had left. If we wanted to find the slippery elm, we had to think smarter.

"Matthew," I called.

He looked up. "Huh?"

"There was a map at the entrance of the arboretum, right?" I asked.

Matthew thought for a moment. "I think there should."

"What do you have in mind?" Catherine asked.

"I'm going to find the slippery elm," I said firmly. "No way I'm letting Sophia's drama ruin our chances."

"But how do you plan to find it on your own?" Catherine asked.

"With the map," I replied. "It'll save time."

"Even if you do find it, our group is a mess. How will we get everyone back together?" Catherine asked.

"It doesn't matter right now," I said. "I'll find the tree first, we'll figure out the rest later. I'm sure they'll come back soon anyways."

I glanced around. "We don't have much time left, I have to go."

Catherine sighed. "At least be careful."

"Matthew, I'll leave Catherine to you. Watch over her for me," I said.

"I will," Matthew promised. "Be careful."

"I'll be back soon," I said, slipping away.

I ran back towards the entrance of the arboretum, scanning the areas until I spotted a large signpost, dividing the grounds into sections. I hurried closer, there was conifers, deciduous grove, water plants.... and moist woodland. I recalled, slippery elm thrived in moist areas with damp soil. It should be here, Moist woodland it is.

I headed in that direction, scanning the surroundings. Trees towered above, leaves rustling in the breeze, voices of other students echoed through the woods, each one sounding dangerously close to success. I picked up my pace, hoping I wasn't already late.

As I walked, the air grew damper. Moss crept up tree trunks. A wooden sign caught my attention. "Moist woodland- Elm, oak, maple."

Slippery elm was a species of elms, it should be here. I looked around the area, students were already inspecting trees nearby, notebooks in hand. They had to be close. And yet... no one had found it.

Each tree had a small label attached to it. That should have made things easy, so why hadn't anyone found it.

I stepped over to one tree, Quercus alba. The next one read, Quercus rubra.

Botanical names I realized. "Then what's that of slippery elm?" I thought for a moment.

"It was... something Ulmus?" I muttered. "Ulmus what? Come on, Lucy."

Then I spotted a tall tree with rough bark, "slippery elm? Could it be?"

I moved closer, running my fingers along the bark, it felt different. I looked around for its label, and my foot slipped. I grabbed the tree, my heart racing as I steadied myself. My gaze dropped behind me, and I froze.

A ditch lay a short distance away, deep and dark. One wrong step and I would have fallen right in. The soil was wet and muddy, so I had to be careful.

"That was close," I muttered. "Way too close."

I stepped back carefully, then I saw it, the label, fixed to the side of the tree. It read, Ulmus rubra?

"Ulmus rubra! This is it, finally." I said out loud.

I reached out, and carefully began to peel a small strip of bark to take as proof.

Suddenly, a shove sent me tumbling. I landed with a splash into the muddy ditch. Water splattered, my face was covered with dirt and mud.

"Who pushed me?" I thought. I wiped my eyes and looked up, barely seeing a thing. The mud had gotten into my eyes.

"Who's there?" I shouted. "This isn't funny." No one responded.

"Hello?" I called out again, but no one responded. "Please don't leave me here."

Silence answered me. I could only hear the buzz of flies and the high whine of mosquitoes around me. Then I felt something move beneath the surface of the musky water.

"This isn't safe at all. There could be anything inside here," I thought.

"You've had your fun now," I called out. "It's not funny anymore. Please.... help me out." Still, no one responded.

Soon, the distant sound of students slowly faded until they were completely gone.

"Can anyone hear me?" I cried out. "Somebody, I'm over here! Please don't leave me here."

The woods were now silent. I was left with the sounds of birds chirping above, insects humming, and frogs croaking somewhere nearby.

"This...this can't be happening," I whispered, frightened.

I couldn't see a thing, mud had gotten into my eyes. I blinked repeatedly, swiping at my eyes again. The mud wouldn't come off completely, but my vision cleared a little. I grabbed onto an exposed root along the edge of the ditch and tried to pull myself up. But the mud was slippery, I slid back down with a sharp cry. "Ouch!"

I felt immense pain in my hand, the root must have pierced it.

"How do I get out of here?" I thought, suddenly realizing how dreadful my situation was.

I was stuck.

Months Earlier......

"You lazy piece of trash!" An angry voice shouted and my eyes flew wide open.

For a moment I was confused, had I really heard that or I was imagining things now. And if I

was, you can't blame me, it's just morning and I'm so exhausted.

"I've been calling out to you Lucy! Are you deaf or something?"

Catherine's voice rang out again.

It was then I realized I wasn't hearing things. But why was she sounding so furious, "had

anything got wrong already? Isn't it just too early?" I thought to myself.

"Hey I'm talking to you, can't you hear me?" Catherine shouted again.

While I turned to look at her, I felt rage boiling inside of me.

"Alright then, even if something has gone wrong, can't I fix it? Do you need to torture me this early? What's all these about anyway?" I asked. So many questions but not a word came out of

my mouth.

But then I finally spoke, "I can hear you loud and clear. What seems to be the problem."

"What seems to be the problem, you're the problem. You can't just do anything right, can you Lucy? You just want to ruin my birthday party so you would be happy" Catherine blurted out.

But just as she was finishing that statement, something snapped inside me and I flared up.

"What do you want from me Catherine? I'm doing everything you asked of me. I'm trying my

best and if this isn't enough for you, then you might as well take a knife and put me out of my

misery. You hear me?"

Catherine responded with a menacing tone. "How dare you raise your voice at me! You've gotten awfully brave, haven't you?"

She attempted to hit me but I caught her arm instantly and threw it away, shoving her

backwards. Catherine stumbled and fell to the floor, crying out in shock and pain. I stood there,

a feeling of triumph welling up inside me as I saw her in tears.

"I should have done that earlier," I said out loud.

You're probably curious why standing up to Catherine feels so empowering. I'll share the story behind it, let me take you back to the day before. But first, I want to tell you a bit about myself.

Here is goes. You see that cheerful sounds of a family's laughter echoing throughout the house, family spending time together, a joyful moment it is. Laying on your bed, wrapped around by your parents arms as they probably sing you to sleep. It's where we can feel safe, loved, find

solace. Knowing that they are there to protect you from darkness in the world. Isn't that what

every child deserve?

I once had that, but now, such a life Is just mere fantasy for me.

At a young age, the happy life I knew was snatched away from me by a tragic incident. Looking back to it now, it only feels more like a dream than a memory. The reality I faced, is marked with deep emptiness that seemed impossible to overcome.

I am Lucy, a young maid, who has nothing but hardship and a life of daily insults and ridicule. My parents died when I was only a child, leaving me to fend for myself in a cruel and unforgiving world. But despite the pain and suffering I can only endure hoping for better days, if there would be.

I clung to the memory of my parents' life of kindness and love, the short time I remember spending with them. They appreciated the world around them though they were poor, that's how I remember them. They were shot dead during a riot in the neighborhood when I was about two years old. It was said that so many lives were lost that day. They had gone out to spend time together, leaving me with Sharon, a family friend. No one saw the tragic end coming. It's been years now, I barely have any memory of them left. The ones I have, seem to feel like a dream instead of a memory now.

After their passing, Sharon took care of me as her own. She nurtured and cared for me with so much love. I know you're wondering, why I'm a maid right?

Well, not long after my parents passing, a woman named Veronica came to get the debt my parents owed her. Since my parents had no valuable possessions, and Sharon had no way of paying off the debt, Veronica asked for me as a compensation.

Sharon had pleaded with her but she refused to have it any other way. Sharon was only given the privilege to extend her time with me until I was six. On my sixth birthday, I was torn apart

from Sharon.

That was nine years ago, and I'm almost fifteen now. Since then, my life has been nothing but torment under the care of Veronica's family. They made my life a living hell, treating me like their personal servant. Except for Veronica's husband though, he was the only one nice to me.

Though Sharon still visits, it's only once a year, my birthday precisely. So, I suppose you could say I'm the Cinderella of this story, trapped in a nightmare with no way out.

Most times, I wonder if I was lucky or unlucky not to have died with my parents, but Sharon would always tell me to be grateful for life. Now tell me, what's there to be grateful about?

Anyways, I've learned to appreciate even the smallest moments of joy, like the eight hours I spend in school every weekday. It was a sanctuary. And a day with Sharon, a haven. Those moments were the only ways I got to escape the bleakness of my reality.

But not until recently, I've been told that I'd be moving to Catherine's school the next session.

Catherine is Veronica's only child, she's just a month older than me. My friends really envied me, but only I know that what they saw as a blessing, is nothing but a nightmare. I loved my school and was content with it, despite it was a public school. I know it's nothing compared to Catherine's elite private school for the rich, but where do I stand in such a school?

Sadly, I have no say. My heart sank, when I heard the news from Veronica a week before our long break. I knew it was because of the exam we'd have to take at the end of our senior year, Veronica just wants me to be of help for her daughter. But Catherine was just the worst, she would always find ways to torment me, no matter the situation. The thought of spending my days in school with her, has given me nightmares for weeks and as school resumption fast approaching, sleep has completely left me. Catherine was someone who went miles to cause me pain if I don't do what she wants. I can only tell the worst days are ahead...

The day before....

"Lucy? Lucy? Lucy?" Catherine angry voice called out to me repeatedly.

I hurried to the dining room where she was, "Yes Catherine, I answered."

"I really don't have to call you repeatedly before you answer Lucy. Do you want me to strain my voice before my birthday party?" Catherine said.

"I'm sorry, I'd be quicker next time." I said.

"My birthday invitations came late this year and it's just so annoying. Do me favor and send one to Mark's house this morning, you can send the rest later. I know they'd still come no matter how late it gets to them. But make sure you send it today." Catherine passed her instructions.

"Where on earth do invitations arrive the day before an event. My birthday is tomorrow, how frustrating. You need to get someone more reliable next year, I can't imagine this happening on my sixteenth birthday." Catherine continued, letting out her frustration.

"Did you hear me?" Catherine asked, with a serious look.

"Yes I did. I'd look for someone more efficient before then." I said.

"Well then, don't just stand there. Get going would you?" Catherine said.

"Sure, I'd go right away." I said, leaving immediately.

As I rode my bike to Mark's house, I witnessed a scene of three boys harassing a girl who walked by. I slowed down to hear them properly. They said mean things to her and I felt enraged. When I was a little distant from them, I turned around to watch the scene. It was something I couldn't bare to watch. I was already used to being belittled and made fun of, but watching it done to someone else, I felt angry about it. Sadly, there's just nothing I can do about it. I just continued my journey. But as I turned around to get going, one of the boys suddenly turned towards me, his eyes sparkled like diamonds. He just glared at me, and gave a faint smile. The way he looked, I just knew he was the leader of the group. And it wasn't the first time I had seen him and some boys in the same act. Just because they are rich or look good doesn't give them the right to belittle others. I quickly turned around and left before I become their next target. I already had enough problems to deal with.

When I arrived at Mark's house, his mother received the invitation from me. It was no surprise as Mark never attended any of Catherine's birthday parties before, but she never stops sending him an invitation every year. I had seen his entire family, mother, father, younger brother but I never Mark himself.

One of them always received the invitation from me on his behalf but never him. I couldn't help but wonder if he deliberately did that. There was a time Mark's friend, Matthew received the invitation. Oh Matthew, he was truly a beauty to behold.

Matthew never gets invited to Catherine's birthday parties but he always showed up. And then he gets thrown out. I have never spoken to him personally before, so he didn't know me. But on Catherine's thirteenth birthday, I spoke to him for the first time personally when he received Mark's invitation from me. My heart skipped a beat and I felt my face flushed red. I remembered how he showed up with Mark's invitation and got ridicled by Catherine and her mean friends. I felt so sorry for Matthew, he really seemed nice and kind boy, not like the rude boys I passed by earlier.

After delivering Mark's invitation, I decided to deliver the rest. I had snuck out without permission, and if Veronica found out, I'd be in trouble. I never forgot a time when Catherine had me run an errand for her and didn't want her mother to find out, so I couldn't ask for permission before leaving. When I got caught, Catherine denied it, leaving me to face the consequences alot. That day was one of the most unforgettable days, Veronica left me with a scar that linger in my memory. So I remember it clearly.

After delivering All the invitations, I arrived at the last house on my list, Emma's house. She was Catherine's best friend, I often wonder which one of them was more cruel. I always kept Emma's invitation last because she always has a humiliating surprise for me. As I entered the gate, I saw her sitting in front of her house. I approached her prepared for what was coming.

"Hey Emma, here's your invitation for Catherine's birthday party," I said, handing her the invitation.

Emma stretched her to take it from me, only to let it drop. I bent down to pick it up only for her to pour the glass of juice she was drinking on me.

"Emma, you!" I said in anger, raising quickly.

"What?" Emma said, "You've never tasted something this nice before, you might as well get the chance to know what it smells like, don't you think?" Emma said with a wicked grin.

"Why do you have to be so mean? Can't I ever come here without you doing something humiliating to me?" I asked.

"No, but I'm surprised you can now talk back." Emma said, "let's see how brave you are."

"What do you mean?" I asked, wondering what she was up to.

She called out to her dog laying behind her, "Chelsea chase!"

I dropped the invitation and quickly ran out of the gate, closing it behind me before the dog could catch up. But just as I flew right through the gate, I bumped into someone.

I quickly apologized, "I'm so sorry." Then look up to see it was Matthew.

"Oh Lucy, it's you," Matthew said with a smile

I froze, admiring his charming appearance, forgetting I was covered with juice.

"Are you okay? What happened to you?" Matthew asked.

From the disturbing looks on his face, I quickly remembered the juice. "Oh no" I thought, quickly looking away.

"I just came to deliver Catherine's invitation to Emma but I'd be going now," I said trying to leave.

Matthew held my bike, asking, "No invitation for me this time too?"

"No, you didn't get one," I said riding off quickly to avoid feeling more embarrassed

I wondered why every boy in Catherine's class always gets invited to her birthday party but only Matthew wasn't.

I didn't know why, but it seemed like all the guys in Catherine's class got invitations except Matthew.

"Why did Matthew have to see me like that?" I thought, as I rode away. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed and sad.

Thankfully, Veronica wasn't home when I arrived. As I headed to my room to clean up, I ran into Catherine, who burst into laughter when she saw me. I knew Emma must have already told her about the prank. Catherine's cruelty was matched only by Emma's.

I tried to brush her off and head to my room, but she stopped me. "Why are you walking away? I have a question for you," Catherine said.

I turned to her, wondering what she wanted. "Did Mark receive my invitation?" she asked.

"His mother received it from me," I replied.

Catherine's smile grew wider as she pulled out her phone. "I see."

"Emma really got you good today. I think I should capture the moment," she said, aiming to take a picture of me covered in juice.

I quickly ran to my room, locking the door behind me. Catherine's laughter echoed as she went downstairs. I leaned against the door, squatting down, and wrapped my arms around my legs.

"Those two are just so evil, what did I do to deserve this?" I thought.

I buried my face in my body and cried, feeling overwhelmed. I was used to their cruel behavior, but seeing Matthew after being humiliated by Emma was a different story. What would he think of me now that we'd be attending the same school?

After a while, I composed myself and headed to the bathroom to clean up.