Page 164 of Unspoken Truths

Ignacio:

Even with the headmaster on our side, that’s probably a good idea.

Elijah:

Did you at least get a photo? I can’t believe I missed this.

Sending them photos,I’m glad our chat is encrypted. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be doing this.

Jared:

Is anyone else pissed off that she’s still gorgeous bald?

Sighing,I realize he’s right. Fuck me.

* * *

RACHELLE

Pushing myself up to a sitting position, I gasp in a breath, water dripping off my face at a pace that I’m unsure if it’s toilet water or tears. I feel disgusting, there’s loose hair all over my face and clothes, in the toilet and floor.

Leave it to Theo to ruin a decent day. Even though I hate my classes, and I’m constantly pushed around, I’ve been trying to enjoy school. What’s really fucked up is how much I enjoy learning.

The Kings are trying to take all of that from me.

My entire body is shaking as I force myself to my feet, immediately falling down again. I can hear the running of feet in the hallway, and it’s embarrassing to admit that I whimper.

“Just leave me alone,” I wail, on my knees because I simply don’t have the strength to get up.

“Rachelle!” Lili hisses, making me sag against the stall, trying my best to dry my face with my jacket shoulder. Unfortunately, it’s also wet.

“In here!” I call out, deciding I’m not too good to crawl out.

Nacio and Lili burst into the bathroom as I make my way out of the stall, jaws dropping as they see me. Nacio is the first to move toward me as I burst into tears.

“He took my hair,” I wail as he scoops me up into his arms.

“The bastard sent a photo to our group chat,” he whispers, kissing my bald head. “Don’t look at the mirror just yet, alright? I want to finish what he started, only so it’s even. We’ll make it work,nena.You’re gorgeous with or without hair, and it’ll grow back. Lili, can you grab your car and pull it up to the side entrance we came through? Let’s get her out of here.”

Tears run down Lili’s face as she nods.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispers, turning and opening the door to the restroom as she leaves.

“Why is she sorry?” I rasp, my throat hurting. I swear, we all need to stop meeting this way.

“Headmaster Cooper kicked everyone out of the school when he saw Lili looking for you,” he murmurs, moving backward until he can grab paper towels.

Wetting them, he cleans my face off. It immediately begins to feel better somehow, the cool water helping.

“The doors all automatically lock, as you know, so neither of us could get back in. We went around and I jimmied the lock. I knew to start looking inside the restrooms because of his text,” Nacio explains. “I don’t know how he managed not to cut you, Rachelle.”

“He forced me to sit very still, but cut most of it off with scissors after he shoved my head in the toilet,” I sigh, resting my head on his chest. I know I’m getting him wet. I doubt he cares at this point. “I think this was a game for him to remove all of my hair without spilling a drop of blood.”

Nacio pulls more paper towels, gently drying my face before throwing them out with a sigh.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” he murmurs. “I also think it may be time to discuss some homeschool options.”

I’m struck dumb by his words as he opens the door, striding for the side exit he talked about.

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