Chapter 5

Tanya’s POV

Feeling the weight of Monica's unexpected threat, I knew I had to find a new place fast. My days became a whirlwind of stress and uncertainty as I embarked on the journey of searching for a new hostel.

I wandered through the streets of Shadowclaw, scanning every "For Rent" sign and jotting down phone numbers. The weight of my backpack seemed heavier with each rejection, and the fear of being unwelcome lingered in the pit of my stomach.

At one point, I stumbled upon a hostel called Moonlight Haven. The name itself felt like a soothing balm for my troubled soul. I cautiously approached the reception, my nerves on edge.

The receptionist, a friendly woman with a warm smile, greeted me. "Looking for a place to stay?"

I nodded, "Yeah, just moved here, and things didn't work out at my previous hostel."

She handed me a brochure, "Moonlight Haven might be the perfect fit for you. We believe in creating a peaceful, welcoming environment."

The atmosphere at Moonlight Haven was noticeably different from my previous experience. As I toured the place, I overheard residents sharing stories and laughter. It felt like a community, a stark contrast to the tension I had left behind.

I hesitated, expressing my concerns to the receptionist. "I need a place where I can feel safe and at home. The last few days have been a nightmare."

She reassured me, "We prioritize a supportive environment here. Our residents respect each other's space and well-being."

I smiled at her and we went on to sign the contract as I made my down payment.

It's been four days since I got that threat from Monica and her groupies, safe to say I found a place within budget, a 20-minute walk to the university, and offers free WiFi as well. It’s the mini hostel called Moonlight Haven, a very weird name but who am I to complain? I have decided to move in tomorrow. I just hope I can cope with Monica for one more night.

The next day after packing up my things and preparing for the move, I decided to go get my laundry from the beat-up, crappy washing machine in the basement of the hostel. I reached into the machine and found nothing but the wet slick sides of the drum and like a bad joke- the worst pair of underwear I owned and a sock. There were only two machines and two dryers in the entire basement. Checking the rest I didn't find any of my missing clothing articles. This has never happened to me in my six weeks here.

“No”, I said out loud, I balanced myself on the edge of the washer to look down into the dark, partly rusted interior. It smelt like mold and cheap detergent. Nope, nothing was there. I was missing every piece of clothing I wore in the last two weeks. The very pieces that I didn't mind wearing, pieces that didn't scream “my mom shops for me”.

“No!!! Nooo!!! This can't be happening, how the hell did this happen?” I yelled into the washer, my words just echoed back to me, there was no miraculous answer, just silence.

I started panicking, I did have some other clothes but they were last-choice clothes. What should I do? I only had about 500 dollars left to last me for, well months. After buying yet another book for Professor Eugene Richard, who didn't seem to have figured out yet what subject he was teaching, and the eating out marathon I've been on, do not forget the rent I paid for Moonlight Haven which was behind my parent's backs. If I do decide to get new clothes I wouldn't have much left to sustain myself these coming months.

I suppose I could find some thrift clothes if I look around, ShadowClaw has more thrift stores than the entirety of Kentucky put together. Assuming I could find anything I could stand to wear. I should have expected this after I received the threat from Monica and her groupies last week.

I fell to the ground, dumped my backpack on the scratched linoleum, and put my head in my hands on top of my knees threatening to squish my boobs in this crouched position. My face felt hot and I was shaking, I was definitely about to cry. Cry like the baby they've been taunting me with for weeks. A big girl that still cries like a 15-year-old, yes that's who I'm becoming gradually.

“Don't cry Tanya, it's not worth it. They're not worth it” I repeated like a mantra while gulping deep, damp breaths. “ if you cry they'd hear it, so don’t”, I said willing myself not to bawl my eyes out. I couldn't call Mom and Dad for an extension at the moment, they already have enough bills to handle.

Looking up, I came face to face with a note pasted across the wall, “Dear freak, we found some trash in the machines and threw it down the chute. If you want it back, dive for it”

“Shit!!!” I breathed and had to blink back tears for an entirely different reason. Blind, stupid rage. Monica, I had guessed it but now I'm sure. “I'm gonna make you pay!!” I screamed while heading back to our room. There I found Monica casually lounging on her bed. I walked up to her and slapped her hard across the face. Monica stood up and it became a full-on catfight.

“You stupid little bitch! How dare you slap me? You’ll lose your fucking life today” Monica sneered. “Oh yeah, let's see about that” I retorted, grabbing a fist full of her hair as she grabbed mine.

A crowd had begun to form as onlookers were cheering and laughing, and before long her minions decided to show up. Janet and Lisa held both my hands at both sides allowing Monica to do as she pleased with me. “Oof,” I gasped as Monica punched me in the gut. She hit me three more times before I collapsed to the floor. While on the floor the three girls stomped on me repeatedly, breaking a rib or two.

When they were satisfied with the abuse, Monica crouched down and said “The only reason why you're not dead right now is because I promised you a week, if you're still here by tomorrow you'd better call your parents and tell them how much you loved them, freak”. After saying that she got up and left the room with her minions trailing right behind her. I lay on the floor wincing in pain for thirty minutes before I was able to stand up, retrieve my things, and head to Moonlight Haven.

“I need to get out of here quick before she comes back”, I mumbled before dragging my things to the school gate and hailing a cab. “Where to?” the driver asked as I settled in the back seat. “Moonlight haven, please” I replied respectfully.