IT GETS RISKY

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Bernice and Tiffany meet at the canteen on Sunday morning. Tiffany is Bernice's best friend and partner in crime. They have done so many despicable things together and what ties them to each other is the love for crime. As they drink their coffee they talk in low tones.

“Tiffany! Just tell me what I am going to do about Scarface because I am losing it.” Bernice seethes in cold rage. She's holding her cup so tightly as if in an attempt to crush it.

“Who is Scarface?” Tiffany asks indifferently.

Bernice looks at her in disbelief, wondering whether Tiffany has just landed from outer space. Scarface is a girl who is fast gaining popularity among the students and teaching fraternity, with almost everyone talking about her. Mostly, they talk about how goodhearted she is and her dislike for controversy. Just the other day the school administration was thinking about giving her some leadership position and they quietly interviewed some students regarding the same. Bernice knows this because one of the senior lecturers told her about it as they made out in some sneaky apartment in town. So it's very surprising to Bernice that Tiffany doesn't know who Scarface is.

“Are you asking me this question to annoy me or are you just plain stupid?” Bernice is almost raising her voice.

“Well, I'll not pretend. I don't know anyone by that name. You can insult me all you want but that's not what friends do.” Tiffany says calmly.

“What about Alicia Waters? Do you know anyone by that name?” Bernice whispers. Tiffany's eyes brighten up.

“Yes of course Bernice. That girl with a scar on her..... Wait a minute, is that where you got the name? And how the hell did you expect me to join the dots you evil brat?”

“Why are you in college if you can't crack a simple puzzle Tiffany? Anyway, back to my original question, what are we going to do about her?”

“I still don't understand Bernice.” Tiffany has a puzzled look on her face. “Why do we have to do anything about someone who is so busy minding her business? If everyone minded their own business like Alicia Waters, this college would be great”

Bernice clicks in disgust. Great indeed. Why does she attract foolish company, she wonders. However, she quickly cools down because she knows that only Tiffany can help her with this. She is the only person who can do evil and keep quiet about it.

“Look, if we don't tame this ugly Scarface, if nothing is done about her growing popularity, then we are going to have a problem. I am going to suffer most Tiffany.”

“What do you mean by ‘we’?”

“If I suffer, if I go down, we go together. Remember all the things we have done together? I'll expose you. I also know so many of your secrets and I am so willing to tell on you if you don't help me Tiffany.”

“You tell on me I tell on you Bernice.”

“You know nothing about me Tiffany.”

“I have a video footage of you slipping a pill into our lecturer's beer. The one you are sleeping with. I know what you did to his girlfriend, she was beaten senseless by some goons. What you don't know is that the three goons are my friends and they reported to me. So don't think you can tell on me when I know so much more about you Bernice.”

They have since stopped talking in low tones and now they stare at each other menacingly, each taking stock of their sins and the potential damage that may occur if someone tells on them. Bernice breaks the silence.

“Hahahaha. This is indeed why we are friends. We are birds of the same feather, that's why we flock together. Now, relax. Maybe I should have framed it as a request Tiffany. Forgive me.”

Tiffany takes a sip of her coffee.

“Anything. But never threaten me again Bernice. I'd be careful if I were you.”

“Well, I am so sorry. Now, are we good Tiffany?”

“Yeah. Now, tell me what your Scarface has done and how I can help you.”

“Without much ado, I want those same goons you have in your pockets to teach her a lesson. I have my eyes on Alpha Drake and I feel threatened by this girl. If Drake sees her, he will not let her go. Even if she isn't her mate, she has the qualities he is looking for. If only she could disappear.”

“But you are not Drake's mate? What will you do to have him?” Tiffany asks.

“You leave that to me. Right now, get me those goons. Let them inflict serious dents on her such that Alpha Drake will not like her when she eventually goes to him because I suspect that is what she is up to. Let her disappear from the scene for about two weeks to nurse her wounds. When she resurfaces, I will already have Drake in my pockets just the way you have your goons.” Bernice says with a wink. They are now back to talking in low tones.

“That will cost you of course. This is because unlike in the lecturer's girl, you are not directly involved with the goons, I'll handle it. I'll get you a price tomorrow Bernice.”

“No problem. I'll get the lecturer pay for me. What are good friends for?”

“You are a criminal Bernice. Do you know that?”

“As if you are any better Tiffany. Let's get outta here. The coffee has gone cold anyway.”

They move out of the canteen slowly, innocent looking college students who can't hurt a fly.

The target of their plans knows nothing about this meeting. Soon she will be in deep trouble.