17. Roses And Thorns

Anya's POV

“No, we need to teach her a lesson that she will not forget,” one girl, who had kept quiet all along, said as she stepped forward. As soon as she said this, my eyes settled on her, and I stood on alert, hoping they didn’t have the thought of physically hurting me, which I wouldn’t allow.

The girl took a few steps toward me, swaying her hips as she did. She stopped walking when she was merely an inch away from me; our gaze met, and her breath fanned my face. She smirked and abruptly shoved me.

Ariana and her minions broke out laughing as I fell to the floor and groaned. My ankle twisted, and I was hardly able to stand up.

My eyes became fuzzy, lumps formed in my throat, and I attempted to gulp down the painful lumps, which was impossible. I know I shouldn't show weakness, but I couldn't help myself with five of them ganging up on me.

My gaze was still fixed on the floor, tears pooling in my eyes, threatening to fall and liberate me from the rage and anguish I felt within, I