CHAPTER 272: 272-A TALK ABOUT ORIANA

Clementine:

"Don’t you think you’re overreacting?" Haiden said, doubling down on his statement.

"You were the one who introduced her to us. And honestly, after her father passed away, I think she really needs a friend. Her squadmates aren’t around, and it seems like she really, really likes you," Troy added, making me secretly clench my fists behind my back.

"Well, it doesn’t matter, because she doesn’t like any of you," the moment I said that, I watched the three of them step back slightly in confusion, frowns visible on their faces.

"What makes you say that?" Troy asked, his eyes lingering on Oriana, who stood at the edge of the passage, watching us talk about her. I bet she understood that we were having a conversation about her.

"She told me herself back in the North. She was trying to convince me to cut ties with all of you and befriend her so it would just be the two of us, keeping each other as a priority. She asked me why I trusted all of you, even after everything you had done to bully me during the earlier stages of our stay in the North," I finally let it out, telling them everything I knew and about her being bullied as well.

"Shhe was never bullied. I had a conversation with her squadmate, they were confused. She lied, and she continues to lie about everything. She even tried to come between us, trying to steal me from you guys," I tried explaining, watching them study my face in silence.

I noticed Oriana starting to follow us. I guessed she was a little anxious, but halfway through, she stopped and began acting like she was only stretching.

She rubbed her neck, her stomach, and her arms, as if she were cold. I guessed she was just curious and wanted to listen to our conversation.

At this point, I didn’t want to drag them away to continue this conversation someplace alone because if she was going to join, I would gladly remind her that I wasn’t lying.

"She did say all those things. And if you don’t remember, Troy, she even closed the door on you," I hissed, watching the other two look at Troy.

"Honestly, we men don’t really care about this kind of drama," Finally, Haiden began to speak, but it wasn’t what I expected.

It didn’t even seem like they were bothered by the fact that she tried to create a division between us. That was the part that hurt me the most.

"What about you two? Do you think the same?" I turned to Troy and Yorick after being disappointed with Haiden.

"I mean, Clementine, it’s nothing. She’s going through a lot. Her father passed away. And I guess she was talking to you about all this stuff believing you’d keep it to yourself. I don’t think it’s right for you to share it with us, especially if she said those things out of fear and sadness." Troy shook his head, his tone low and disappointed.

But I was the one who felt truly disappointed in them.

I turned to Yorick next. He had the same pout and disappointed look as the others.

"Think about it, Clementine. She’s lost the only family she had. And it’s not just that, she’s certain he was murdered. I think she really needs us right now. And sure, we’ll talk to her about the things she lied about. But come on, that’s just how she is. She lies because she wants attention. And she’s our friend. Don’t friends overlook each other’s mistakes?" Yorick continued, making me stare at their faces in disbelief.

What happened to them? How did they get so attached to her so quickly?

"I mean, you forgave us for bullying you. We lied too when we were doing that. So let’s not put her on trial, especially when she’s suffering this much. Let’s just see her as our friend and actually be one to her," Haiden added, his tone firm but calm.

At that point, I felt like I was the one being judged. I had already said everything I needed to say about her. Now it was up to them to believe me, or not.

And it seemed like they chose not to.

I didn’t know what the right reaction could have been. I could argue, but that would only make me look bad.

On paper, she was doing everything right now. She was apologetic. She would apologize in front of them whenever they called her out.

She even apologized to Troy for locking the door.

I felt like there was nothing I could do.

"Guys," a soft voice called out. It was Oriana, trying to catch our attention.

"What is that?" she asked, pointing toward something in the distance.

We shared a quick glance before walking toward where her finger was pointing. As we reached the area, we saw several dug-up holes being filled roughly. And it hit me.

"What is it? Do you guys know anything about it?" Oriana asked.

Despite knowing the answer, I decided to stay silent and talk to my squadmates later, when she wasn’t around.

But I guess it was already too late. They had built their trust in her.

"I think the ringleaders are digging up these places to look for Bodhi’s diary," Troy said, even though he knew I didn’t want to talk about it in front of Oriana.

"Right. Remember, Clementine gave them a little bait, and they took it. It means they’re scared of some truth coming out," Haiden added.

At that point, I was so annoyed.

"Guys, what the hell?" I raised my voice and stomped my foot. They turned to me, eyebrows raised.

I knew I had made a mistake. I shouldn’t have done that. It was wrong of me to get loud when they had already spoken in front of her.

"Can I please have a moment with you?" Yorick asked softly as he touched my elbow, leading me away.

We stopped a few feet from the others. I could still see them. Oriana had her arms wrapped around her stomach, her shoulders slouched, looking defeated.

The others stood in silence, watching us but saying nothing.

"What’s going on with you, Clementine?" Yorick asked.

"Why are you guys talking in front of her?" I asked quietly.

"Because we’ve already talked about this before, even in front of her," Yorick explained.

"Remember when she came from her pack and was introduced to our room? She said they’re watching us in the North. Remember that conversation? Please, Clementine, you’re better than this. This kind of jealousy doesn’t suit you. You’re not only hurting her, you’re hurting us too. You’re making us feel like we’re doing something wrong."

His tone was soft, but his words stayed with me.