It was Wednesday, the designated day for charity activities as part of the High Society prep. Clary, Stasi, and Kayetana, along with their consorts, were thrown together for the chosen charity of the week. The atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and duty as they gathered at the event.
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As they worked, helping to organize supplies and coordinate volunteers, they noticed Thalita standing at a distance. She looked visibly uncomfortable and gestured subtly for Kayetana and Stasi to meet up.
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Clary, who had been avoiding her two friends since the Valentine formal and their uncomfortable conversation at the prep meeting for the High Society gala, decided to approach them. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. Unlike the previous weeks, she was in high spirits and ready to reconnect with her friends, stating that she missed them and wanted to work things out.
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"Hey, guys," Clary said, a tentative smile on her face as she walked up to Stasi and Kayetana. "I've been thinking a lot, and I miss you both. I want us to work things out."
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Stasi and Kayetana exchanged surprised glances, but they could see the sincerity in Clary's eyes. Despite the lack of an apology for her harsh words to Kayetana, they decided to accept her olive branch.
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"We miss you too, Clary," Stasi said, giving her a warm hug. "Let's put the past behind us."
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"Yeah, we're glad you're doing better. And, I’ve also been thinking, how about we do a sleepover on Friday after the fundraiser? We could head to the weekend retreat together the next morning, a nice bonding sess for us?" Kayetana added, smiling.
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“Bonding sess,” Clary said, placing her hand over her chest, feeling honoured at Kayetana’s progress into girlhood. “Who are you and what have you done to the pessimistic little stone?”
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Kayetana rolled her eyes playfully. “Don’t push it.”
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Clary's heart lifted as she felt the warmth of their acceptance. "Thank you. I really appreciate you guys."
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They continued working together, the ease and familiarity of their friendship slowly returning. They organized boxes of donated clothes, set up tables for the food drive, and chatted about their plans for the weekend retreat. Laughter and light-hearted banter filled the air, and for a moment, everything felt normal again.
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As they were sorting through some items, Clary noticed a group of volunteers from Lake View and made a backhanded comment. "I don't know why they let the Lake View kids volunteer here. They could steal some of the items since they are, you know, poor."
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Stasi and Kayetana shared an intense glance, both thinking of ways to get away from Clary to meet up with Thalita. They knew Clary's judgmental nature would complicate things if she found out about their secret business. In the midst of their silent exchange, Kaye's eyes met Jae's across the room. The fleeting eye contact was charged with unresolved tension and unspoken words. Kaye quickly looked away, but the moment lingered in her thoughts.
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Just then, an elderly volunteer approached them. "Excuse me, could one of you young ladies help me with the boxes over there?"
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Kayetana seized the opportunity. "Of course! Clary, why don't you go ahead and help? You're so good at organizing."
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Clary gave a reluctant nod. "Alright, I'll handle it."
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As Clary walked away, Stasi and Kayetana quickly made their way over to Thalita, who was waiting nervously near a secluded corner of the charity event. She glanced around to make sure no one was watching before speaking in a low voice.
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Thalita took a deep breath, her eyes darting around anxiously. "I got the floorplan for the orphanage," she whispered. "I can no longer help you. This is how far I’m willing to go. I'm sorry."
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Distress filled Thalita's face, her hands trembling slightly as she handed over the floorplan. Stasi and Kayetana felt a wave of agitation wash over them.
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"What do you mean you can't help us anymore?" Stasi asked, her voice edged with worry.
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Thalita shook her head, her eyes filled with fear. "It's too dangerous. I've already risked too much. If anyone finds out what I've done, it could ruin everything for me. I'm truly sorry, but this is where I have to draw the line."
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Kayetana's mind raced with questions, but she could see the genuine terror in Thalita's eyes. "We understand, Thalita. Thank you for everything you've done. We'll take it from here."
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Thalita gave them a grateful but shaky smile. "Be careful, both of you. I hope you find what you're looking for."
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With that, Thalita left the centre, not being able to stand one more second in the company of those from the high society. Stasi and Kayetana watched her go, their minds filled with the weight of what lay ahead.
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They hurried back to Clary, who was none the wiser about their secret meeting. As they resumed their work, Kayetana and Stasi couldn't shake the feeling that their world was about to change dramatically.
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Liv and her consort, Eric King, were assigned to a different charity event for the day, working at a community garden project aimed at providing fresh produce for local shelters. The crisp morning air was filled with the scent of freshly turned earth and blooming flowers, but Liv's mind was elsewhere.
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Eric, who had a well-established crush on Liv, was thrilled to be spending the day with her. His cheerful demeanour was infectious, and he chatted animatedly as they worked side by side, planting seedlings and watering the garden beds. Liv appreciated Eric's company, but her heart was heavy with thoughts of Wiley, whose recent distance had strained their once close friendship.
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As they worked, Wiley arrived with Auden. The sight of Wiley sent a jolt through Liv, and she tried to focus on her task, avoiding eye contact. Wiley, too, seemed to be avoiding her, and the tension between them was palpable. Auden, ever perceptive, noticed the strain and exchanged a concerned glance with Wiley.
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Aaron and Lizzie joined them, ready to lend a hand. Aaron's easy-going nature and Lizzie's organizational skills made them a great team, but even they couldn't ignore the awkwardness in the air. Even though they had called a truce with Wiley, it was clear from both sides that their friendship was still very uncomfortable, with Aaron being the only one to find common ground with Wiley.
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Eric, oblivious to the underlying tension, continued to chat with Liv. "So, Liv, are you excited about the weekend retreat? It's supposed to be amazing."
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Liv forced a smile, trying to keep her mind off Wiley. "Yeah, it should be fun. I'm looking forward to it."
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Auden, sensing the need to break the ice, approached Liv. "Hey, Liv, need any help over here?"
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Liv glanced up, grateful for the distraction. "Sure, Auden. Thanks."
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As Auden joined Liv and Eric, Wiley found himself working next to Aaron. Aaron tried to lighten the mood. "So, Wiley, any big plans for the weekend? Did you guys work things out yet?"
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Wiley shrugged, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. "Not really. Just going with the flow, I guess." Wiley stopped what he was doing and sat down fully on the ground next to the patch they were gardening. “Can I confide in you? I know I was a bit of a dick to you guys even though it was Kat that sent that video, but ever since that night, I’m not sure I want to rekindle things with her anymore.”
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Aaron was a bit relieved at this statement, knowing he had forced Auden to approach Wiley in the first place. He wasn’t aware of her true feelings that grew despite her betrayal toward Wiley. He took the moment to amend his former actions and set things right. “To be honest man, you guys were kind of random. I’ve known her for a long time but you’re my bro. I totally get it man, do what you need to do for you and never feel bad about that.”
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Wiley nodded, “I guess it’s time we have that conversation. I feel like I’m stringing her along and I don’t want to hurt her.”
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Aaron went back to planting the tree, “And what about Liv?”
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Wiley shot a look of shock at Aaron. He had avoided Liv not because he was still upset with her, but for the way he treated her when the scandal broke out. The harsh words he said to her. “I’m sorry for how I treated her.”
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Aaron loved his sister dearly, to him she was a gentle, caring soul. He knew her emotions were easily hidden, but he knew she felt immensely deep for those she cares for. “She’s my sister and I appreciate you apologizing, but it’s not me who needs to hear it. She was the first person you met here, and I think for her, it hits a bit harder when it comes to losing the people she cares about. I know she talks to you about our mom. Ever since, it’s hard for her to open up and let people in, which makes losing you, even harder for her.”
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Wiley was surprised that Aaron even acknowledged that he had a mother. Aaron was most guarded with his emotions, but it didn’t change the fact that he was speaking the truth. Wiley was afraid that Liv would think he completely abandoned her, especially since he was the one to take her to visit her mother, to confide in and provide the solidarity that she was always desperate to find.
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Lizzie, always in tune with the group's dynamics, couldn't help but notice the tension between Liv and Wiley. She was always very inconsiderate and bold with her remarks, not thinking before she did or said anything. Noticing the tension, Lizzie decided to interject, her voice cutting through the air like a knife.
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"You two need to get over whatever this is," she said bluntly, pointing between Liv and Wiley. "We're supposed to be working together, not avoiding each other like the plague."
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Liv's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and Wiley shifted uncomfortably. Aaron spoke up. "Lizzie, this isn't the time or place," Liv said quietly, glancing around at the other volunteers who were starting to notice the commotion.
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Lizzie rolled her eyes. "Fine, whatever. Just saying, it's getting old."
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Auden, sensing the need to diffuse the situation, stepped in. "Hey, Lizzie, why don't you cut it out at least this time, it’s clearly not the time or place."
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Lizzie huffed not taking the hint. “Well, there’s no need to be jealous Auden, I’m just saying if it weren’t for Liv, we would probably not know Wiley at all. If you were here this summer, you’d understand.”
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Eric shifted uncomfortably; he had always been a bystander looking in from the sidelines. He was a bit envious of Wiley’s sudden acceptance into the elite crew, it was one thing to be apart of the high society but another to be invited into the intimate circles of the elite. Now, he could see what he hadn’t for the longest time, what her friends failed to recognise. She was visibly upset and tried to suppress the tears causing her whole face to turn red. She stook up, turned away and walked towards the parking lot, in desperate need to get away from the tension her sister was making even worse.
“Can’t you just learn when to shut up for once in your life.” Aaron warned Lizzie with a stern glance. Her inability to show empathy for others was starting to become a dreadful consequence for enabling her behaviour for all these years.
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He wanted to go after his sister, but Wiley stopped him, deeming this the opportunity to set things right, to restore the balance once more. Auden was fuming with jealousy as she saw Wiley so desperate to rekindle his relationship with Liv first, knowing they too hadn’t talked about anything, even though she had tried so hard to hold his attention. Aaron shifted her a look and she looked away quickly, going back to planting the flowers she was busy with.
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Aaron stood up, knelt down next to her and leaned in closer. “What the hell was that? Please don’t tell me you’ve fallen for him.” He muttered under his breath, his voice coated with warning. “Don’t forget how the two of you came to be, it’s over now. Let it go.”
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Auden shot an intense look up at Aaron, challenging his authority. “If you’ve ever allowed yourself to get close to someone, you’d get it but since you’ve never even dated anyone, you wouldn’t understand.”
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“Well, I remember how close we were.” Auden hated being reminded of it, desperately wanting their secret illicit affair, to remain that. They were only ever physical, and it reminded her of her most vulnerable time in her life. Aaron Cuthbert was someone she would regret for the rest of her life.
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Auden clenched her teeth, her hands gripping the spade tightly. “I get it, okay. Now lower your voice and go back to planting your stupid trees.” she hissed under her breath. She didn't need to be reminded of their past or his harsh judgments.
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Aaron smirked satisfied with himself, but it didn’t change the fact that Auden’s words cut him more than he wanted. He knew his inability to fall for anyone, to let anyone in, stemmed from his own trauma of his mother abandoning them, leaving him to fend for himself and his sisters. Angry, he stood up and returned to his work, leaving Auden to wrestle with her thoughts.
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Meanwhile, Liv hurried to the parking lot, needing to escape the tension. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. She was going through all the emotions for the past weeks, loosing Wiley, betraying him further and the looming threat of her mother’s safety now that her father intended on staying in Bloomfield for good. She didn’t know what it meant for them, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to go back to see her mother since her father installed the cameras. She leaned against her car, closing her eyes for a moment to collect herself. The sound of footsteps approaching made her open her eyes, and she was surprised to see Wiley standing there.
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"Liv," Wiley began, his voice soft and sincere. "Can we talk?"
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Liv looked at him, her heart pounding. He was the last person she expected to see, unable to find her voice, she nodded.
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Wiley took a step closer, his expression filled with regret. "I need to apologize for how I treated you. I was angry and hurt, but that's no excuse for the things I said. I'm really sorry for it all, specially making you feel like a terrible person and for what I said at the diner. I’m so ashamed of myself for second guessing any of you but most importantly, for hurting you the most.”
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Liv's pushed her tears back, she was finally able to breathe again, even just for a brief second. She said coldly, "It’s okay, you don’t have to apologise."
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Wiley reached out, gently taking her hand. "I don't want us to be like this, Liv and I believe that I do owe you an apology, no man should ever talk to you that way. Can we try to fix things between us? Please?"
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Liv nodded, uncomfortable shifting not knowing what to do with all of this. "I do miss you a lot." She pouted and muttered under her breath, but he heard her clearly.
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It was the bright smile spread across Wiley’s face that made her knees weak, he stepped in closer, trapping her between the car and himself. He pulled her in and hugged her. The closeness made her even more weak, her heart fluttered, and she felt like a completely melted fool in the arms of the only boy she ever felt such intense feeling towards. Wiley’s phone buzzed uncontrollably, he steps away from Liv and checks his notifications.
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“I need to see you tonight.” -Thalita
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“Meet me at the diner after closing time.”-Thalita
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“It’s urgent! I need your help.”-Thalita
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Back at the food drive, Stasi and Kayetana worked uncomfortably, knowing that when night falls, they might be setting out for their most dangerous investigation since starting their vigilante acts. This night would be crucial and Kayetana couldn’t shake the terror in Thalita’s eyes; she knew whatever it was could only bring demise. As they packed the last boxes of donated goods and cleaned up the remaining mess, their minds were already racing with the plans and precautions needed for the night ahead. The air was thick with unspoken tension, each aware of the gravity of their situation.
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