“Your actions are no different from a murderer!” Laurel added, “I genuinely thought that you got lost along the way! If Scarlett wasn’t rescued from the hole and got into harm’s way, would you have rejoiced over her injury?”
Tessa seemed to flinch in fear as everyone berated her endlessly. “How can you accuse me when you have no evidence? Are you pointing your fingers at me because of Nora’s claims? Can’t you think for yourself?” she rebuked fiercely.
“Alright, why don’t you explain yourself?” Nora challenged her.
“That night, I suggested seeking help after Scarlett fell into the pit. The plantation is huge! Besides, I was never good at directions. After I got lost in the wilderness, a heavy downpour began. When I returned to camp, I saw that you have returned. Due to my exhaustion, I decided to retire to my tent!” Tessa defended herself confidently.
Yet, Nora burst out in laughter upon hearing Tessa’s excuse. “Why don’t you tell me who brought Scarlett back?” she asked in a voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Who else could it be?” Tessa jolted in shock before she replied, “I heard your voice when I was in my tent. I missed the specifics of your return!”
Nora laughed humorlessly. “Earlier, you claimed that you saw us when you returned. Now, you are saying that you were in your tent when we arrived at camp and missed our arrival. Tessa, you are a hypocrite!”
“You…”
“Stop it!” I interjected, “It’s no longer important!”
“However, what do you think would have happened if Nora did not find Laurel and me? The mountain is prone to landslides. If something happens, we would have been in grave danger. Have you ever thought about the consequences of your actions?” I asked Tessa solemnly.
Tessa hung her head in shame as she remained silent.
“Tessa,” Tabitha called out, “I think it’s best if we stopped contacting each other. Although I do not understand your actions, I cannot befriend a person with such malicious intentions. Let’s pretend that we’ve never met! You should take good care of yourself!”
“Amongst friends, I understand that we should be forgiving. Yet, you’ve crossed the line this time. I’ve always regarded you highly! Today, I’ve finally realized your true colors!” Laurel added.
“Scarlett, you are using other people for your own sake again!” The mortification on Tessa’s face shifted into fury. “How disgusting!” Tessa said as she swept a resentful gaze over everyone.
“You must be proud of yourselves! However, I’m not the villain here! Instead, Scarlett is the one that you should be accusing! Look at her! She has remained silent the entire time whilst everyone speaks on behalf of her!” Tessa cackled.
I scowled at her remark. How annoying! She is distorting the truth to her advantage!
“Leave!” Nora ordered coldly, “This is your last warning! You should stick to your own lane and stop your antics! If you don’t, there’s no guarantee that I won’t lash out.”
“Do you think that I’m afraid of you? You are nothing without your family’s help! How pathetic!” Tessa scoffed haughtily.
After her last statement, she left the ward without another word.
Nora would have leaped to her feet in anger if it weren’t for Tabitha’s restraint.
After Tessa’s departure, the mood around the room seemed to drop. After all, we had all experienced the same hardships. Tessa’s betrayal left everyone emotional.
As Tabitha and Laurel had matters to attend to, they decided to leave the hospital. On the other hand, I chose to remain and keep Nora company.
“Where did Armond go?” Nora asked when she realized his absence.
“After you got into the accident, all projects in Lavelian Village have been put to halt. He must have a lot to deal with because of these continuous incidents. I don’t think he can visit you so often,” I told her.
“That’s true. He hasn’t slept a wink last night! In addition to his workload, he must be under tremendous pressure!” She nodded in agreement.
“You should nurse yourself to health before taking care of him,” I advised her with a gentle smile.
All of a sudden, Nora turned to me with a sly gleam in her eyes. “Armond told me that you moved in with Ashton? What happened last night? Did the two of you sleep together?” she teased cheekily.
This woman had such a dirty mind! “How can you think of such stuff all the time! Are things between you and Armond smooth sailing?” I replied.
The topic of their relationship seemed to put a damper on her bright mood. “Would you believe me if I said that we are platonic lovers?”
