“I feel somewhat better now,” Dunstan remarked, setting the glass aside.

With all the alcohol he drank, he won’t be feeling that way long, Angela thought, refraining from smirking.

“So, exactly what do you expect as repayment? Money? Clothes? Girly stuff?” Dunstan asked.

Angela, feigning cheerful innocence, replied, “Well, I did tell you I was going to wait until you were feeling better before I’d tell you…”

“I am feeling better. Come on, what do you want from me? Whatever it is, I’ll be happy to give it to you.”

“Oh, fine,” Angela replied. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper.

“What’s that?”

“What I expect as payment,” Angela responded, unfolding the paper and handing it over.

Dunstan slowly scanned the page, his drunken smile slowly fading from his face. Angela smirked slightly and thought, Bet that sobered him up fast. Dunstan looked up at her, seeking-- no, praying for-- a sign that this was a joke.

“I… I can’t do this,” Dunstan said slowly.

“And why not?”

“The legal issues, for one. I could be thrown into prison. And Charise--”

“Charise doesn’t need to know,” Angela interrupted.

“You can’t make me do any of this,” Dunstan argued.

“Oh, but I can,” Angela said calmly. “If you don’t, I can ruin your life, not to mention your family as a whole. A few words to the proper authorities, and you’ll be behind bars. I’m a lot more convincing than you’d think. I can make myself cry in mere seconds.” Instantly, her eyes filled with tears, as proof, and she said, “When Charise comes back here, I’ll pull off my clothes, and I will run into her arms. I‘ll tell her you did horrible things to me. Imagine the consequences, Dunstan. You‘ll be put away for a long, long time. Your father will likely disown you. Society frowns upon sick-minded people like yourself.”

“What, unless I provide this for you?”

“That’s right.”

“Who do you think you are?”

Angela’s eyes narrowed, and she replied calmly, “Karma for all the bad stuff you’ve done to people. And now, it’s time to pay the price.”


“You know,” Jade remarked, “you really do some stupid stuff.”

“What do you mean?” Mark asked.

“What you said to Graham.”

“I didn’t tell him anything he didn’t want to hear,” Mark replied with a smile.

Jade sighed and shook her head. “You know, if it had been anyone else who’d pulled a stunt like that, I probably would have chewed them a new one.”

“But not me.”

“Of course not.”

“Because of our great chemistry.”

Jade smirked and gave him a calm, level look. “Think whatever you want,” she said. “Personally, you remind me of oleander. Very nice-looking, but horrifically toxic.”

Mark chortled and responded, “If I’m oleander, then you’re Angel’s Trumpets.”

“How so?”

“Beautiful, intoxicating, but deadly.”

Jade shrugged and responded, “Perhaps.”

“Thus, why we’re well-suited for each other.”

“If we’re so well-suited for each other, then why is it that we’re incapable of an actual relationship together?” Jade shot back. “Oh, wait, it’s because someone got burned by a relationship in the past and is now afraid of it happening again. Look, Mark, the stuff I dealt with was probably a lot worse, and you know what? Rather than dwelling on it and letting it rule my life, I’ve chosen to move on.” She sighed and turned away from him. “You have a lot of growing up to do. Whether or not I choose to pursue a relationship with Graham, I expect you to support me, as a friend. And that means leaving him alone.”

“You’re a cruel woman.”

“You don’t mean that, and we both know it,” Jade replied, smiling. Mark smiled right back.


“Indeed, I am,” Angela responded with a smirk. “I am a cruel woman.”

“You won’t get away with this,” Dunstan growled.

“Of course I will,” Angela replied calmly. “Oh, I just heard a car door close. I think Charise is here.” Dunstan stared at her, a worried look on his face. “Oh, relax. I’m not going to do it… unless you make me think you’re going to be trouble.”

Dunstan, with great reluctance, bowed his head and sighed, “I’m not going to tell her. It’s a deal.”

“Smart choice,” Angela said, nodding.

Charise walked in, looking well-rested. Angela greeted her with a nod.

“How have things gone?” Charise asked.

“Wonderful,” Angela chirped. “I think Dunstan’s going to show marked improvement soon.”

“Really? That’s great!” Charise exclaimed. “Why do you think that?”


“No answer,” Ophelia sighed, shutting her phone. “She must not be answering.”

“I guess you can tell Angela the good news tomorrow at school,” Cy replied.

“Yeah, I guess. I just wonder what could be happening to keep her from answering. It’s only 7:30.”

“I’m sure she has her reasons.”

“True,” Ophelia replied, flopping onto the sofa, “but I’m just worried.”

“You don’t need to be worried,” Cy assured her. “I’m sure she’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself.”