Disguised As A Boy To Attend Belmont High School
Chapter 140: Hidden Agendas.

Chapter 140: Hidden Agendas.

Meanwhile, Jessica, Annabella, Peace, Rachel, and Henry were huddled in the dim light of Rachel’s dorm room, methodically wrapping small packages of drugs to be distributed to waiting customers. The faint hum of the overhead fan filled the room, but it did little to mask the tension hanging thick in the air. The mood was heavy with each person lost in their thoughts, too focused or perhaps too nervous to speak.

It was Peace who finally broke the silence, her voice hesitant but curious. "So... what’s next after we’re done wrapping these?" Her eyes darted between the others, clearly eager for reassurance. "Are we starting immediately?"

Jessica, ever the calculated leader, looked up from her work, her expression calm but sharp. "First things first," she began, pulling out a small, well-worn notebook. The leather cover was cracked from use, a testament to how seriously she took their little enterprise. "We need to establish clear roles."

The group exchanged uneasy glances as Jessica began assigning tasks. "Rachel and I will handle communication with the buyers. We know how to negotiate, and we’ll make sure we’re getting the best deals." She paused, eyeing each of them with a pointed look before continuing.

"Henry, you’ll assist me with distribution. You’re strong, and we need someone who can be quick and discreet. Annabella and I will manage the finances, I trust her with numbers. Peace," Jessica added, her tone softening slightly as she turned to her, "you’ll help Henry with deliveries. We need everyone to pull their weight."

The weight of Jessica’s words hung in the air. There was a hesitant round of nods from the group, but no one seemed entirely confident.

Sensing their apprehension, Jessica leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. "Trust me when I say this isn’t the first time I’m selling drugs. You’re not going to get caught."

The group shared a collective look, then nodded again, this time with a little more conviction. The night wore on as they worked in silence, packaging each deal with a mix of fear and anticipation. When they finally finished, it was late into the night. Exhausted, they quietly dispersed, returning to their dorms with thoughts racing about what the next day would bring.

__________

A sleek, black Maybach glided to a stop in front of Belmont High School, the polished exterior gleaming under the morning sun. The car doors opened, and Olive, Lara, Mark, and Aiden stepped out.

Immediately, a wave of murmurs swept through the students gathered outside, their eyes locking onto Aiden. Whispers rippled through the crowd, some not-so-subtle stares directed at his newly shaved head and the slumped, tired way he carried himself. His once vibrant energy seemed all but drained.

"Seriously?" Lara barked, her voice sharp as she turned to a group of girls gawking at them. "What? You’ve never seen anyone shave their head before? Or look a little rough after a long night?"

The group of girls quickly averted their eyes, but the whispers continued, buzzing like gnats around them. Lara let out a sigh, shaking her head. She turned back to their small group, her frustration evident.

"It was a bad idea to get that drunk last night," Lara muttered, rubbing her temples. "What are we supposed to tell the school management now? We look like we just rolled out of a dumpster."

"Mark caused this mess," Olive grumbled, glaring at Mark as she tugged at her white school shirt, now smeared with red wine stains. "I can’t believe I’m walking into school looking like this. I’m a complete disaster."

Mark raised his hands defensively. "I’m really sorry, okay? I thought we could handle a bottle of red wine. Who knew we’d end up finishing four? Besides, we don’t even smell like alcohol, we took showers before leaving the mansion."

"Easy for you to say," Olive huffed, rolling her eyes. "You’ve got a clean uniform, thanks to Aiden. Meanwhile, I’m stuck looking like a mess. I should have been the one in that fresh uniform, considering you caused all this."

Aiden chimed in. "I’m really sorry, Arthur. If I had another spare uniform, I would’ve given it to you. But I only had two, and the rest are in the 3RM special room. You’ll just have to change when you get back to the dorm."

Olive let out an exasperated sigh. "Yeah, whatever."

Mark, Interjected, his voice a matter of urgency. "Look, Aiden and I are going to talk to the principal about his illness. We’ll come up with a plan to manage his syllabus and treatment schedule. You two should head to your dorms and change. Let’s meet in the scholarship students’ cafeteria afterward."

With that, the group split up. Mark and Aiden made their way to the principal’s office, while Olive and Lara walked toward their dorms, the eyes of every student they passed still fixed on them.

_________

You look like a mess," Lucas said bluntly, though his expression quickly shifted from disdain to something more serious. "Where did you spend the night? A hotel? Mark’s place? Aiden’s house? Or maybe your parents’?"

"Is this some kind of interrogation?" Olive shot back, irritation flaring in her voice. She walked past Lucas toward her bed, rummaging through her travel bag in search of a clean school uniform.

"I care about you, Olive. I tried calling you last night, but you didn’t pick up. I called Mark and Lara, too, no one answered," Lucas continued, his frustration evident as he placed his hands on his hips.

"We were busy," Olive replied, exhaling sharply. "Busy taking care of Aiden."

"So you stayed at his place?" Lucas shook his head as though the realization settled some of his frustration. "You could’ve at least answered the phone. I was worried. What exactly is wrong with Aiden though? That got you guys spending the night at his place?"

Olive gave him a tired look, her patience thinning. "If you’re so concerned, why don’t you ask Aiden what’s wrong with him yourself?"

"I’m not doing that," Lucas snapped. "He’s a traitor, and I don’t care about traitors."

Olive let out a scoff, clearly fed up. "Fine. Do whatever you want, but stop asking me about him."

"I’m only asking because I don’t get why you all are fussing over him. You even spent the night at his place, what the heck?!" Lucas groaned, his frustration mounting.

"Can you just leave me alone, Lucas?" Olive’s voice was sharp, but she tried to maintain a calm expression. "I need to change so as to assist Aiden. It’s not like you’re not aware that he’s sick."

"Seriously? You care about Aiden but not me?" Lucas’ tone turned bitter. " I told you I was damned worried last night and you didn’t say anything about that. I’m sick too but you’re not concerned about me. My heart hurts but you’re always like this,Olive. You care about everyone else, Mark, Lara, Jessica, and now Aiden but I’m always the one left out."

Olive felt her headache worsen. "Please. I don’t have time for this right now. Just leave!"

"Yeah, you’ve always been like that." With one last glare, Lucas stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

__________

Meanwhile, Mark and Aiden had finished their meeting with the principal and were now seated at the scholarship students’ cafeteria sipping on their drinks. Shortly after, Lara and Olive joined them, placing their trays of food and drinks on the table.

"So, how did it go?" Olive asked, her expression filled with concern.

"Everything’s set," Mark said with a smile. "We explained everything to the principal and asked her not to tell Lucas about Aiden’s condition since, you know, Clara is Lucas’ sister. We worked out a timetable that balances Aiden’s schoolwork with his treatments. It’s all under control now."

"And we’re not getting punished," Aiden added. "The principal knows we spent the night at my place to help with a few things."

"Good!" Olive exhaled in relief. "But ugh, I still have such a bad hangover. My head is spinning."

"Me too!" Lara said, taking a big gulp of her yoghurt. "This is supposed to help with that."

Suddenly, Jessica approached, tapping Aiden on his bald head with a grin. "Oh my goodness, look at that shiny dome!" she teased, laughing along with the others. She then sat down on an empty chair as well as Annabella, Peace, Rachel, and Henry.

"What’s the occasion? Why are you all in the scholarship students’ cafeteria?" Lara asked, her eyebrows raised up in curiousity.

Henry spoke up first, his gaze directed at Olive and Lara. "Sorry I’ve been distant. I needed some time to sort through my emotions."

"It’s okay," Olive and Lara both assured him with a shake of their heads.

"Are you feeling better now though?" Aiden asked, a soft smile on his face.

"I am, thanks," Henry replied before Annabella leaned in, her voice filled with concern.

"Heard you were sick, Aiden. I’m so sorry to hear that. How are you feeling now?"

"Thanks and I’m feeling better now," Aiden nodded. "And I heard about what happened at Louise’s party, the whole video thing. I hope you’re handling it okay?"

"Uhmm... We’re ha...,"

Jessica cut in quickly before Annabella could answer. "We’ll handle it just fine."

"Glad to hear," Aiden smiled.

"But seriously, why did you shave your hair?" Racheal chimed in, her hands folded over her chest.

Aiden laughed lightly. "Just felt like a change, I guess."

Ping!

As Aiden’s phone pinged in his pocket, he pulled it out only to see a message from Louise.

I’ve received my balance. It was nice doing business with you!