Sins Of Her Venom
Chapter 37: Her Name

Chapter 37: Her Name

-Glyndon Walton: (Song of the Chapter: Favourite by Isabel LaRosa)

It has been week, and today is the day we’re heading to France. I guess I should be excited, but all I feel is this weird mix of anticipation and dread.

Right now, I’m standing in my room, watching Clara pack my bags like she always does, her voice a constant stream of instructions.

"You need to be careful, Glyndon," she said, folding one of my shirts neatly and placing it in the suitcase. "Text me when you get there. Don’t forget to check your belongings, and for the love of God, don’t trust anyone with your wallet. Oh, and make sure your passport—"

Her words turned into background noise as I zoned out, my thoughts drifting to the last encounter I had with Kathrine on her bike.

Her body against mine.

The way she held herself so confidently. The feeling of my arms around her tiny waist. I shook my head, trying to push the memory away, but it stuck like glue.

My parents weren’t around, as usual. I hadn’t seen them for a month now.

They were always off somewhere, living their lives, so it wasn’t surprising that they weren’t here to see me off.

I sent them a quick text last night, letting them know I was going to France today. Of course, they already knew because the school had reached out to every parent to get approval for the trip.

They’d said yes without hesitation—probably because Alex was going, and if my boyfriend was going, then obviously I was allowed to go too.

Once Clara zipped up my suitcase, I headed downstairs. My driver was already waiting at the door, and after a quick goodbye to Clara, I climbed into the car.

The drive to school was uneventful, and I spent most of it staring out the window, trying not to think about the trip or Kathrine or anything at all.

When we arrived at school, the scene was chaotic. Four School buses lined the parking lot, parents crowded around their kids, and teachers were busy organizing the luggage.

Each student was allowed only one suitcase and a small bag, so I’d packed light—well, Clara had.

My driver got out, grabbed my suitcase from the trunk, and handed it to the teacher in charge of collecting it.

I made my way toward the group of students gathered around the teachers, dodging parents and kids hugging goodbye.

The energy was electric—students chattering excitedly, some saying tearful goodbyes, others just eager to get on the buses.

I slipped into the crowd, blending in as best as I could. My eyes scanned the group, and my stomach tightened when I caught sight of her—Kathrine.

She stood a few feet away with her biker friends, leaning casually against one of the buses, her expression unreadable.

I looked away quickly and focused on the teachers giving instructions. This was going to be a long trip.

"Hey, hello, everyone! Keep it down and listen up!" one of the teachers called out, their voice rising above the chaos of the gathered students.

The chatter died down a little, though a few whispers lingered before they too faded under the teacher’s stern gaze.

"Now, listen carefully. We’re going to board the buses soon. Girls will be assigned to two buses, and the boys will be on the other two. Make sure you stick to your groups and follow instructions so we can keep everything running smoothly."

Before the teacher could continue, Alex’s voice cut through the crowd. "I wanna be with my girlfriend," he complained loudly. "Why are we even splitting?"

The teacher turned to him, arms crossed and a firm look on their face. "That is the school’s policy," they replied. "Boys alone, girls alone. No exceptions. Now, please respect the rules and get in your assigned group."

Alex rolled his eyes dramatically, muttering something under his breath before walking over to me.

Without asking, he slung an arm around my shoulder and hugged me close.

His body was firm, his hold tight, but for some reason, the contact sent a wave of discomfort through me.

My stomach churned, and I couldn’t help but cringe inwardly. Still, I forced a smile, trying to keep up the appearance of being the doting girlfriend.

Then he leaned in and kissed me. I stood still, my muscles stiff as his lips pressed against mine.

My mind screamed at me to pull away, but instead, I stayed frozen, the weight of his arm still draped over me.

That’s when my gaze caught her—Kathrine. She stood a few feet away, surrounded by her new friends, looking effortlessly cool as they laughed and joked around her.

But she wasn’t paying attention to them. No, her piercing eyes were fixed on me.

Her stare was intense, burning into me like she could see right through every fake smile, every forced laugh. I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

Heat rushed through my body under her gaze, spreading across my skin and settling low in my stomach.

For a moment, the teacher’s voice, the noisy students, Alex’s presence—all of it became background noise. It was just me and Kathrine’s gaze, holding me captive.

"Alright, students, to your buses!" the teacher’s voice broke through the spell.

I blinked, suddenly aware of Alex pulling back from the kiss and giving me a smug grin, oblivious to my distracted state.

"See you later, babe," he said before heading off to join the other boys. I barely nodded, my mind still spinning.

The girls and boys were separated as instructed, and we began boarding our buses.

I climbed onto the bus with my backpack, took a seat near the window, and stared out as the school buses began moving, heading toward the airport.

-

Everything at the airport passed in a blur—security checks, passport control, boarding. Before I knew it, we were in the sky.

I sat sandwiched between two girls I didn’t know.

The plane was buzzing with energy—students scattered everywhere, chatting, laughing, and snapping pictures.

The teachers were seated toward the front, keeping a watchful eye on everyone.

As for Kathrine? I had no idea where she was.

I leaned back in my seat, letting the hum of the plane’s engine settle my nerves, but then I heard Alex’s voice calling my name.

Reluctantly, I stood up and walked toward his seat.

"Come closer," he whispered when I reached him. I leaned in, curious, and he tilted his head, smirking. His warm breath tickled my ear as he said, "Hey, do you wanna go to the bathroom together?"

I froze, staring at him in disbelief. I knew exactly what he wanted. Any "good girlfriend" would feel flattered, excited even. I should have smiled, giggled, and said yes.

But the thought of it made my stomach churn. The idea of being alone with him in the cramped space, of what he expected, felt wrong. It felt... off.

I mustered a small, apologetic smile. "I’m really tired, Alex," I said softly. "Maybe on the way back?"

To my surprise, he nodded, his face softening. "Okay, babe," he said, brushing his fingers against my hand. "Rest up."

He kissed me lightly before I turned and made my way toward the bathroom.

Inside, I splashed cold water on my face, letting it drip down my skin. My reflection stared back at me, bare-faced and tired.

I wiped off my makeup with a tissue, though I didn’t need to. I wasn’t planning to return to Alex right away.

Instead, I stepped out of the bathroom and glanced down the narrow aisle. That’s when I saw her again—Kathrine.

She was sitting a few rows back, leaning slightly against the window with two girls by her side.

One of them was resting her head on Kathrine’s shoulder, laughing at something she’d said.

The other had her hand resting casually on Kathrine’s arm, clearly comfortable with the closeness.

The sight alone sent a surge of heat through me—anger, frustration.

My blood boiled at how effortlessly they touched her, how easily they laughed with her.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

Why was I so angry? It wasn’t like I cared. Kathrine’s was nothing to me—just the school’s resident lesbian, someone I couldn’t stand.

So why did seeing her like that bother me so much?

I turned sharply, storming back to my seat. Sliding into place, I crossed my arms and stared out the window, trying to calm my racing heart.

——

And here we are, in Paris. The school had arranged for us to stay at the Hotel.

It was grand enough to accommodate our large group, with elegant interiors and a prime location in the heart of the city.

Even though it was technically for students, it was clear that the school wasn’t sparing any expense.

The buses came to a stop in front of the hotel, and we filed out, gathering in the courtyard as the teachers ushered us into groups.

The head teacher clapped his hands, gaining everyone’s attention. "Alright, everyone! Keep it down and listen up!"

The students slowly quieted as the teacher continued. "We’re going to split you into groups for the duration of this trip. Fifty percent of the girls and fifty percent of the boys will be mixed in pairs for the rooms. I want the first half of the girls on the right and the first half of the boys with them. The rest of you, stay to the left."

There was a shuffle as the students split up, murmurs and whispers echoing in the cool Parisian air.

Two teachers approached, each carrying large bowls filled with folded slips of paper.

The head teacher raised his voice again. "Inside these bowls are names. Girls, take from the bowl on the right. Boys, take from the bowl on the left. The name you pick will be your roommate for the trip. Unfold it, and once you know your roommate, pair up and find them."

I watched as the bowls were passed around. Some girls laughed as they unfolded their papers, relieved to find a friend’s name.

Others groaned when they got someone unfamiliar or someone they didn’t particularly like.

On the boys’ side, similar reactions echoed—cheers, complaints, and confusion as they called out names.

When the bowl reached me, I reached in and pulled out a slip of paper. My hands trembled slightly as I unfolded it.

And then I saw it.

Her name.

Kathrine.

The letters blurred for a moment as my pulse quickened.

Heat pooled in my chest, spreading through my body. Fear, guilt, excitement so much fear of myself—all of it surged in me at once, suffocating and electrifying.

Why her? Out of all the students, why her?

I am so screwed... Literally...