Chapter 5

That same night, Selena’s room was quiet, but Lily wasn’t. She sat on the bed, knees pulled to her chest, small hands clutching the blanket, eyes wide and trembling. The muffled thump of music and laughter from downstairs made her flinch with every beat. She leaned against the wall, hugging herself tightly, her tiny shoulders shaking.

Selena crouched beside her, brushing a loose strand of hair from her forehead. “It’s okay, sweetie… I’m right here,” she whispered softly. She wrapped her arms around Lily’s small shoulders, pressing gently. Lily leaned into her, burying her face against Selena’s arm, trembling but trusting.

Selena picked up a pair of headphones and carefully placed them over Lily’s ears. Soft music filled her little world, and slowly, her fingers unclenched the blanket, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction. She gave Selena’s hand a tiny squeeze her silent way of saying thank you.

“You see?” Selena said quietly. “Nothing’s going to happen to you. I’ve got you. You’re safe.” She brushed Lily’s hair gently, watching her calm slightly, before giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Now just rest, alright? I’ll handle things downstairs.” Lily nodded slightly, still silent, still afraid, but trusting Selena enough to stay put.

Selena stood, took a deep breath, and stepped into the hallway. The music downstairs throbbed against her chest. Her heart raced—not just with anger at the chaos, but with fear for Lily.

She pushed open the door to the living room. The party was chaos incarnate: music blasting, people spilling drinks, laughter cutting through the air, and Ryan standing at the center, smug and untouchable.

Selena took a careful step forward, weaving between guests, shoving a few into the pool carelessly. Drinks spilled, people shouted, but she ignored them. Her eyes locked on Ryan.

“Selena! I’d offer you a beer, but you’re on the clock!” Ryan called, smirking as he spotted her.

“You’re getting absolutely pissed,” Selena said, tone sharp, frustration and determination mixed in. “And if your dad sees this…”

“He’d probably fire the irresponsible nanny,” Ryan replied lazily, pointing at her.

Selena’s jaw tightened. “Lily is scared, your house is a mess, and your dad’s coming home early. Shut this down, Ryan. Please.”

Ryan’s grin widened, dark and teasing. “Quit the job, and the party ends,” he said smoothly.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. “You want this party to end?” she shot back, stepping closer.

“Easy. Just say two words: ‘I QUIT.’”

Selena’s eyes narrowed. “How about these two words?”

“Fuck off!” she yelled, loud enough for the nearby guests to glance over.

Ryan’s eyes roamed her, dark amusement flickering. Why do I think she’s hot even yelling at me? he thought, jaw tightening. I should hate her.

“I’m going to enjoy my party,” he said, walking past her. “When you’re ready to quit, come find me. Until then, leave me the fuck alone—I don’t want you killing my vibe.”

Selena clenched her fists, chest heaving.

Then Ella and Lucas spotted her.

“Why’s Selena Hart here? She knows everyone hates her,” Ella hissed.

“Maybe she’s trying to get with Ryan,” Lucas added, smirking.

“This is a party for the most popular people at school,” Ella spat. “Clearly, she’s forgotten her place at Westview. Let’s remind her.”

They stalked toward her, predatorily, their grins chilling.

“Hey, Selena,” Ella called, venom in every word. “What are you doing at Ryan’s party?”

Selena tilted her head, smirked. “Trying to give all the guys erectile dysfunction,” she shot back, eyes locked on hers.

Lucas laughed. “Harsh, Ella. I’d still fuck her… just put a bag on her head.”

“You’d fuck anything, Lucas,” Ella snapped.

Selena’s lips curled into a small, dangerous smile. “Your insults don’t bother me anymore. I know you’re just insecure. You’re trying so hard, and Ryan still hasn’t noticed you.”

Ella’s face turned crimson. “You bitch!”

Before anyone could react, Ella lunged, grabbing Selena’s blouse and yanking it hard.

“Ella! Give that back! My...my bra!” Selena shouted, fear and humiliation flooding her voice.

“Oh, I’ll help cover you…” Ella mocked, but instead, she ripped the cloth and flung it into the pool. Gasps rippled through the party.

“Go fetch,” Ella commanded, shoving Selena violently.

Selena hit the water with a loud splash, arms flailing frantically. Panic surged like fire through her chest. I can’t swim! she thought, splashing, gasping for air.

“Help! Help!” she screamed, coughing as water filled her mouth and nose.

“Swimming is easy,” Ella taunted from the edge. “Just use your arms!”

Lucas laughed, pointing at floating drinks. “Or maybe those will keep you afloat!”

Selena’s lungs burned, panic rising with every second. Her vision blurred, heart pounding. She thrashed desperately, fighting for air.

“Someone help!” she yelled again.

“No one wants to be associated with the teacher fucker!” Ella called, laughing cruelly.

Selena gasped, sputtering, her strength fading fast. The pool seemed to close in, her arms trembling.

Then, through the chaos, Ryan’s voice cut sharply across the noise.

“Where is she?!”

The crowd froze. His eyes scanned the pool, sharp and wild. And then he saw her Selena, flailing, gasping, struggling to stay afloat.

“Selena!” he shouted.