Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Claire's eyes lit up the moment she heard it was Mandy's birthday. "Let me help you celebrate with her tomorrow," she suggested eagerly. "Oh-and today, Mandy should have a birthday treat. Why don't we pick her up from school this evening and take her out for a special dinner?"

May nodded in agreement. "That sounds lovely."

She picked up her phone. "I'll text Mandy right now."

***

At that very moment, Mandy was sprawled out on her dorm bed, bored out of her mind.

Ugh, seriously-

How had she managed to end up in bed with Liam? One minute he was just an attractive guy; the next, she'd completely lost her head. No matter how good- looking he was, there was no excuse for her to go wild like that!

Just the memory of last night-her, clinging to Liam and drunkenly making a scene-made her want to crawl under the covers and disappear.

Her phone chimed with a message.

Mandy glanced at the screen. It was from Claire.

[Hey Mandy, after your classes tonight, May and I will come pick you up.]

Claire and her mom were picking her up? Out of the blue? Mandy frowned, uncertainty twisting in her chest.

Don't tell me they're taking me to the Fosters' place. No way-what if I run into Liam? That would be mortifying.

Mandy: [Where are we going? What for?]

Claire: [Out to dinner-a birthday meal.]

Mandy: [Birthday meal? Claire, didn't you just have your birthday?]

Reading Mandy's reply, Claire couldn't help but laugh, turning to May. "Look at this-Mandy's so busy with schoolwork, she's forgotten her own birthday."

May looked at the text and chuckled too. "She's a lot like you-always so focused on her studies. She's a good kid, really; never gives me any trouble."

Claire nodded, wholeheartedly agreeing. Mandy was bright, kind, and hardworking-ever since she'd gotten into Cresthaven Institute of Technology, she'd earned a scholarship every year.

All Claire wanted was for Mandy to be happy. Still, she hoped Mandy wouldn't be too gentle and naïve, or she might end up being taken advantage of, just like Claire once was.

Claire: [Silly girl, tomorrow's your birthday did you forget?]

Mandy stared at her phone, speechless.

She had actually forgotten.

Celebrating with Claire sounded wonderful, so she replied without hesitation: [Great, see you tonight!]

That little interruption instantly lifted her mood, pushing all thoughts of last night- and of sleeping with Liam-out of her mind.

So what if she'd slept with a gay guy? It wasn't the end of the world. Besides, it's

not like she was the only one acting crazy last night-Liam had been even wilder than she was.

Honestly, her back was still sore.

The way she saw it, neither of them had gotten the better deal. If anything, she figured she was being generous not to complain about his whole mess.

But as soon as she thought about that "mess," Mandy suddenly felt gross all over, like she needed to scrub herself clean.

She rolled off the bed, grabbed her toiletries, and made a beeline for the bathroom. She needed a hot shower, immediately.

***

That evening-

After getting herself ready, Claire and May were about to head out the door when they ran into Sean and Liam returning home.

Sean paused when he saw Claire.

She looked radiant: a stylish cropped jacket, light-wash jeans, white sneakers, her hair up in a playful bun, and just a touch of makeup. She seemed fresh and vibrant, practically glowing.

Sean couldn't take his eyes off her. "It's getting dark-where are you off to?"

Claire smiled, lips curving upward. "Tomorrow's Mandy's birthday. Tonight, May and I are taking her out for a birthday dinner."

Liam, overhearing this, raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Linwood, May-why don't I give you a ride?"noveldrama

Mandy, he thought, you won't be able to avoid me for long. After what happened last night, I'm curious to see what kind of explanation you're going to give me.