Amy Unfiltered
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Re: Amy Unfiltered
Important Announcement
From this point forward, the story will branch out. I’m excited to share that I’m working on a separate narrative focused on Samantha, exploring her life and challenges within her workplace. While both stories exist in the same universe, they will progress independently.
Amy’s story will continue to focus on the "challenges" she faces, while Samantha’s story will delve into her professional environment and interactions with other characters. Samantha’s journey will be written as a standalone story, and I’m currently working on the first chapters. I plan to publish them soon and will be working on both stories in parallel.
I hope you enjoy following each story in its own context!
From this point forward, the story will branch out. I’m excited to share that I’m working on a separate narrative focused on Samantha, exploring her life and challenges within her workplace. While both stories exist in the same universe, they will progress independently.
Amy’s story will continue to focus on the "challenges" she faces, while Samantha’s story will delve into her professional environment and interactions with other characters. Samantha’s journey will be written as a standalone story, and I’m currently working on the first chapters. I plan to publish them soon and will be working on both stories in parallel.
I hope you enjoy following each story in its own context!
My CHYOA
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Re: Amy Unfiltered
I love the Friction between Samantha and Valeria. Very interesting possibilities.
I am curious, are you planning on posting Samantha's adventures in this thread along with Amy's manipulation or are starting a new story featuring Samantha and Valeria as a stand alone thread. Just curious so I know what to look for.
Great work so far.
Hooked6
I am curious, are you planning on posting Samantha's adventures in this thread along with Amy's manipulation or are starting a new story featuring Samantha and Valeria as a stand alone thread. Just curious so I know what to look for.
Great work so far.
Hooked6
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Re: Amy Unfiltered
Hi. I’m starting an independent thread with the story of Samantha, separate from Amy’s. As for Samantha’s thread, I’m exploring first-person narration, focusing on Samantha’s experience directly. Amy’s story will continue on its own, and for now, I don’t plan to cross them to avoid any confusion.Hooked6 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 25, 2024 7:15 pm I love the Friction between Samantha and Valeria. Very interesting possibilities.
I am curious, are you planning on posting Samantha's adventures in this thread along with Amy's manipulation or are starting a new story featuring Samantha and Valeria as a stand alone thread. Just curious so I know what to look for.
Great work so far.
Hooked6
Hope you enjoy both stories!
My CHYOA
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Re: Amy Unfiltered
Oh I am sure I will! You are a talented author and I love what you have posted so far!
I am also thrilled that you will be posting Samantha's story in the first person perspective. I just love authors that do that.
Looking forward to seeing BOTH stories continue.
Hooked6
I am also thrilled that you will be posting Samantha's story in the first person perspective. I just love authors that do that.
Looking forward to seeing BOTH stories continue.
Hooked6
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Re: Amy Unfiltered
It seems they are getting crossed some since Amy is in Samantha's now or seems will be coming up very soonmcenf wrote: ↑Mon Nov 25, 2024 7:23 pmHi. I’m starting an independent thread with the story of Samantha, separate from Amy’s. As for Samantha’s thread, I’m exploring first-person narration, focusing on Samantha’s experience directly. Amy’s story will continue on its own, and for now, I don’t plan to cross them to avoid any confusion.Hooked6 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 25, 2024 7:15 pm I love the Friction between Samantha and Valeria. Very interesting possibilities.
I am curious, are you planning on posting Samantha's adventures in this thread along with Amy's manipulation or are starting a new story featuring Samantha and Valeria as a stand alone thread. Just curious so I know what to look for.
Great work so far.
Hooked6
Hope you enjoy both stories!
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Re: Amy Unfiltered
That’s very true. As I progress with Samantha’s story, I’ve been setting things up so that the two will cross paths sooner or later. I’m not entirely sure under what circumstances it will happen yet, but it will definitely be very soon. My plan is to keep developing Samantha’s story to a certain point before returning to Amy’s and continuing her narrative.computerphoto wrote: ↑Thu Dec 12, 2024 2:14 pmIt seems they are getting crossed some since Amy is in Samantha's now or seems will be coming up very soonmcenf wrote: ↑Mon Nov 25, 2024 7:23 pmHi. I’m starting an independent thread with the story of Samantha, separate from Amy’s. As for Samantha’s thread, I’m exploring first-person narration, focusing on Samantha’s experience directly. Amy’s story will continue on its own, and for now, I don’t plan to cross them to avoid any confusion.Hooked6 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 25, 2024 7:15 pm I love the Friction between Samantha and Valeria. Very interesting possibilities.
I am curious, are you planning on posting Samantha's adventures in this thread along with Amy's manipulation or are starting a new story featuring Samantha and Valeria as a stand alone thread. Just curious so I know what to look for.
Great work so far.
Hooked6
Hope you enjoy both stories!
My CHYOA
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Re: Amy Unfiltered
This story is fantastic, you’ve done a great job with the characters. I’ve started on the other series and am impressed with how prolific your stories are. I was a little disappointed that the Samantha series didn’t go more of the exhibitionist route. I thought it would have been a cool dynamic to have one series of Samantha learning to push her limits as an exhibitionist and Amy’s series being forced into it, instead of them both being forced. But that’s not at all a criticism! Just not how I saw it going, it seemed like Samantha was more of a budding exhibitionist at first. Love your writing, looking forward to more!
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Re: Amy Unfiltered
Thank you so much for your kind words; I really appreciate them. Now that you mention it, at some point, I also thought about Samantha’s story going in that direction, but something happened in my mind that stopped me from following through. I think the reason might have to do with Megan; in some way, she ended up being the catalyst that caused everything to spiral out of control. If there was ever an opportunity for Samantha to explore that possibility, I feel like it will be very difficult to revisit it now—but it could be worth trying.Enf_Kink wrote: ↑Wed Dec 18, 2024 8:25 pm This story is fantastic, you’ve done a great job with the characters. I’ve started on the other series and am impressed with how prolific your stories are. I was a little disappointed that the Samantha series didn’t go more of the exhibitionist route. I thought it would have been a cool dynamic to have one series of Samantha learning to push her limits as an exhibitionist and Amy’s series being forced into it, instead of them both being forced. But that’s not at all a criticism! Just not how I saw it going, it seemed like Samantha was more of a budding exhibitionist at first. Love your writing, looking forward to more!
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Amy Unfiltered - Chapter 27
Amy crossed the threshold of her home's door with hesitant steps, her backpack hanging from her shoulder and a mix of fatigue and tension painted on her face. She had barely closed the door behind her when she heard her mother's voice, firm and laden with concern, coming from the living room.
"Amy! Where the hell have you been?" her mother demanded, appearing with her arms crossed and her eyebrows furrowed.
Amy stopped in her tracks, shrinking slightly as if trying to make herself smaller.
"I was with some classmates... you know, doing some school stuff," she tried to respond, her voice more insecure than she intended.
Her mother didn't seem satisfied with the explanation. She took a step towards Amy, holding up her mobile phone.
"I've been calling you all afternoon, Amy. Why weren't you answering?"
Amy swallowed, struggling to find a convincing response.
"Sorry, Mom. I think my phone was on silent... I didn't realize."
"You didn't realize?" her mother repeated, raising her eyebrows in disbelief. "Amy, this is the last straw. It's not the first time you've come home late without notice and don't answer my calls. What's going on with you?"
Amy looked down, pretending to check something in her backpack to buy time. She knew that anything she said would be scrutinized, but she had to try.
"It's just... Megan asked me to help her with something for her mom's office. You know, those important things they always do at her work," she improvised, hoping that mentioning something professional would calm her mother down.
However, her mother didn't seem willing to give in so easily.
"And your school assignments, Amy? Did you finish them?"
Amy's stomach sank as she remembered the homework she hadn't touched yet. She forced a nervous smile, trying not to appear too guilty.
"Um... no, but it's not much. I can do them quickly before bed."
"Before bed?" her mother repeated, with a severe tone. "Amy, it's very late at night, and you haven't done your homework yet. Do you realize how irresponsible you're being?"
Amy tried to interrupt with a "yes, Mom, but..." but her mother wasn't going to let her speak.
"I don't care if you're helping Megan or the country, your priority is your school. If you keep this up, how do you think you'll do by the end of the year?"
Amy quickly nodded, displaying a repentant air that she knew her mother expected.
"You're right, Mom. I'm really sorry. Tomorrow I'll organize myself better, I promise."
Her mother sighed deeply, letting her arms fall to her sides, clearly tired of the same repeated conversation.
"I hope so, Amy. Because this can't go on like this anymore."
Amy nodded again, trying to smooth things over.
"I really am sorry, Mom. It won't happen again."
Her mother observed her for a few seconds, as if evaluating whether to continue or end the topic. Finally, she shook her head and let out a final sigh.
"You'd better, Amy. Now go and do your homework."
Amy wasted no time and quickly went up to her room, closing the door behind her. She dropped her backpack on the floor and sat on the edge of her bed, sighing in relief for having gotten off relatively unscathed from the scolding.
However, the weight of what she had experienced lingered in her mind, mixed with the pressure of having to complete her school assignments. As she turned on her desk lamp, she couldn't help but think that although she had managed to convince her mother this time, her margin for error was narrowing with each passing moment.
Amy left the pen on her desk with a heavy sigh, her last effort to complete school tasks finally over. Despite the scattered sheets in front of her being tangible proof of her productivity, her mind was far from finding relief. Each written line had been a titanic effort of concentration, battling the memories that filtered like a sudden storm in her thoughts.
It had all been too much.
The rooftop, Megan and Julia's taunts, the constant recordings... and Samantha. That was the face that kept coming back to her mind, more disturbing than the giggles or mocking looks. Samantha wasn't like Megan, who enjoyed displaying her power blatantly, nor like Julia, whose cruelty was camouflaged behind seemingly harmless comments and gestures. Samantha was different, and that made her harder to understand.
As she hugged her pillow tightly, Amy recalled Samantha's behavior in the office: her distant gaze, almost detached, as if everything happening was just an anecdote to be relegated to oblivion once it ended. There were moments when she seemed... protective, or at least that was the word Amy sought. When Samantha had pointed out that they had to be cautious not to get caught, it sounded like a warning meant to protect Amy. But then she remembered her carefree tone, the way she observed from the sidelines while Megan and Julia orchestrated everything. No, she wasn't an ally. She was just another piece in Megan's game.
How can she be so cold? Amy wondered, pressing her lips together as the memory of that calculating gaze crept into her mind. There was something deeply disturbing about the way Samantha handled the situation: it was as if she was analyzing every move, not out of empathy for Amy, but out of curiosity or even entertainment. That hurt her more than Megan's open laughter or Julia's indirect jabs.
Amy closed her eyes, but the images from that afternoon returned with force. The feeling of being exposed in such a professional setting, a place that should be safe and orderly, invaded her again. She remembered the visceral fear when she almost got discovered on the rooftop, hiding under the table without a stitch of clothing, how her heart had beaten so fast she could barely breathe, and how Samantha had only frowned slightly, offering neither comfort nor a real solution.
Rage filled her for the first time. It wasn't an emotion Amy often dealt with, but this time it pushed through the sadness and shame. Samantha, with her air of superiority and that barely perceptible smile that made her seem complicit, had led her not only to the theater lookout but also to the company's rooftop, to that moment when she had been about to be completely discovered naked. It was impossible not to feel a certain dislike towards her.
She's no different from Megan and Julia, she thought, although a small voice inside her doubted. Samantha wasn't exactly cruel, but neither was she an ally. She was trapped between those two worlds, and Amy resented it deeply.
Finally, physical exhaustion overcame her. She fell into a restless sleep, in which images of Samantha and Megan mixed. In her dreams, Samantha approached to help her, but she was always late, always with an indifferent expression. Amy woke up several times during the night, her heart agitated and the feeling that, even though she was alone in her room, she would never feel completely safe again.
The clock struck 6:30 a.m., and Amy turned off the insistent beeping with a clumsy tap on the button. The faint light of dawn filtered through the curtains of her room, illuminating the uniform carefully hung next to her bed. A silent reminder that another day awaited her, with its challenges and moments she just wanted to get through. She sighed, resigned, as she sat on the bed and rubbed her sleepy eyes.
She moved slowly, preparing to face the day. The cool fabric of her uniform against her skin gave her a momentary sense of order, a necessary contrast to the internal chaos she carried within. When she was ready, she took her backpack and left her house with quick steps, avoiding saying goodbye too much to avoid inviting her mother's questions. She walked towards the bus stop, deliberately ignoring the way to the subway.
It had been a few days since the incident on the subway. The memory of being trapped underneath, naked, while a boy pointed at her without fully understanding the scene, still made her shudder. Just thinking about it made her pulse race. The bus was slow and often uncomfortable, but it didn't matter. It was her refuge, her way of avoiding reliving that moment that Megan and Julia had turned into one of the most vivid humiliations of her life.
The journey was peaceful, but the passengers' whispers seemed to whisper their secrets. She arrived at school just in time, adjusting her backpack over her shoulder. As she entered the classroom, her eyes immediately found Megan and Julia, waiting with smiles that were too wide.
"Good morning, Amy!" Megan trilled, with that sweetness that made every word sound like a private joke.
Julia gave her a small laugh from her seat, accompanied by a contained laugh. Amy averted her gaze and walked to her seat without responding, feeling her cheeks burn with anticipation. She didn't know what they had prepared for today, but her instincts warned her that danger lurked.
Samantha, to her surprise, sat far from her, in the opposite corner of the classroom. There was no eye contact, not a word. Amy didn't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed. Maybe she realized how much I hate her now? she thought, though even that thought was confusing. Samantha's distant presence left her with a strange emptiness, as if she had lost something, though she couldn't name it.
The first classes went by without incidents. Amy tried to concentrate, but her mind constantly wandered, filling with images from the previous day and anticipating what was to come. The teachers' voices were background noise as her thoughts captured her.
When Universal History class arrived, Amy tried to straighten up in her seat, forcing herself to focus. The teacher, with his serious expression and habit of asking unexpected questions, scanned the classroom. Amy leaned forward, trying to appear attentive, but her mind remained miles away.
—Miss Amy —the teacher's firm voice resonated in the classroom, abruptly pulling her out of her thoughts—. If you could share with us an example of how simple tools, like a screwdriver, transformed the Industrial Revolution.
Amy blinked, opening and closing her mouth in search of words. She knew the answer, but the shock had left her blank. She forced herself to think, recalling her notes.
—Um... screwdrivers were essential for... assembling small machines... and securing the pieces, like gears —she finally said, her voice trembling but her words accurate.
—Very good, Miss Amy. It's a simple but correct example —the teacher replied with a brief nod before continuing the class.
The calm lasted only a few seconds.
"Oh, of course," Megan said loud enough to be heard, but pretending it was a casual comment. "Amy has always been very good with screwdrivers. She demonstrated it perfectly in the server room. Right, Amy?"
The comment provoked contained laughter in the classroom, though few understood its meaning. Megan's words, full of innuendo, were a blow aimed solely at Amy, who felt the color rise quickly to her cheeks.
Amy's eyes widened. The memory of having inserted that tool inside her in the server room, a moment when she had been even more vulnerable, returned with crushing clarity. She tried to remain still, but her rapid breathing and trembling hands betrayed her state.
—Silence, please —the teacher said, raising his hand to restore order.
But the damage was done. Amy couldn't raise her gaze. The giggles continued, each one like a needle piercing her skin. Megan watched her with a triumphant smile, enjoying every second of her humiliation.
Amy lowered her head, wishing to disappear. Why do they never stop? she thought, feeling tears well up. But she couldn't let them fall. Not there. Not in front of everyone.
The bell rang throughout the building, signaling the end of Universal History class. Amy gathered her books with clumsy movements, trying to ignore the stares she still felt piercing her back. Megan's comment had left its mark, and although no one fully understood the context, the laughter had been enough to sink her a little deeper into shame.
She hurried out of the classroom, avoiding eye contact with anyone. With each step she took towards the school's green areas, her sole goal was to stay away from Megan and Julia. The sun shone intensely on the benches and picnic tables under the trees, but the fresh air failed to calm her. She sought a secluded corner, a place where she could be alone, though she knew she couldn't hide forever.
It wasn't long before Megan's unmistakable voice sounded behind her.
"Amy, why the rush?" she sang, in her usual mocking tone.
Amy froze, closing her eyes for a moment. You can't ignore them. Just play along and get out of this unscathed. She turned slowly, managing a weak smile.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just wanted some fresh air," she replied, trying to sound casual.
Julia appeared alongside Megan, smiling as if they were lifelong best friends. Before Amy could react, they led her towards one of the picnic tables. Amy sat between them, trapped in the midst of their constant energy.
"We were talking about important things," Julia said, feigning seriousness. "Do you think the end-of-year dance will be as boring as last year's?"
Amy murmured something inaudible as they continued discussing trivialities. Megan was halfway through a comment about the decorations when Jack and his classmate Ryan approached. Jack greeted them with an easy smile and dropped his backpack on the table.
"What's up, ladies?" he said as he sat down across from them.
Amy's stomach instantly tightened. Jack had seen a fleeting naked figure in the museum, and although he never managed to confirm who it really was or obtain concrete evidence, the possibility that it was Amy became a constant thorn in his thoughts. Ryan, oblivious to the tension, joined the group, taking out a snack from his bag.
There was an awkward pause as everyone nodded along to Julia's banal comments, but she seemed to have something else on her mind. After a few seconds, she broke the silence.
"Hey, do you guys remember the field trip to the museum?" she asked, with a mischievous smile.
Amy tensed immediately, fixing her eyes on her hands resting on the table. She could feel the heat rising in her.
"Of course," Megan replied nonchalantly, glancing at Amy. "It was... interesting."
"Interesting," Julia added, smiling broadly.
Jack continued, ignoring the girls' sarcastic tone.
"It's just that I keep thinking about how strange it was. I saw someone hiding, completely naked. It was so quick. I barely saw them, but what I noticed was their nakedness, the curves of their buttocks, and the smooth line of their back."
Ryan burst out laughing, shaking his head.
"Seriously, Jack? You're on about that again?"
But Megan, always quick, brought her hand to her mouth in a feigned gesture of surprise.
"Oh, Jack, that sounds shocking! What a mystery." Her eyes met Amy's, sparkling with malice. "Don't you think so, Amy?"
Amy could barely breathe, let alone trust her voice to respond, so she just weakly nodded.
"Amy's always so quiet!" Julia commented, softly laughing. "Maybe you should liven things up, Jack. You could do us all a favor and tell that story again. With details."
Laughter erupted again, though Ryan remained clearly confused. Amy wished to disappear as Jack and Megan exchanged jokes, and the weight of their stares became unbearable.
Amy kept her gaze fixed on the wooden table, tracing small circles with her finger as the others chatted. The noise from the courtyard and the laughter of her classmates faded away as the conversation at her table took center stage. Jack, with his relaxed tone and easy smile, seemed to relish his moment in the spotlight.
"So, it was right after we entered the art room," Jack began, leaning on the table to capture everyone's attention. "We were walking past the paintings when someone ran past. I caught a glimpse, but all I noticed was their nakedness, the curves of their buttocks, and the smooth line of their body."
Ryan let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Jack, that sounds like something out of a movie!"
"I know, I know," Jack continued with a brief laugh. "But it's true. They sprinted out through the emergency exit before we could catch them. It was so fast that no one managed to take a photo or anything, but we all stood there, looking at each other in disbelief at what we'd just witnessed."
Megan let out a mocking laugh, bringing her hand to her mouth as if to hold it in. "That sounds... intriguing. I mean, who would do something like that? Especially someone from school."
Julia nodded, feigning disbelief. "She must be crazy to run like that through a museum. And completely naked! I can't even imagine it."
Meanwhile, Amy's heart pounded as if trying to escape her chest. Her breathing quickened, and she clenched her fists under the table, trying to stay immobile. Please, change the subject, change the subject, she thought, but her luck wasn't about to improve.
Megan, with a malicious smile, tilted her head towards Jack. "And what would you have done if you'd caught them, Jack? Would you have returned their clothes?"
The seemingly innocent question only intensified Amy's discomfort. Jack brought his hand to his chin, pretending to consider the answer seriously.
"Well," he said, "I guess I would've asked them to at least pose for a photo before running off. You know, to pay homage to the art."
Laughter burst out immediately. Megan and Julia laughed, leaning into each other, while Ryan shook his head, clearly uncomfortable.
Amy felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She couldn't look at anyone, especially Jack. Her hands trembled as she tried to remain still, fearing any movement would betray her distress.
"That's so like you, Jack!" Julia exclaimed, wiping away an imaginary tear of laughter.
Megan looked at Amy, observing her closely as if relishing every second of her discomfort. "What do you think, Amy? I'm sure you have something interesting to say."
Amy quickly shook her head, remaining silent. Her thoughts were in disarray, and all she could do was wait for the conversation to shift, praying for the bell to ring soon.
Amy opened her mouth to respond, but only managed to emit a faltering sound, a babble that didn't form coherent words. Her nervousness was evident, and while Ryan and Jack seemed to attribute it to simple shyness, Megan and Julia understood it perfectly. Both exchanged a look laden with complicity, a subtle smile on their lips.
"What was that, Amy?" Julia asked, feigning leaning towards her with genuine curiosity. "Something you want to share?"
Amy quickly shook her head, her face burning while the laughter of the two girls continued to resonate. Luckily for her, the bell rang, signaling the end of the break and forcing everyone to return to their classes. Amy picked up her backpack and got up quickly, wishing to disappear before Megan or Julia could add anything more.
The group began to split up for their respective subjects. Amy felt a small relief knowing that Megan did not attend her favorite class: Astronomy. But the comfort was short-lived.
"Amy!" Megan called out, catching up to her before she could slip away. Julia was right behind her, with a playful expression.
"What is it?" Amy asked nervously.
"Julia is coming with you to Astronomy," Megan said with a mischievous smile. She leaned slightly towards Amy, lowering her voice. "And you better do everything she tells you. Got it?"
Amy felt a knot in her stomach. She didn't need further explanations to know that her favorite class was about to become another source of tension and embarrassment. She just nodded, avoiding eye contact. Megan gave her one last meaningful look before walking towards her own class, leaving Amy alone with Julia.
The walk to the Astronomy classroom was silent. Amy walked with her head down, while Julia hummed carelessly by her side.
"You know?" Julia finally said, with a playful smile. "I've always found it curious how much you like astronomy. What is it that attracts you so much? The stars? Or just the idea of escaping to another place?"
Amy didn't respond, remaining silent while her thoughts entangled in possible scenarios of what Julia might do to her.
When they arrived at the classroom, Amy barely recognized the environment she loved so much. The room was dimly lit to simulate a night sky, with decorations of planets and stars hanging from the ceiling. Telescopes and night sky simulators were lined up on the tables, while a projector displayed constellations on the wall. There were only a few students present, no more than six, spread out in the numerous available chairs.
Amy used to enjoy this tranquil space, but now she couldn't help feeling a tightness in her chest knowing that Julia was there, watching her. The other girl gave her a significant look before taking a seat next to her.
"Well, Amy," Julia said softly as she took out a notebook. "I guess it will be a day... full of surprises."
Amy swallowed, looking forward as the teacher began to welcome the class. Her refuge, her little place of peace, was no longer safe.
The Astronomy classroom was dim, bathed in a faint blue glow emanating from the night sky simulators. Constellation projections danced on the walls, and the atmosphere, usually calm, felt tense for Amy. There were only five other students in the room, each immersed in their own workstation, experimenting with telescopes or the interactive projectors that simulated star maps.
Amy sat on the edge of a table, trying to go unnoticed. Julia, on the other hand, was relaxed, her gaze wandering around the room as if enjoying the space. Finally, she leaned towards Amy and whispered, "Come on, let's find a more private spot. You wouldn't want anyone to overhear our conversation, would you?"
Amy looked at her confused, but Julia's tone left no room for discussion. They both stood up and walked to a corner of the room where the shadows were deeper and the tables were unoccupied. Amy, nervous, noticed that the few people present were too busy with their tasks to pay attention to them. Still, it didn't make her feel more relaxed.
Julia sat in a chair and gestured for Amy to stand in front of her.
"Well, Amy," Julia said with a smile that seemed sinister to Amy, "it's time to start a new challenge."
Amy looked at her in disbelief. "Here?"
"Yes, easy," Julia replied, crossing her legs as she leaned back. "I want you to put your entire uniform in your backpack and give it to me."
Amy's heart stopped for a second before racing as if it were about to burst out of her chest. "What?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "You're crazy! I can't do that here. There are other people in the room!"
Julia didn't seem fazed. She just smiled more broadly, relishing Amy's nervousness. "Of course you can, Amy. In fact, you must. Don't forget who's in control here."
Amy quickly shook her head, looking around desperately. "No. I can't. This... I'm going to get caught."
Julia leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, and looked her straight in the eyes. "Listen, Amy. You have no choice. You know how this works. So, put your uniform in the backpack. Now."
Amy felt a chill run down her spine. Her eyes darted quickly between Julia and the other students in the room. What if someone sees us? But Julia's gaze was clear: there was no way out.
"This is madness," Amy murmured, feeling tears threatening to appear. Her body moved almost by inertia, unable to resist. Julia, meanwhile, waited patiently, with that unperturbed smile that made Amy want to disappear.
The room, decorated with stars and planets, no longer felt like a refuge to Amy. It had become another stage for her humiliation. And she knew that, just as Julia had said, she had no other choice.
Amy stood frozen, her body tensing with each passing second as Julia stared at her, a triumphant expression on her face. The pressure was like a dense fog clouding her thoughts. The room, usually her sanctuary, now felt like a trap, each star projected on the walls seeming like a silent witness to her growing desperation.
"What are you waiting for, Amy?" Julia asked impatiently, drumming her fingers on the table. "Do it now, before someone starts suspecting you're up to something."
Amy swallowed, her eyes scanning the room. The other students were scattered, engrossed in their experiments, while the teacher was at the back of the classroom adjusting a telescope. No one seemed to pay attention, but the risk still felt overwhelming. Every sound, every movement, seemed amplified.
Finally, with trembling hands, Amy began to unbutton the top of her uniform. She felt her fingers slipping on the buttons, her nervousness making her clumsy. As she worked, her eyes kept darting between Julia and the rest of the room, fearful that someone would turn their head at the wrong moment.
Julia watched every move calmly, leaning back in her chair as if enjoying a private show. "Faster, Amy. We don't have all day," she whispered, her tone still menacing.
Amy nodded weakly, forcing herself to continue. She slid the uniform down her arms, folding it with quick movements before stuffing it into her backpack. With each piece of clothing she tucked away, her heart raced faster, as if at any moment someone might turn around and notice what she was doing.
When she reached the last article, her hands hesitated for a moment. Her mind screamed that this was too much, that she should stop. But then she remembered Julia's look, the veiled threat that didn't need to be spoken. I have no other choice, she told herself, trying to convince herself that at least she could get out of this without consequences if she obeyed.
She packed piece by piece into her backpack, feeling the air grow colder against her exposed skin. Her entire body trembled, not just from the cold, but from the shame and fear of being discovered. If anyone sees me, if anyone realizes... The thought was unbearable; she was completely naked in astronomy class.
Julia, meanwhile, extended her hand when Amy finished. "Give it to me," she demanded softly.
Amy closed the backpack and handed it over, avoiding eye contact. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she tried to control her breathing, the sound of her pulse thundering in her ears. Julia took the backpack with a satisfied smile.
"See, it wasn't that hard, was it?" she murmured, winking and slinging the backpack over her shoulder. "Now, just sit down and act like everything's normal. Do you think you can do that?"
Amy nodded slowly, daring not to speak. She sat in the chair next to Julia, keeping her arms crossed over her chest, trying to appear calm. But inside, everything in her was screaming, trapped in a spiral of shame and panic with no end.
Amy barely dared to move. Seated on the cold metal chair, the lack of a barrier between her bare skin and the hard, smooth surface was a constant reminder of her vulnerability. The material felt unforgiving against her body, rigid and unyielding, as if silently judging her shame. The slight brush of the chair against her naked skin made her shiver, a sharp reminder of her exposure.
She looked down at the floor. The tiles were smooth and cold beneath her bare feet, and every previous step had been a chilling jolt up her legs, anchoring her to reality. She could feel every texture under her toes: the tiny imperfection of the joints between tiles, the rough spots where time had worn down the finish. It was as if the floor was designed to remind her of how unprotected she was.
The air in the room, usually cool and soothing, now seemed to taunt her cruelly. Every slight breeze sent a shiver through her skin, as if she were being watched by a thousand invisible eyes. She felt her chest constrict, as if the air wasn't fully reaching her lungs. Her breathing was shallow, controlled, trying not to draw attention, but each inhalation seemed to pull in more cold.
The dim lighting in the room, which used to be a haven for stargazing, now seemed to conspire against her. The shadows dancing on the walls mimicked movements that didn't exist, and the pale glow of the constellations accentuated her isolation, each star an indifferent witness to her humiliation. She felt that even in this dimness, there wasn't enough darkness to hide.
Without her uniform, Amy felt less like herself. Stripped, not only of her clothes but of any layer that could protect her from the outside world. The fabric had been an invisible shield between her and others, and now, without that barrier, every touch of the environment on her bare skin was a painful reminder of how fragile she was. Vulnerable. Defenseless.
How do I look now? she thought, her mind tormenting herself with the idea of how anyone who looked at her in this state might perceive her. The thought of someone approaching, noticing her bare feet, the texture of her exposed skin, or her hunched posture, made her tremble. There was a constant sense of insecurity, as if at any moment her entire being might crumble under the pressure.
Julia's relaxed smile, sitting calmly beside her with the backpack containing what was left of her dignity, only made the feeling more oppressive. Amy crossed her arms over her chest, trying to protect herself, trying to create the illusion of security. But it was useless. Everything in her screamed defenselessness, trapped in a game she never wanted to play.
Suddenly, Julia stood up with a carefree elegance, holding the backpacks with one hand, including Amy's. Her mocking smile curved like a well-laid trap, and before turning towards the door, she leaned towards Amy with a whisper that dripped.
"Stay here, okay? And don't go anywhere." Her gaze, loaded with irony, swept over Amy, cruelly emphasizing the obviousness of her words. "It would be a shame if someone found you... like this."
Amy opened her mouth to protest, to tell Julia that she couldn't leave her like this, but the words didn't come out. Her throat was dry, and adrenaline began to flow like an uncontrollable storm. Julia's figure slowly moved away towards the classroom door, with the backpacks hanging carefree over her shoulder. Each step she took resonated in Amy's ears like a deafening blow.
When Julia crossed the door and disappeared into the hallway, Amy's panic exploded. She looked around frantically, hoping to find some solution, some way out that could save her from this situation, but she only found the dim lighting of the classroom and the distracted silhouettes of the other students. None seemed to notice what was happening in their corner, but Amy knew that could change at any moment. If someone realizes... if someone even looks over here...
The weight of the situation fell on her with brutal force. Julia had not only taken her clothes, but also the last bit of control that Amy thought she had. This is getting out of control. What is she trying to do? she thought while pressing her arms against her body, trying to cover herself as best she could with trembling hands.
The cold, hard texture of the chair against her skin seemed like an even greater mockery. Each passing second made her feel more exposed, more vulnerable. Desperation began to take shape in her mind. What if someone else enters the classroom? What if Julia doesn't come back? She imagined the disaster: someone approaching, the teacher looking up... or worse, someone discovering her state at the most inopportune moment.
The air became heavy, and it was hard for her to breathe. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as dark thoughts entangled in her mind. If they found her like this, the consequences would be devastating. She couldn't explain it, there were no excuses that would work. What would they say? What would they think? And the worst part: They could expel me. Or something worse, call my mother.
She brought a hand to her mouth to muffle a sob. Her legs trembled, and the sensation of being completely naked and defenseless paralyzed her. She was trapped, without options. Her delicate hands were her only refuge, and even so, she couldn't avoid feeling completely exposed.
Each minute that Julia was late felt like an eternity. Amy wondered if this was just a game to scare her, a power play to demonstrate power, or if Julia really planned to leave her there, at the mercy of any situation that could occur. Why is she doing this? The uncertainty was unbearable.
The classroom, which was usually a safe space, transformed into a prison. Every shadow seemed to approach, every little noise made her shudder. Julia had destroyed any sense of security, leaving her with nothing but her fear and the constant threat that the entire world could collapse on her at any moment.
Amy closed her eyes tightly, begging for Julia to return, for this to end before anyone noticed her situation. But deep down, she knew Julia wasn't in a hurry. She was enjoying it too much.
Amy curled up even more, her hands desperately clinging to what she could. Her skin, exposed to the cool air of the room, shivered with every draft that passed. Her back was arched, almost as if trying to become invisible against the metal chair. It was a futile battle; the hard, smooth texture of the seat seemed to sink into her skin, reminding her of how completely defenseless she was.
What is Julia trying to do? Her mind kept repeating the question as she felt the minutes stretch out like hours. Every sound in the room seemed louder: the low hum of the projector, the occasional creak of a chair, the murmur of her classmates working with their telescopes. If someone looks over here... if someone notices something strange...
She quickly looked around, her heart pounding. Everyone seemed distracted, immersed in their projects, but that wasn't a guarantee of safety. The teacher slowly walked between the stations, looking with interest at what each student was doing. His shadow approached more and more, projected on the wall like an imposing presence. Amy felt her breath quicken. Please, don't come over here. Don't come over here...
The irony of the situation wasn't lost on her. She was in an astronomy class, a class she used to love. The origin of the universe, the Big Bang, when everything began in the void, when the cosmos itself was naked of all form or structure. And there she was, like in the beginning of the universe: absolutely nothing. Vulnerable, exposed, without anything to protect her from the world.
"How is everyone doing?" The teacher's voice resonated in the classroom.
Amy froze, not daring to look up. The other students responded in unison: "Great, teacher!"
The teacher murmured something in response, probably satisfied, and continued with his tasks. Amy felt a slight relief as she saw him head towards another corner of the room, but the tension remained. She couldn't move, couldn't scream. Her only option was to wait, trapped in a mix of embarrassment and fear.
Each second that passed without Julia returning was a blow to her fragile control. What if she doesn't come back? she thought, panic beginning to take over.
Amy looked up as she heard familiar footsteps approaching the classroom. Her stomach sank as she saw Julia casually stroll through the door. But something was wrong. Julia was empty-handed; she wasn't carrying any backpack, not even her own. Amy felt panic strike her like an icy wave. Where is my stuff?
Julia strolled towards the corner where Amy was sitting, a shadow of a mocking smile curving on her lips. Amy couldn't take her eyes off her, struggling to contain the tremble in her hands while trying to maintain her hunched posture. When Julia dropped into the chair next to her, Amy leaned towards her, whispering desperately.
"Where is my backpack? Where is my clothing?" Amy's voice was barely audible, broken by fear.
Julia slowly turned her head, her expression full of amusement, as if she had been expecting this reaction. "Oh, your backpack..." she pretended to think for a moment, tapping her chin. Then she smiled widely, her eyes gleaming with malice. "That, dear Amy, is part of the challenge. You'll have to find it on your own."
Amy's heart was pounding so hard she feared others might hear it. "What?" she whispered, her voice barely containing the panic. "I can't go out like this. I can't! How do you expect me to—?"
Julia interrupted, leaning on the table with an air of superiority. "That's the point, Amy. While everyone's in class, you'll have to figure out where it is and how to get out of here without getting caught. That's what the challenge is all about." Her tone was light, as if she were proposing an innocent game, but the cruelty in her gaze was impossible to ignore.
Amy brought a hand to her mouth to stifle a gasp of terror. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Julia's words swirled in her mind like a storm: go out... completely naked... without getting caught.
Julia leaned in a little closer, her smile widening. "Tell me, Amy. How do you feel now? How does it feel to be here, sitting, with nothing on? Exposed, vulnerable? Perhaps a little desperate?"
Amy couldn't respond. Her throat was dry, and the only answer she could offer was the intensity of her panic-filled gaze. Julia let out a soft, mocking laugh.
"That's what I thought," she whispered, leaning back against the chair as if the spectacle was already providing her with enough entertainment. "Well, don't worry. I'm sure you'll come up with something brilliant... or not."
Amy swallowed hard, feeling more trapped than ever. Her mind tried to find an escape, but she saw none. And Julia, with her smile, seemed to enjoy every second of her torment.
Amy felt the weight of time pressing on her chest. Every second that passed was one step closer to the end of class, and if she didn't act, they would find her there, trapped in her most vulnerable state. The only option was to follow Julia's game, as absurd and impossible as it seemed. Her mind raced as she tried to map out a plan. If I'm going to get out of this, I have to move now.
She surveyed the classroom carefully. The dim lighting made the shadows stretch, but it also meant that any movement she made could be easily noticed. The projector continued to display constellations on the walls, and the few students present were engrossed in their projects, bent over telescopes or simulators. No one was looking towards her corner... yet.
The first step was the most complicated: getting out of the classroom. Amy knew the teacher was at the front, checking the students' work, and that meant she had to avoid crossing his line of sight. She also had to consider the door. She would open it just enough to slip into the hallway, but what if someone from the hallway saw her?
Breathe first, she told herself, trying to calm the tremble in her hands. She hunched further in her chair, as if curling up could help her think. The hallway should be empty because everyone is in class, but that doesn't mean it's safe. Teachers often stepped out of classrooms, and students with special permits could also appear suddenly. Amy knew any encounter would be catastrophic.
Her gaze scanned the few windows overlooking the hall. They were small and high up, barely useful for keeping an eye on who was approaching. But at least there didn't seem to be anyone outside at that moment.
The route was clear but dangerous: she had to move from her desk, hugging the shadows of the walls as much as possible. Then, at a moment when the teacher was distracted, she would carefully open the door and step into the hallway. The challenge would be to avoid making noise. If anyone hears the click of the door or my barefoot steps on the floor, I'm done for.
Amy glanced at Julia, who was watching her with an amused smile. "Thinking about your grand escape?" Julia whispered, leaning a little closer.
Amy didn't respond, but her eyes were full of determination. I'm not going to stay here waiting to be caught. If I'm going down, it'll be trying.
She began to mentally trace her next move, her heart pounding like a drum. Now she just had to wait for the exact moment.
Amy kept her eyes fixed on the door, her thoughts consumed by the sole goal of reaching the hallway unseen. She was so immersed in her plan that she almost didn't notice Julia leaning towards her, her expression now adorned with an even more dangerous smile.
"I'm going to be incredibly generous to you, Amy," Julia whispered, with a tone of false kindness. "I'll distract them so you can have your grand moment of escape. But, of course, you'll only have one chance. So you better not mess it up."
Amy looked up, her heart pounding. There were many things she wanted to say to Julia, but she knew she couldn't afford to anger or provoke her. She had no choice. She could only nod slowly, her hands still tightly clasped over her body.
Julia jumped to her feet, immediately catching Amy's attention and, for a brief second, that of the other students. With confident strides, she made her way to the front of the classroom, where the teacher was reviewing some papers next to one of the telescopes.
"Teacher!" Julia exclaimed, her voice slightly louder than necessary. "I have an important question. I need to understand something about comet orbits, but I'm not clear on how they are affected by the gravitational fields of planets. Could you explain it?"
The teacher looked up, clearly intrigued by Julia's interest. "Ah, of course. That's a fascinating concept. Give me a second to prepare an explanation that everyone can understand." The enthusiasm in his voice was enough to make the other students look up, curious.
Julia, satisfied, shot a quick glance at Amy, raising a finger in a subtle but unequivocal gesture. This is your moment.
Amy felt her pulse resonating in her ears, but she knew she wouldn't have another chance. She took a deep breath and began to move.
First, she let her body slip carefully from the chair, staying crouched to minimize any chance of being seen. The cold texture of the floor against her bare feet reminded her of her vulnerability, but adrenaline drove her forward. Don't think. Just act.
With light steps, she advanced hugging the shadow of the wall, making sure the desks between her and the other students blocked any direct line of sight. The teacher was now passionately talking about elliptical orbits and gravitational pulls, and the few students present seemed captivated by the explanation. Julia, meanwhile, maintained an exaggeratedly attentive expression, almost theatrical.
Amy reached the door. Her trembling hand found the doorknob, and she turned it slowly, each small click resonating like a gunshot in her mind. Don't make noise, don't make noise... The door opened just enough for her to slip into the hallway.
Once outside, Amy closed it with the same care. Now she was completely naked and alone in the hallway, the echo of her own bare footsteps resonating in her head. Her heart was still pounding, but she had overcome the first barrier. Now came the hardest part: finding her backpack without being discovered.
"Amy! Where the hell have you been?" her mother demanded, appearing with her arms crossed and her eyebrows furrowed.
Amy stopped in her tracks, shrinking slightly as if trying to make herself smaller.
"I was with some classmates... you know, doing some school stuff," she tried to respond, her voice more insecure than she intended.
Her mother didn't seem satisfied with the explanation. She took a step towards Amy, holding up her mobile phone.
"I've been calling you all afternoon, Amy. Why weren't you answering?"
Amy swallowed, struggling to find a convincing response.
"Sorry, Mom. I think my phone was on silent... I didn't realize."
"You didn't realize?" her mother repeated, raising her eyebrows in disbelief. "Amy, this is the last straw. It's not the first time you've come home late without notice and don't answer my calls. What's going on with you?"
Amy looked down, pretending to check something in her backpack to buy time. She knew that anything she said would be scrutinized, but she had to try.
"It's just... Megan asked me to help her with something for her mom's office. You know, those important things they always do at her work," she improvised, hoping that mentioning something professional would calm her mother down.
However, her mother didn't seem willing to give in so easily.
"And your school assignments, Amy? Did you finish them?"
Amy's stomach sank as she remembered the homework she hadn't touched yet. She forced a nervous smile, trying not to appear too guilty.
"Um... no, but it's not much. I can do them quickly before bed."
"Before bed?" her mother repeated, with a severe tone. "Amy, it's very late at night, and you haven't done your homework yet. Do you realize how irresponsible you're being?"
Amy tried to interrupt with a "yes, Mom, but..." but her mother wasn't going to let her speak.
"I don't care if you're helping Megan or the country, your priority is your school. If you keep this up, how do you think you'll do by the end of the year?"
Amy quickly nodded, displaying a repentant air that she knew her mother expected.
"You're right, Mom. I'm really sorry. Tomorrow I'll organize myself better, I promise."
Her mother sighed deeply, letting her arms fall to her sides, clearly tired of the same repeated conversation.
"I hope so, Amy. Because this can't go on like this anymore."
Amy nodded again, trying to smooth things over.
"I really am sorry, Mom. It won't happen again."
Her mother observed her for a few seconds, as if evaluating whether to continue or end the topic. Finally, she shook her head and let out a final sigh.
"You'd better, Amy. Now go and do your homework."
Amy wasted no time and quickly went up to her room, closing the door behind her. She dropped her backpack on the floor and sat on the edge of her bed, sighing in relief for having gotten off relatively unscathed from the scolding.
However, the weight of what she had experienced lingered in her mind, mixed with the pressure of having to complete her school assignments. As she turned on her desk lamp, she couldn't help but think that although she had managed to convince her mother this time, her margin for error was narrowing with each passing moment.
Amy left the pen on her desk with a heavy sigh, her last effort to complete school tasks finally over. Despite the scattered sheets in front of her being tangible proof of her productivity, her mind was far from finding relief. Each written line had been a titanic effort of concentration, battling the memories that filtered like a sudden storm in her thoughts.
It had all been too much.
The rooftop, Megan and Julia's taunts, the constant recordings... and Samantha. That was the face that kept coming back to her mind, more disturbing than the giggles or mocking looks. Samantha wasn't like Megan, who enjoyed displaying her power blatantly, nor like Julia, whose cruelty was camouflaged behind seemingly harmless comments and gestures. Samantha was different, and that made her harder to understand.
As she hugged her pillow tightly, Amy recalled Samantha's behavior in the office: her distant gaze, almost detached, as if everything happening was just an anecdote to be relegated to oblivion once it ended. There were moments when she seemed... protective, or at least that was the word Amy sought. When Samantha had pointed out that they had to be cautious not to get caught, it sounded like a warning meant to protect Amy. But then she remembered her carefree tone, the way she observed from the sidelines while Megan and Julia orchestrated everything. No, she wasn't an ally. She was just another piece in Megan's game.
How can she be so cold? Amy wondered, pressing her lips together as the memory of that calculating gaze crept into her mind. There was something deeply disturbing about the way Samantha handled the situation: it was as if she was analyzing every move, not out of empathy for Amy, but out of curiosity or even entertainment. That hurt her more than Megan's open laughter or Julia's indirect jabs.
Amy closed her eyes, but the images from that afternoon returned with force. The feeling of being exposed in such a professional setting, a place that should be safe and orderly, invaded her again. She remembered the visceral fear when she almost got discovered on the rooftop, hiding under the table without a stitch of clothing, how her heart had beaten so fast she could barely breathe, and how Samantha had only frowned slightly, offering neither comfort nor a real solution.
Rage filled her for the first time. It wasn't an emotion Amy often dealt with, but this time it pushed through the sadness and shame. Samantha, with her air of superiority and that barely perceptible smile that made her seem complicit, had led her not only to the theater lookout but also to the company's rooftop, to that moment when she had been about to be completely discovered naked. It was impossible not to feel a certain dislike towards her.
She's no different from Megan and Julia, she thought, although a small voice inside her doubted. Samantha wasn't exactly cruel, but neither was she an ally. She was trapped between those two worlds, and Amy resented it deeply.
Finally, physical exhaustion overcame her. She fell into a restless sleep, in which images of Samantha and Megan mixed. In her dreams, Samantha approached to help her, but she was always late, always with an indifferent expression. Amy woke up several times during the night, her heart agitated and the feeling that, even though she was alone in her room, she would never feel completely safe again.
The clock struck 6:30 a.m., and Amy turned off the insistent beeping with a clumsy tap on the button. The faint light of dawn filtered through the curtains of her room, illuminating the uniform carefully hung next to her bed. A silent reminder that another day awaited her, with its challenges and moments she just wanted to get through. She sighed, resigned, as she sat on the bed and rubbed her sleepy eyes.
She moved slowly, preparing to face the day. The cool fabric of her uniform against her skin gave her a momentary sense of order, a necessary contrast to the internal chaos she carried within. When she was ready, she took her backpack and left her house with quick steps, avoiding saying goodbye too much to avoid inviting her mother's questions. She walked towards the bus stop, deliberately ignoring the way to the subway.
It had been a few days since the incident on the subway. The memory of being trapped underneath, naked, while a boy pointed at her without fully understanding the scene, still made her shudder. Just thinking about it made her pulse race. The bus was slow and often uncomfortable, but it didn't matter. It was her refuge, her way of avoiding reliving that moment that Megan and Julia had turned into one of the most vivid humiliations of her life.
The journey was peaceful, but the passengers' whispers seemed to whisper their secrets. She arrived at school just in time, adjusting her backpack over her shoulder. As she entered the classroom, her eyes immediately found Megan and Julia, waiting with smiles that were too wide.
"Good morning, Amy!" Megan trilled, with that sweetness that made every word sound like a private joke.
Julia gave her a small laugh from her seat, accompanied by a contained laugh. Amy averted her gaze and walked to her seat without responding, feeling her cheeks burn with anticipation. She didn't know what they had prepared for today, but her instincts warned her that danger lurked.
Samantha, to her surprise, sat far from her, in the opposite corner of the classroom. There was no eye contact, not a word. Amy didn't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed. Maybe she realized how much I hate her now? she thought, though even that thought was confusing. Samantha's distant presence left her with a strange emptiness, as if she had lost something, though she couldn't name it.
The first classes went by without incidents. Amy tried to concentrate, but her mind constantly wandered, filling with images from the previous day and anticipating what was to come. The teachers' voices were background noise as her thoughts captured her.
When Universal History class arrived, Amy tried to straighten up in her seat, forcing herself to focus. The teacher, with his serious expression and habit of asking unexpected questions, scanned the classroom. Amy leaned forward, trying to appear attentive, but her mind remained miles away.
—Miss Amy —the teacher's firm voice resonated in the classroom, abruptly pulling her out of her thoughts—. If you could share with us an example of how simple tools, like a screwdriver, transformed the Industrial Revolution.
Amy blinked, opening and closing her mouth in search of words. She knew the answer, but the shock had left her blank. She forced herself to think, recalling her notes.
—Um... screwdrivers were essential for... assembling small machines... and securing the pieces, like gears —she finally said, her voice trembling but her words accurate.
—Very good, Miss Amy. It's a simple but correct example —the teacher replied with a brief nod before continuing the class.
The calm lasted only a few seconds.
"Oh, of course," Megan said loud enough to be heard, but pretending it was a casual comment. "Amy has always been very good with screwdrivers. She demonstrated it perfectly in the server room. Right, Amy?"
The comment provoked contained laughter in the classroom, though few understood its meaning. Megan's words, full of innuendo, were a blow aimed solely at Amy, who felt the color rise quickly to her cheeks.
Amy's eyes widened. The memory of having inserted that tool inside her in the server room, a moment when she had been even more vulnerable, returned with crushing clarity. She tried to remain still, but her rapid breathing and trembling hands betrayed her state.
—Silence, please —the teacher said, raising his hand to restore order.
But the damage was done. Amy couldn't raise her gaze. The giggles continued, each one like a needle piercing her skin. Megan watched her with a triumphant smile, enjoying every second of her humiliation.
Amy lowered her head, wishing to disappear. Why do they never stop? she thought, feeling tears well up. But she couldn't let them fall. Not there. Not in front of everyone.
The bell rang throughout the building, signaling the end of Universal History class. Amy gathered her books with clumsy movements, trying to ignore the stares she still felt piercing her back. Megan's comment had left its mark, and although no one fully understood the context, the laughter had been enough to sink her a little deeper into shame.
She hurried out of the classroom, avoiding eye contact with anyone. With each step she took towards the school's green areas, her sole goal was to stay away from Megan and Julia. The sun shone intensely on the benches and picnic tables under the trees, but the fresh air failed to calm her. She sought a secluded corner, a place where she could be alone, though she knew she couldn't hide forever.
It wasn't long before Megan's unmistakable voice sounded behind her.
"Amy, why the rush?" she sang, in her usual mocking tone.
Amy froze, closing her eyes for a moment. You can't ignore them. Just play along and get out of this unscathed. She turned slowly, managing a weak smile.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just wanted some fresh air," she replied, trying to sound casual.
Julia appeared alongside Megan, smiling as if they were lifelong best friends. Before Amy could react, they led her towards one of the picnic tables. Amy sat between them, trapped in the midst of their constant energy.
"We were talking about important things," Julia said, feigning seriousness. "Do you think the end-of-year dance will be as boring as last year's?"
Amy murmured something inaudible as they continued discussing trivialities. Megan was halfway through a comment about the decorations when Jack and his classmate Ryan approached. Jack greeted them with an easy smile and dropped his backpack on the table.
"What's up, ladies?" he said as he sat down across from them.
Amy's stomach instantly tightened. Jack had seen a fleeting naked figure in the museum, and although he never managed to confirm who it really was or obtain concrete evidence, the possibility that it was Amy became a constant thorn in his thoughts. Ryan, oblivious to the tension, joined the group, taking out a snack from his bag.
There was an awkward pause as everyone nodded along to Julia's banal comments, but she seemed to have something else on her mind. After a few seconds, she broke the silence.
"Hey, do you guys remember the field trip to the museum?" she asked, with a mischievous smile.
Amy tensed immediately, fixing her eyes on her hands resting on the table. She could feel the heat rising in her.
"Of course," Megan replied nonchalantly, glancing at Amy. "It was... interesting."
"Interesting," Julia added, smiling broadly.
Jack continued, ignoring the girls' sarcastic tone.
"It's just that I keep thinking about how strange it was. I saw someone hiding, completely naked. It was so quick. I barely saw them, but what I noticed was their nakedness, the curves of their buttocks, and the smooth line of their back."
Ryan burst out laughing, shaking his head.
"Seriously, Jack? You're on about that again?"
But Megan, always quick, brought her hand to her mouth in a feigned gesture of surprise.
"Oh, Jack, that sounds shocking! What a mystery." Her eyes met Amy's, sparkling with malice. "Don't you think so, Amy?"
Amy could barely breathe, let alone trust her voice to respond, so she just weakly nodded.
"Amy's always so quiet!" Julia commented, softly laughing. "Maybe you should liven things up, Jack. You could do us all a favor and tell that story again. With details."
Laughter erupted again, though Ryan remained clearly confused. Amy wished to disappear as Jack and Megan exchanged jokes, and the weight of their stares became unbearable.
Amy kept her gaze fixed on the wooden table, tracing small circles with her finger as the others chatted. The noise from the courtyard and the laughter of her classmates faded away as the conversation at her table took center stage. Jack, with his relaxed tone and easy smile, seemed to relish his moment in the spotlight.
"So, it was right after we entered the art room," Jack began, leaning on the table to capture everyone's attention. "We were walking past the paintings when someone ran past. I caught a glimpse, but all I noticed was their nakedness, the curves of their buttocks, and the smooth line of their body."
Ryan let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Jack, that sounds like something out of a movie!"
"I know, I know," Jack continued with a brief laugh. "But it's true. They sprinted out through the emergency exit before we could catch them. It was so fast that no one managed to take a photo or anything, but we all stood there, looking at each other in disbelief at what we'd just witnessed."
Megan let out a mocking laugh, bringing her hand to her mouth as if to hold it in. "That sounds... intriguing. I mean, who would do something like that? Especially someone from school."
Julia nodded, feigning disbelief. "She must be crazy to run like that through a museum. And completely naked! I can't even imagine it."
Meanwhile, Amy's heart pounded as if trying to escape her chest. Her breathing quickened, and she clenched her fists under the table, trying to stay immobile. Please, change the subject, change the subject, she thought, but her luck wasn't about to improve.
Megan, with a malicious smile, tilted her head towards Jack. "And what would you have done if you'd caught them, Jack? Would you have returned their clothes?"
The seemingly innocent question only intensified Amy's discomfort. Jack brought his hand to his chin, pretending to consider the answer seriously.
"Well," he said, "I guess I would've asked them to at least pose for a photo before running off. You know, to pay homage to the art."
Laughter burst out immediately. Megan and Julia laughed, leaning into each other, while Ryan shook his head, clearly uncomfortable.
Amy felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She couldn't look at anyone, especially Jack. Her hands trembled as she tried to remain still, fearing any movement would betray her distress.
"That's so like you, Jack!" Julia exclaimed, wiping away an imaginary tear of laughter.
Megan looked at Amy, observing her closely as if relishing every second of her discomfort. "What do you think, Amy? I'm sure you have something interesting to say."
Amy quickly shook her head, remaining silent. Her thoughts were in disarray, and all she could do was wait for the conversation to shift, praying for the bell to ring soon.
Amy opened her mouth to respond, but only managed to emit a faltering sound, a babble that didn't form coherent words. Her nervousness was evident, and while Ryan and Jack seemed to attribute it to simple shyness, Megan and Julia understood it perfectly. Both exchanged a look laden with complicity, a subtle smile on their lips.
"What was that, Amy?" Julia asked, feigning leaning towards her with genuine curiosity. "Something you want to share?"
Amy quickly shook her head, her face burning while the laughter of the two girls continued to resonate. Luckily for her, the bell rang, signaling the end of the break and forcing everyone to return to their classes. Amy picked up her backpack and got up quickly, wishing to disappear before Megan or Julia could add anything more.
The group began to split up for their respective subjects. Amy felt a small relief knowing that Megan did not attend her favorite class: Astronomy. But the comfort was short-lived.
"Amy!" Megan called out, catching up to her before she could slip away. Julia was right behind her, with a playful expression.
"What is it?" Amy asked nervously.
"Julia is coming with you to Astronomy," Megan said with a mischievous smile. She leaned slightly towards Amy, lowering her voice. "And you better do everything she tells you. Got it?"
Amy felt a knot in her stomach. She didn't need further explanations to know that her favorite class was about to become another source of tension and embarrassment. She just nodded, avoiding eye contact. Megan gave her one last meaningful look before walking towards her own class, leaving Amy alone with Julia.
The walk to the Astronomy classroom was silent. Amy walked with her head down, while Julia hummed carelessly by her side.
"You know?" Julia finally said, with a playful smile. "I've always found it curious how much you like astronomy. What is it that attracts you so much? The stars? Or just the idea of escaping to another place?"
Amy didn't respond, remaining silent while her thoughts entangled in possible scenarios of what Julia might do to her.
When they arrived at the classroom, Amy barely recognized the environment she loved so much. The room was dimly lit to simulate a night sky, with decorations of planets and stars hanging from the ceiling. Telescopes and night sky simulators were lined up on the tables, while a projector displayed constellations on the wall. There were only a few students present, no more than six, spread out in the numerous available chairs.
Amy used to enjoy this tranquil space, but now she couldn't help feeling a tightness in her chest knowing that Julia was there, watching her. The other girl gave her a significant look before taking a seat next to her.
"Well, Amy," Julia said softly as she took out a notebook. "I guess it will be a day... full of surprises."
Amy swallowed, looking forward as the teacher began to welcome the class. Her refuge, her little place of peace, was no longer safe.
The Astronomy classroom was dim, bathed in a faint blue glow emanating from the night sky simulators. Constellation projections danced on the walls, and the atmosphere, usually calm, felt tense for Amy. There were only five other students in the room, each immersed in their own workstation, experimenting with telescopes or the interactive projectors that simulated star maps.
Amy sat on the edge of a table, trying to go unnoticed. Julia, on the other hand, was relaxed, her gaze wandering around the room as if enjoying the space. Finally, she leaned towards Amy and whispered, "Come on, let's find a more private spot. You wouldn't want anyone to overhear our conversation, would you?"
Amy looked at her confused, but Julia's tone left no room for discussion. They both stood up and walked to a corner of the room where the shadows were deeper and the tables were unoccupied. Amy, nervous, noticed that the few people present were too busy with their tasks to pay attention to them. Still, it didn't make her feel more relaxed.
Julia sat in a chair and gestured for Amy to stand in front of her.
"Well, Amy," Julia said with a smile that seemed sinister to Amy, "it's time to start a new challenge."
Amy looked at her in disbelief. "Here?"
"Yes, easy," Julia replied, crossing her legs as she leaned back. "I want you to put your entire uniform in your backpack and give it to me."
Amy's heart stopped for a second before racing as if it were about to burst out of her chest. "What?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "You're crazy! I can't do that here. There are other people in the room!"
Julia didn't seem fazed. She just smiled more broadly, relishing Amy's nervousness. "Of course you can, Amy. In fact, you must. Don't forget who's in control here."
Amy quickly shook her head, looking around desperately. "No. I can't. This... I'm going to get caught."
Julia leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, and looked her straight in the eyes. "Listen, Amy. You have no choice. You know how this works. So, put your uniform in the backpack. Now."
Amy felt a chill run down her spine. Her eyes darted quickly between Julia and the other students in the room. What if someone sees us? But Julia's gaze was clear: there was no way out.
"This is madness," Amy murmured, feeling tears threatening to appear. Her body moved almost by inertia, unable to resist. Julia, meanwhile, waited patiently, with that unperturbed smile that made Amy want to disappear.
The room, decorated with stars and planets, no longer felt like a refuge to Amy. It had become another stage for her humiliation. And she knew that, just as Julia had said, she had no other choice.
Amy stood frozen, her body tensing with each passing second as Julia stared at her, a triumphant expression on her face. The pressure was like a dense fog clouding her thoughts. The room, usually her sanctuary, now felt like a trap, each star projected on the walls seeming like a silent witness to her growing desperation.
"What are you waiting for, Amy?" Julia asked impatiently, drumming her fingers on the table. "Do it now, before someone starts suspecting you're up to something."
Amy swallowed, her eyes scanning the room. The other students were scattered, engrossed in their experiments, while the teacher was at the back of the classroom adjusting a telescope. No one seemed to pay attention, but the risk still felt overwhelming. Every sound, every movement, seemed amplified.
Finally, with trembling hands, Amy began to unbutton the top of her uniform. She felt her fingers slipping on the buttons, her nervousness making her clumsy. As she worked, her eyes kept darting between Julia and the rest of the room, fearful that someone would turn their head at the wrong moment.
Julia watched every move calmly, leaning back in her chair as if enjoying a private show. "Faster, Amy. We don't have all day," she whispered, her tone still menacing.
Amy nodded weakly, forcing herself to continue. She slid the uniform down her arms, folding it with quick movements before stuffing it into her backpack. With each piece of clothing she tucked away, her heart raced faster, as if at any moment someone might turn around and notice what she was doing.
When she reached the last article, her hands hesitated for a moment. Her mind screamed that this was too much, that she should stop. But then she remembered Julia's look, the veiled threat that didn't need to be spoken. I have no other choice, she told herself, trying to convince herself that at least she could get out of this without consequences if she obeyed.
She packed piece by piece into her backpack, feeling the air grow colder against her exposed skin. Her entire body trembled, not just from the cold, but from the shame and fear of being discovered. If anyone sees me, if anyone realizes... The thought was unbearable; she was completely naked in astronomy class.
Julia, meanwhile, extended her hand when Amy finished. "Give it to me," she demanded softly.
Amy closed the backpack and handed it over, avoiding eye contact. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she tried to control her breathing, the sound of her pulse thundering in her ears. Julia took the backpack with a satisfied smile.
"See, it wasn't that hard, was it?" she murmured, winking and slinging the backpack over her shoulder. "Now, just sit down and act like everything's normal. Do you think you can do that?"
Amy nodded slowly, daring not to speak. She sat in the chair next to Julia, keeping her arms crossed over her chest, trying to appear calm. But inside, everything in her was screaming, trapped in a spiral of shame and panic with no end.
Amy barely dared to move. Seated on the cold metal chair, the lack of a barrier between her bare skin and the hard, smooth surface was a constant reminder of her vulnerability. The material felt unforgiving against her body, rigid and unyielding, as if silently judging her shame. The slight brush of the chair against her naked skin made her shiver, a sharp reminder of her exposure.
She looked down at the floor. The tiles were smooth and cold beneath her bare feet, and every previous step had been a chilling jolt up her legs, anchoring her to reality. She could feel every texture under her toes: the tiny imperfection of the joints between tiles, the rough spots where time had worn down the finish. It was as if the floor was designed to remind her of how unprotected she was.
The air in the room, usually cool and soothing, now seemed to taunt her cruelly. Every slight breeze sent a shiver through her skin, as if she were being watched by a thousand invisible eyes. She felt her chest constrict, as if the air wasn't fully reaching her lungs. Her breathing was shallow, controlled, trying not to draw attention, but each inhalation seemed to pull in more cold.
The dim lighting in the room, which used to be a haven for stargazing, now seemed to conspire against her. The shadows dancing on the walls mimicked movements that didn't exist, and the pale glow of the constellations accentuated her isolation, each star an indifferent witness to her humiliation. She felt that even in this dimness, there wasn't enough darkness to hide.
Without her uniform, Amy felt less like herself. Stripped, not only of her clothes but of any layer that could protect her from the outside world. The fabric had been an invisible shield between her and others, and now, without that barrier, every touch of the environment on her bare skin was a painful reminder of how fragile she was. Vulnerable. Defenseless.
How do I look now? she thought, her mind tormenting herself with the idea of how anyone who looked at her in this state might perceive her. The thought of someone approaching, noticing her bare feet, the texture of her exposed skin, or her hunched posture, made her tremble. There was a constant sense of insecurity, as if at any moment her entire being might crumble under the pressure.
Julia's relaxed smile, sitting calmly beside her with the backpack containing what was left of her dignity, only made the feeling more oppressive. Amy crossed her arms over her chest, trying to protect herself, trying to create the illusion of security. But it was useless. Everything in her screamed defenselessness, trapped in a game she never wanted to play.
Suddenly, Julia stood up with a carefree elegance, holding the backpacks with one hand, including Amy's. Her mocking smile curved like a well-laid trap, and before turning towards the door, she leaned towards Amy with a whisper that dripped.
"Stay here, okay? And don't go anywhere." Her gaze, loaded with irony, swept over Amy, cruelly emphasizing the obviousness of her words. "It would be a shame if someone found you... like this."
Amy opened her mouth to protest, to tell Julia that she couldn't leave her like this, but the words didn't come out. Her throat was dry, and adrenaline began to flow like an uncontrollable storm. Julia's figure slowly moved away towards the classroom door, with the backpacks hanging carefree over her shoulder. Each step she took resonated in Amy's ears like a deafening blow.
When Julia crossed the door and disappeared into the hallway, Amy's panic exploded. She looked around frantically, hoping to find some solution, some way out that could save her from this situation, but she only found the dim lighting of the classroom and the distracted silhouettes of the other students. None seemed to notice what was happening in their corner, but Amy knew that could change at any moment. If someone realizes... if someone even looks over here...
The weight of the situation fell on her with brutal force. Julia had not only taken her clothes, but also the last bit of control that Amy thought she had. This is getting out of control. What is she trying to do? she thought while pressing her arms against her body, trying to cover herself as best she could with trembling hands.
The cold, hard texture of the chair against her skin seemed like an even greater mockery. Each passing second made her feel more exposed, more vulnerable. Desperation began to take shape in her mind. What if someone else enters the classroom? What if Julia doesn't come back? She imagined the disaster: someone approaching, the teacher looking up... or worse, someone discovering her state at the most inopportune moment.
The air became heavy, and it was hard for her to breathe. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as dark thoughts entangled in her mind. If they found her like this, the consequences would be devastating. She couldn't explain it, there were no excuses that would work. What would they say? What would they think? And the worst part: They could expel me. Or something worse, call my mother.
She brought a hand to her mouth to muffle a sob. Her legs trembled, and the sensation of being completely naked and defenseless paralyzed her. She was trapped, without options. Her delicate hands were her only refuge, and even so, she couldn't avoid feeling completely exposed.
Each minute that Julia was late felt like an eternity. Amy wondered if this was just a game to scare her, a power play to demonstrate power, or if Julia really planned to leave her there, at the mercy of any situation that could occur. Why is she doing this? The uncertainty was unbearable.
The classroom, which was usually a safe space, transformed into a prison. Every shadow seemed to approach, every little noise made her shudder. Julia had destroyed any sense of security, leaving her with nothing but her fear and the constant threat that the entire world could collapse on her at any moment.
Amy closed her eyes tightly, begging for Julia to return, for this to end before anyone noticed her situation. But deep down, she knew Julia wasn't in a hurry. She was enjoying it too much.
Amy curled up even more, her hands desperately clinging to what she could. Her skin, exposed to the cool air of the room, shivered with every draft that passed. Her back was arched, almost as if trying to become invisible against the metal chair. It was a futile battle; the hard, smooth texture of the seat seemed to sink into her skin, reminding her of how completely defenseless she was.
What is Julia trying to do? Her mind kept repeating the question as she felt the minutes stretch out like hours. Every sound in the room seemed louder: the low hum of the projector, the occasional creak of a chair, the murmur of her classmates working with their telescopes. If someone looks over here... if someone notices something strange...
She quickly looked around, her heart pounding. Everyone seemed distracted, immersed in their projects, but that wasn't a guarantee of safety. The teacher slowly walked between the stations, looking with interest at what each student was doing. His shadow approached more and more, projected on the wall like an imposing presence. Amy felt her breath quicken. Please, don't come over here. Don't come over here...
The irony of the situation wasn't lost on her. She was in an astronomy class, a class she used to love. The origin of the universe, the Big Bang, when everything began in the void, when the cosmos itself was naked of all form or structure. And there she was, like in the beginning of the universe: absolutely nothing. Vulnerable, exposed, without anything to protect her from the world.
"How is everyone doing?" The teacher's voice resonated in the classroom.
Amy froze, not daring to look up. The other students responded in unison: "Great, teacher!"
The teacher murmured something in response, probably satisfied, and continued with his tasks. Amy felt a slight relief as she saw him head towards another corner of the room, but the tension remained. She couldn't move, couldn't scream. Her only option was to wait, trapped in a mix of embarrassment and fear.
Each second that passed without Julia returning was a blow to her fragile control. What if she doesn't come back? she thought, panic beginning to take over.
Amy looked up as she heard familiar footsteps approaching the classroom. Her stomach sank as she saw Julia casually stroll through the door. But something was wrong. Julia was empty-handed; she wasn't carrying any backpack, not even her own. Amy felt panic strike her like an icy wave. Where is my stuff?
Julia strolled towards the corner where Amy was sitting, a shadow of a mocking smile curving on her lips. Amy couldn't take her eyes off her, struggling to contain the tremble in her hands while trying to maintain her hunched posture. When Julia dropped into the chair next to her, Amy leaned towards her, whispering desperately.
"Where is my backpack? Where is my clothing?" Amy's voice was barely audible, broken by fear.
Julia slowly turned her head, her expression full of amusement, as if she had been expecting this reaction. "Oh, your backpack..." she pretended to think for a moment, tapping her chin. Then she smiled widely, her eyes gleaming with malice. "That, dear Amy, is part of the challenge. You'll have to find it on your own."
Amy's heart was pounding so hard she feared others might hear it. "What?" she whispered, her voice barely containing the panic. "I can't go out like this. I can't! How do you expect me to—?"
Julia interrupted, leaning on the table with an air of superiority. "That's the point, Amy. While everyone's in class, you'll have to figure out where it is and how to get out of here without getting caught. That's what the challenge is all about." Her tone was light, as if she were proposing an innocent game, but the cruelty in her gaze was impossible to ignore.
Amy brought a hand to her mouth to stifle a gasp of terror. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Julia's words swirled in her mind like a storm: go out... completely naked... without getting caught.
Julia leaned in a little closer, her smile widening. "Tell me, Amy. How do you feel now? How does it feel to be here, sitting, with nothing on? Exposed, vulnerable? Perhaps a little desperate?"
Amy couldn't respond. Her throat was dry, and the only answer she could offer was the intensity of her panic-filled gaze. Julia let out a soft, mocking laugh.
"That's what I thought," she whispered, leaning back against the chair as if the spectacle was already providing her with enough entertainment. "Well, don't worry. I'm sure you'll come up with something brilliant... or not."
Amy swallowed hard, feeling more trapped than ever. Her mind tried to find an escape, but she saw none. And Julia, with her smile, seemed to enjoy every second of her torment.
Amy felt the weight of time pressing on her chest. Every second that passed was one step closer to the end of class, and if she didn't act, they would find her there, trapped in her most vulnerable state. The only option was to follow Julia's game, as absurd and impossible as it seemed. Her mind raced as she tried to map out a plan. If I'm going to get out of this, I have to move now.
She surveyed the classroom carefully. The dim lighting made the shadows stretch, but it also meant that any movement she made could be easily noticed. The projector continued to display constellations on the walls, and the few students present were engrossed in their projects, bent over telescopes or simulators. No one was looking towards her corner... yet.
The first step was the most complicated: getting out of the classroom. Amy knew the teacher was at the front, checking the students' work, and that meant she had to avoid crossing his line of sight. She also had to consider the door. She would open it just enough to slip into the hallway, but what if someone from the hallway saw her?
Breathe first, she told herself, trying to calm the tremble in her hands. She hunched further in her chair, as if curling up could help her think. The hallway should be empty because everyone is in class, but that doesn't mean it's safe. Teachers often stepped out of classrooms, and students with special permits could also appear suddenly. Amy knew any encounter would be catastrophic.
Her gaze scanned the few windows overlooking the hall. They were small and high up, barely useful for keeping an eye on who was approaching. But at least there didn't seem to be anyone outside at that moment.
The route was clear but dangerous: she had to move from her desk, hugging the shadows of the walls as much as possible. Then, at a moment when the teacher was distracted, she would carefully open the door and step into the hallway. The challenge would be to avoid making noise. If anyone hears the click of the door or my barefoot steps on the floor, I'm done for.
Amy glanced at Julia, who was watching her with an amused smile. "Thinking about your grand escape?" Julia whispered, leaning a little closer.
Amy didn't respond, but her eyes were full of determination. I'm not going to stay here waiting to be caught. If I'm going down, it'll be trying.
She began to mentally trace her next move, her heart pounding like a drum. Now she just had to wait for the exact moment.
Amy kept her eyes fixed on the door, her thoughts consumed by the sole goal of reaching the hallway unseen. She was so immersed in her plan that she almost didn't notice Julia leaning towards her, her expression now adorned with an even more dangerous smile.
"I'm going to be incredibly generous to you, Amy," Julia whispered, with a tone of false kindness. "I'll distract them so you can have your grand moment of escape. But, of course, you'll only have one chance. So you better not mess it up."
Amy looked up, her heart pounding. There were many things she wanted to say to Julia, but she knew she couldn't afford to anger or provoke her. She had no choice. She could only nod slowly, her hands still tightly clasped over her body.
Julia jumped to her feet, immediately catching Amy's attention and, for a brief second, that of the other students. With confident strides, she made her way to the front of the classroom, where the teacher was reviewing some papers next to one of the telescopes.
"Teacher!" Julia exclaimed, her voice slightly louder than necessary. "I have an important question. I need to understand something about comet orbits, but I'm not clear on how they are affected by the gravitational fields of planets. Could you explain it?"
The teacher looked up, clearly intrigued by Julia's interest. "Ah, of course. That's a fascinating concept. Give me a second to prepare an explanation that everyone can understand." The enthusiasm in his voice was enough to make the other students look up, curious.
Julia, satisfied, shot a quick glance at Amy, raising a finger in a subtle but unequivocal gesture. This is your moment.
Amy felt her pulse resonating in her ears, but she knew she wouldn't have another chance. She took a deep breath and began to move.
First, she let her body slip carefully from the chair, staying crouched to minimize any chance of being seen. The cold texture of the floor against her bare feet reminded her of her vulnerability, but adrenaline drove her forward. Don't think. Just act.
With light steps, she advanced hugging the shadow of the wall, making sure the desks between her and the other students blocked any direct line of sight. The teacher was now passionately talking about elliptical orbits and gravitational pulls, and the few students present seemed captivated by the explanation. Julia, meanwhile, maintained an exaggeratedly attentive expression, almost theatrical.
Amy reached the door. Her trembling hand found the doorknob, and she turned it slowly, each small click resonating like a gunshot in her mind. Don't make noise, don't make noise... The door opened just enough for her to slip into the hallway.
Once outside, Amy closed it with the same care. Now she was completely naked and alone in the hallway, the echo of her own bare footsteps resonating in her head. Her heart was still pounding, but she had overcome the first barrier. Now came the hardest part: finding her backpack without being discovered.
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Amy Unfiltered - Chapter 28
The hallway stretched before Amy like an endless tunnel, empty yet laden with invisible threats. The fluorescent lighting was too bright, highlighting each tile on the floor with an immaculate white that seemed to mock her state. She clutched her arms tighter against her body, one hand covering her chest and the other pressed against her crotch. Each movement made her more aware of her naked skin and how exposed she was. It was as if the air itself conspired against her, brushing her with an insistent, revealing coldness.
The silence in the hallway was not absolute; it was pierced by small noises that, in her state of paranoia, felt deafening. The buzzing of fluorescent lights, the distant creak of a door opening elsewhere in the building, the echo of her own bare feet on the floor. Each sound was a potential threat, a sign that someone might suddenly appear. Her breathing was quick and shallow, almost a silent panting struggling to remain inaudible.
The tiles under her feet were cold, a sensation that rose from her soles to her back like an icy current. The contrast between the hardness of the floor and the softness of her skin made her feel even more vulnerable, as if the environment were marking her with each step. Her toes grazed the joints between the tiles, and the slight change in texture made her hypersensitive to everything around her.
The smell in the hallway was a mix of cleaning products and the metallic aroma of the poles and railings. Amy had never noticed that detail before, but now, with all her senses heightened, it was impossible to ignore. Every corner, every door... everything feels different now. It was as if the building itself were alive, breathing around her as she tried to move undetected.
Her eyes frantically scanned the hallway, searching for signs of movement, shadows that might indicate someone approaching. The walls, smooth and pale, seemed endless, interrupted only by the numbers of the classrooms that lined up like markers on a path she didn't want to take. Each closed door was a reminder that, on the other side, there were people who must not discover her.
The touch of her own hands on her body was constant, but it offered no comfort. Her palm pressed against her chest felt the frantic beats of her heart, while the other hand, barely covering the minimum, trembled with the effort to stay in place. I can't let anyone see me. I can't be caught.
The air seemed tenser, charged with tension, and every little movement she made was a battle against fear. Amy took one more step forward, her body hunched to occupy the least amount of space possible, every muscle tense and ready to react to the slightest sound. It was as if the entire hallway were watching her, and this feeling of surveillance, though irrational, was unbearable.
The cold, the light, the sounds, the texture of the floor under her feet: everything conspired to remind her of how alone and unprotected she was. And as she advanced, covering herself as best she could, only one thought resonated in her mind: I have to find my backpack. I have to get out of here.
Amy advanced with short, quick steps, her bare feet skimming the cold tiles as her body remained hunched, trying to make herself as small as possible. The hallway, though empty, felt immense; every meter traveled was a risk, a challenge to go unnoticed. Her mind was a chaos of thoughts, but one thing was clear: she needed a place to stop, a refuge where she could calm down enough to think clearly.
Her eyes desperately scanned the surroundings. To her left was a small bench, next to a wall adorned with student decorations; too exposed. To her right, a corner where the hallway turned towards the science classrooms; better but not perfect. Then she spotted a half-open door: the maintenance room. The silhouette of a broom peeked through the edge, and it seemed empty.
There, she thought, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. With careful movements, she slid towards the room. The door creaked slightly as she opened it wider, but there was no one around to hear it. She quickly entered, closing the door behind her without fully latching it, fearing the click of the lock would draw attention.
The room was small, with shelves filled with cleaning products, mops, and buckets stacked in a corner. The disinfectant smell was strong, but she didn't mind. She let herself fall against the wall, maintaining her hunched position while trying to catch her breath. The cold of the tiles still penetrated her skin, but at least here she had a moment to think.
Where could she have hidden it? she wondered, going over the possible options Julia might have chosen for her backpack. Julia's cruelty was calculated; the place would not only be inconvenient but also humiliating.
In the lockers? she could have put it in any locker, Amy thought. The idea was terrifying because there would be hundreds of them lined up in the hallways. Checking each one would be impossible without attracting attention, and opening them would require keys or combinations she didn't have. Moreover, the echo of any noise from the lockers would be a huge risk. But it wasn't the worst place; at least they were in the hallway.
In the bathroom? hidden in one of the bathrooms, she thought, and her stomach twisted. The bathrooms were busier places, with students constantly coming and going, even during classes. Checking there meant risking being spotted immediately, and the chance of getting caught increased significantly.
Maybe in the gym? The image of the gym formed in her mind, with its vast space and equipment lockers in the corners. If Julia had left it there, it would be a disaster. The echo of the place made it impossible to move without being heard, and there were always students or teachers nearby preparing activities. It would be very difficult to get there without being noticed.
Or the most cruel of all? In the principal's office or the teacher's lounge, Amy felt her chest tighten with force. If Julia had taken her backpack to either of those places, the consequences would be catastrophic. The principal's office and the teacher's lounge were filled with adults at all times. She couldn't even get close without raising suspicions. If it's there, I'm completely screwed.
Amy closed her eyes, trying to calm the turmoil within her. What place would Julia have chosen? It has to be something embarrassing but hidden. There was no easy answer, but she knew she couldn't stay in the maintenance room forever. She had to pick a destination and move before someone found her.
She took a deep breath, preparing for what was to come. This has to end soon.
Amy breathed deeply, trying to gather the courage to move from the cramped maintenance room. The hallway remained empty, but that didn't mean she was safe. Her entire body trembled as she adjusted the position of her hands to cover herself as best as possible. I just have to reach the lockers. If it's not there, I'll look elsewhere. But I have to start somewhere.
Amy slowly exited the room, staying as close to the floor as possible. The cold tiles against her knees and palms were a constant reminder of her vulnerability. Every touch of her bare skin on the floor made her feel more exposed, but she couldn't stop. One step at a time, Amy. Don't think about anything else.
As she moved forward, she passed closed classroom doors. She could hear teachers' voices explaining lessons and the occasional murmur of students answering questions. Each sound was a reminder that she wasn't alone, that beyond those doors were people who, if they stepped into the hallway, would discover her instantly. Her breathing quickened, and she had to stop for a moment to catch her breath.
She reached the row of lockers, lifting her head to assess the area. The lockers were a long stretch of blue metal, perfectly aligned, with small ventilation slits and numbers. Most were locked with keys or combinations, but some appeared slightly ajar. Amy swallowed hard and moved towards them.
Her hands trembled as she supported herself on one of the open lockers, taking a quick peek inside. There were only books and an old jacket. She gently closed the door, ensuring she made no noise that might echo down the hallway. Each tiny click sounded like a gunshot in the silence.
Her eyes kept moving, constantly scanning the ends of the hallway. What if someone appears? she thought, fear building in her chest. She listened intently for any unexpected noise while moving to the next slightly open locker, checking carefully.
The environment seemed to conspire against her. The hum of the hallway lights, the occasional creak of the building, even her own breath, all seemed loud. She leaned into the third locker, this time more nervous as she found nothing useful.
Amy paused, biting her lip to hold back tears. What if it's not here? What if I'm wasting time? But she couldn't stop. She had no choice. She knew every second outside the classroom brought her closer to the danger of being caught, but the idea of not finding her backpack was even worse.
She continued her search, moving from one locker to the next, her nerves escalating with each open door, each quick glance down the hallway. Please, let it be here... let it be here... But so far, her efforts were fruitless, and the feeling of desperation began to take hold.
Amy closed the last locker she checked, her movements increasingly clumsy and quick, frustration and fear battling for control of her mind. Nothing. There's nothing here. She brought a trembling hand to her mouth, trying to calm down as she glanced down the empty hallway once more. It was still deserted, but she knew time was running out.
The bathrooms, she thought. It was her next logical option, though a risky one. Despite the danger of being discovered, the bathrooms at least offered some possibility of refuge. If Julia had hidden her backpack there, it meant she'd have to face further humiliation, but it was a risk she couldn't avoid.
Amy took a deep breath and began to inch towards the nearest bathroom door, staying close to the walls, hunched over, and covering herself as best she could. Each step felt like an eternity, the cold tiles sending chills up her feet and into her back. A little further. Just a little further.
Finally, she reached the door. It was slightly ajar, giving her a small relief. She pushed it gently, peeking inside just enough to confirm the bathroom was empty. The smell of cleaning products mixed with the typical soap scent hit her immediately, but she didn't care. She crawled inside and closed the door behind her as quietly as possible.
The bathroom was small, with three stalls lined up against one wall and a large mirror above the sink. Amy crawled towards the farthest stall, seeking refuge in the shadows. The floor was slightly damp, making her skin shiver even more, but she couldn't worry about that now.
Before she could start searching, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway. Amy froze, her body shrinking as her eyes fixed on the door. She heard it open, accompanied by laughter and the murmur of two female voices.
"I swear, I can't believe she did that," said one of the girls, her voice clear and filled with disbelief.
"You know how she is," the other replied, letting out a soft laugh. "She always has to be the center of attention somehow."
Amy curled up further in the stall, her hands pressed against her body in a desperate attempt to disappear. The girls' footsteps echoed on the tiles as they approached the mirror. She could see their shadows moving under the stall door.
"Do you think the teacher noticed?" the first one asked, turning on the faucet.
"I don't think so. He's always so focused on his stuff that he doesn't even notice when someone leaves," the other responded nonchalantly.
Amy held her breath, her chest rising and falling shallowly to avoid making noise. Every word the girls spoke echoed in her head, and the possibility of being discovered made her feel like the whole world was about to crumble. Her body was as curled up as it could be, her knees against her chest, as she tried not to move an inch.
The sound of running water filled the air, but not enough to drown out their conversation. She closed her eyes, wishing to disappear, but the words they began to exchange made her heart stop.
"Have you heard what Jack keeps saying about that girl at the museum?" one of them asked, sounding amused.
"Oh my God, yes! What a crazy story, right? A girl running around completely naked. How did no one take a picture or something? It's like... too perfect to be true," the other replied, bursting into laughter.
Amy felt her breath grow heavier, panic starting to take hold. Please, stop talking about it, no more... she thought, her nails digging into her legs as she tried to control the tremors. But the girls continued.
"I don't know," the first one said, sounding thoughtful. "Jack has told so many people that everyone is starting to believe him. And, to be honest... if it really was someone from this school, I wouldn't be surprised."
"Exactly!" the other exclaimed, laughing. "Can you imagine if it's someone from here? Maybe she's even capable of doing something like this at school too. I mean, if she dared to do it at the museum... why not here?"
Amy swallowed hard, feeling the knot in her throat tighten. The girls' words were like knives, each one digging deeper into her mind. It's not me, it's not me, they can't know it's me, she repeated like a mantra, though she knew the rumor was getting closer to shattering her facade.
The first girl let out a mocking laugh, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "You know what I'd do? If she's from here and I caught her doing something like that, I'd catch her red-handed. Or rather..." She paused dramatically, and Amy could imagine the smile on her face. "With my hands on her skin." They both burst into laughter, and the sound bounced off the bathroom walls, amplifying the humiliation Amy felt in every fiber of her being.
"God! It would be the news of the year," the other continued, catching her breath. "Imagine, everyone talking about it. She'd surely become the most famous girl in school... though not for the reasons she'd want." They both laughed, as if the idea of turning someone into a massive laughingstock was the funniest thing in the world.
Amy clenched her teeth, holding back the tears burning in her eyes. Her hands trembled as she tried to remain still, pressed against the cold, damp floor of the stall. Every word the girls spoke made her vulnerability grow, an unbearable feeling that, even though no one was seeing her at that moment, she was already being exposed in others' minds. The rumor, the mockery, the stares... it was all one step away from exploding.
Finally, the girls headed towards the door, their footsteps echoing in the empty bathroom as they left. Amy couldn't move right away. She stayed curled up in the stall, feeling like every corner of the bathroom was closing in on her, as if the air was getting heavier and the pressure more unbearable. I have to get out of this. Before it's too late. But fear still paralyzed her.
Amy waited a few minutes after the girls left the bathroom, holding her breath as she made sure they didn't return. Once the silence reigned again, she moved slowly. Her body still trembled, and her bare feet brushed the damp floor with a slight shiver that ran up her legs. She needed to keep going, though each step felt heavier.
She quickly checked the remaining stalls. The doors creaked slightly as she opened them, each sound a reminder of how risky it was to stay there. But she found nothing: no trace of her backpack, no signs that Julia had hidden it in the bathroom. What am I doing? she thought, biting her lip. I have to keep looking.
With one last glance at the empty bathroom, Amy headed back into the hallway. The feeling of vulnerability was even more intense. She had heard the girls talk about Jack's rumor, and she couldn't help but feel like the walls themselves were watching her, as if everyone who had heard that story could recognize her even in her darkest hiding place.
The walk to the gym was short, but each step was a nerve-wracking test. She stayed close to the walls, her hands still covering the essentials, moving slowly and controlled to avoid making noise. The cold floor continued to bite her feet, and the distant hum of the lights buzzed in her ears.
When she reached the gym door, she stopped abruptly. Through the small windows, she could see a group of students practicing sports. The echo of voices, the sound of shoes against the wooden floor, and the occasional whistle filled the space. Amy felt a knot in her stomach. It can't be here. Julia wouldn't be so cruel as to leave it in a place full of people... or would she?
She stared at the door for a few more seconds, debating with herself. But she couldn't take the risk. If she entered the gym and everyone saw her, it would be the end. No. It's not here. It has to be somewhere else, she told herself, quickly turning around. Her next option was the library.
The walk there seemed endless. Amy silently prayed that the librarian wasn't present. Please, let her be on break... anywhere else. The library was a quiet space, but filled with open angles and visible areas. There wasn't much room to hide, but at least it was a place where Julia could have left her backpack without too many risks of being discovered by another student.
The hallway widened as she approached the library doors. The large glass windows reflected the bright white light of the fluorescent lights, and the interior looked deserted. Amy approached slowly, her heart pounding. She placed her ear against the door, trying to catch any sound that would indicate someone's presence inside. All was silent.
Please, let it be empty. Please... Thinking about what could be at stake, Amy pushed the door gently, feeling the cold of the metal handle running through her skin like a chill. She stepped inside slowly, looking around, and held the door open just enough to prevent it from slamming shut.
The air in the library was fresh and smelled of old paper, with the unmistakable scent of books stored for years. The shelves rose like walls, creating small aisles that could serve as hiding spots. But Amy knew she couldn't trust it; the librarian could appear at any moment, and a single noise could give her away.
She took a few steps, covering herself as best she could while quickly scanning the area. If the backpack was there, she had to find it fast. I can't stay here long, she thought, feeling her breath quicken. But at least she had reached the next point in her plan. Now she just had to keep searching.
Amy advanced slowly between the library shelves, each step heavier than the last. The place's silence was suffocating, and her breathing seemed to rumble in the space. The books lined up around her, their spines dark and worn by time, contrasting with the metallic shine of the cold floor beneath her bare feet.
The library was a place that had once seemed safe to her, almost magical, filled with stories and knowledge. But now, it was nothing more than a trap filled with shadows and memories she would rather forget. As she searched in the corners, her mind dragged her back to the day when it all began.
It was in this very library that Megan had brought her for the first time. Megan's friendly smile had been as fake as everything else. Amy remembered how Megan had closed the door behind them, crossing her arms with a look that brooked no objection.
"Take off your uniform," Megan had said with a chilling calm, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Amy had protested, trying to understand the reason for the request, but Megan had given her no choice. Megan always found the precise words to make her feel small, trapped. And when she finally, trembling, handed it over, Megan had taken out her phone. "It's just a photo. Nothing serious. Come on, Amy, smile."
From that day on, Amy had ceased to be the owner of her life. Starting with Megan and then with Julia by her side, they had found a perverse pleasure in their control over her. Then there was Samantha, Megan's cousin, always watching from the shadows, with that mix of disdain and arrogance that made her even more terrifying. Samantha wasn't as actively involved as Megan or Julia, but her presence, professional and controlling, reminded Amy that the game had no end.
A faint noise snapped her out of her thoughts, and Amy instinctively crouched down, her naked skin brushing against the icy floor. Focus, she told herself. She quickly searched quickly between the corners and under the tables, checking behind the reading sofas and among the lower shelves. But there was nothing, not a trace of her backpack.
The air began to feel heavier, and fear started to take hold of her. What if the librarian arrives? What if she's already here? Her heartbeats were frantic as she continued to check, her movements becoming more desperate.
Suddenly, she heard a noise, the sound of footsteps approaching from the hallway outside the library. Amy froze, looking towards the door. The librarian. She had no doubt it was her.
Without thinking twice, Amy ran towards the door, keeping her body hunched while her bare feet made barely any noise against the shiny floor. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and her hands trembled as they continued to cover her body. She pushed the door carefully, making sure it didn't make a sound as it closed behind her. When she stepped into the hallway, she breathed a sigh of relief at seeing no one.
It's not here. It's not in the library. Amy felt tears welling up in her eyes as she leaned her back against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Everything felt more impossible with each step. And the weight of what had happened in this place, where Megan had taken control of her life, only increased her desperation.
But she still couldn't stop. She had to keep searching. Julia must be very happy forcing me to run naked through the school.
The hallway was silent, but not for long. Amy felt, before she could clearly hear, the footsteps approaching from behind. Her body tensed immediately, a shiver running down her naked back as the echo of the footsteps resonated closer and closer. Someone's coming. Someone's here. Her breathing became erratic, and her mind started to spin in circles.
She looked desperately ahead. She had no clear options. A few meters away, the teachers' lounge doors were open, as if fate itself had decided to mock her. It was an impossible space to cross unseen, a red line she couldn't afford to cross under any circumstances.
What do I do? What do I do? Her eyes frantically scanned the surroundings, searching for something, anything that could save her. It was then that she noticed the upper floor, its long leaves forming a weak shelter on the opposite wall. Amy had no other choice. She slipped towards it with quick movements, hunching over more while her hands continued to cover her body.
The space behind the plant was small and didn't offer real protection. The leaves barely partially concealed her, and the rest of her body was still visible if someone got close enough. The floor's tiles beneath her bare feet were freezing, and the moisture from the leaves brushing against her naked skin caused small spasms. Amy curled up, pressing herself against the wall as if she could merge with it, while the sound of footsteps grew louder.
Her heart was pounding so fast she felt it might explode. Each beat resonated in her ears like a drum, mixing with the echo of the footsteps that were now dangerously close. The open door of the teachers' lounge was a constant reminder that she had no escape. If someone sees me here... or if I enter the lounge... I'm done for.
Amy closed her eyes tightly, a shiver running through her body. The words from the bathroom echoed in her mind: "Can you imagine if we catch her with her hands on her skin?" Now that nightmare was about to become reality. Her entire being filled with paralyzing fear, mixed with anticipated humiliation. What will they say? What will they do? This can't be happening.
A tear slowly rolled down her cheek, escaping from one of her eyes as her gaze remained fixed on the floor. She felt her whole body trembling, panic immobilizing her. Please, don't see me. Please... please... was the only thing she repeated in her mind.
The footsteps were right behind her. She bit her lip to keep from sobbing, forcing herself to maintain absolute silence. But she knew she couldn't hide forever. The feeling that everything was about to end was like an unbearable weight on her chest, the certainty that she would be discovered overwhelming. I can't move. I can't escape. I can't do anything.
The footsteps stopped. Her chest stopped moving, her breath suspended in a moment that felt eternal. And there was Amy, hunched over, stuck to the wall, barely covered by the plant, with the cold floor biting her bare feet, as the entire world seemed to come to a halt.
Amy kept her eyes tightly closed, as if by doing so, she could disappear from the world's sight. Her muscles were tense, her chest rising and falling with short, trembling breaths. Fear coursed through every fiber of her body, immobilizing her. Then, a sound snapped her out of her trance: a low, mocking laugh, and a voice that froze her blood.
"Well, well, Amy. What a lovely time you chose to wander the school hallways."
Amy slowly opened her eyes, the moisture of tears still present on her eyelashes. In front of her, leaning slightly to the side, was Megan, holding her phone with a smile that dripped malice. The dim light in the hallway reflected off the camera lens, and Amy immediately knew Megan was recording.
Amy's body tensed even more, a visible tremor running through her legs and arms. Her stomach twisted forcefully, a sensation that almost made her double over against the wall. Megan watched every reaction with evident enjoyment, her smile widening as she saw Amy trying to shrink further, desperately covering herself with her hands.
"What's up? Did the cat eat your tongue?" Megan tilted her head, feigning a gesture of false concern. "Oh, Amy. You should consider getting dressed before someone who shouldn't... catch you."
Megan let out a dry laugh, moving her phone to capture the situation better. Her eyes scanned Amy's hunched body and then shifted towards the open door of the teachers' lounge. A spark of amusement lit up her face.
"Well, this is interesting," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Let me guess, were you planning to go in there?" Megan pointed to the door with a broad gesture, as if it were an invitation. "Oh, Amy! How brave of you. Imagine what would happen if someone saw you inside? It would be... how to put it? An unforgettable spectacle."
Amy clenched her lips, unable to say anything. The knot in her throat made it impossible to articulate any words. Her body continued to tremble, and Megan didn't miss a detail, recording everything with her phone.
"Relax, Amy," Megan continued, leaning a little closer to her, her voice now in a theatrical whisper. "I'm in a good mood today. So, I'm going to help you. Don't say I'm not generous."
With that comment, Megan turned towards the door of the teachers' lounge and, with almost theatrical grace, crossed it. Amy felt her heart stop as she watched her enter.
"You know what?" Megan said as she returned to the threshold, her smile wider than ever. "There's no one in there. You got lucky, Amy. If you want to go in, go ahead. The stage is set."
Amy didn't move, paralyzed by shame and fear. Megan glanced at her one last time, putting her phone in her pocket and turning towards the hallway. With her light and carefree stride, Megan walked away, humming a melody as she returned to her classroom.
Amy remained where she was, unable to process what had just happened. The open door of the teachers' lounge seemed like a trap, an abyss inviting her in. But every step towards it felt like a trap. Her body continued to tremble as she tried to decide what to do, knowing that any decision could change everything.
Amy swallowed hard as she watched the open door of the teachers' lounge. Every fiber of her being screamed at her not to cross that threshold, that taking that step would be the worst decision she could make. But the need to find her backpack with her uniform and end this nightmare was stronger than her fear. Her hands, still covering the essentials, trembled as she took a step forward. I have no choice. This has to end here.
The teachers' lounge was different from any other room in the school. Upon entering, Amy felt like an intruder in a world she didn't belong to. The walls were decorated with diplomas, pictures, and a large clock that marked the passage of time with an almost inaudible click. The desks were organized in rows, each one with documents, half-full mugs, and a carefully private mess. There was a scent of paper, ink, and a faint trail of air, contrasting with the smell of ink that Amy had perceived in other places.
The lighting was dim, with outside light filtering through the closed blinds, creating irregular patterns on the carpeted floor. It was a space designed for the teachers' comfort, but for Amy, every piece of furniture and every corner was a threat. The sofa placed against the wall seemed more like a trap than a place to rest, and the shelves filled with heavy folders and books stood like silent guardians of the space.
Amy advanced slowly, her bare feet sinking slightly into the rough texture of the carpet. I shouldn't be here. This is a violation... Guilt and fear weighed on her chest like a slab. But she couldn't stop. Every second was a risk of being discovered.
She began to search superficially, quickly checking behind the desks and around the sofa, with clumsy and hurried movements. Her eyes scanned every corner, hoping to find her backpack among the shadows. But it wasn't there. Where did Julia hide it? she thought, feeling how the fear was taking hold of her again. What if it's not here? What if I'm wasting time again?
The sound of footsteps in the hallway abruptly pulled her out of her thoughts. Amy stopped, her heart pounding as she listened to the approaching echo. Not now. Her gaze frantically moved around the room, desperately seeking a hiding place.
The only possible spot was the small space under a long table near the wall. Without thinking twice, Amy slid towards it, shrinking as much as she could. The wood of the table was cold and rough against her skin, and the folders stacked at the edge of the surface provided some cover, but not much.
From her hiding place, she could clearly see the door. The shadow of someone appeared behind the frosted glass before the handle slowly turned. Amy clenched her lips tightly, her chest rising and falling in an attempt to control her breathing. Please, please, don't come in... she thought, as a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead. The steps stopped right in front of the door.
Amy shrank under the table, her body tense as a string about to snap. From her hiding place, she watched as the door to the teachers' lounge slowly opened, letting in first a tall man with a perfectly ironed shirt: Professor Martinez, known for his seriousness and meticulous attention to rules. But it was the figure that followed him that made Amy's world wobble.
Jack.
The boy walked in with his hands in his pockets, his expression a mix of bewilderment and mild irritation. Amy felt her stomach sink. Why him? Why now? Her bad luck seemed like an endless punishment, and the irony of being trapped there, listening to precisely the person who had unleashed the rumor, was almost unbearable.
"Have a seat, Jack," Professor Martinez said, pointing to one of the chairs in front of his desk. His tone was firm yet calm, as if accustomed to handling uncomfortable situations.
Jack obeyed, dropping his body into the chair with a nonchalant gesture, though his rigid posture betrayed some discomfort.
"Do you know why I called you here?" the professor asked, taking a seat across from him.
"Not sure," Jack replied with a shrug. But his voice had a defensive nuance, as if he already imagined what this was about.
Professor Martinez sighed, interlacing his hands on the table. "It has to do with the rumor you've been spreading. The one about a naked girl in the museum."
Amy felt the air escape her chest. He knows. Someone reported it. The sense of danger increased, her eyes fixed on Jack's shoes as they moved slightly under the table.
"Oh, that..." Jack let out a nervous laugh. "It's not a rumor, professor. It's something I actually saw."
"Whether it's true or not," Professor Martinez interrupted with a sharp tone, "your insistence on repeating that story is causing problems. Several people have already heard your version, and while I can't know if it's true, what I do know is that you're crossing a line by insisting on something so delicate."
Jack seemed to shrink a little in his seat, but he didn't give up entirely. "I was just telling what happened. Didn't know it would bother so much."
"It's more than bothering," the professor replied, his voice now firmer. "When you spread a rumor like this, you put the reputation of the girls in this school at risk. Can you imagine how it would feel if one of them was unfairly accused? If someone felt harassed by something that might not have even happened?"
Amy, hidden, felt the professor's words pierce her. The humiliation of having been seen that day at the museum was already enough, but now the fact that everyone was talking about it, even in a distorted way, was added. And hearing someone defend the impact this could have on other girls only made the sensation of her own exposure more unbearable.
"I understand, professor," Jack murmured, though his tone was more of resignation than remorse.
"I hope so," Martinez continued. "Because if you keep repeating that story, I'll have to take disciplinary measures. This is not a game, Jack. And I don't want to hear any more complaints about it. Understood?"
Jack nodded slowly, though his face was tinged with frustration. "Yes, professor."
Amy observed from her hiding place, her body still trembling. Every word left her more paralyzed, but at least there was a small consolation in knowing that someone was trying to stop the spread of the rumor. However, being there completely naked, so close to being discovered, was torture. Any movement, any noise, could expose her, and the rumor would become reality.
Amy remained motionless in her hiding spot, her heartbeats echoing in her ears like a war drum. Every second felt endless, every move by Jack or Professor Martinez was a direct threat to her already fragile security. But the worst wasn't the present; it was the horror of what could happen if they discovered her. Her treacherous mind began to sketch the worst possible scenario.
If they find me here...
The thought pierced her like an electric shock, and the images began to form with brutal clarity. The door of the lounge would burst open, and Jack's eyes would be the first to find her. At first, he wouldn't understand what he was seeing. His gaze would be filled with confusion before his lips curved into an incredulous smile. His phone... yes, Jack would pull out his phone, as if he had it ready. The snap of the camera would resonate in her mind, a confirmation of her defeat.
"Oh my God! It's you!" Jack would shout, his voice charged with a mix of surprise and triumph. The tone he had used so many times to tell the rumor would now become unmistakably real, his words turning into a declaration: "You were the one in the museum! And look at you now!"
Professor Martinez would be so surprised that his face would go from confusion to pure disgust. "What are you doing here? Why are you..." But his voice would cut off, unable to articulate the words as he processed the obvious.
The ground would open up beneath Amy's feet. She knew there would be no way to explain what she was doing there, as naked as the day she was born, every part of her body exposed, hiding like a trapped animal. Jack, always looking to fuel the rumor, wouldn't just confirm it; he would amplify it. Every student in the school would know the truth, not as a possibility or gossip, but as an absolute fact.
Now everyone would know. The girl in the museum. The one who ran naked. The one who dared to be in school naked as well. Amy closed her eyes tightly, trying to block the image, but she couldn't stop it. She heard the laughter in her mind, the mocking looks, the whispers behind her back. Every step she took in the hallways would be a reminder that she was nothing more than a living joke, a gossip turned spectacle.
I couldn't show my face again. I couldn't come back to this school. The idea crushed her. There would be no place for her after that. Her already wobbling world would completely collapse. Amy breathed heavily, feeling tears filling her eyes again.
The weight of the possibility was unbearable, a humiliation that would have no end. And it all depended on those seconds, on Jack or the professor not looking under that table, not realizing she was there, without clothes, crouched and vulnerable, on the verge of her greatest defeat. Please... please, don't see me, she silently pleaded, as if her thoughts could influence the inevitable.
Amy barely managed to hold back a sigh of relief when she heard Professor Martínez say, "You can go back to class, Jack." From her hiding spot under the table, she felt a tiny bit of the tension in her chest release. Jack's footsteps echoed as he left the room, his carefree pace fading down the hallway. The door closed with a soft click, and for a moment, Amy believed it was all over.
But the relief lasted only a second.
Professor Martínez didn't leave with him.
Amy held her breath, feeling the panic returning with force. From her position, she could hear the slight rustling of papers and folders moving on the desk. The professor seemed to be organizing something. Each movement he made resonated with too much clarity in the silence, as if every tiny sound was amplified just to torture her.
Please, leave... please, she thought desperately, but then she heard the door open again.
"Come in," the professor said in a tired tone.
Amy tensed up. New, firm, and steady footsteps entered the room, followed by a feminine voice speaking politely.
"Good morning, Professor Martínez. Do you have a moment?"
Amy felt her stomach flip as she recognized the voice. Julie. Her classmate, a quiet and diligent girl who often sat near her. Now, Julie was in the teacher's room, talking to the professor while Amy remained curled up, trapped and vulnerable under the table.
"Of course, Julie. What do you need?" the professor asked kindly.
"It's about Amy, my classmate," Julie responded, her voice sounding cautious. Amy felt a chill run up her spine. Me? Why is she talking about me?
"Amy?" the professor repeated, as if trying to remember something. "What's going on with her?"
Julie seemed to hesitate for a moment before continuing. "I've noticed that Amy... well, lately she's been very distracted. She forgets her homework or hands it in half-done. That's not like her."
Amy clenched her eyes tightly, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. Why now? Why here? She felt trapped in a circle of humiliation, being mentioned right when she was at her most vulnerable moment in life.
Julie continued, her tone now more concerned. "I don't want to sound nosy, professor, but... I'm worried. I don't know if something is happening to her, if there's something at home or..." She trailed off. "I don't want her to struggle with something that could be resolved."
Professor Martínez was silent for a moment, and Amy could hear the rustle of papers as he leaned back in his chair. "I appreciate your concern, Julie. To be honest, I hadn't noticed. But don't worry, I'll talk to Amy as soon as I get the chance. Maybe she's just going through a rough patch."
"I hope so, professor," Julie replied, her tone softening. "She's a good person; I just think she needs a little help."
Amy felt her heart sink. Julie's intention was good, but for Amy, hearing all this in her current state was like an open wound. If she knew... if she knew what I'm really going through... The thought was unbearable.
"Thank you for bringing it up, Julie. You can go back to class now," the professor finally said, his voice taking on a more paternal tone.
Julie's footsteps softly receded, and Amy could hear the door close again. But the professor didn't move. Amy, still immobile under the table, felt her heart pounding in her chest, stronger than ever. And now? When will he leave?
Each second seemed to stretch to infinity as she remained hidden, listening to conversations about her own life, trapped in a nightmare that seemed endless.
The silence in the hallway was not absolute; it was pierced by small noises that, in her state of paranoia, felt deafening. The buzzing of fluorescent lights, the distant creak of a door opening elsewhere in the building, the echo of her own bare feet on the floor. Each sound was a potential threat, a sign that someone might suddenly appear. Her breathing was quick and shallow, almost a silent panting struggling to remain inaudible.
The tiles under her feet were cold, a sensation that rose from her soles to her back like an icy current. The contrast between the hardness of the floor and the softness of her skin made her feel even more vulnerable, as if the environment were marking her with each step. Her toes grazed the joints between the tiles, and the slight change in texture made her hypersensitive to everything around her.
The smell in the hallway was a mix of cleaning products and the metallic aroma of the poles and railings. Amy had never noticed that detail before, but now, with all her senses heightened, it was impossible to ignore. Every corner, every door... everything feels different now. It was as if the building itself were alive, breathing around her as she tried to move undetected.
Her eyes frantically scanned the hallway, searching for signs of movement, shadows that might indicate someone approaching. The walls, smooth and pale, seemed endless, interrupted only by the numbers of the classrooms that lined up like markers on a path she didn't want to take. Each closed door was a reminder that, on the other side, there were people who must not discover her.
The touch of her own hands on her body was constant, but it offered no comfort. Her palm pressed against her chest felt the frantic beats of her heart, while the other hand, barely covering the minimum, trembled with the effort to stay in place. I can't let anyone see me. I can't be caught.
The air seemed tenser, charged with tension, and every little movement she made was a battle against fear. Amy took one more step forward, her body hunched to occupy the least amount of space possible, every muscle tense and ready to react to the slightest sound. It was as if the entire hallway were watching her, and this feeling of surveillance, though irrational, was unbearable.
The cold, the light, the sounds, the texture of the floor under her feet: everything conspired to remind her of how alone and unprotected she was. And as she advanced, covering herself as best she could, only one thought resonated in her mind: I have to find my backpack. I have to get out of here.
Amy advanced with short, quick steps, her bare feet skimming the cold tiles as her body remained hunched, trying to make herself as small as possible. The hallway, though empty, felt immense; every meter traveled was a risk, a challenge to go unnoticed. Her mind was a chaos of thoughts, but one thing was clear: she needed a place to stop, a refuge where she could calm down enough to think clearly.
Her eyes desperately scanned the surroundings. To her left was a small bench, next to a wall adorned with student decorations; too exposed. To her right, a corner where the hallway turned towards the science classrooms; better but not perfect. Then she spotted a half-open door: the maintenance room. The silhouette of a broom peeked through the edge, and it seemed empty.
There, she thought, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. With careful movements, she slid towards the room. The door creaked slightly as she opened it wider, but there was no one around to hear it. She quickly entered, closing the door behind her without fully latching it, fearing the click of the lock would draw attention.
The room was small, with shelves filled with cleaning products, mops, and buckets stacked in a corner. The disinfectant smell was strong, but she didn't mind. She let herself fall against the wall, maintaining her hunched position while trying to catch her breath. The cold of the tiles still penetrated her skin, but at least here she had a moment to think.
Where could she have hidden it? she wondered, going over the possible options Julia might have chosen for her backpack. Julia's cruelty was calculated; the place would not only be inconvenient but also humiliating.
In the lockers? she could have put it in any locker, Amy thought. The idea was terrifying because there would be hundreds of them lined up in the hallways. Checking each one would be impossible without attracting attention, and opening them would require keys or combinations she didn't have. Moreover, the echo of any noise from the lockers would be a huge risk. But it wasn't the worst place; at least they were in the hallway.
In the bathroom? hidden in one of the bathrooms, she thought, and her stomach twisted. The bathrooms were busier places, with students constantly coming and going, even during classes. Checking there meant risking being spotted immediately, and the chance of getting caught increased significantly.
Maybe in the gym? The image of the gym formed in her mind, with its vast space and equipment lockers in the corners. If Julia had left it there, it would be a disaster. The echo of the place made it impossible to move without being heard, and there were always students or teachers nearby preparing activities. It would be very difficult to get there without being noticed.
Or the most cruel of all? In the principal's office or the teacher's lounge, Amy felt her chest tighten with force. If Julia had taken her backpack to either of those places, the consequences would be catastrophic. The principal's office and the teacher's lounge were filled with adults at all times. She couldn't even get close without raising suspicions. If it's there, I'm completely screwed.
Amy closed her eyes, trying to calm the turmoil within her. What place would Julia have chosen? It has to be something embarrassing but hidden. There was no easy answer, but she knew she couldn't stay in the maintenance room forever. She had to pick a destination and move before someone found her.
She took a deep breath, preparing for what was to come. This has to end soon.
Amy breathed deeply, trying to gather the courage to move from the cramped maintenance room. The hallway remained empty, but that didn't mean she was safe. Her entire body trembled as she adjusted the position of her hands to cover herself as best as possible. I just have to reach the lockers. If it's not there, I'll look elsewhere. But I have to start somewhere.
Amy slowly exited the room, staying as close to the floor as possible. The cold tiles against her knees and palms were a constant reminder of her vulnerability. Every touch of her bare skin on the floor made her feel more exposed, but she couldn't stop. One step at a time, Amy. Don't think about anything else.
As she moved forward, she passed closed classroom doors. She could hear teachers' voices explaining lessons and the occasional murmur of students answering questions. Each sound was a reminder that she wasn't alone, that beyond those doors were people who, if they stepped into the hallway, would discover her instantly. Her breathing quickened, and she had to stop for a moment to catch her breath.
She reached the row of lockers, lifting her head to assess the area. The lockers were a long stretch of blue metal, perfectly aligned, with small ventilation slits and numbers. Most were locked with keys or combinations, but some appeared slightly ajar. Amy swallowed hard and moved towards them.
Her hands trembled as she supported herself on one of the open lockers, taking a quick peek inside. There were only books and an old jacket. She gently closed the door, ensuring she made no noise that might echo down the hallway. Each tiny click sounded like a gunshot in the silence.
Her eyes kept moving, constantly scanning the ends of the hallway. What if someone appears? she thought, fear building in her chest. She listened intently for any unexpected noise while moving to the next slightly open locker, checking carefully.
The environment seemed to conspire against her. The hum of the hallway lights, the occasional creak of the building, even her own breath, all seemed loud. She leaned into the third locker, this time more nervous as she found nothing useful.
Amy paused, biting her lip to hold back tears. What if it's not here? What if I'm wasting time? But she couldn't stop. She had no choice. She knew every second outside the classroom brought her closer to the danger of being caught, but the idea of not finding her backpack was even worse.
She continued her search, moving from one locker to the next, her nerves escalating with each open door, each quick glance down the hallway. Please, let it be here... let it be here... But so far, her efforts were fruitless, and the feeling of desperation began to take hold.
Amy closed the last locker she checked, her movements increasingly clumsy and quick, frustration and fear battling for control of her mind. Nothing. There's nothing here. She brought a trembling hand to her mouth, trying to calm down as she glanced down the empty hallway once more. It was still deserted, but she knew time was running out.
The bathrooms, she thought. It was her next logical option, though a risky one. Despite the danger of being discovered, the bathrooms at least offered some possibility of refuge. If Julia had hidden her backpack there, it meant she'd have to face further humiliation, but it was a risk she couldn't avoid.
Amy took a deep breath and began to inch towards the nearest bathroom door, staying close to the walls, hunched over, and covering herself as best she could. Each step felt like an eternity, the cold tiles sending chills up her feet and into her back. A little further. Just a little further.
Finally, she reached the door. It was slightly ajar, giving her a small relief. She pushed it gently, peeking inside just enough to confirm the bathroom was empty. The smell of cleaning products mixed with the typical soap scent hit her immediately, but she didn't care. She crawled inside and closed the door behind her as quietly as possible.
The bathroom was small, with three stalls lined up against one wall and a large mirror above the sink. Amy crawled towards the farthest stall, seeking refuge in the shadows. The floor was slightly damp, making her skin shiver even more, but she couldn't worry about that now.
Before she could start searching, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway. Amy froze, her body shrinking as her eyes fixed on the door. She heard it open, accompanied by laughter and the murmur of two female voices.
"I swear, I can't believe she did that," said one of the girls, her voice clear and filled with disbelief.
"You know how she is," the other replied, letting out a soft laugh. "She always has to be the center of attention somehow."
Amy curled up further in the stall, her hands pressed against her body in a desperate attempt to disappear. The girls' footsteps echoed on the tiles as they approached the mirror. She could see their shadows moving under the stall door.
"Do you think the teacher noticed?" the first one asked, turning on the faucet.
"I don't think so. He's always so focused on his stuff that he doesn't even notice when someone leaves," the other responded nonchalantly.
Amy held her breath, her chest rising and falling shallowly to avoid making noise. Every word the girls spoke echoed in her head, and the possibility of being discovered made her feel like the whole world was about to crumble. Her body was as curled up as it could be, her knees against her chest, as she tried not to move an inch.
The sound of running water filled the air, but not enough to drown out their conversation. She closed her eyes, wishing to disappear, but the words they began to exchange made her heart stop.
"Have you heard what Jack keeps saying about that girl at the museum?" one of them asked, sounding amused.
"Oh my God, yes! What a crazy story, right? A girl running around completely naked. How did no one take a picture or something? It's like... too perfect to be true," the other replied, bursting into laughter.
Amy felt her breath grow heavier, panic starting to take hold. Please, stop talking about it, no more... she thought, her nails digging into her legs as she tried to control the tremors. But the girls continued.
"I don't know," the first one said, sounding thoughtful. "Jack has told so many people that everyone is starting to believe him. And, to be honest... if it really was someone from this school, I wouldn't be surprised."
"Exactly!" the other exclaimed, laughing. "Can you imagine if it's someone from here? Maybe she's even capable of doing something like this at school too. I mean, if she dared to do it at the museum... why not here?"
Amy swallowed hard, feeling the knot in her throat tighten. The girls' words were like knives, each one digging deeper into her mind. It's not me, it's not me, they can't know it's me, she repeated like a mantra, though she knew the rumor was getting closer to shattering her facade.
The first girl let out a mocking laugh, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "You know what I'd do? If she's from here and I caught her doing something like that, I'd catch her red-handed. Or rather..." She paused dramatically, and Amy could imagine the smile on her face. "With my hands on her skin." They both burst into laughter, and the sound bounced off the bathroom walls, amplifying the humiliation Amy felt in every fiber of her being.
"God! It would be the news of the year," the other continued, catching her breath. "Imagine, everyone talking about it. She'd surely become the most famous girl in school... though not for the reasons she'd want." They both laughed, as if the idea of turning someone into a massive laughingstock was the funniest thing in the world.
Amy clenched her teeth, holding back the tears burning in her eyes. Her hands trembled as she tried to remain still, pressed against the cold, damp floor of the stall. Every word the girls spoke made her vulnerability grow, an unbearable feeling that, even though no one was seeing her at that moment, she was already being exposed in others' minds. The rumor, the mockery, the stares... it was all one step away from exploding.
Finally, the girls headed towards the door, their footsteps echoing in the empty bathroom as they left. Amy couldn't move right away. She stayed curled up in the stall, feeling like every corner of the bathroom was closing in on her, as if the air was getting heavier and the pressure more unbearable. I have to get out of this. Before it's too late. But fear still paralyzed her.
Amy waited a few minutes after the girls left the bathroom, holding her breath as she made sure they didn't return. Once the silence reigned again, she moved slowly. Her body still trembled, and her bare feet brushed the damp floor with a slight shiver that ran up her legs. She needed to keep going, though each step felt heavier.
She quickly checked the remaining stalls. The doors creaked slightly as she opened them, each sound a reminder of how risky it was to stay there. But she found nothing: no trace of her backpack, no signs that Julia had hidden it in the bathroom. What am I doing? she thought, biting her lip. I have to keep looking.
With one last glance at the empty bathroom, Amy headed back into the hallway. The feeling of vulnerability was even more intense. She had heard the girls talk about Jack's rumor, and she couldn't help but feel like the walls themselves were watching her, as if everyone who had heard that story could recognize her even in her darkest hiding place.
The walk to the gym was short, but each step was a nerve-wracking test. She stayed close to the walls, her hands still covering the essentials, moving slowly and controlled to avoid making noise. The cold floor continued to bite her feet, and the distant hum of the lights buzzed in her ears.
When she reached the gym door, she stopped abruptly. Through the small windows, she could see a group of students practicing sports. The echo of voices, the sound of shoes against the wooden floor, and the occasional whistle filled the space. Amy felt a knot in her stomach. It can't be here. Julia wouldn't be so cruel as to leave it in a place full of people... or would she?
She stared at the door for a few more seconds, debating with herself. But she couldn't take the risk. If she entered the gym and everyone saw her, it would be the end. No. It's not here. It has to be somewhere else, she told herself, quickly turning around. Her next option was the library.
The walk there seemed endless. Amy silently prayed that the librarian wasn't present. Please, let her be on break... anywhere else. The library was a quiet space, but filled with open angles and visible areas. There wasn't much room to hide, but at least it was a place where Julia could have left her backpack without too many risks of being discovered by another student.
The hallway widened as she approached the library doors. The large glass windows reflected the bright white light of the fluorescent lights, and the interior looked deserted. Amy approached slowly, her heart pounding. She placed her ear against the door, trying to catch any sound that would indicate someone's presence inside. All was silent.
Please, let it be empty. Please... Thinking about what could be at stake, Amy pushed the door gently, feeling the cold of the metal handle running through her skin like a chill. She stepped inside slowly, looking around, and held the door open just enough to prevent it from slamming shut.
The air in the library was fresh and smelled of old paper, with the unmistakable scent of books stored for years. The shelves rose like walls, creating small aisles that could serve as hiding spots. But Amy knew she couldn't trust it; the librarian could appear at any moment, and a single noise could give her away.
She took a few steps, covering herself as best she could while quickly scanning the area. If the backpack was there, she had to find it fast. I can't stay here long, she thought, feeling her breath quicken. But at least she had reached the next point in her plan. Now she just had to keep searching.
Amy advanced slowly between the library shelves, each step heavier than the last. The place's silence was suffocating, and her breathing seemed to rumble in the space. The books lined up around her, their spines dark and worn by time, contrasting with the metallic shine of the cold floor beneath her bare feet.
The library was a place that had once seemed safe to her, almost magical, filled with stories and knowledge. But now, it was nothing more than a trap filled with shadows and memories she would rather forget. As she searched in the corners, her mind dragged her back to the day when it all began.
It was in this very library that Megan had brought her for the first time. Megan's friendly smile had been as fake as everything else. Amy remembered how Megan had closed the door behind them, crossing her arms with a look that brooked no objection.
"Take off your uniform," Megan had said with a chilling calm, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Amy had protested, trying to understand the reason for the request, but Megan had given her no choice. Megan always found the precise words to make her feel small, trapped. And when she finally, trembling, handed it over, Megan had taken out her phone. "It's just a photo. Nothing serious. Come on, Amy, smile."
From that day on, Amy had ceased to be the owner of her life. Starting with Megan and then with Julia by her side, they had found a perverse pleasure in their control over her. Then there was Samantha, Megan's cousin, always watching from the shadows, with that mix of disdain and arrogance that made her even more terrifying. Samantha wasn't as actively involved as Megan or Julia, but her presence, professional and controlling, reminded Amy that the game had no end.
A faint noise snapped her out of her thoughts, and Amy instinctively crouched down, her naked skin brushing against the icy floor. Focus, she told herself. She quickly searched quickly between the corners and under the tables, checking behind the reading sofas and among the lower shelves. But there was nothing, not a trace of her backpack.
The air began to feel heavier, and fear started to take hold of her. What if the librarian arrives? What if she's already here? Her heartbeats were frantic as she continued to check, her movements becoming more desperate.
Suddenly, she heard a noise, the sound of footsteps approaching from the hallway outside the library. Amy froze, looking towards the door. The librarian. She had no doubt it was her.
Without thinking twice, Amy ran towards the door, keeping her body hunched while her bare feet made barely any noise against the shiny floor. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and her hands trembled as they continued to cover her body. She pushed the door carefully, making sure it didn't make a sound as it closed behind her. When she stepped into the hallway, she breathed a sigh of relief at seeing no one.
It's not here. It's not in the library. Amy felt tears welling up in her eyes as she leaned her back against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Everything felt more impossible with each step. And the weight of what had happened in this place, where Megan had taken control of her life, only increased her desperation.
But she still couldn't stop. She had to keep searching. Julia must be very happy forcing me to run naked through the school.
The hallway was silent, but not for long. Amy felt, before she could clearly hear, the footsteps approaching from behind. Her body tensed immediately, a shiver running down her naked back as the echo of the footsteps resonated closer and closer. Someone's coming. Someone's here. Her breathing became erratic, and her mind started to spin in circles.
She looked desperately ahead. She had no clear options. A few meters away, the teachers' lounge doors were open, as if fate itself had decided to mock her. It was an impossible space to cross unseen, a red line she couldn't afford to cross under any circumstances.
What do I do? What do I do? Her eyes frantically scanned the surroundings, searching for something, anything that could save her. It was then that she noticed the upper floor, its long leaves forming a weak shelter on the opposite wall. Amy had no other choice. She slipped towards it with quick movements, hunching over more while her hands continued to cover her body.
The space behind the plant was small and didn't offer real protection. The leaves barely partially concealed her, and the rest of her body was still visible if someone got close enough. The floor's tiles beneath her bare feet were freezing, and the moisture from the leaves brushing against her naked skin caused small spasms. Amy curled up, pressing herself against the wall as if she could merge with it, while the sound of footsteps grew louder.
Her heart was pounding so fast she felt it might explode. Each beat resonated in her ears like a drum, mixing with the echo of the footsteps that were now dangerously close. The open door of the teachers' lounge was a constant reminder that she had no escape. If someone sees me here... or if I enter the lounge... I'm done for.
Amy closed her eyes tightly, a shiver running through her body. The words from the bathroom echoed in her mind: "Can you imagine if we catch her with her hands on her skin?" Now that nightmare was about to become reality. Her entire being filled with paralyzing fear, mixed with anticipated humiliation. What will they say? What will they do? This can't be happening.
A tear slowly rolled down her cheek, escaping from one of her eyes as her gaze remained fixed on the floor. She felt her whole body trembling, panic immobilizing her. Please, don't see me. Please... please... was the only thing she repeated in her mind.
The footsteps were right behind her. She bit her lip to keep from sobbing, forcing herself to maintain absolute silence. But she knew she couldn't hide forever. The feeling that everything was about to end was like an unbearable weight on her chest, the certainty that she would be discovered overwhelming. I can't move. I can't escape. I can't do anything.
The footsteps stopped. Her chest stopped moving, her breath suspended in a moment that felt eternal. And there was Amy, hunched over, stuck to the wall, barely covered by the plant, with the cold floor biting her bare feet, as the entire world seemed to come to a halt.
Amy kept her eyes tightly closed, as if by doing so, she could disappear from the world's sight. Her muscles were tense, her chest rising and falling with short, trembling breaths. Fear coursed through every fiber of her body, immobilizing her. Then, a sound snapped her out of her trance: a low, mocking laugh, and a voice that froze her blood.
"Well, well, Amy. What a lovely time you chose to wander the school hallways."
Amy slowly opened her eyes, the moisture of tears still present on her eyelashes. In front of her, leaning slightly to the side, was Megan, holding her phone with a smile that dripped malice. The dim light in the hallway reflected off the camera lens, and Amy immediately knew Megan was recording.
Amy's body tensed even more, a visible tremor running through her legs and arms. Her stomach twisted forcefully, a sensation that almost made her double over against the wall. Megan watched every reaction with evident enjoyment, her smile widening as she saw Amy trying to shrink further, desperately covering herself with her hands.
"What's up? Did the cat eat your tongue?" Megan tilted her head, feigning a gesture of false concern. "Oh, Amy. You should consider getting dressed before someone who shouldn't... catch you."
Megan let out a dry laugh, moving her phone to capture the situation better. Her eyes scanned Amy's hunched body and then shifted towards the open door of the teachers' lounge. A spark of amusement lit up her face.
"Well, this is interesting," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Let me guess, were you planning to go in there?" Megan pointed to the door with a broad gesture, as if it were an invitation. "Oh, Amy! How brave of you. Imagine what would happen if someone saw you inside? It would be... how to put it? An unforgettable spectacle."
Amy clenched her lips, unable to say anything. The knot in her throat made it impossible to articulate any words. Her body continued to tremble, and Megan didn't miss a detail, recording everything with her phone.
"Relax, Amy," Megan continued, leaning a little closer to her, her voice now in a theatrical whisper. "I'm in a good mood today. So, I'm going to help you. Don't say I'm not generous."
With that comment, Megan turned towards the door of the teachers' lounge and, with almost theatrical grace, crossed it. Amy felt her heart stop as she watched her enter.
"You know what?" Megan said as she returned to the threshold, her smile wider than ever. "There's no one in there. You got lucky, Amy. If you want to go in, go ahead. The stage is set."
Amy didn't move, paralyzed by shame and fear. Megan glanced at her one last time, putting her phone in her pocket and turning towards the hallway. With her light and carefree stride, Megan walked away, humming a melody as she returned to her classroom.
Amy remained where she was, unable to process what had just happened. The open door of the teachers' lounge seemed like a trap, an abyss inviting her in. But every step towards it felt like a trap. Her body continued to tremble as she tried to decide what to do, knowing that any decision could change everything.
Amy swallowed hard as she watched the open door of the teachers' lounge. Every fiber of her being screamed at her not to cross that threshold, that taking that step would be the worst decision she could make. But the need to find her backpack with her uniform and end this nightmare was stronger than her fear. Her hands, still covering the essentials, trembled as she took a step forward. I have no choice. This has to end here.
The teachers' lounge was different from any other room in the school. Upon entering, Amy felt like an intruder in a world she didn't belong to. The walls were decorated with diplomas, pictures, and a large clock that marked the passage of time with an almost inaudible click. The desks were organized in rows, each one with documents, half-full mugs, and a carefully private mess. There was a scent of paper, ink, and a faint trail of air, contrasting with the smell of ink that Amy had perceived in other places.
The lighting was dim, with outside light filtering through the closed blinds, creating irregular patterns on the carpeted floor. It was a space designed for the teachers' comfort, but for Amy, every piece of furniture and every corner was a threat. The sofa placed against the wall seemed more like a trap than a place to rest, and the shelves filled with heavy folders and books stood like silent guardians of the space.
Amy advanced slowly, her bare feet sinking slightly into the rough texture of the carpet. I shouldn't be here. This is a violation... Guilt and fear weighed on her chest like a slab. But she couldn't stop. Every second was a risk of being discovered.
She began to search superficially, quickly checking behind the desks and around the sofa, with clumsy and hurried movements. Her eyes scanned every corner, hoping to find her backpack among the shadows. But it wasn't there. Where did Julia hide it? she thought, feeling how the fear was taking hold of her again. What if it's not here? What if I'm wasting time again?
The sound of footsteps in the hallway abruptly pulled her out of her thoughts. Amy stopped, her heart pounding as she listened to the approaching echo. Not now. Her gaze frantically moved around the room, desperately seeking a hiding place.
The only possible spot was the small space under a long table near the wall. Without thinking twice, Amy slid towards it, shrinking as much as she could. The wood of the table was cold and rough against her skin, and the folders stacked at the edge of the surface provided some cover, but not much.
From her hiding place, she could clearly see the door. The shadow of someone appeared behind the frosted glass before the handle slowly turned. Amy clenched her lips tightly, her chest rising and falling in an attempt to control her breathing. Please, please, don't come in... she thought, as a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead. The steps stopped right in front of the door.
Amy shrank under the table, her body tense as a string about to snap. From her hiding place, she watched as the door to the teachers' lounge slowly opened, letting in first a tall man with a perfectly ironed shirt: Professor Martinez, known for his seriousness and meticulous attention to rules. But it was the figure that followed him that made Amy's world wobble.
Jack.
The boy walked in with his hands in his pockets, his expression a mix of bewilderment and mild irritation. Amy felt her stomach sink. Why him? Why now? Her bad luck seemed like an endless punishment, and the irony of being trapped there, listening to precisely the person who had unleashed the rumor, was almost unbearable.
"Have a seat, Jack," Professor Martinez said, pointing to one of the chairs in front of his desk. His tone was firm yet calm, as if accustomed to handling uncomfortable situations.
Jack obeyed, dropping his body into the chair with a nonchalant gesture, though his rigid posture betrayed some discomfort.
"Do you know why I called you here?" the professor asked, taking a seat across from him.
"Not sure," Jack replied with a shrug. But his voice had a defensive nuance, as if he already imagined what this was about.
Professor Martinez sighed, interlacing his hands on the table. "It has to do with the rumor you've been spreading. The one about a naked girl in the museum."
Amy felt the air escape her chest. He knows. Someone reported it. The sense of danger increased, her eyes fixed on Jack's shoes as they moved slightly under the table.
"Oh, that..." Jack let out a nervous laugh. "It's not a rumor, professor. It's something I actually saw."
"Whether it's true or not," Professor Martinez interrupted with a sharp tone, "your insistence on repeating that story is causing problems. Several people have already heard your version, and while I can't know if it's true, what I do know is that you're crossing a line by insisting on something so delicate."
Jack seemed to shrink a little in his seat, but he didn't give up entirely. "I was just telling what happened. Didn't know it would bother so much."
"It's more than bothering," the professor replied, his voice now firmer. "When you spread a rumor like this, you put the reputation of the girls in this school at risk. Can you imagine how it would feel if one of them was unfairly accused? If someone felt harassed by something that might not have even happened?"
Amy, hidden, felt the professor's words pierce her. The humiliation of having been seen that day at the museum was already enough, but now the fact that everyone was talking about it, even in a distorted way, was added. And hearing someone defend the impact this could have on other girls only made the sensation of her own exposure more unbearable.
"I understand, professor," Jack murmured, though his tone was more of resignation than remorse.
"I hope so," Martinez continued. "Because if you keep repeating that story, I'll have to take disciplinary measures. This is not a game, Jack. And I don't want to hear any more complaints about it. Understood?"
Jack nodded slowly, though his face was tinged with frustration. "Yes, professor."
Amy observed from her hiding place, her body still trembling. Every word left her more paralyzed, but at least there was a small consolation in knowing that someone was trying to stop the spread of the rumor. However, being there completely naked, so close to being discovered, was torture. Any movement, any noise, could expose her, and the rumor would become reality.
Amy remained motionless in her hiding spot, her heartbeats echoing in her ears like a war drum. Every second felt endless, every move by Jack or Professor Martinez was a direct threat to her already fragile security. But the worst wasn't the present; it was the horror of what could happen if they discovered her. Her treacherous mind began to sketch the worst possible scenario.
If they find me here...
The thought pierced her like an electric shock, and the images began to form with brutal clarity. The door of the lounge would burst open, and Jack's eyes would be the first to find her. At first, he wouldn't understand what he was seeing. His gaze would be filled with confusion before his lips curved into an incredulous smile. His phone... yes, Jack would pull out his phone, as if he had it ready. The snap of the camera would resonate in her mind, a confirmation of her defeat.
"Oh my God! It's you!" Jack would shout, his voice charged with a mix of surprise and triumph. The tone he had used so many times to tell the rumor would now become unmistakably real, his words turning into a declaration: "You were the one in the museum! And look at you now!"
Professor Martinez would be so surprised that his face would go from confusion to pure disgust. "What are you doing here? Why are you..." But his voice would cut off, unable to articulate the words as he processed the obvious.
The ground would open up beneath Amy's feet. She knew there would be no way to explain what she was doing there, as naked as the day she was born, every part of her body exposed, hiding like a trapped animal. Jack, always looking to fuel the rumor, wouldn't just confirm it; he would amplify it. Every student in the school would know the truth, not as a possibility or gossip, but as an absolute fact.
Now everyone would know. The girl in the museum. The one who ran naked. The one who dared to be in school naked as well. Amy closed her eyes tightly, trying to block the image, but she couldn't stop it. She heard the laughter in her mind, the mocking looks, the whispers behind her back. Every step she took in the hallways would be a reminder that she was nothing more than a living joke, a gossip turned spectacle.
I couldn't show my face again. I couldn't come back to this school. The idea crushed her. There would be no place for her after that. Her already wobbling world would completely collapse. Amy breathed heavily, feeling tears filling her eyes again.
The weight of the possibility was unbearable, a humiliation that would have no end. And it all depended on those seconds, on Jack or the professor not looking under that table, not realizing she was there, without clothes, crouched and vulnerable, on the verge of her greatest defeat. Please... please, don't see me, she silently pleaded, as if her thoughts could influence the inevitable.
Amy barely managed to hold back a sigh of relief when she heard Professor Martínez say, "You can go back to class, Jack." From her hiding spot under the table, she felt a tiny bit of the tension in her chest release. Jack's footsteps echoed as he left the room, his carefree pace fading down the hallway. The door closed with a soft click, and for a moment, Amy believed it was all over.
But the relief lasted only a second.
Professor Martínez didn't leave with him.
Amy held her breath, feeling the panic returning with force. From her position, she could hear the slight rustling of papers and folders moving on the desk. The professor seemed to be organizing something. Each movement he made resonated with too much clarity in the silence, as if every tiny sound was amplified just to torture her.
Please, leave... please, she thought desperately, but then she heard the door open again.
"Come in," the professor said in a tired tone.
Amy tensed up. New, firm, and steady footsteps entered the room, followed by a feminine voice speaking politely.
"Good morning, Professor Martínez. Do you have a moment?"
Amy felt her stomach flip as she recognized the voice. Julie. Her classmate, a quiet and diligent girl who often sat near her. Now, Julie was in the teacher's room, talking to the professor while Amy remained curled up, trapped and vulnerable under the table.
"Of course, Julie. What do you need?" the professor asked kindly.
"It's about Amy, my classmate," Julie responded, her voice sounding cautious. Amy felt a chill run up her spine. Me? Why is she talking about me?
"Amy?" the professor repeated, as if trying to remember something. "What's going on with her?"
Julie seemed to hesitate for a moment before continuing. "I've noticed that Amy... well, lately she's been very distracted. She forgets her homework or hands it in half-done. That's not like her."
Amy clenched her eyes tightly, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. Why now? Why here? She felt trapped in a circle of humiliation, being mentioned right when she was at her most vulnerable moment in life.
Julie continued, her tone now more concerned. "I don't want to sound nosy, professor, but... I'm worried. I don't know if something is happening to her, if there's something at home or..." She trailed off. "I don't want her to struggle with something that could be resolved."
Professor Martínez was silent for a moment, and Amy could hear the rustle of papers as he leaned back in his chair. "I appreciate your concern, Julie. To be honest, I hadn't noticed. But don't worry, I'll talk to Amy as soon as I get the chance. Maybe she's just going through a rough patch."
"I hope so, professor," Julie replied, her tone softening. "She's a good person; I just think she needs a little help."
Amy felt her heart sink. Julie's intention was good, but for Amy, hearing all this in her current state was like an open wound. If she knew... if she knew what I'm really going through... The thought was unbearable.
"Thank you for bringing it up, Julie. You can go back to class now," the professor finally said, his voice taking on a more paternal tone.
Julie's footsteps softly receded, and Amy could hear the door close again. But the professor didn't move. Amy, still immobile under the table, felt her heart pounding in her chest, stronger than ever. And now? When will he leave?
Each second seemed to stretch to infinity as she remained hidden, listening to conversations about her own life, trapped in a nightmare that seemed endless.
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