Chapter 4

Tanya’s POV

The girl turned around, a huge smile on her face…. “Hi, I'm…..” at the same time I said “Monica!!!! Hey! What are you doing here?”

“Oh, this is my new room”, Monica stated.

“Wow, this is my room as well. Been here for a week” I told her excitedly. Monica’s smile faltered a little if I wasn't paying close attention to her, I wouldn't have noticed.

“That explains the decor”, Monica said in a weird tone. “What?” I was confused…. “Oh nothing, I'm glad we're roommates” she stated in an overly chirpy voice. “Me too,” I exclaimed, equally excited.

I had always hoped for a roommate who would become my confidante, my comrade, someone who would understand and support me through the ups and downs of college life. I'm more than happy and content with the fact that I got Monica as my roommate, the first and only person who has been kind to me so far.

I glanced around the dorm room, tidying up my belongings as Monica was out for class, the door swung open, revealing Monica with a warm smile.

"Hi there! I'm Monica, your new roommate," she introduced herself, extending her hand for a friendly handshake, beaming up at me.

With a quizzical look, I shook her hand with a smile, returning the energy. "Nice to meet you, Monica. I'm Tanya. I'm so thrilled to have a roommate who seems friendly." We both burst out laughing after this exchange.

Feeling like a fish out of water in Shadowclaw, I found an unexpected guide in Monica, who was a local. "Let me show you the hidden gems of this town," Monica suggested with a knowing smile.

We explored the quirky shops, stumbling upon a charming bookstore where Monica shared stories of local legends. "This place holds the heart of Shadowclaw," she said, and suddenly, the town seemed less daunting.

Our afternoons turned into picnics in the park, exchanging stories of our childhoods. "You'll see, Shadowclaw has a way of growing on you," Monica reassured me.

A local café became our regular spot, where Monica introduced me to the best pastries in town. "Consider it a warm welcome," she said, and suddenly, Shadowclaw felt a bit more like home.

Despite the beauty of our budding friendship, there were challenges. Lisa and Janet, my insufferable bullies, started making snide remarks. "Shadowclaw's too good for you, Tanya," Lisa sneered.

Monica, protective of her town and our growing bond, stood up to them. "Why don't you focus on your own lives instead of bothering others?" she retorted.

Facing the bullying together, Monica and I reported the incidents, determined to preserve the positive atmosphere we were building. Our evenings of exploring local movie spots turned into a sanctuary, where the laughter drowned out the negativity.

"I guess, with you, Shadowclaw doesn't feel so bad," I admitted to Monica one evening.

She smiled, "You're finding your way. Let's keep exploring and make this town our own adventure-filled story."

In Monica, I found not only a guide to Shadowclaw but also a true friend who helped turn a new and intimidating place into a welcoming home.

Over the next few days, Monica and I spent time together, chatting and getting to know each other. Monica seemed genuinely interested in my hobbies and aspirations, and it felt as though we were becoming fast friends.

One evening, as we were lounging in our room, I opened up about my struggles with the two girls who seemed to have it out for me on campus. "It's been so tough, Monica. I never understood why they singled me out. I've always tried to be kind to everyone."

Monica sighed sympathetically. "I know, Tanya. It's terrible how mean some people can be. But let me assure you, you've got a friend in me. I'll always have your back, and we'll navigate through this together."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Finally, I thought, someone who understands and supports me. I trusted Monica completely, unaware of the hidden agenda lurking behind my friend's facade.

Days turned into weeks, and I noticed changes in her interactions with other students. The bullies seemed to have toned down their harassment. I couldn't help but feel grateful to Monica, believing that her presence had made a difference.

One afternoon, while I was absent from the room, Monica's true intentions were revealed. As I entered the room, I overheard Monica talking to someone on the phone, her voice filled with malicious delight.

"Can you believe she thinks I'm her friend? It's too easy to manipulate her," Monica laughed, unaware of my presence just outside the door.

I stood frozen, my heart sinking as I realized the truth. Monica, my supposed friend, was the mastermind behind all the torment I had endured. The revelation shattered my trust and left me feeling vulnerable and betrayed.

Summoning the strength to confront Monica, I entered the room with a composed facade, hiding the hurt that gnawed at my insides. "Monica, we need to talk," I said calmly, my voice barely concealing the pain.

Startled, Monica turned around, her expression quickly morphing from delight to panic. "Tanya, how much did you hear?" she stammered, unable to meet my eyes.

"I heard enough," I replied, my voice firm. "I can't believe that someone I trusted could betray me like this. I thought we were friends."

Monica's face fell, guilt evident in her features. "Tanya, I..."

I couldn't stay there and listen to whatever lies she was going to vomit from her treacherous lips, so I left. Days went by with us ignoring each other.

As the weeks passed, Monica, who once seemed like the perfect roommate—helping me settle in, offering a listening ear, and sharing laughter had become a total stranger with whom I share a room.

One evening, as I worked on my laptop, Monica entered the room with a group of girls in tow. "Mind if we hang out here for a bit?" Monica asked casually, her eyes locking onto mine. I looked at the girls, noticing they were Lisa and Janet. The very girls that had decided to make my university life a living hell.

Gulping, I said…."Sure, no problem”.

As the group settled in, Monica's tone shifted from friendly to menacing. "You know, Tanya, we've been talking, and we think it's time for you to, uh, adjust your social circle," she sneered, casting a glance at her cohorts who snickered in agreement.

Confused and hurt, Tanya stammered, "What do you mean? I thought we were friends."

The girls' peals of laughter cut through the room like a blade. "Friends? Sweetie, you bought into that? We just thought it would be amusing to see how long it took for you to catch on." Monica said snickering. “And although short, it was fine while it lasted”.

“We’ll give you a week, move somewhere else or be prepared to die here before your time”, Lisa chipped in.

Laughing, Janet said “Don't pee your pants just yet darling, save that for when we make your life a living hell”

“How do you expect me to do that? I have no money, I’m new here. How do you expect me to move?” I exclaimed, crying.

“Not our business, freak” Monica sneered. “Get your shit face outta here in a week or prepare a casket for your funeral”. They all stood up and messed up my corner of the room, leaving me there sobbing in the middle of the mess they created.