Chapter 24: I Dare You

"Why isn't there an air conditioner in my office?"

Because of their companies' agreement, Rowan had decided to set up a private office for Sebastian within his own office. So it was understandable that Sebastian might ask that question.

Rowan then brushed aside Sebastian's question, instead warning him, "You and I are doing business. Stay away from my personal life, okay? Stay away from Victoria."

"You're the one who's supposed to stay away from Victoria," Sebastian shot back. "Didn't you see the way she ran to me when she saw I was in pain?"

Sebastian's words were like a slap to the face, but Rowan stood his ground. "That doesn't mean anything," he repeated. "She was just being kind. You can't expect anything more from her. She's a sweet, caring person. She'll help anyone who's in pain, whether it's you or me."

"She's not yours," Sebastian snarled.

He let out an evil chuckle, savoring the effect his words were having on Rowan. "I dare you," he said. "I dare you to hurt yourself and see if she comes running to you like she does for me. You seem to think she's some kind of goody-two shoes."

Sebastian's words stung Rowan like arrows, piercing his heart. Oliver and Sebastian could tell that Rowan was taking it to heart, even though they knew Sebastian was just teasing.

He had gone a bit too far this time, though. Sebastian could see that. He stood up and patted Rowan on the shoulder. "Be a good brother, will you?" he said, his voice softer than before. Then he and Oliver left the office, leaving Rowan alone with his thoughts.

Sebastian's words kept echoing in Rowan's mind. He stood there alone for several minutes, lost in thought.

Finally, he took out his phone and dialed a number. When the person on the other end of the line picked up, Rowan spoke softly, but his words were clear and firm. "It's time," he said. "It's time for the plan to take action."

A few minutes after Sage was dropped off by Sebastian at school, Mr. Mackenzie, her teacher, pushed her into the hallway, where she tripped and fell. Just then, Penny arrived with Adrian, who was escorting her through the school gates.

"Okie, see you later Adrian," Penny said as she smiled cheekily, a set of premolar white teeth coming into display.

Adrian sighed in frustration as Penny waved goodbye. "I told you to call me 'Senior,'" he called after her. "I'm not your mate!"

But Penny was already running down the hall, laughing to herself. Adrian shook his head and turned to leave the school premise.

As Penny walked through the school hallway, she noticed the group of students surrounding a girl. They were all huddled around her like a flock of birds. The girl was lying on the floor, her long, blonde hair draped over her face like a curtain.

Penny felt that strange surge of confidence wash over her. She felt like she had to help the girl, no matter what.

Moving through the throng of students, Penny started to shoo them away gently. "Can you please give her some air?" she asked, finally reaching the girl on the ground. "Why is everyone crowding around her? Are you trying to suffocate her?"

She heard a voice from the crowd, "Are you really Penelope? You sure you want to help this girl on the ground?"

Penny answered, "Why wouldn't I help her? Isn't she a human being like us? Is she an alien?" Penny scoffed at the girl's question.

The students stood there, watching with a mixture of amusement and anticipation. They knew Penny well enough to know that she wouldn't take kindly to seeing Sage Quinn, the girl who had bullied her for days, sprawled on the ground in front of her.

Penny leaned down to help the girl, but the girl pulled away, clutching her hand to her chest. Her head remained bowed, her hair hiding her face. The rejection stung Penny, but she was determined to help.

Penny's reaction shocked the students that instead of doing something devious to the girl who had refused her help, she smiled.

Penny smiled as she knew what was wrong with the girl whose head was hung low. She was shy, defeated, lonely, afraid, and lots more and this Penny understood because she had been in that position all her life until that fateful day.

As the students watched, Penny did something that no one expected. She knelt down in front of the girl, taking her hand in hers. "Don't be afraid of me," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "I'm your friend now. I won't hurt you."

The crowd gasped, stunned by Penny's actions.

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, their voices hushed and confused. "Did she really say that?" one whispered.

"Is Penelope crazy?" another asked. "This has to be a joke, right?" someone else mused.

The crowd continued to talk amongst themselves, still shocked by Penny's actions. But Penny paid them no mind. She was focused on the girl in front of her, who seemed to be her mirror image in every way. The girl's shyness and insecurity reminded Penny of her own past.

Sage slowly lifted her head, her eyes wide and tear-filled. She was speechless, unable to believe that the girl she always bullied was helping her out. Of course, she recognized Penny's voice.

As Penny looked at the girl's face, she felt a jolt of shock run through her. This shy, timid girl was none other than her own rival, Sage Quinn! The very person who disliked and bullied her. Her rival.

Penny immediately let go of Sage's hand, her expression hardening. If she had known it was Sage she wouldn't have tried to help her.

But as she looked at Sage's tear-streaked face, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity. The strong, confident girl she had known seemed to have disappeared, replaced by this scared, tearful person. It was a startling transformation.

Just then, the principal came around the corner. "What's all this commotion?" she demanded, looking at the children.

When she saw Sage on the ground, she narrowed her eyes. "You kids, get to class," she said sternly, and the children scattered, Penny included.

She looked back at Sage, who was still sniffing pitifully on the ground. "Come with me," the principal said, her tone softer now. "Your mother is here."

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