#Chapter 12 Pushing the Limits

Trembling, I could feel their eyes on me. Watching me, waiting, judging and secretly laughing at me. I clenched my fists, willing myself not to cry. I would not cry in front of these people. I would never be able to live that down, they would never let me. I was already an outsider, showing them my emotions, that they had gotten to me, would only make that worse. Still in shock and completely embarrassed, I just wanted to just run away and hide, but knew they were waiting for my reaction to Nicholas’ taunt. I had to show them I wasn’t what they thought I was, that I wasn’t afraid of them. I had to prove to them that they couldn’t get under my skin that easily. Even through my frustration and humiliation, I could feel Wynter leaning in towards Nicholas, wanting to be closer to him, and began to lean towards him myself without realizing it. You’re ok Beryl, be brave. Just be brave. I repeated it over and over in my mind, giving myself a mental pep talk. I