Rena recoiled from the touch but due to the strength within the grip, she could do nothing but allow herself to be taken to the seat.
For the first time here, she felt a wave of apprehension.
She couldn't help but feel so.
The people around her had some grudges with her and they like Estella would not let her leave.
Estella must even be the most resentful, given the recent encounter between them that had occurred this noon. Besides the insults she had let pour, she felt Estella might have more plans to cause her anguish tonight.
Her body tensed at the thought.
Estella smiled smugly, her eyes seeming to say 'you bitch, I told you you can't leave'
She gestured to the others. "Rena is finally seated, as old classmates why don't we do the same and talk?"
"Yes." A few agreed and they all settled on their seats.
Rena's face was cold and unpleasant, devoid of any interest but the people chose to ignore it, snorting in between their teeth.
"Well Rena, why don't we introduce ourselves, after all we hadn't met in a long time?"
Rena didn't speak.
Her eyes followed the man who had forced her to sit. The man was formerly standing behind her but was now returning to his seat.
He was full of fat and his belt barely held his bulging stomach.
His face were round, red, mixed with wrinkles and he even had a double jaw.
Rena recognized him, who else could it be but Joe?
Originally he was known as Piggy Joe in early school days but after nearly choking some persons to death, that nickname ceased as if it never existed.
Then everyone was fearful of him. He was quite a brute and overall unfriendly.
Rena had crossed paths with him a few times and it was never pleasant.
He'd give her a few hard slaps and later on take her assignments.
How could timid Rena dare to complain?
But they was someone who dared and that person as pertaining to many witnesses won easily.
That person was Lester.
Apparently Joe had beaten her up during the highschool certificate examination tutoring session and as usual taken her already answered assignments.
Rena had nearly rained the road home that day but Lester who was passing by, saw her, learned of what happened and comforted her. Who knew he would have the guts to confront Joe?
But he did and Joe landed in the hospital for a few days.
Many claimed he lost weight during the hospitalization but seeing him now, even more robust, it was clear he had gotten back up.
Rena stiffened.
She'd know Joe was a lackey of Estella then due to her constant treats so she wasn't too surprised to see him here, she was only totally regretful.
If she had known she'd be trapped here, she'd come prepared but if she had known, she definitely won't have even come in the first place.
Now, she solely had to think of how to leave.
She couldn't leave by force. Yes she could fight a little but against these plenty people including the tough Joe, it was certainly impossible to exit.
But she had to leave either way, urgently. These people present were at odds with her, who knows what they would do with her in the minutes to come.
She remembered her phone.
She had brought it alongside her. If she could perhaps inform someone to rescue her, wouldn't that help?
But this was an estate and here was a house, most likely secured.
Mildred might not be able to help much — might even be labeled a nuisance and arrested, so the only person who could help must be Herman.
At the thought of him, her lips faintly curved just to disappear the next moment she felt her side but found no trace of the little bag where her phone was in.
What.
Her shock was cut off by Estella's amused laugh.
"Are you looking for this?" She asked. On her hand was a bag swinging.
It was Rena's.
Rena was astounded. Her eyes slightly narrowed.
"How did you get that?"
But then she realized it must had been Joe. He had made direct contact with her, so could as well easily snatch the bag.
In her baffled state, she must not have noticed.
Suppressing her fury, she spat out. "Hand it over."
"Why would I? I told you Rena, you can't leave until am done with you."
The last words carried a noticeable threat.
Rena didn't show any fear as that would only satisfy her.
But she didn't want to provoke her either. It was better to be cooperative, delay time as much as possible while finding a mean to get out.
It was hopeless to persuade anyone here for aid, they would only worsen her treatment further.
If it comes to that, if things turns to worst, she would only fight her way out regardless of the high possibility that she would fail.
Exhaling a deep breath, she felt partially exhausted.
She hadn't imagined that such a kind act would lead her to this point.
Willis — she almost fired the name out with apoplexy, once she finally leaves, she would definitely settle the score with that bastard.
Forcing a calm facade, she asked. "What do you intend to do with me?"
"Let's skip the introduction part first. Everyone, why don't we play a game!"
"A game?" Most looked over.
"Yes. This is a reunion afterall, so why don't we do something entertaining? Truth or Dare to be precise, as we did in highschool?"
A few felt a bit of apathy but as if they couldn't refuse, they nodded.
One cautiously asked. "But do you have the cards, Estella?"
Estella seemed to have been reminded but then scoffed. "No but we do have some empty bottles, right? We would only play briefly, so let's settle with that."
Estella as soon as she spoke grabbed an empty wine bottle in front of her.
Rena felt uneasy. She was absolute this might not be a simple act of playing a game, mostly one of her schemes but she didn't know how to counterattack such. She could only watch helplessly.
Estella continued as she placed the bottle flatly on the table. "I'm the moderator so I would guide the game. I'm sure everyone here knows the rules and would cooperate."
'Cooperate' Her eyes gleamed at Rena as she said that.
Rena staged indifference but she was disturbed.
Estella however spined the bottle. The bottle's movements slowed for a few seconds before stopping directly at Lois.
Estella looked a bit disappointed at the outcome but glanced at Lois.
"Lois, truth or dare?"
"Dare, of course." Lois already sensed the message in Estella's gaze. Even if Estella hadn't revealed so, she would still do it anyway.
The bottle's lid was pointing at her while the bottom was facing Joe.
Glooming at Rena, she disdainfully muttered.
"I dare Joe to kiss Rena."
"...."
The space became even more lively. The few who had expressed disinterest earlier straightened up, their eyes glistening with anticipation.
Rena felt her anger soar to new heights. She gritted her teeth.
"I would do no such thing. Besides, I don't remember agreeing to participate in this game."
"I am the moderator." Estella's eyes held the same expectancy as others. She seemed to be enjoying Rena's discomfort and rage.
These was the emotions she wanted to arose but more importantly fear and pain. She wanted to humiliate her, to see her crawl and beg in tears.
As it seemed, that might not even be far off.
She continued. "I set the rules, anyone who sits around here is a player."
"I would not do that." Rena clenched her fists.
Yes, she didn't want to grill her but she would never so easily lay down her dignity. Even if she does, there was no telling how audacious their demands might become. It would be better to show stubbornness now and not succumb.
Estella frowned but then her countenance eased. "What? Are you that reluctant to kiss Joe?"
She sniggered.
Everyone stared at Rena.
Wasn't it obvious?
Infact both Joe and Rena were pink collar workers. Joe was a salesman who often sells illegal drugs at rundown bars on behalf of his boss. Rumors has it that he had escaped from prison and is still on the run.
Rena was a restaurant staff yes but her captivating beauty was still evident, even more pronounced than before.
Anyone in her shoes would not only hesitate but would rather die than kissing that large foul reeking mouth with oily tooth.
Rena didn't respond. Estella resumed. "If you don't agree, you ether have to compensate or receive a punishment. Since you can't compensate right now, you would take the punishment."
A sinister look bloomed on her face.
Before anyone could register what the punishment was, Estella called out.
"Joe?"
"Yes?"
"Knock her head hard on the table."
What?!
Rena's mind blurred.
"You..." She gasped out but was cut off by a large damp palm who cruelly dragged her hair.
"Ah!" Rena was dizzied by the sudden pain.
She tried to resist but the hold on her was too strong.
Just before her face could clamp onto the messy drinks and glass table, a force abruptly braced pass her, knocking away the grip on her brutally.
Behind her, she could hear a loud splash resounding from the nearby pool.
She raised her head, blinked for a while, only to feel someone passionately embracing her.
"Rena..." The intruder whispered into her nape.
Rena felt her heart pound.
That warmth. The voice. The breath.
Lester.