Chapter 3: Shadows in the Spotlight:
---
Anifah's Room: Late Night Conversations
The knock startled Anifah more than they cared to admit. For a moment, they were frozen in place, the tension in their chest mounting. When they finally opened the door, relief washed over them.
“Lila?”
Lila grinned, holding up a bag of snacks. “Hey, bestie! Thought I’d surprise you. You’ve been acting super weird lately. Figured you could use some popcorn and girl talk.”
“Now’s not really a good time,” Anifah mumbled, glancing nervously at her phone.
“Oh, please. I’m already here, and I’m not leaving,” Lila declared, barging into the room. “So spill. What’s got you all tense? Don’t tell me it’s school drama.”
Anifah hesitated. Lila’s arrival was unexpected, but maybe this was the distraction she needed—or even an opportunity to get some perspective. They sat on the bed as Lila unpacked the snacks.
“It’s nothing,” Anifah started, but Lila shot her a sharp look.
“Girl, we’ve been friends too long for you to pull that. Is it about that Ammar guy? I saw you two at lunch yesterday. You’ve been hanging out a lot.”
Anifah blinked. “What do you mean?”
Lila shrugged. “Well, for one, you never work with people for class projects. And two, everyone’s been talking about how mysterious he is. But honestly, I don’t get the hype. He’s cute, sure, but he’s... off, you know?”
The comment stung in a way Anifah didn’t expect. “What do you mean, off?”
Lila hesitated, then leaned in conspiratorially. “Have you heard of Tariq? The guy who runs that private school forum? He’s been posting some pretty cryptic stuff lately—things about people hiding secrets and dark pasts. Word is, Ammar’s name has come up.”
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Anifah’s heart skipped a beat. Tariq was known for stirring the pot and digging up dirt on people, but she hadn’t thought he’d be interested in Ammar.
“You think Tariq’s connected to... I don’t know, warnings or rumors about Ammar?” Anifah asked cautiously.
Lila shrugged. “If there’s anyone who’d know, it’s him. But be careful. Tariq doesn’t spill for free. He’ll want something in return.”
Anifah nodded slowly. The idea of confronting Tariq made her stomach churn, but if anyone could help her figure out what was going on, it was him.
---
The Next Day: Facing Tariq
The cafeteria buzzed with noise, students crowding tables and sharing stories of their weekend. Anifah weaved through the chaos, her gaze fixed on one table in the corner. Tariq sat alone, scrolling through his phone, his ever-present smirk making him look both approachable and dangerous.
“Tariq,” Anifah said, standing in front of him.
He looked up lazily, one eyebrow raised. “Well, well. If it isn’t the diligent student. What brings you to the dark side?”
Anifah resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “I need to ask you about Ammar.”
At that, Tariq’s smirk widened. “Interesting. I didn’t peg you as the type to chase after mysteries. What’s he done to catch your attention?”
“That’s none of your business. Are you going to help me or not?”
Tariq chuckled, setting his phone down. “That depends. What’s in it for me?”
Anifah clenched their fists. “What do you want?”
He leaned back in his chair, studying them. “Relax, I’m not asking for your soul. Yet. I’ll give you a little freebie, though—Ammar isn’t who you think he is. He’s... complicated.”
“What does that mean?”
Tariq’s gaze sharpened, his playful demeanor giving way to something more serious. “It means you’re walking into something you’re not ready for. Ammar’s connected to people and things that don’t belong in our little school bubble. If you’re smart, you’ll let it go.”
“But I’m not smart enough to do that, am I?” Anifah shot back.
Tariq laughed, genuinely this time. “Fair enough. Alright, I’ll help. But not here.”
He reached into his bag and pulled out a folded piece of paper, sliding it across the table.
“What’s this?”
“Instructions. If you’re serious about finding out the truth, meet me tonight at the old café near campus. Come alone.”
Before Anifah could respond, Tariq stood, grabbed his bag, and walked away, leaving her with a hundred more questions than answers.
---
Later That Night
The café was eerily quiet, its dim lighting casting long shadows across the room. Anifah pushed the door open, the creak of the hinges echoing unnervingly. Tariq was already there, sitting in a booth in the back.
“You’re braver than I thought,” he said as they approached.
Anifah slid into the seat across from him, their palms sweaty. “You said you’d tell me what you know.”
Tariq nodded, his expression serious. “I will. But first, answer this: How far are you willing to go to uncover Ammar’s secrets?”