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Chapter 12: Plan in Establishment
Hannah opened the barn, and she and Stephen stepped inside. Their eyes widened in shock.
Stephen covered her mouth. "Oh my God…"
Hannah smirked, amazed. "Priea, you bad girl."
The barn was packed wall-to-wall with drug plants and psychedelic mushrooms. It smelled pungent, raw, and illegal. Stephen turned to her.
"So, um... what do we do now?"
Hannah's eyes gleamed. "I think it's pretty obvious: we dose whatever bougie food Priea is cooking for the senior class ring dinner."
Stephen blinked. "We what?"
Hannah continued, voice quickening. "Then, when everyone is tripping balls, you steal NK's phone and get us the screenshots."
Stephen blinked again. "That was not obvious at all."
Hannah beamed. "Really? Felt crystal clear to me."
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That night, the seniors gathered under a glowing canopy for their much-anticipated dinner. Lights twinkled, candles flickered, and elegant centerpieces filled the long banquet tables.
Stephen and Hannah entered separately.
Stephen wore a dazzling silver mini dress, silver stars twinkling under her eyes. Her matching bag and heels tied it all together — effortlessly glamorous.
Hannah rocked a structured white-and-silver crop top with matching trousers and silver heels. Her hair was pulled up into a sleek bun, her makeup minimal but striking.
They exchanged a brief, knowing glance at the entrance — silent confirmation their plan was in motion.
As Stephen walked in, Sage and the rest of the group squealed and pulled her in for photos.
"Smile, Stephen!" NK called playfully.
Stephen flashed her brilliant white teeth just in time for the flash.
A man stepped onto the stage. "And now, we welcome your senior president, NK Broussard!"
Cheers erupted.
"We love you, NK!" someone hollered.
NK took the mic, grinning. "Thanks, y'all. What a night. Look at you, all glammed up. You clean up nice."
Nick called from the crowd. "You're one handsome son of a bitch, Broussard!"
The crowd laughed. NK nodded. "Love you too, Nick. More than friends."
Tonight, NK rocked a crisp white suit, his hair freshly dyed red. A smart watch adorned his wrist; he looked sharp, confident.
Holding up a senior ring, he continued, "These rings — they're not just symbols. They're reminders. Of everything we've done, learned, survived. Let them mark this moment."
Meanwhile, Hannah slipped quietly into the kitchen. The hallway was empty, all eyes locked on NK.
She spotted the large pot still simmering on the gas stove. From her bag, she pulled out the alcohol-drenched plants — raw, hallucinogenic mushrooms and all — and began stirring them into the stew with practiced precision.
Back on stage, NK smiled at the crowd.
"Here's to winter break. Happy holidays. But first — your chef tonight, the brilliant Priea James!"
The crowd cheered again.
Priea took the mic, beaming. "Thank you so much! I'm honored to share this with you. I hope you love every bite. Let me take you on a journey... of umami."
"Yesss!" the crowd echoed.
As waiters began serving, Hannah casually slipped back into the event space and found a seat beside Andrew.
His eyes lit up. "You look... wow."
"Thanks," she said, glancing at his sharp suit. "You clean up well too."
Andrew smiled. "Oh, I know."
Priea took a seat across from them, beaming with pride.
Andrew leaned toward her. "I'm so proud of you. This is gonna be the best night ever."
Stephen, seated just ahead of Hannah, turned slightly. Their eyes met for a split second — the plan's next stage was close.
Food arrived. Laughter echoed. Spoons clinked.
Andrew dug in, then paused to study Hannah's face. "You okay? You look... tense."
"I'm fine," she said, brushing off his concern.
Then, her phone buzzed. A message from Stephen lit up the screen.
> From Stephen: Meet me at the pool.
Hannah turned to Andrew with a sweet smile. "I'll be right back. Bathroom."
Andrew nodded, focused on his food.
Hannah stood, nerves buzzing beneath her cool exterior. Everything was about to go down.
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