Chapter 86 – Arrival at Titus's House
Arriving at Titus's house, Sarah got out with him, carrying a backpack with clothes. They entered the house together, and Titus's parents greeted them as soon as they came in. Titus explained that she was his friend and that she was going to stay over because her father wasn't home and she wasn't going to have dinner with anyone.
Titus's parents, very happy and always kind, welcomed her without hesitation. They spent a truly pleasant afternoon and night: they ate together, talked, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company. For Sarah, who was used to the silence of an empty house, that warm and familiar environment felt like an unexpected gift.
After dinner, the night began to wind down. It was time to sleep. Titus took Sarah to the guest room, showed her the private bathroom and all the room's comforts. Sarah was amazed.
"Wow…" she said while looking around. "In my house we have to stand in line to use the bathroom. We only have one."
She laughed a little, still surprised by so much comfort.
"Thank you so much, Titus. I won't forget this," she added sincerely.
Titus smiled, shy as always, and left her to rest.
The night passed. Sarah lay down, but it took her a while to fall asleep. She kept thinking about everything that had happened that day: the conversation with the Duchess, the revelation about the twins, Sofía's kiss, Titus's invitation, the dinner, the room… everything. And still, what she felt the most was gratitude. Gratitude and a new, almost gentle feeling of belonging.
---
The next morning, they were both ready to go to school. They had breakfast and walked together to the train station. The cold morning air followed them while they talked about simple things, as if both were trying to hold onto normality despite all the chaos their lives had begun to form.
When they got on the train, they found Bruno and Cristal there. The moment Cristal saw them, her expression changed completely. She didn't look very happy seeing Sarah next to Titus. She looked at her from head to toe without saying a word, then stayed silent the entire way, not participating in the conversation.
Sarah felt that tension, but didn't say anything. Titus noticed it too, but preferred not to mention it.
Bruno, as always, watched everything with his usual calm, although his eyes seemed to analyze every detail.
When they arrived at school, Cristal was still serious, distant, with that cold aura that was beginning to raise suspicions in anyone who looked at her. They walked together through the hallways, but the silence between them felt thicker and thicker.
Once in the classroom, everyone took their seats. Titus, Sarah, Bruno, and Cristal sat at their usual table. Shortly after, Sofía arrived; then Melanie; and finally Damián. Each one sat down, but the atmosphere didn't improve. Something heavy could be felt in the air, like a tension that nobody knew exactly where it came from, but that everyone could sense.
It was as if the day had begun with an invisible omen, something that threatened to change the dynamic between them.
And nobody knew why.
---
The teacher Diana arrived at the classroom. All the students immediately stood up, like an automatic reflex.
"Good morning, Professor Diana!" they said all together.
She smiled, carrying that warm but firm tone that always defined her.
"Good morning, everyone," she replied. "Today is a very special day. Two classmates have returned to school. Please welcome Bruno."
The whole room burst into applause. Bruno walked in and took his seat with his usual calmness.
Diana continued: "And the second person… I am more than happy to have our dear classmate back."
The door opened.
The classroom fell completely silent.
A very attractive young man, tall and imposing, walked in with firm steps, supported by a black cane. Every step he took made his presence fill the room. His body looked strong, big, rebuilt. Walter had entered the classroom walking.
A wave of gasps ran through the room. Several girls let out soft sighs; some even covered their mouths.
Walter lifted his eyes and gave a subtle smile.
The Unwanted —Titus, Sarah, Bruno, Cristal, Sofía, and Damián— were left staring with their mouths wide open.
"Walter!" Sarah whispered with tears in her eyes.
The entire group ran toward him.
They hugged him. They jumped. They laughed. Some even cried openly.
For the first time in a long while… the Unwanted were together again. Complete.
---
From her desk, Melanie watched everything.
Her expression hardened.
Seeing Walter surrounded, happy, loved, celebrating with the Unwanted… it sent a sharp sting of jealousy through her chest, one she could barely hide. Not just jealousy of Sarah or Sofía… jealousy of the place he had with all of them. The affection. The importance. Everything.
She bit her lip and looked away, pretending to write something in her notebook.
---
The rest of the morning went smoothly. Classes continued normally, but the air was filled with excitement because of Walter's return. No student could avoid looking at him at least once, surprised by how much he had changed.
When lunchtime arrived, everyone began heading out to eat, hungry and cheerful.
Walter was also very hungry. He was already walking toward the cafeteria when he suddenly stopped.
Because he saw a scene he did NOT expect:
Melanie was talking to Titus.
Very calmly. Very close. With too much confidence.
Walter frowned, feeling something strange tightening in his chest.
He didn't know why…
But he didn't like it. Not at all.
---
Hook: And that silence hid a danger that would soon come to light…