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A groan mumbles off my lips as I stir awake, wincing from the sunlight before I even crack my eyes open. Yanking the comforter over my head I peak over to the couch to find Tyler gone. He offered for me to sleep in his room and he'd take his futon after telling him my room felt... odd. Suffocating. Unfamiliar.

It's only for a couple days, I remind myself. Uncle Mason says it's good to step outside of your comfort zone and feel uncomfortable... but I thought I had done enough of that already to last me several years.

I force myself out of the warm bed untangling from the covers and drag my feet back to my room, across the hall. I scoff entering my bathroom to find a few outfits hanging off the shower.

"Knock, knock." A cheery voice calls from the bedroom. What is the fucking point of saying knock knock if you're just going to let yourself in? "Hello?" A groan rumbles in my chest as I step out. "Ah, good, there you are. You almost slept too long." She chastises, ignoring the room as stands in the middle of it. "I left a few options for you in the bathroom." She points, checking her phone as she does.

"Forrr what?" I ask. Coming home gifts were not part of the torturing arrangement.

She gives me a pointed expression. "They are for your interview this afternoon." She continues, as if that's supposedly common knowledge. I shrug. "The interview." I nod my head for her to continue... "For Miss Mystic Falls. Ring any bells?" Ha.

"Mmm. I already interviewed." I state dryly, ready to jam one of those hangers into my side. Or throat. Really debating, quite the toss up.

"Yes, to be selected as one of the candidates. But now you're interviewing to win." She explains, her tone sharp. "I have emailed and texted you about all of this for the past two months, Salem."

Must've gotten lost between giving and a damn. My front teeth grind together and I hear Uncle Mason's voice in the back of my head telling me that's bad for them.

"Never mind that, I just need you to start getting ready." She checks her watch. "I have to go call the flouriest and confirm your hair appointment. Please look presentable. And act like it too." She exasperates with a tight smile before leaving.

"Will do, mother." I mutter, spitting out the last word. First time seeing her since I got home and it was already more than I would've preferred. I turn slowly, setting my hard gaze on the bathroom. The tile and walls made everything feel cold, not sure why she had it remodeled while I was gone, and three outfits hidden in black garment bags. My jaw sets into a familiar tense pressure while I hastily open each bag. All three options ranging from beige to beiger , all three equally as hideous and heinous with chunky looking heels or strappy sandals in the bottom of each bag...

Fuck this.

Silence falls deaf upon my ears as a ringing sound takes over. I make my way over to my suitcase, throw it open and pull out a pair of black ripped jeans. Hmm. The fabric feels overwhelming on my skin once I slip them on, which is perfect for- I rip each hole open further and the air slaps my prickly legs. It's like a symphony sound plays in my head as my idea forms together nicely, better than the usual screaming whispers of anger and rage. I pull a bright burnt orange band t-shirt over my head and my black boots, smirking in victory.

Oh, I'll act right. No need to worry.

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Carol's appalled expression only fuels Salem as she approaches the table of Miss Mystic Falls judges. Her dark lips and hair is a messy ponytail accompanying her loud outfit was statement well made. And it read loud and clear.

Carol clears her throat as Salem loudly scrapes the chair across the tile and plops down, manspreading she raises her brows up at her mother quickly. Game on.

"This year's queen will have the special honor of taking center stage at the 150th Founder's Day Gala. Before we crown our winner, we'd like to get to know a bit more about each of you."

Salem inhales sharply. "Well, mother, I'm surprised I was still even nominated at all. Being away from this town for months now, living in Florida. But I guess when you're from a founding family you can do whatever you want around here, right?" She turns to look at the other ladies at the judges table and they all glance at one another out of the corner of their eyes.

"She's actually done many great things while staying in Florida. Many hours spent volunteering and doing charity work." Carol swoops, saving face and tightening her smile. The women sitting next to her perk up. "Isn't that right, Salem." She nods in her daughter's direction, giving her a sharp look.

"Ah, yes, mother, thank you." Salem looks up, the corners of her lips stretching up. "Hours spent volunteering at a rehab facility, which I was checked in and out of." She leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. She's not going to let Carol paint gold over rust. Not today. "I was the sixteen year old rushed to Mystic Falls Hospital for alcohol poisoning. I almost died. On Wickery Bridge, on the high school football field... I almost completely flunked out of sophomore year, suspended for starting fights, showed up to school tipsy, and high. I wouldn't be sitting here right now if not for my uncle, who brought me to Florida to help me. I don't care about some beauty pageant. I volunteer at the rehab because I want to. I help my uncle clean up the beaches because I enjoy it. And I'm sure as hell not going to let my mother try to cover any of it up to make herself look good. Especially not for Miss Mystic Falls." The anger clawing in Salem's chest settles and with that she pushes herself out of the chair and walks out with her head held high, leaving the three women's mouths hanging open.

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𝟶ʙᴜᴛᴛᴇʀʙɪsᴄᴜɪᴛ𝟽 sᴘᴇᴀᴋs!

Hello, hellooo!! Welcome back to Sweet Havoc!! I unfortunely have been trying to update this book for a few months now I swear lmao, & it hasn't worked out lmao.

I had a few things to finish up last night but was SO tired & did not want to be up til like midnight lmao, so I went to beddd haha. So happy late 5 month anniversaryyyy lololol. I was like honestly what's celebrating a day late & choosing sleep, can I get an amen?!

Anyways, I've had the idea for this scene planned for-EVER but honestly never really knew how it was going to actually play out in the end. I can't really tell if I love it or hate it honestly, but I usually always feel this way at night when I'm tired & end up liking it in the morning bahaha, so we'll seeee. But either way I am SO mf proud of my girl Salem for speakinggg on ittt!! The truth may be ugly but she'll take it over that fake shit her mother tries to pulll!!

I hope y'all enjoyed this chappp!! Again so sorry this update took so mf long... & hope y'all stay tuneddd bc we still have so much more of this episode to cover & lots of things I have up my sleeve to unfold ;)

Until next timeee, mwah!! <333