If you plagiarize, I refund the network - Chapter 4

My heart sank. I was trapped. Whatever I created, Olivia would somehow post it first. The helplessness was crushing. I looked at my Instagram account, at everything I’d built. I couldn’t go through this again. I couldn’t face another wave of online hate. I had to cut my losses.

I deactivated my account. Then I posted one last message on all my social media:

“I can’t prove I’m innocent. I can’t explain. what’s happening. I’m deactivating this account. I’m leaving social media. But I want to say this one last time: I, Jenna Davis, have never plagiarized anyone.”

I turned off comments and DMs, deleted the apps, and forced myself to stop thinking about it. If I couldn’t fight it, I’d run from it. I packed a bag and headed to Yosemite. I needed fresh air, open space, and a break from the internet.

Let’s see what Olivia posts now that I’m gone. I deactivated my Instagram, thinking that was the end of it. I was so wrong. Olivia posted a tearful video that night. “Jenna’s so talented. I’d feel terrible if she quit social media because of me. I forgive you, Jenna. Please come back.”

Her followers went wild. Praising Olivia’s kindness, bashing me for making her feel guilty. Even off the internet, I was the villain.

Meanwhile, I was blissfully unaware, kayaking on the Merced River, the drama a distant memory.

After paying the rental guy, I turned to walk back to my car and saw a familiar face.

“Jenna?” He ran towards me, a huge grin on his face.

“Michael!” I shrieked.

“What a coincidence! I never thought I’d see you here.” Michael settled across from me at a picnic table, pouring me a cup of tea.

Michael was my childhood best friend. Back in our small town, I was his shadow. After college, our paths diverged. We hadn’t seen each other in years.

“Are you working around here?” he asked.

“Nah, just visiting. Needed a break.” I didn’t want to rehash the Olivia nightmare. Michael, thankfully, didn’t push it.

“I’m heading back home to see Grandma. Want to come?”

“Absolutely!”