The bell rang sharply, echoing down the hallway and snapping Avery from the fog of embarrassment.
Students moved around her in waves, laughing, shouting, slamming lockers—like nothing had happened. But for Avery, the sting of Brianna's words still clung to her skin. She glanced at Nathan, who gave her a reassuring nod.
"You should head to the front office," he said gently. "They'll have your schedule."
"Right," she murmured, gripping her bag tighter.
As she walked down the hallway, she could feel it—eyes on her, whispers behind cupped hands. In a place like this, stories spread faster than wildfire. And thanks to Brianna, Avery had made her first impression before she even said a word.
She reached the front office and pushed the door open.
The woman behind the desk looked up with a kind smile. "You must be Avery Carter. Welcome to Maplewood. Here's your schedule, sweetheart—first period is English, Room 204. You're just in time."
"Thank you," Avery said, taking the paper.
Clutching her schedule like a lifeline, she made her way to the stairs. As she climbed, she tried to shake the nerves off—but her chest still felt tight, like she was holding her breath without meaning to.
Room 204. Her first class. She paused in front of the door, heart fluttering all over again. Then she knocked.
It creaked open, and twenty heads turned.
"You must be Avery," said a woman with silver-streaked hair and kind eyes. "Come on in, dear. Find yourself a seat."
Avery nodded and slipped inside, keeping her gaze low. She spotted an empty seat by the window and slid into it quietly, trying to be invisible.
As she pulled out her notebook, she noticed someone watching her. A girl with warm brown skin, a crown of curls, and curious eyes flashed her a smile. She leaned over and whispered, "Ignore Brianna. She thrives on drama."
Avery blinked in surprise, then gave her a small smile in return. She didn't know who this girl was—but right now, her kindness felt like a thread to hold onto.
Maybe she wasn't as alone as she thought.
Mrs. Langston began the lesson, her voice calm and steady. Avery tried to focus, but her mind kept drifting. Not to her old life—but to that moment in the hallway. To Brianna's venomous glare. To Nathan standing up for her. And now this girl offering a smile.
It was only the first day, and already, the new town felt like a puzzle she didn't have the pieces to yet.
But for the first time, a tiny spark inside her whispered:
You'll figure it out.