Stasi woke up with a start, her mind racing. The revelations about her family's dangerous connections had kept her up most of the night. She glanced at her phone, the screen lighting up with a message from Clary. They had planned to meet for coffee and catch up before school, but now Stasi wasn’t sure if she could put on a brave face.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR20371EQWE
Her family had always been shrouded in mystery, but discovering the extent of their criminal activities had shaken her to the core. It was no wonder her father had been so secretive all these years. She felt like she was living in a nightmare, unable to trust anyone around her.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUcameSJ7T
As she got ready, her thoughts drifted to Clary and me. Clary was the only friend she had grown up with, but I was a recent addition who had rapidly grown on her. Clary was her anchor, the only constant in her life. But now, she questioned if she could confide in her about the darkness that surrounded her family. She needed to protect herself and the people she cared about, but the weight of the secret was suffocating.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMMPWGTS61
She could only trust Clary to an extent, as she knew all too well about her friend’s devious and manipulative nature. Clary was always a wildcard—unpredictable and sometimes even ruthless in her ambitions. Stasi worried that if she confided in her, Clary might use the information against her or, worse, desert her in this dark time.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky9PMdSENY
Then there was me. Stasi felt a kinship with me, sensing that I had my own demons to battle. I was reserved and guarded, but Stasi saw glimpses of the pain I carried. She wondered if I had any idea about the turmoil in her own life. Perhaps I would understand her plight better than anyone.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypiRqbWVjT
Stasi took a deep breath, trying to steel herself for the day ahead. She would meet Clary, but she had to tread carefully, revealing nothing that could put her or her family in jeopardy. The only way to survive this was to stay vigilant and trust no one, not even those closest to her.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgKohcTLUa
Stasi arrived at the café, spotting Clary at a corner table. She forced a smile and waved, making her way over. As she approached, she saw me walking in, looking as if I’d just stepped out of one of my own restless nights.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86tRNN6ZOs
"Hey, Kaye," Stasi greeted, hoping to mask her anxiety. "Didn't expect to see you here."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvqDkArbNF
I offered a half-smile, shrugging slightly. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd join you guys."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK1ZKAtSHf
Clary looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Morning, Kaye. We were just about to order. Want anything?"
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS5XxZxxe2
The three of us settled into our seats, the familiar routine providing a small comfort to Stasi. As we sipped our coffee, the conversation drifted from school gossip to our plans for Valentine’s Week. But beneath the surface, each of us carried secrets and struggles we couldn’t yet share. Stasi and I had quickly grown fond of each other, even though Clary was the one to put the group together.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhO2sZBcR0
"Do you remember that time when we tried to sneak into the old carnival grounds at night?" Stasi said, giggling at the memory.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEC6VBTfsz
I laughed, shaking my head. "And we got chased by that creepy security guard who kept yelling about trespassers! I thought we were done for."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4KEdQOcTh
We both burst into laughter, the tension momentarily lifting. Clary watched us, her smile tight, a flicker of jealousy in her eyes.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekiXbNN29s
"Yes, yes, you two are hilarious," Clary interjected, her voice sharp. "But we aren't exactly the most popular group at school. Instead of being silly, maybe we should brainstorm ideas to get invited to a Cuthbert party."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlAiAdY2Sn
Stasi and I exchanged a look, the mood shifting. I knew Clary’s obsession with the elite crowd often stemmed from her insecurities and the immense pressure her family placed on her. But it didn’t make her outbursts any less annoying.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfz9JX6V5i
"Honestly, Clary," I said, trying to keep my tone even, "I’m not really interested in becoming part of the Cuthberts' inner circle. I mean, Wiley is friends with them, and that's enough for me."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRwldwhife
"Yeah, same here," Stasi added. "We're already popular enough. We don't need their approval."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXxZQXQPma
Clary rolled her eyes, clearly frustrated. "You guys just don't get it. Being part of their group could open so many doors for us."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSSqbI1A3F
Stasi sighed. "Clary, I get that you want to fit in with them, but we're not the same. We're fine as we are."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yWm5h2zSp
Clary’s face hardened. "Fine, whatever. I just thought we could aim higher instead of being content with where we are."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyt1iaRcN1
The tension hung in the air, but I chose to say nothing for the sake of the friendship. We all had our own battles, and Clary’s obsession with the elite was her way of coping with her family’s pressures. But it was moments like this that reminded me why Stasi and I had grown closer—we valued authenticity over status.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbphwok6aEf
"Hey, we should all do something fun together," Stasi suggested, trying to lighten the mood. "Forget about Valentine's Week and just have a good time."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9601UqNkY
I nodded, a small smile forming. "Yeah, that sounds good. We could all use a break."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitOxFsrPOf
Clary agreed, though her enthusiasm seemed forced. For a moment, I felt a flicker of hope, knowing that despite our secrets and differences, we still had each other.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwQ2zRKLID
We finished our coffee and headed out of the café. Stasi unlocked her car, and we all climbed in. Normally, I would have driven with my brother, Wiley, but today was different. It felt odd, being out of my usual routine, but I tried to embrace the change. The drive to school was filled with light chatter and the radio playing softly in the background.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2rMsBhHRb
As we approached the school gates, Clary brought up the incident that had been lingering at the back of my mind.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSOE0qJeNw
"So, Kaye," Clary began, her tone casual but probing, "are you scared to face the repercussions of your little maze incident with Coach Byrd?"
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h5caVX8zY
I glanced at her, trying to gauge her intent. "Not really," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "I warned him not to engage. He chose to ignore it."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3WMTxoGEJ
Stasi chuckled softly. "Yeah, that was pretty badass. But you know they're not just going to let it slide, right?"
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlL53okRc2
I shrugged. "We'll see what happens. I'm not about to lose sleep over it."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMFUIv9CYd
Clary sighed, shaking her head. "Well, just be careful. They're probably looking for a reason to make an example out of you."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ofZxVvfdP
"I'll be fine," I assured her, though a part of me couldn't shake the unease gnawing at my gut. The repercussions were inevitable, but I wasn't about to let fear dictate my actions.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7XBv8P8T1
We parked and walked through the school hallways, whispers and curious glances following me. It was clear that the maze incident had become the talk of the school. I could feel the weight of their stares, but I held my head high, determined not to let it affect me.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO4OmHa7je
"Here we go," Stasi muttered as we reached our lockers. "Just another day in paradise."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk3tpAZWJK
I smiled at her comment, grateful for the brief moment of levity. Despite everything, I knew I had friends who had my back. And that, at least, was something I could count on.
As the day wore on, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching me. After lunch, a note slipped into my locker confirmed my suspicion: "Meet me in the old music room after school. We need to talk. -Jae"
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPeB7foFKW
My heart raced as I read the note. What could Jae possibly want to discuss? I decided to go, curiosity and anxiety mingling within me.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0tC0IY3HG
Stasi was heading to her next class when she bumped into Joey. I noticed them as they both laughed at the awkward encounter, but something lingered in the air between them.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulr05PXKPV
"Hey, Stasi," Joey said, his voice softer than usual. "Can we talk for a minute?"
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2oFilG5nE
"Sure," Stasi replied, curious. "What’s up?"
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmqS9ELfrd
They stepped aside, finding a quiet corner in the hallway. Joey glanced around, making sure no one was listening.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJoDEBdXtF
"Look, I know Kat can be a bit intense," Joey began. "But I just wanted you to know that I... I really like spending time with you. There's something about you that feels different."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEEn5MJjF5
Stasi's heart skipped a beat. Was Joey hinting at something more? She felt a mix of excitement and guilt, knowing well Kat’s feelings and her immense jealousy when it comes to Joey.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCZseCxpxa
"Thanks, Joey," Stasi said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "You’re not so bad yourself."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZjxdUOYVn
When the final bell rang, I tried to make my way to the old music room, a space rarely used and perfect for a secret meeting, but I was pushed into the courtyard by the students.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf6SK9T1xC
The buzz of anticipation filled the air as students gathered in the courtyard. Word had spread about a planned prank, and everyone was eager to see the elite crew's latest spectacle.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmk6vjyKEu
Wiley and his friends stood on the balcony, their presence exuding power and dominance. Aaron smirked as he gave the signal, and a bucket of bright red paint tipped over, drenching Mr. Thompson, the new math teacher, in front of the entire school.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnip8rOCr5g
Laughter erupted from the crowd, but I felt a pang of discomfort. This was power wielded mercilessly, and it reminded me of the darker side of our seemingly perfect lives.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOcL5VdRXE
As I glanced up at the balcony, my eyes met Wiley's. I didn't hide my disappointment, my gaze piercing through the mask he wore. "Really, guys? This is so childish," I called out, my voice carrying across the courtyard.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6xZ6N2r6X
A hush fell over the crowd, whispers of shock rippling through the students. No one had ever spoken up against the elite crew before. Kat, ever the defender of her friends, stepped forward. "Oh, come on, Kaye. It's no different than what you did to Coach Byrd."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVVwV4JCiV
I shook my head, refusing to back down. "There's a huge difference, Kat. I acted in self-defense. This—this is just bullying."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oK2HkzBni
Aaron's eyes narrowed as he stepped closer to the edge of the balcony. "You know, Kaye, the only reason you're immune to our pranks is because of your relationship with Wiley. Don't think you're untouchable."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7AuIhO1B1
The crowd shifted uncomfortably, torn between their fear of the elite crew and their newfound admiration for me. I could see the crew didn't like how the crowd was appealing to me.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOaqLGOzp0
Aaron smirked, looking at the crowd. "Come on, admit it. You all thought it was funny. Don't let Kaye's little speech ruin your fun."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrhkd89hIO
There was a pause, the tension thick in the air. Slowly, some students began to nod and murmur in agreement, pressured into submission by the elite crew's dominance. My heart sank, but I held my ground.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzOd4CIXmY
"You might be able to intimidate them," I said, my voice firm, "but you won't silence me. This isn’t about fun—it's about respect."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHKYoFuCDL
The crowd’s whispers grew louder, a mix of admiration and uncertainty. For the first time, the elite crew's power seemed to waver.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8wqKYlbgK
"You all can keep playing your power games," I added, turning to leave. "Fine, I’ll be your reckoning."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBg3IsXLGr
As I walked away, I felt a strange sense of pride. Maybe, just maybe, standing up to them would make a difference. And for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of empowerment and motivation. I dipped into the hallways and ended up at the old music room. Jae was already there, pacing nervously.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tC13Q2JZC
"Hey," I said softly, my annoyance surpassed as I stepped inside.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiemB7TdWI0
Jae looked up, relief and tension visible in his eyes. "Kaye, I'm glad you came."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMpv29jkFe
"What’s this about?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfvJOcNATC
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I... I was just surprised by my own feelings."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiF8ipfWYV
I frowned, unsure where this was going. "What do you mean?"
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnVr1yHi6W
Jae took a step closer, his eyes locking onto mine. "I'm attracted to you, Kaye. But I can't act on it because of Wiley. He's my friend, and I don't want to betray that trust."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVvmn88AMb
The confession hung in the air between us, a mixture of shock and warmth spreading through me. "I... I didn’t know," I stammered. "I didn’t mean to cause any trouble."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptolHqI0BJ
He shook his head. "It's not your fault. I just wanted to be honest with you, to clear the air."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNcO1Uz58r
I nodded, appreciating his honesty. "Thank you, Jae. I appreciate it."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkw2CAjmAo
Just then, my phone buzzed with a message. It was from Stasi: "Hey, I'm waiting for you in the parking lot."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzTBFl7prT
I looked back at Jae. "I have to go. Stasi's waiting for me."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCnPrIsXto
He nodded, understanding. "Of course. Let's talk more later, okay?"
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl7fLzRKEC
We stepped out of the old music room, the atmosphere still tinged with the weight of our conversation. As we made our way down the hall, we suddenly bumped into Graeme Yorkley.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq9UgXsCxn
Graeme's eyes flickered to Jae before settling on me. "Sorry about that," he muttered, his tone tense.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6IKlz292I
"It's fine," I replied, noticing the way Jae's jaw tightened at the sight of Graeme.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJiQdlbx0V
"See you around, Stone," Graeme said, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he turned away.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2yAKC8ZQs
I glanced at Jae, whose eyes were still fixed on Graeme's retreating figure. "Do you know him well?" I asked, sensing there was more to the story.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2kx2WfpQa
Jae's expression softened slightly as he looked back at me. "We have a history. It's... complicated."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6z0QO9QJB
I could tell that was all he was willing to share for now. "Okay. Thanks for being honest with me, Jae."
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj25aZo6ikM
"Anytime," he said, his voice sincere.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMms8Bor4H
As we walked away, the encounter with Graeme lingered in my mind. There was clearly a lot more beneath the surface, and I couldn't help but wonder what had happened between them.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIhqFr52cQ
I headed towards the parking lot, where Stasi was waiting in her car. As I approached, I saw her wave. "Ready to go?" she called out.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJjfvjkund
"Yeah, let's get out of here," I replied, climbing into the passenger seat.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEsAXb8GCS
As we drove away, my thoughts drifted back to Jae, Graeme, and the secrets everyone seemed to be hiding. It felt like I was only scratching the surface of a much deeper mystery.
629Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNna5L9MFIs
and then Add to home screen.