The day started off normally enough. Ere'ana made her way through the bustling hallway, her backpack slung over one shoulder as she tried to dodge the wave of students rushing to their classes. Avarina walked beside her, chattering away about something funny she'd seen online, but Ere'ana was only half-listening.
She'd been feeling off all morning, like something bad was about to happen. And when she saw Savannah Klein—the most popular girl in school—leaning casually against her locker, Ere'ana's stomach dropped.
Savannah was the quintessential queen bee: long, perfectly styled blonde hair, flawless makeup, and a wardrobe that seemed more suited for a runway than a high school hallway. She ruled the school with an iron fist wrapped in a designer glove, and she always had her entourage of equally perfect minions following her around.
Today was no different. Savannah was flanked by two of her loyal followers—Brittany and Chloe—both of whom were giggling at something Savannah had said.
"Uh-oh," Avarina muttered, her voice low. "What does she want?"
Ere'ana sighed, trying to muster up some courage. "I have no idea, but it can't be good."
As they approached the locker, Savannah's eyes locked onto Ere'ana, and a predatory smile spread across her face.
"Well, well, well," Savannah said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. "If it isn't Ere'ana. Or should I say… Ere'bana?"
Brittany and Chloe burst into laughter, and Ere'ana's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She clenched her jaw, trying not to let it show that the Starbucks name mix-up from days ago still stung.
"What do you want, Savannah?" Avarina asked, stepping forward like a shield.
Savannah tilted her head, pretending to be offended. "Oh, don't be so defensive, Avarina. I just wanted to have a little chat with your friend here."
"I don't think we have anything to talk about," Ere'ana said, keeping her voice steady.
"Oh, I think we do," Savannah said, her smile turning cold. She stepped closer, invading Ere'ana's personal space. "Word around school is that you've been spending a lot of time with Jack West."
Ere'ana's heart skipped a beat. "What about it?"
Savannah raised an eyebrow, her expression smug. "What about it? Are you serious? Jack used to be my boyfriend, and now you're just parading him around like some kind of trophy? That's pretty bold of you, Ere'ana."
Ere'ana blinked, caught off guard. Jack and Savannah? That was news to her.
"Jack isn't a trophy," Ere'ana said, her voice firm. "And whatever happened between you two is none of my business."
Savannah let out a laugh, the sound sharp and cruel. "Oh, sweetie, everything that happens in this school is my business. And you? You're stepping on my toes. I don't like that."
"Back off, Savannah," Avarina said, her tone icy.
Savannah glanced at Avarina, her smile never wavering. "Oh, don't worry, Avarina. I'm not going to do anything… yet. But let's just say, you should keep an eye on your little friend here. It'd be a shame if her… reputation got tarnished."
With that, Savannah turned on her heel, her minions trailing after her like shadows.
The rest of the day was a blur for Ere'ana. She couldn't focus in any of her classes, her mind replaying Savannah's words over and over again. What did she mean by "tarnishing her reputation"? Was Savannah planning to spread rumors about her? Or worse?
By the time lunch rolled around, Ere'ana felt like she was on the verge of a breakdown. She sat at the usual table with Avarina, poking at her food while Avarina tried to cheer her up.
"Don't let her get to you," Avarina said. "Savannah's just a bully. She's all bark and no bite."
"I don't know," Ere'ana said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She seemed pretty serious."
"Yeah, well, so am I," Avarina said, crossing her arms. "If she tries anything, I'll—"
"Hey, Ere'ana," a voice interrupted, cutting through their conversation.
Ere'ana looked up to see Jack standing beside their table, his tray in hand. He looked concerned, his dark eyes scanning her face.
"Are you okay?" he asked, setting his tray down and sitting next to her.
Ere'ana hesitated, glancing at Avarina. She didn't want to drag Jack into this, but at the same time, she didn't want to keep it bottled up.
"Savannah's been giving her a hard time," Avarina said bluntly.
Jack frowned, his jaw tightening. "What did she do?"
"Nothing yet," Ere'ana said quickly. "But she said some… things. About you and me."
Jack's frown deepened. "What kind of things?"
Ere'ana hesitated, unsure how to phrase it. "She said you two used to date. Is that true?"
Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, we dated for a while. Freshman year. But it wasn't serious. She's just mad because I broke up with her."
"Why did you break up with her?" Avarina asked, her tone curious.
"She's… not a good person," Jack said simply. "And I didn't want to be part of her drama anymore."
Ere'ana nodded, her heart sinking. If Savannah was still bitter about the breakup, that explained why she was targeting Ere'ana now.
"Don't worry about her," Jack said, his voice firm. "If she gives you any trouble, let me know. I'll handle it."
Ere'ana managed a small smile. "Thanks, Jack."
By the time school ended, Ere'ana was feeling a little better. Jack's reassurance had helped, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Savannah wasn't going to let this go.
As she walked to her dorm with Avarina, she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder, half-expecting Savannah to appear out of nowhere.
"Relax," Avarina said, noticing her paranoia. "You've got me, Jack, and Ira on your side. Savannah doesn't stand a chance."
Ere'ana smiled, though the knot of anxiety in her chest remained. She just hoped Avarina was right.