Chapter Three: Malachi's Entry
Ridgewood High was a world of shiny cars, expensive sneakers, and privileged teenagers who seemed to float through life. For Malachi, stepping into that world felt like entering a completely different universe.
He stood at the front gates, his faded hoodie a stark contrast to the designer jackets and perfectly styled uniforms around him. In his hand was a schedule crumpled from being folded too many times.
"Just survive the day," he muttered under his breath.
As Malachi walked through the crowded hallways, heads turned—not because he demanded attention, but because he looked like he didn't belong. Some people whispered, others just stared. He didn't care. He kept his head down, his long strides carrying him toward his locker.
"Hey, watch it!"
A sharp voice jolted him. Malachi looked up just in time to see a girl clutching a tray of food. He'd bumped into her, sending a cup of juice spilling across her designer jeans.
"I'm sorry!" Malachi said quickly, grabbing napkins from a nearby table.
The girl—tall, blonde, and furious—glared at him like he was dirt on her shoe. It was Annie.
"Do you even know how much these jeans cost?" she snapped, swatting his hand away as he tried to help.
"More than I can afford," Malachi replied, his tone calm but with an edge of defiance. "I said I'm sorry."
"Sorry doesn't fix this," Annie hissed. She glanced around, noticing a small crowd forming. "Next time, watch where you're going."
Malachi didn't say anything. He just turned and walked away, ignoring the murmurs that followed him.
---
The First Encounter with Brielle
Later that day, Malachi found refuge in the library. It was quieter there, the hum of whispers and the flipping of pages a welcome change from the chaos of the hallways.
He settled into a corner seat, pulling
out a battered notebook and a pen. He wasn't here to read or study—he needed space to breathe.
But peace didn't last long. A voice interrupted him.
"That was brave, standing up to Annie like that."
Malachi looked up, startled. Standing a few feet away was a girl with hazel eyes and black curls that framed her face perfectly. She was effortlessly beautiful, her presence commanding attention without trying.
"Who's asking?" Malachi said cautiously, his hand tightening around the pen.
The girl smiled, amused by his defensive tone. "I'm Brielle. You're new, right?"
Malachi nodded, unsure what to make of her. "Yeah. Just started today."
"Well, word travels fast around here," Brielle said, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him uninvited. "Annie's not someone people usually cross, especially not on their first day."
"I didn't exactly plan it," Malachi muttered. "She was just in the way."
Brielle laughed softly, leaning forward. "She's always 'in the way.' Trust me, you'll get used to it."
Malachi tilted his head, studying her. "And why are you telling me this? Don't you two run in the same circle?"
Brielle's smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered. "We used to. Not anymore."
"Let me guess," Malachi said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Something to do with a guy?"
Brielle's eyes widened slightly in surprise before narrowing. "You're pretty sharp, new kid."
"Name's Malachi," he said, leaning back in his chair. "And you didn't deny it."
Brielle shrugged, her expression unreadable. "Maybe because you're right. But enough about me. What's your story?"
"My story?" Malachi asked, caught off guard.
"Yeah," Brielle said, resting her chin on her hand. "You don't look like the Ridgewood type. So why are you here?"
Malachi hesitated. He didn't like talking about himself, especially to someone like her—someone who probably had everything handed to them. But something about Brielle's curious gaze made him answer.
"Scholarship," he said simply.
"Impressive," Brielle said, genuinely surprised. "Not many people can say that."
"It's not a big deal," Malachi replied, looking away.
"Maybe not to you," Brielle said, standing up. "But I think it is."
Before Malachi could respond, Brielle turned and walked away, leaving him alone with more questions than answers.
---
The Impact
That brief interaction with Brielle lingered in Malachi's mind for the rest of the day. She wasn't like the other rich kids he'd encountered so far—she seemed... different.
But he didn't dwell on it. He had bigger things to worry about, like navigating his way through a school where he didn't belong.
Little did he know, that first meeting with Brielle was only the beginning of a tangled web of emotions, secrets, and betrayals that would change everything.