Chapter 33

“Did you hear that Shana’s going to Winter Formal with Lucas?”

“Yeah, I heard that last period! What’s that all about?”

“I have no idea,” one girl said in the restroom. “Why would he ask her? I thought they weren’t together.”

“They said they aren’t together, but nobody believes that.”

I sighed as I sat in the bathroom stall, trying to drown out the sound of the girls gossiping about Lucas and me. It was as if the walls had ears, amplifying their words and intensifying my frustration.

Could they hurry up and finish their conversation already? I had a class to get to.

The fact that they were talking about Lucas and me was mind-boggling. After all, he had only asked me to Winter Formal yesterday.

Yet somehow, the entire school seemed to be aware of our plans.

It must be Jessica.

Walking through the hallways felt like navigating a sea of cold glances and silent judgment.

Girls now regarded me with disdain, their eyes filled with resentment. It was disheartening to be the target of their hatred.

Even in the sanctuary of the bathroom, I couldn't escape their gossip. Their whispers seemed to echo off the walls, further fueling my unease. I needed a moment of peace from the negativity that surrounded me.

The last thing I needed at this moment was more people hating me.

“I hear she’s paying Lucas to go to Winter Formal with her.”

“That’s impossible! Shana’s poor.”

“Oh, you’re right. That rumor probably isn’t true then.”

“I bet she’s doing his homework for him. It must be hard to keep track of school and the hockey team.”

“That’s probably what it is! Why couldn’t he have just asked me? I’m smarter than Shana anyway.”

What they were saying was getting more and more ridiculous.

Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself to stay strong and not let their opinions define my worth. I knew that Lucas and I were just friends, and his decision to take me to the Winter Formal was based on his kindness.

It wasn't something I had planned on to provoke jealousy or resentment.

But it was hard to shake off the weight of their judgment. Their disapproval gnawed at me, and I couldn't help but question myself.

Was I deserving of their hatefulness? Was I to blame for their jealousy?

I wished I could ignore their cold looks and snide remarks, but their presence loomed over me, casting a shadow on my confidence.

It was a constant reminder that I had unintentionally become the center of attention, a lightning rod for their envy.

I waited until the girls finished their conversation and left the bathroom before stepping out of the stall.

Taking a deep breath, I approached the mirror, determined to regain my composure, and face the day with strength.

As I looked at my reflection, I straightened my shoulders and put on a brave face, silently willing myself to rise above the negativity that surrounded me.

"Come on, Shana," I whispered to myself. "You can't let them constantly drag you back down over and over again."

In the few weeks of training with Lucas, I had noticed changes in myself. My once-pale complexion now had a healthy warmth to it, and freckles adorned the tops of my cheeks.

I looked healthier, happier, and it was a testament to the positive impact Lucas had on my life. Even though the gossip and judgment threatened to pull me into sadness, I refused to let their negativity consume me.

I had come too far to let their opinions define my worth.

I had yet to find Lucas today, but I wondered what he was making of all this gossip.

He’s probably hating it just as much as I am.

Just as the thought passes through my mind, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I reached into my pocket and pulled it out.

Lucas: Are you okay? I keep hearing people whisper your name every five seconds. It’s annoying—but also freaky.

His text made me laugh.

Me: I’m fine. Nothing I haven’t dealt with before.

Me: And that’s weird… I keep hearing people whisper your name.

Lucas: I’m sorry I put us in this situation. It’s worse than I expected.

Me: I know, but it’s not your fault. We should’ve suspected that people would spread rumors.

Lucas: That doesn’t make it okay.

Lucas: I’ll see you at training later, okay? Keep your head up till then.

I smiled after reading Lucas’s last text, sliding my phone back in my pocket.

As much as I hated to admit it, he was right.

Ugh, he’s so annoying when he’s right.

After washing my hands, I pushed open the bathroom doors and stepped into the hallway, steeling myself for whatever lay ahead.

As I walked, my eyes landed on Jessica, among the group of girls who seemed particularly invested in Lucas's romantic life.

Our gaze briefly met, and I could sense a mixture of curiosity and resentment in her eyes.

It was evident that she had played a role in spreading the rumors about Lucas and me.

With Lucas choosing me as his date, I couldn't help but wonder how Jessica would perceive me.

She would definitely hate me more.

Imagine a wolfless girl challenging the position of the queen bee at her school. And yet, the queen bee still can't manage to get the wolfless girl punished.

Originally, I didn't want to have such a big conflict with her, but now I had no other choice.

Jessica wouldn't let me get away with anything easily, and I would never bow my head to her. The differences and conflicts between us will only continue to grow more and more.

I knew I had to be cautious and keep my distance from her. Another confrontation with Jessica was the last thing I wanted, especially after the fallout of our previous clash, which resulted in her leaving school for a few days.

But deep down, I knew the fight wasn't over.

Jessica's lingering resentment and thirst for vengeance were apparent, and it was only a matter of time before she sought to settle the score.

I braced myself for the challenges that lay ahead, aware that her vindictive nature could bring unforeseen consequences.

With a determined resolve, I continued walking down the hallway, my head held high.

Despite the unease and the brewing storm, I remained committed to rising above the drama and protecting the newfound bond I shared with Lucas.

I just hoped I wouldn't regret agreeing to be Lucas's date. I hoped that I was doing the right thing. I hoped that this will all just be over with.

But thinking that the torture was over was only wishful thinking.