Emma Carter tightened her grip on the straps of her backpack as she stood at the gates of Crestwood High, the morning sun too bright, too cheerful for how she felt inside. New school. New start. That's what her mom kept saying. But all Emma saw was another building full of strangers, where the whispers might start all over again.
She inhaled deeply and stepped forward, weaving through groups of students who barely noticed her. Laughter echoed across the courtyard. Music blared from a car parked near the curb. Somewhere, someone was arguing about who cheated at basketball. It was like any other high school. And yet, everything felt foreign.
Emma kept her head down as she found her locker, trying to ignore the curious glances. She fumbled with the combination, her fingers stiff. Just get through the day, she told herself. Don't draw attention. Don't mess up.
"Hey!"
The shout came from across the hallway. Emma froze, turning in time to see a taller boy shove a smaller kid against the lockers. The boy's books scattered across the floor. A few students slowed to watch, some smirking, none stepping in.
And that's when she saw him.
Lucas Rivera.
He didn't raise his voice. He didn't swagger over like some hero from a movie. He just appeared, calm and quiet, his dark eyes steady.
"That's enough," Lucas said, his voice low but firm.
The bigger boy hesitated. Lucas didn't look angry. He didn't look scared either. Just certain. Like he'd already decided how this would end.
After a moment, the bully backed off, muttering something under his breath. Lucas crouched to help the younger kid gather his books. When he straightened, his gaze met Emma's — just for a second.
And in that second, Emma felt it. Like he could see right through her, to all the messy, broken parts she tried so hard to hide.
Then he was gone, disappearing into the crowd as if nothing had happened.
Emma let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Maybe Crestwood High wouldn't be so bad after all.