As I walked into English, a thrill of anticipation fluttered in my chest. For once, I couldn't suppress the hope that Mrs. Hathway had listened to my suggestion about the play. The smell of old books mingled with fresh beginnings, and every step felt like a push toward something new.
Mrs. Hathway's eyes sparkled with that knowing look as she handed me a folder. "Here's your script, Naira. I hope you love it."
I clutched it to my chest, barely daring to breathe. When I flipped the cover open, my heart skipped: Things Fall Apart. And then those words—Ekwefi. That was my role.
I spun around, a gasp escaping my lips, laughter bubbling up before I could stop it. Ekwefi. It fit. Not the lead, but not invisible either. I could do this. I deserved this.
"Thank you—thank you so much," I blurted, my voice trembling. Gratitude and shock tangled inside me, making it hard to find my feet. My friends' whispers and the muted buzz of the classroom faded. For a moment, all I could feel was an ember burning at the edge of my soul. It was hope, finally catching fire. A spark.
No matter what happened after this, I had a chance. Finally, the story might turn in my favor.
Just as relief washed over me, Lany bounded over, wrapping me in a fierce hug that made us both laugh out loud. "Girl, I knew you'd get the part!" she squealed, her joy infectious. We clung to each other, the world blurry and bright around us. For a heartbeat, I felt like every struggle and sleepless night had led to this very moment.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Rowan's gaze—he was leaning against a desk, arms folded, that infuriatingly charming grin dancing on his lips.
"Guess who got the lead role, Brooklyn?" he drawled, blue eyes twinkling with mischief.
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide a smile as I shot him a playful glare. "So now you're calling me Brooklyn again? Because I remember you pretending not to know my name yesterday."
He just smirked, the kind of smile that tore right through my defenses, and pushed off the desk. Without another word, Rowan strode out of the classroom, leaving a trail of questions and butterflies in his wake.
I shook my head, still grinning, my heart racing with possibility. Maybe, just maybe, this year was finally going to be different.
"Well, look who the cat dragged in. Miss Freak herself," Maggy sneered, her tone dripping with contempt. "And just for the record? Stay away from my man."
I met her glare, rolling my eyes. "You're not even dating him, Maggy, please. For your information, I was lying in bed beside him yesterday. I'm the captain—and heart—of the cheer squad. I own that role, while you're still standing here in a daze. Maybe you should ask your dumbass brain for answers, baby girl." I held her gaze, refusing to back down for even a second until, finally, she spun on her heel and stormed off.
"Good girl! First step to not being such a bitch!" I shouted after her, unable to resist the temptation. She froze, her fists clenched, and suddenly spun back, ready to swing at me. I dodged her punch easily, stepping closer. "Is this what you want, Maggy? Think you can tango with me, like last time? We both know how that ended—with you face-down on the gym floor."
Her eyes darted between me and her friends, the memory clearly haunting her. They grabbed her arm, whispering reminders of last time, and she finally, grudgingly backed down.
I reached for my bag, fresh adrenaline humming in my veins, when my phone buzzed. Rowan:
Meet me at the bleachers at 10 p.m. Wear something comfortable.
A smile tugged at my lips. With a flick of my car keys, I slipped into the driver's seat and headed home, wondering at my own heart. Nightfall. This strange, infuriating, intoxicating place. Maybe—just maybe—I could finally call it home.