The Next Day – University Hallways
The news about yesterday spread fast. Everyone was talking about Jay.
How she stood up to Vincent. How she defended Mica. How Keifer protected her.
Jay walked down the hallway with Mia and Ben. People whispered and pointed.
Mia grinned. "You're famous now."
Jay groaned. "I don't want to be famous."
Ben laughed. "Too late for that."
Suddenly, Freya appeared in front of them. She blocked the way. Her arms were crossed. Her eyes were angry.
"Jay," Freya said coldly.
Jay stopped. "Freya."
Freya stepped closer. "You embarrassed me yesterday. In front of everyone."
Jay stayed calm. "I didn't embarrass you. You embarrassed yourself by supporting a boy who was hurting Mica."
Freya's face twisted. "You think you're so perfect? Coming here from New York, acting like you're better than everyone?"
Jay shook her head. "I never said I was better. I just said you were wrong."
Freya got in her face. "Watch your back, New York girl. Not everyone here likes you."
Mia stepped forward. "Back off, Freya."
Ben stood next to Mia. "Yeah. Leave her alone."
Freya laughed. "Three against one? Cute." She looked at Jay. "This isn't over." Then she walked away.
Mia turned to Jay. "Are you okay?"
Jay nodded. "I'm fine. She's just mad."
But deep down, Jay felt a little worried. Freya was mean. And mean people did mean things.
Later – Classroom
Jay sat with the Section E boys during break. They welcomed her like family now.
Ci-N sat next to her. "Jay, be careful of Freya. She's really mean. She might do something bad."
Calix nodded. "She holds grudges. And she has friends in high places."
David looked at Jay seriously. "My prediction says trouble is coming. Be ready."
Jay appreciated their concern. "I'll be okay. I've dealt with mean people before."
Eman handed her a sandwich. "Eat. Food makes everything better."
Jay laughed. "Thanks, Eman."
Then Keifer walked in. He sat down near Jay. Not too close. But close enough.
Everyone noticed. They exchanged looks.
Keifer looked at Jay. "Freya talked to you?"
Jay nodded. "Yeah. She threatened me."
Keifer's jaw tightened. "If she touches you, tell me."
Jay's heart fluttered. "I can handle myself."
Keifer looked at her. "I know you can. But you don't have to do it alone."
The Section E boys all made faces. Mayo mouthed "Oh my god" to Kit.
Ci-N whispered loudly, "He's so in love."
Keifer threw a pen at him. "Shut up."
Everyone laughed. Even Jay laughed.
After School – Parking Lot
Jay walked to meet Percy. He was picking her up.
But someone blocked her path.
Three girls stood there. Freya and two of her friends.
Freya smiled meanly. "Going somewhere, New York girl?"
Jay stopped. She looked calm. "Yes. I'm going home. Move."
Freya's friend stepped closer. "Or what?"
Jay didn't flinch. "Or I'll make you move."
Freya laughed. "You and what army?"
Suddenly, voices came from behind Jay.
"Her army."
Jay turned. The Section E boys were all there. Ci-N, Calix, David, John Felix, Eman, Drew, Edrix, Eren, Mayo, Kit, Rory, Denzel, Josh, Blaster. All of them.
And behind them stood Keifer.
Keifer walked to the front. He stood next to Jay. His eyes were cold as ice.
"Problem, Freya?" he asked quietly.
Freya's face went pale. She didn't expect this. The whole Section E? Defending one girl?
She stepped back. "This... this isn't over."
Keifer nodded. "It is for today. Leave."
Freya and her friends ran away quickly.
Jay looked at all the boys. Her eyes felt watery. "You guys... you came for me?"
Ci-N grinned. "Of course! You're family now!"
Drew nodded. "Section E sticks together."
Calix smiled. "You defended Mica. Now we defend you."
Jay felt so loved. She wiped her eyes quickly.
Then she looked at Keifer. He was watching her with soft eyes.
"Thank you," she whispered.
He nodded. "Always."
Mia and Ben ran up. "We heard everything! Are you okay?" Mia asked.
Jay smiled big. "I'm more than okay. I have the best friends ever."
The group walked to the parking lot together. Laughing. Talking. Being loud.
Percy saw them coming. His jaw dropped. His little sister was surrounded by boys.
He looked at Keifer, who was walking closest to Jay.
Percy sighed. "I'm going to have a heart attack because of those two."
Aries appeared next to him. "Join the club."
They watched the group approach. Jay was laughing at something Ci-N said. Keifer was watching her with a small smile.
Percy shook his head. "He's got it bad."
Aries nodded. "Really bad."
But neither of them stopped it. Because for the first time, Keifer looked truly happy. And Jay looked truly safe.