Jessa

For once, walking into school didn’t feel like stepping onto a battlefield.

The air was different — lighter, somehow. Maybe it was because Mariah and I were still laughing about yesterday at Benny’s. Or maybe because for once, the stares didn’t make my stomach twist.

People were still whispering, sure. Phones still buzzed. But after everything that had gone down — the drama, the kiss, the online mess — it all just felt… small.

I wasn’t hiding anymore.

Mariah ...