EMILY — POV
The hallway buzzed with the typical chaos of the first day back: lockers slamming, laughter bouncing off the walls, and nervous chatter of students trying to remember schedules. I kept my head down, clutching my backpack straps like they were lifelines.
I wasn't new to this school, but it didn't get any easier. After last year's awkward freshman moments, I hoped sophomore year would be smoother. So far, it felt just as overwhelming.
I rounded the corner toward my next class, focused on not bumping into anyone, when suddenly—
Crash!
Books and papers spilled everywhere. I looked up and met a pair of warm brown eyes.
"I'm so sorry!" the girl said quickly, crouching down to help gather my scattered notes. She smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you okay?"
I nodded, feeling my cheeks flush. "Yeah. I'm fine. I'm Emily."
"Jane," she said, shaking my hand with a grin. "First day jitters?"
I laughed softly, relieved. "Definitely."
We finished collecting my things, and Jane walked beside me down the crowded hallway. "Want me to show you where your next class is?"
I hesitated but nodded. Having someone to lean on felt like a good idea.
JANE — POV
Emily looked a little lost but determined, the kind of girl who'd rather face the chaos head-on than hide. When we bumped into each other, I knew she could be a good friend.
I'd been at this school since freshman year, so I had a decent idea of the tricky spots—the teachers who gave impossible tests, the best places to eat lunch, and which cliques to avoid.
"Here's your English class," I said, nodding toward room 213. "Mr. Callahan is pretty chill, but don't fall asleep; he notices."
Emily smiled. "Thanks. I'm still trying to figure out all the teachers."
"Tell me about it," I said. "Hey, my brother Mike is a senior. You might've seen him around."
Emily's eyes brightened. "I think I saw someone tall with dark hair hanging with a group by the gym?"
"Yeah, that's him," I said. "He's cool, but he keeps me in check."
We exchanged numbers before the bell rang, promising to meet up later.
MIKE — POV
I noticed Jane texting more than usual during lunch. When I asked, she told me about Emily—the new girl she'd met that morning.
I remembered seeing Emily in the hallway. She had this quiet, thoughtful vibe. Not the type to get caught up in drama or parties. She kept to herself but wasn't invisible.
I figured it wouldn't hurt to say hi.
Later that day, I spotted Emily near the lockers, sketching in a notebook. I cleared my throat.
"Hey, Emily, right?" I said.
She looked up, startled, then smiled politely. "Yeah. Hi, Mike."
"I've seen you around," I said. "Jane's told me a lot."
She laughed softly, and for a moment, everything felt simple.
VICKY — POV
New girl. Quiet. Already making friends.
Perfect target.
I'd been watching Emily for days, noticing how she stuck close to Jane like a lifeline. I wasn't about to let some newcomer slide by without a little… reminder of who ran things.
Today, lunch was the perfect stage.
I deliberately dropped my tray near her table, loud enough for heads to turn.
"Watch where you're walking, new girl," I said, flashing a smile sharp as glass.
Emily didn't say anything. Didn't even flinch.
That silence? That made it worse.
I decided then: this was going to be interesting.
EMILY — POV (continued)
I tried to focus on my sketchbook after lunch, drawing the lines of a tree outside the window. It was my way to escape the noise and chatter of the cafeteria — the place I usually dreaded. But today felt different. Jane was nearby, laughing with a group of friends, and for the first time since school started, I felt a tiny flicker of hope.
That hope wavered when Vicky swaggered past, eyes locking onto me with that cold, sharp glare. His smile was all kinds of fake, the kind that made your skin crawl.
I looked down, hoping he'd keep walking, but he stopped a little too close.
"Nice drawing," he said sarcastically, leaning over my table.
"I—thanks," I mumbled, trying to keep my voice steady.
"You sure you belong here?" he whispered loud enough for a few nearby students to hear.
I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, but before I could respond, Mike appeared beside him.
"Back off, Vicky," he said, voice calm but firm.
He smirked. "Whatever, Matthews."
Mike turned to me, a small, reassuring smile. "Ignore him. He likes to stir the pot."
I wanted to believe him, but the pit in my stomach told me this wasn't over.
JANE — POV (continued)
Watching Vicky corner Emily made my blood boil. I hated how he made my friend feel small with just a few words.
"Hey," I whispered as soon as Vicky left, "you okay?"
Emily nodded, but I could tell she wasn't.
"Come on," I said, grabbing her hand. "Let's get out of here before he decides to cause more trouble."
We found a quiet spot near the library, away from the crowd.
"You're stronger than you think, Em," I said. "And I'm here. Always."
She smiled, that fragile kind of smile that made me want to protect her even more.
MIKE — POV (continued)
Later that evening, I found myself texting Jane about Emily. Something about her stuck with me — maybe it was the way she looked at the world, like she wanted to understand it but wasn't sure how.
I debated texting Emily too but decided to wait until school tomorrow.
I didn't know it yet, but I was already part of a story that was more tangled than I expected.
VICKY — POV (continued)
That night, I couldn't stop thinking about Emily. Not because I liked her — that would be crazy — but because she was different.
Quiet, sure. But there was something beneath that shy exterior, something I couldn't put my finger on.
And Mike? Jane's brother. The way he stood up for her? Interesting.
I was going to make this school year unforgettable — for all of us.
EMILY — POV (continued)
The next morning, I wasn't looking forward to school, but I knew I had to go. I got dressed slowly, picking out my favorite hoodie — the one that felt like a little armor against the world. I barely ate breakfast. Mom noticed.
"You okay, Em?" she asked softly, watching me push my food around the plate.
"Yeah, just tired," I said, forcing a small smile.
She didn't press. Sometimes, I liked that she understood without words.
At school, Jane found me before class, waiting by the lockers.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" she asked, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Honestly? Nervous," I admitted.
Jane smiled warmly. "You don't have to do this alone, you know. Mike and I—we got you."
I felt a flicker of hope.
Later, in math class, I caught Mike glancing my way during a group activity. When our eyes met, he gave me a quick thumbs-up. It was small, but it meant the world.
After class, I saw Vicky again. This time he blocked my path in the hallway, his expression unreadable.
"Listen," he said quietly, voice low enough that no one else could hear, "you're tougher than I thought."
I blinked, unsure how to respond.
He shrugged. "Don't make me regret this."
Then he was gone.
Walking away, my heart pounded, but I also felt something new: curiosity. Maybe Vicky wasn't just a bully. Maybe there was more to his story.
That evening at Jane's, Mike and I talked about everything from school projects to favorite movies. When Jane stepped out for a bit, Mike looked at me seriously.
"Emily, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. No pressure, but I mean it."
I nodded, feeling a connection deepen between us.
That night, as I lay in bed, I stared at the ceiling, thinking about how complicated things were getting. Between Jane's steady friendship, Mike's quiet support, and Vicky's unpredictable presence, my world felt like a puzzle I wasn't sure I could solve.
But I was ready to try.