Chapter 28 — Weirdly Wonderful
The day started off like any other, except somehow, it was off-kilter in the best way possible. Section E had decided that today would be a "weirdly wonderful" day, though no one could quite explain why.
Jay walked into the courtyard, arms crossed, eyes narrowing at the group already huddled around Felix, who was clearly up to something.
"What are you all doing now?" she asked, suspicion in her voice.
Felix turned dramatically. "Planning the most chaotic, fun-filled, non-school-approved afternoon in history. You're welcome."
Jay groaned. "Of course."
Morning Chaos
Cian had set up a "blindfold challenge" where people had to navigate an obstacle course using only verbal directions from others.
Percy, as always, provided commentary, narrating the chaos like it was an extreme sports event. "And Jay narrowly avoids colliding with the vending machine! Incredible!"
Alys tried to follow directions but ended up spinning in circles, bumping into Drake multiple times.
Jay couldn't help laughing, shaking her head. "You guys are insane."
Drake's Cryptic Warning
Halfway through, Drake pulled David aside, his voice low, but firm.
"Don't get too close to Jay today," he said, eyes dark. "You're… forgetting something."
David frowned, confused. "Forgetting what?"
Drake shook his head. "You'll see."
Jay, standing nearby and pretending to tie her shoelaces, caught the tail end of that exchange. Her brow furrowed. Why is Drake suddenly so cryptic? And why does he look like he's plotting something?
Lunch Mayhem
By lunchtime, the group had taken over the school courtyard with blankets, snacks, and a surprisingly large speaker. Music blasted, and Section E made a game of dance battles, ridiculous chants, and impromptu relay races.
Percy decided to challenge Jay to a three-legged race, pulling her into an alliance she couldn't refuse. They stumbled across the grass, screaming laughter echoing as Kiko refereed with a whistle he barely knew how to blow.
Alys and Eman ended up in a "who can eat the most cookies without hands" contest, resulting in chocolate-covered faces and uncontrollable giggles.
Even Drake participated quietly, though he stayed mostly on the sidelines, watching. His eyes occasionally flicked to Jay, unreadable and calm, though Jay noticed and grew even more suspicious.
Weird but Happy Bonds
By mid-afternoon, everyone collapsed onto the grass, sweaty, sticky, and laughing so hard they could barely breathe.
Jay looked around at them—Percy still narrating like a sports commentator, Alys quietly smiling at Eman and Felix's antics, and even Drake watching silently—and felt something like warmth settle in her chest.
But that little niggle in her mind persisted: Why had Drake warned David? And what was he "forgetting"?
She made a mental note: she'd figure it out. Later. Maybe.
End of the Day
As the sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the courtyard, Section E lay sprawled across blankets, exhausted but happy. Percy was dramatically proclaiming himself "king of chaos," while Jay rolled her eyes but secretly appreciated the ridiculousness.
Alys nudged her, whispering, "See? Even broken days can be… fun."
Jay nodded, letting herself relax just a little. Section E was loud, chaotic, and utterly ridiculous—but somehow, it was home.
And somewhere, in the quiet corner of her mind, Jay still couldn't shake her suspicion about Drake's cryptic warning…
Chapter 28 closes with laughter, chocolate-stained faces, and Jay feeling both warm and warry.
-------
5 chapters left dont forget to vote and comment 💖