Chapter 17
Tuesday morning arrived with a heaviness Liana couldn't shake. The weekend had been quiet, filled with thoughts of Aiden and the growing connection between them. But now, walking through the crowded hallways, she felt Brianna's presence like a shadow looming just behind her. The older tension that had been simmering all week seemed to tighten, wrapping around her chest in an uncomfortable way.
Brianna was leaning against a locker, arms crossed, smirking in that calculated way Liana had learned to recognize. It wasn't just casual observation this time—there was intent behind the gaze, sharp and deliberate.
"Morning, shadow girl," Brianna said, her tone almost sweet but laced with malice. "Did you and your new friend have a fun weekend?"
Liana froze for a heartbeat, then forced herself to meet her gaze. "Morning," she said calmly, keeping her voice steady. "It was… nice."
Brianna's smirk deepened. "Nice, huh? Well, don't get too comfortable. Some of us don't just step aside for anyone."
Liana's chest tightened, but she straightened her shoulders. She had spent months shrinking away, hiding. But now… with Aiden noticing her, supporting her, she felt a spark of defiance. "I'm not trying to step aside," she said quietly but firmly. "I'm just being myself."
Brianna's smirk faltered slightly, then returned, sharper. "We'll see about that." She shoved her locker closed and walked away, leaving Liana standing in the hallway, heart racing but head held high. She had faced the first real confrontation—and she hadn't backed down.
---
By second period, Liana tried to focus on her work, but the memory of Brianna's words lingered. A soft tap on her shoulder pulled her from her thoughts. Aiden leaned slightly over her desk, gray eyes filled with concern.
"You okay?" he whispered.
"I'm fine," she said, smiling weakly. "It's just… Brianna."
He nodded knowingly. "Ignore her. She's not worth it. And besides," he added with a small smile, "you're handling this better than you think."
His words wrapped around her like a shield, a quiet reassurance she could hold onto. Liana realized that while Brianna could try to intimidate her, she couldn't touch the bond forming between her and Aiden.
---
Lunch arrived, and Liana took her usual spot at the corner table. Aiden appeared moments later, holding two bottles of juice and a small bag of snacks. "For you," he said softly, handing her the bottle.
"Thanks," she replied, warmth blooming in her chest.
They ate quietly, sharing small conversations and laughter that felt effortless. Each glance and word drew them closer, building a fragile, unspoken connection. Across the cafeteria, Brianna's sharp gaze lingered, unmistakable in its scrutiny, but Liana refused to let it disturb her.
"You're… amazing," Aiden whispered at one point, leaning just close enough that no one else could hear. "And you're braver than you know. Don't let anyone make you forget that."
Liana's cheeks flushed. "I… I'm learning," she admitted softly.
"And I'll be here every step," he added, giving her hand a light, reassuring touch. The gesture was small, but it carried a weight that made her heart race.
---
After school, they walked together along the quiet streets behind the school. Liana felt a thrilling mix of excitement and nervousness. The sun glinted off the pavement, highlighting the soft warmth in the late afternoon. Their shoulders brushed lightly as they walked, the contact sending small jolts of awareness through her.
"You know," Aiden said softly, glancing at her, "whatever happens, we'll face it together. I mean it."
Liana felt a swell of gratitude and courage. "I… I feel the same," she said, letting herself relax slightly, trusting him.
For the first time, she realized something important: Brianna's interference was a challenge, yes, but it also reminded her how much she had grown. She wasn't invisible anymore. And with Aiden by her side, she felt stronger than she had ever imagined possible.
The space between them wasn't just closing—it was becoming a place where Liana could stand tall, be herself, and maybe even thrive.
---