Clarissa sat cross-legged on her bed, staring at the ceiling. The soft glow of her bedside lamp did little to calm the swirl of thoughts in her head. She wasn't sure if she wanted to go to the bonfire tonight. Part of her felt drawn to it, part of her wanted to stay home and avoid the crowd, avoid the noise, avoid… everything.
From downstairs, raised voices broke through the walls.
"I can't believe you did that!" her father's voice boomed. "After everything we've done for you!"
"I did what I had to do!" her mother shot back, her tone sharp, trembling with anger. "You think this is easy? You think I enjoy watching you make these decisions alone?"
"Decisions alone? You lied to me!" he yelled, slamming a hand on the counter. "I trusted you!"
Her mother's voice dropped to a quiet, almost muttered tone, one that carried just enough venom to make Clarissa's stomach twist: "Well… maybe that's why you cheated."
The words hung in the air like smoke. Her father's reply was quick, cutting through the tension: "Oh, so you're really going to go there?"
Clarissa's heart pounded. She quickly shut her bedroom door, leaning against it as if to press the sound out of her mind. She didn't want to be part of this fight. Not tonight.
Pulling her phone from the side of her bed, she typed quickly:
Ben, meet me at the park entrance. Hurry.
After hitting send, she moved to her closet, throwing on something comfortable but easy to move in. A hoodie, jeans, sneakers—perfect for sneaking out.
Glancing toward the window, she took a deep breath, then lifted herself onto the sill. One quick glance to make sure the street was empty, and she slid through, landing softly on the grass outside. The cool night air hit her face, and she smirked, adrenaline already coursing through her veins.
Clarissa leaned against the fence at the park entrance, tapping her fingers nervously against the metal bars. The night was quiet, the faint hum of distant traffic blending with the rustle of leaves. She was lost in thought when a familiar voice broke through.
"Hey, thought you were gonna be a no-show," Benjamin said from the car, grinning as he leaned out the window.
Clarissa just smiled. "Let's go to Alex's so we can all go together," she said, her voice light, though her heart was still racing from sneaking out.
"Aye aye, Captain," Benjamin called, giving a thumbs-up.
When they arrived at Alex's place, he was already standing outside, stretching casually against the wall.
"Finally," he called as Clarissa approached. He gave her a quick grin before turning to Benjamin. "Mind if I join you guys?"
Benjamin laughed. "Hop in, man. My car's big enough."
Alex nodded and slid into the passenger seat of Benjamin's car. Clarissa followed, settling comfortably in the back. Benjamin started the engine, and music immediately filled the car, the hum of the tires blending with laughter and light chatter.
they drove toward the location of the bonfire.
Up ahead, a familiar figure walking alone caught Benjamin's attention. He slowed the car and pulled over.
Leaning toward the window, he called out, "You're… Isa, right?"
Isabel glanced up, slightly surprised. "Who's asking?"
"Headed our way?" he asked, eyes flicking toward the car.
"That depends… where's your way?" she replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"The bonfire," Alex called from the back seat.
"Ohh… that," Isabel said lightly, shrugging. "Heard about it… not really my thing. But y'all have fun," she added casually.
"Oh, come on," Alex said, leaning forward slightly. "It's gonna be fun. Join us."
Isabel paused, eyes flicking between the three of them.
She didn't move.
Benjamin leaned out the window. "Come on, Isa… just ride with us."
Isabel raised a brow. "You don't even know me like that."
"We're literally headed the same direction," Alex said from the back seat. "It's not that deep."
Isabel crossed her arms. "Yeah… I don't get in random boys' cars."
Benjamin huffed, opened his door, and stepped out, walking around to her side. He placed a hand over his heart dramatically.
"Okay. Look. I swear on Clarissa's terrible taste in music that we're not kidnapping you," he said.
Clarissa leaned over the console. "I do not have terrible taste."
"Proves my point," Ben shot back.
Isabel's lips twitched, fighting a smile, but she still didn't move.
Benjamin softened his tone. "It's cold out here. And dark. And the cops are still around the corner. Just get in. We'll drop you wherever you want."
She eyed him, then Clarissa… then Alex… then the woods around them.
Finally, she let out an annoyed sigh. "Fine. Whatever. But no weird stuff."
Benjamin stepped back with a triumphant grin. "Wouldn't dare."
Isabel climbed into the front seat, slamming the door a little harder than necessary. She settled in quietly, arms crossed, gaze forward, totally minding her own business.
Benjamin jogged back to the driver's side, jumped in, and the moment the engine revved, Isabel stared stubbornly out the window like she wasn't even part of the group.
Clarissa stayed silent in the back, staring out the window. Her mood from the fight at home still clung to her, leaving her quiet and withdrawn as the car continued down the road.
The drive resumed, music filling the car, and soon they arrived at the bonfire. The glow of flames flickered in the distance, laughter and chatter spilling into the night air.
They stepped onto the grass, the warm glow of the bonfire lighting up faces and laughter around them. Music thumped softly in the background as groups of students mingled, passing drinks and snacks.
Clarissa waved to some people she knew as they walked past.
Benjamin called out, "Anyone want drinks? I'm heading to grab some."
"I literally need some," Clarissa said without hesitation.
Isabel glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I could use some too," she said.
Alex grinned. "I'll come with you," he said, and lightly jumped, resting a hand on Benjamin's shoulder as he followed him toward the bear table
Clarissa and Isabel were left standing together, the warmth of the bonfire casting flickering shadows across their faces. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the sounds of laughter and crackling fire filling the space between them.
Clarissa finally broke the silence. "I don't think I've introduced myself. I'm Clarissa."
"I know you," Isabel replied, tilting her head slightly, a faint smirk on her lips. "Sort of hard to miss."
Clarissa blinked, caught off guard. "How's that?"
"Aside from being the brightest student at Eastwood Academy," Isabel said, nodding, "your style… and your parents' huge donations everywhere kinda puts you out there."
"Ohh… umm, okay," Clarissa said, laughing lightly, a little awkwardly.
"Since you know so much about me," she added, regaining some confidence, "then it wouldn't be too much to know a little about the mysterious Isabel Andreas."
"Mysterious is a little too exaggerated, don't you think?" Isabel replied, her smirk softening into an amused smile.
After Isabel's amused smile, a voice rang out from behind them.
If it isn't the boyfriend thief," Sarah sang, her blonde hair catching the firelight. She stood tall and slim, green eyes sharp like she'd been waiting for this moment. Her two friends flanked her, arms folded, faces ready for trouble.
Clarissa turned slowly, already exhausted. "Oh, for the love of God, Sarah… I am in no mood for your drama today."
Sarah raised a brow. "Drama? I just like keeping things interesting."
"Interesting for you, maybe," Clarissa snapped. "The rest of us are tired."
"Don't act like you don't love the attention," Sarah scoffed, stepping closer.
Clarissa crossed her arms. "Honestly, I don't."
A few people nearby turned their heads.
The tension was thick enough for everyone to smell it.
Sarah's smirk sharpened. "Then tell that to your dad who was caught cheating. If you ask me, you and your family are drama itself."
Everything stopped.
The music. The chatter. Even the freaking bonfire crackled quieter.
Clarissa's eyes widened. "What did you just say?" she said, stepping forward fast enough that people instinctively backed up.
Someone whispered loudly enough to be heard, "Her dad cheated?"
Another voice, "I heard he had an affair with one of his clients…"
More heads turned. A small circle formed around them.
Clarissa's jaw tightened. "Say it again," she demanded.
Sarah shrugged, loud enough for the crowd. "Why? Everyone already knows. Rich family, perfect daughter, cheating dad. Isn't that the brand?"
A ripple of gasps spread.
Clarissa lunged—not to fight, but to grab the drink in Sarah's hand and slap it down. It splashed onto the ground, and Sarah stumbled back.
"What the hell, Clary?!" Sarah shouted.
"Oh, now you're mad?" Clarissa stepped closer, face inches from hers. "You don't get to talk about my family."
Sarah's friends moved in, but so did other students, phones out, recording.
Sarah shoved Clarissa.
Clarissa shoved her right back.
A chorus rose:
"Whoa!"
"Chill!"
"Somebody stop them!"
Sarah pushed again, harder. "Touch me again and see what happens."
"Oh, I will," Clarissa hissed.
The tension was seconds away from exploding into a full fight when—
Isabel cut in.
She stepped between them without hesitation and shoved Sarah back with both hands.
"Enough," Isabel barked, the firelight catching the sharpness in her eyes. "Back off."
Sarah stumbled, almost falling. "What is your problem?!"
"My problem is idiots who pick fights for fun," Isabel shot back. "Touch her again and you'll deal with me."
A louder crowd gathered now. Whispers flew.
"Isabel? Since when does she care?"
"Clary's got backup?"
"Sarah's finished lmao."
Sarah's face twisted in embarrassment and rage. "Stay out of this!"
Isabel didn't flinch. "Make me."
Sarah looked around, realizing people were filming, watching, judging… and she was losing.
Her confidence cracked.
And that's exactly when Benjamin and Alex pushed through the circle, breathless.
"Hey hey hey!" Benjamin shouted. "What the hell is going on?!"
Alex looked at Sarah like he'd finally had enough. "You didn't."
Phones lowered slightly. Everyone waited.
Sarah said nothing.
Alex shook his head. "Unbelievable."
Alex didn't waste a second. He strode over to Sarah and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her gently but firmly to the side.
"What is wrong with you?" Alex snapped, pulling Sarah farther from the group. His voice was low but sharp, every word slicing. "We broke up. We've broken up, it's been months. Move on and leave Clary the hell alone."
Sarah's face crumpled, her earlier confidence dissolving into something raw. "I still love you," she whispered, eyes glassy. "I never stopped. And I don't think I want to get over it." Her voice shook as tears gathered.
Alex shook his head, jaw tight. "You have to," he said firmly. "Because if I ever see you near Clary again"
He didn't finish the sentence. He didn't need to.
Sarah swallowed hard, blinking rapidly, and looked away, wiping her tears roughly with the back of her hand.
Alex let go of Sarah's hand and walked away, running a frustrated hand through his hair before heading straight back to Clarissa.
"Hey… I'm so sorry about that," he said, guilt softening his voice.
Clarissa shook her head lightly. "It's not your fault, Alex."
"Yeah, but she shouldn't have said any of that. Especially about your dad."
Clarissa exhaled slowly. "People will always talk. I'm just tired, that's all."
Alex stepped closer, voice gentler. "Well, for what it's worth… you didn't deserve any of that. And you look strong as hell standing here."
She gave him a small smile. "Thanks."
Alex paused for a bit, eyes lingering on her face. Then he leaned in slowly, giving her every chance to pull away. Clarissa didn't. Their lips met in a soft, grounding kiss, nothing wild, just warm, steady, familiar.
A moment that said I'm here, I've got you.
Before the moment could stretch, Benjamin swooped in, grabbing Clarissa's hand dramatically.
"Hey! Don't let this ruin your night," he said, bright and playful. "Let's dance. Let's have fun before the world decides to collapse again."
Clarissa laughed, finally, and let Ben pull her toward the crowd. She took a few drinks, feeling the warmth spread through her chest as the music grew louder.
Alex joined in, slipping into the rhythm of the party. Isabel lingered for a second, watching Clarissa laugh, before stepping forward and joining the group too. The four of them moved with the music, the earlier chaos fading into background noise.
Everything felt light.
Then the sirens hit.
Red and blue flashes cut through the darkness.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Ben muttered.
Panic rippled through the crowd as people scattered in every direction. Clarissa grabbed Isabel's hand, and Alex grabbed Ben's shoulder as they all sprinted toward the car.
They piled into Benjamin's car breathlessly, doors slamming shut.
"Go. Go. Go," Alex yelled, laughing.
Ben peeled out of the dirt lot, tires kicking up dust. As soon as they cleared the area, the car erupted into laughter, loud and chaotic and relieving.
Clarissa leaned back in her seat, letting the wind from the open windows hit her face. Isabel glanced at her from the passenger seat, a small smile tugging at her mouth.
The night had been messy and wild and way too dramatic, but somehow it felt like the beginning of something.