"Laura!"
Her mother's voice echoed from the bottom of the stairs.
"Laura, honey, it's already seven-thirty! You'll be late for school!"
On the bed, Laura buried her head under the pillow. She refused to move. The blanket covered half her face, as if it could keep the world away — or block out the nightmare still clinging to her mind.
"Laura?" Patricia's gentle voice came again. The bedroom door opened slowly.
"Sweetheart, what's wrong with you? Get up, or you'll be late."
With a heavy sigh, Laura pushed herself upright. Her long, silvery hair fell messily around her shoulders. She looked at her mother with weary eyes.
"Mama… can I skip school today? I didn't sleep well."
Patricia sat at the edge of the bed, worry written all over her face.
"Didn't sleep well? Are you feeling sick, Laura?"
Laura shook her head quietly.
"If you're sick, I can take you to the clinic."
"No need, Mama." Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper.
The truth was, for the past few weeks, Laura had been waking up in the middle of the night — drenched in cold sweat, her heart pounding as if it wanted to burst out of her chest.
In every dream, she saw the same woman: a stranger standing among trees, her face half-hidden behind silver-white hair, whispering in a language Laura couldn't understand.
But what was the point of telling her mother? There was no cure for nightmares.
Patricia sighed, forcing a faint smile.
"This is your final year, Laura. Just a few more months and you'll graduate. But if something's bothering you, please tell me, okay?"
Laura only exhaled softly, then rose and walked toward the bathroom.
"Do you want me to drive you to school?" Patricia asked.
"No, Mama. I'll take the scooter."
"All right. I'll go down first. Have some breakfast before you leave, okay?"
Laura nodded briefly.
In the bathroom, she stared at her reflection. Her skin was a deep tan, with a faint blush on her cheeks. Her nose was sharp like her mother's, but her eyes — dark brown and quiet — came from her father.
And that hair… that silvery-white hair that always made her look different.
Every time she looked at it, unease filled her chest — as if that hair carried something that didn't belong to her.
Downstairs, Patricia was on the phone with her husband, an air force officer currently stationed overseas.
"I don't know, dear," she said softly, leaning against the kitchen counter. "I think she's hiding something. I asked her, but she keeps avoiding it."
"Laura's always been sensitive," came the calm voice from the other end. "Give her time."
"I know… but I'm worried," Patricia murmured, rubbing her forehead.
At that moment, Laura was already in the living room, wearing her black hoodie and holding her school bag.
"Mama, I'm leaving."
"Hold on a second, dear," Patricia said quickly, setting down the phone and rushing toward her daughter.
"Why don't you eat breakfast first?"
"I'll be late," Laura replied while putting on her helmet.
Patricia stepped closer and gently touched her daughter's cheek.
"Be careful on your scooter, okay? Oh — your dad asked about you."
Laura gave a faint, indifferent smile.
"It's been two years since I last saw him. Does he really miss us… or is he just too busy serving the country?"
"Don't say that, sweetheart," Patricia said softly. "Your father loves you. He just—"
"Yeah, I know, Mama. I miss him too."
Laura kissed her mother's cheek before climbing onto her scooter. The engine hummed to life, and with a twist of the throttle, the scooter sped off down the driveway — leaving the house behind.
---------
Abraham Lincoln High School
Little Britain — an elite suburb on the outskirts of Georgia, about forty-five kilometers from downtown. Rows of grand colonial-style houses stood proudly along the streets.
Laura rode her scooter down the main road, the morning wind brushing gently against strands of silver hair that slipped out from under her helmet.
A few luxury cars passed her by. In one of them — a gleaming red sports car — sat Cassidy, a blonde girl with a smug expression. She glanced at Laura through the window and raised her middle finger with a sneer.
"Hope she crashes," she muttered, laughing coldly.
Her brother, who was driving, shot her a sharp look.
"How long are you gonna keep acting like that? Wasn't Laura your best friend once?"
"Please!!" she scoffed.
Her brother shook his head, exasperated.
"Try to grow up a little, Cass. That's all in the past."
Cassidy turned away, a smirk curling on her lips.
"The past doesn't mean it's forgotten. Old wounds can still bleed, you know."
At the school courtyard, students were chatting and laughing in clusters. Abraham Lincoln High allowed casual wear — denim, jackets, and sneakers in every color imaginable.
As soon as Laura parked her scooter, she removed her helmet and tucked it neatly under the seat. Then she pulled her black hoodie over her head.
Sliding her earphones in, she hit play. The heavy beat of "Hysteria" by Def Leppard burst through the speakers.
Oh, I get hysterical… hysteria…
She walked down the corridor, her head moving slightly with the rhythm. A few students stared — some whispered, some giggled behind their hands.
Laura was used to it. Since her first year, she had been their favorite target —
"Ghost girl."
"Witch."
"Dark freak."
And countless other names.
Her steps slowed as she reached her locker. Her name was printed clearly across it.
But even before she touched the handle, she noticed the group of students loitering nearby, watching her — waiting.
There was definitely something inside.
A nasty note.
Dried paint.
Maybe a dead rat, like before.
Laura took a deep breath, then smiled faintly.
"Oops. Sorry, guys — no drama today," she said casually, loud enough for them to hear.
She turned away from her locker and walked off.
Several of the gathered students exchanged disappointed looks — among them Rachel and Cassidy, both glaring, their faces flushed with anger.
Cassidy clenched her jaw and slammed her own locker door shut with a loud clang.
Laura smiled in quiet satisfaction.
The song in her ears reached its final verse —
When you get that feeling… better start believing…
-------------------
She walked into the classroom with her head held high, eyes fixed straight ahead.
The room buzzed with noise — laughter, gossip, stories about the latest TikTok trends.
Someone squealed in excitement, as if they'd just gotten a new boyfriend.
Laura moved quietly toward her seat without looking at anyone. Her hoodie still covered her head, her steps calm, as though the chaos around her didn't exist.
She placed her bag beneath the desk, sat down, and rested her chin on her palm.
Her gaze drifted to the window — her thoughts, tangled once more.
The dreams had returned.
For weeks now, they hadn't stopped — the dark forest, the foreign whispers, the silhouette of a woman standing at the edge of shadow.
Every time she woke, her skin was slick with cold sweat.
"Hey."
Laura flinched when someone tugged at the end of her hoodie. She turned sharply.
"Seriously, Omar?" she muttered, frowning at her cousin — Omar Felix, a tall, dark-skinned teen wearing the school football jacket.
"Sorry," Omar raised both hands in mock surrender. "You were spacing out. I called your name three times."
Laura lifted her earphones. "I was listening to music."
Omar chuckled softly. "Yeah, I can tell. You looked like you were living on another planet."
Laura didn't bother replying. Her eyes shifted toward a girl entering from the back door — long hair hiding half her face.
"Hey, good morning, Sandra," Laura greeted with a small smile.
Sandra gave a faint nod before taking her seat in front of Laura. As always — quiet, shy, and careful with every word and movement.
Laura leaned forward a little, touching her friend's shoulder.
"Sandra, you okay?"
Sandra turned slightly. "I'm fine, Laura. Really."
Laura exhaled softly. That was always Sandra's answer — I'm okay.
Before she could lean back, a carton of juice flew across the room and hit Sandra on the head.
"Oops! Sorry, Sandra — thought the trash can was over there!"
Laughter exploded from the far corner of the class — Rachel, Cassidy, Sarah, and Jenni — the most obnoxious group in the room.
Laura clenched her jaw. But before she could stand, Omar was already on his feet.
He bent down, picked up the juice box, and looked straight at Rachel.
"Seriously, Rachel? When are you gonna grow up? I think your brain's still stuck in kindergarten," Omar sneered.
The class erupted in laughter. Rachel's face flushed red with anger.
"Watch your mouth, Omar. You'll regret it," said Cassidy, arms crossed as she stood beside her friend.
"Regret it?" Omar smirked. "What — you gonna cry to your brother? Go ahead."
He tossed the juice box into the trash can — perfect shot, without even looking.
The room fell silent. Rachel bit her lip, and Cassidy grabbed her arm, pulling her toward the door. Both shot Laura a glare before storming out.
Laura smiled faintly.
Relief.
At least this time, she didn't have to defend herself.
------------------
During English class, Laura's attention had long drifted elsewhere. Whatever Madam Allen was teaching in front of the room didn't register in her mind at all.
The notebook on her desk was filled with doodles — sketches of eyes, wings, and the mysterious woman's face that kept appearing in her dreams.
Laura sighed softly, staring blankly out the window. She didn't even realize someone had been watching her.
"Laura?"
Madam Allen's voice echoed from the front of the class.
"Laura?" she called again, louder this time.
Omar, who sat behind her, glanced at his cousin. Seeing Laura unresponsive, he reached forward and tugged lightly on the edge of her hoodie.
"Hey," he whispered.
Laura flinched, quickly turning around, her face annoyed. Before she could say anything, Omar nodded toward the teacher in front.
"Laura!"
"Yes, Ma'am!" Laura stood abruptly. Her face was blank with surprise as the entire class turned to look at her.
"I'm not sure if my lesson is that boring, or if you're simply daydreaming," Madam Allen said in a half-angry tone.
"Oh no, Ma'am! I'm so sorry…"
Across the room, Rachel and Cassidy exchanged glances, covering their mouths to hide their laughter. Their smug grins said it all — they were satisfied to see Laura being scolded.
Madam Allen only shook her head slowly. "Laura, I know you're one of the best students in this class. But when I'm teaching, please try to pay attention."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Laura nodded apologetically. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Omar grinning, trying not to laugh.
"Sit down," Madam Allen instructed, continuing the lesson.
When the class finally ended, Laura exhaled deeply and leaned back in her chair.
"Missing Steve already?" Omar teased from beside her.
"Omar…" Laura turned, frowning. Sandra, who sat in front of them, pretended to read but was clearly eavesdropping.
"Hey, nothing wrong with missing your sweetheart," Omar said with a mischievous grin.
"Please, Omar. I'm not in the mood for your stupid jokes today."
"Jokes? I'm being serious."
Laura shot him a sharp look. "Whatever."
Omar chuckled, leaning closer. "Oh right, forgot to tell you. Your mom called me this morning."
Laura turned immediately. "What did she want?"
"What else — she's worried about you. She said you've been waking up late these past few weeks, looking unmotivated to go to school. She told me to keep an eye on you, just in case someone's been bullying you."
"Bullying?" Laura let out a soft laugh, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Her eyes flicked toward Rachel across the class.
"Honestly, I don't get it," Omar continued. "Why do you let Rachel do whatever she wants? Where's all that boxing skill Josh taught you before?"
Laura smiled faintly. "I came to school to study, Omar. Not to punch people."
"Oh, I get it now…" Omar raised an eyebrow. "You actually care about your little sister-in-law, huh?"
"Omar!" Laura snapped, but Omar only chuckled.
Laura sighed deeply, her gaze returning to the window. Deep down, she had long wanted to teach Rachel and Cassidy a lesson. But she knew — as the school's top student and the daughter of a respected former football player — she had to protect her family's name.
She wasn't a coward.
She just knew when to stay silent… and when to fight back.
--------------------
"Where's Omar? Not having lunch with you?"
Sandra asked as she walked beside Laura after buying a sandwich and a juice box from the canteen.
"Of course he's with his gang. Why? Since when has he ever eaten with me?"
Laura replied casually, unwrapping her straw and sipping her drink.
Sandra fell silent. Laura glanced sideways — she'd known for a long time that Sandra had feelings for Omar, but her friend had always kept it quietly to herself.
They stepped out to the open area behind the canteen. The tables were nearly full of students eating and laughing out loud. Laura and Sandra finally found an empty table at the far end.
Just as they sat down, Sandra suddenly pressed her stomach.
"What's wrong?" Laura asked, startled.
Sandra frowned. "Thought I could hold it… but nope. Of all times…" she muttered under her breath.
Laura chuckled. "Which hole this time?"
"Ugh! I'm going to the restroom. Wait for me, okay?"
"Yeah. But don't take forever."
Sandra hurried toward the restroom beside the canteen building.
Laura watched her go for a moment, then took a bite of her sandwich and sipped her strawberry juice. Her eyes drifted toward the football field — peaceful, for once.
"Alone?"
Laura looked up slightly. She recognized that voice — Justin, Cassidy's older brother, one of the most popular guys in school.
"With someone. Sandra went to the restroom," she answered calmly.
Justin nodded awkwardly, glancing toward his friends near the canteen before walking away without another word.
Laura shrugged, unfazed. That was just how Justin was — friendly, but he never said more than ten words in a conversation.
She glanced at her watch. Twenty minutes had passed.
Sandra still hadn't returned.
Her chest tightened. Something didn't feel right.
Finishing her drink, Laura picked up Sandra's food and began walking toward the restroom. Her steps were calm but firm. From afar, she saw a few girls crowding in front of the door — some giggling, others peeking through the cracks.
Laura exhaled sharply.
Of course. When my mind's already a mess, you girls just have to add to it.
She placed Sandra's food on the floor, then shoved one of the girls aside.
"Move."
The restroom door swung open. Laura stepped in slowly — and froze.
In front of her — Sandra sat on the floor, sobbing. Her hair was being yanked cruelly by Rachel, while Cassidy slapped her across the face. Behind them, Sarah and Jenni stood laughing.
Laura clenched her fists. "Had enough yet?"
Sarah and Jenni turned around at once.
"Hey, Rachel. Look who's here — victim number two!" Sarah sneered.
"Maybe she's here to take Sandra's place," Jenni added, sticking out her tongue.
THUD!
THUD!
Before they even realized it, Laura had thrown two punches — one to Sarah's cheek, the other to Jenni's jaw. Both girls collapsed to the floor.
"One punch each and you're already down. I thought you were tougher," Laura said coldly, blowing on her knuckles.
"Hey, Laura! Are you crazy?!" Cassidy shouted.
"What was that? Crazy?" Laura stepped toward her slowly.
"Oh… you're gonna hit me? Go ahead!"
THUD!
Cassidy stumbled back, screaming in pain as blood trickled from her nose.
"ARGHHH!"
Rachel froze. She tried to run, but Laura was faster — grabbing her long hair from behind.
"Where do you think you're going, Rachel?"
"Ow! Let go of my hair, Laura!"
Laura released her grip, then slapped Rachel hard across the face.
SMACK!
Rachel stared at her, wide-eyed and speechless.
"Don't blame me, Rachel. I've been patient for too long. I let you and Cassidy bully me, bully Sandra. But today… I'm really not in the mood. I just needed to let it out."
Rachel bit her lip, tears mixing with fury.
"ARGHHH!"
She screamed and tried to strike back — but Laura's hand met her cheek again.
SMACK!
Then Rachel laughed suddenly — a high, eerie laugh that echoed in the room.
"Hahaha… Just like before, Laura. But last time was worse. I knew it — you've been pretending all along."
"Pretending?" Laura frowned.
"Laura, stop!" Sandra grabbed her friend's hand, pulling her away. "Let's go."
"Wait, Sandra."
But Rachel spoke again, her voice sharp with venom.
"I've always wondered, Sandra. Why didn't you ever tell Laura why Cassidy and I did all this to you?"
Laura froze. "What do you mean, Rachel?"
Before Rachel could answer, the restroom door burst open.
A tall, dark-skinned man stepped in, his face furious — Mr. Felix, the discipline teacher and football coach.
He took in the scene: wet floors, hair scattered, three girls crouched on the tiles.
"Get up, all of you!"
Sarah, Jenni, and Cassidy scrambled to their feet, hiding behind Rachel.
Mr. Felix shook his head slowly. "Look at this. The same faces — every time there's trouble in the restroom, it's always you. But this time… you've gone too far."
He pointed at the door.
"My office. Now!"
The five of them stood frozen, shoulders trembling. Then, in a rush of fear and shame, they filed out one by one — leaving behind the heavy silence and the faint drip of leaking water echoing in the room.