Chapter 13
Thursday mornings had a different kind of weight. Liana had learned to navigate the hallways with quiet confidence over the past week, but today there was a tension she couldn't shake. Her stomach twisted as she noticed Brianna leaning against her locker, arms crossed, smirking in a way that felt more calculated than usual.
Brianna's eyes locked on her, sharp and deliberate, and Liana felt the old surge of anxiety threaten to creep in. But she straightened her shoulders, reminding herself of the courage she had begun to cultivate—the courage that had grown since Aiden started noticing her.
"Morning, shadow girl," Brianna said, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "I see you've been… busy making friends."
Liana's heart skipped, but she held her gaze. "Morning," she replied calmly, refusing to let Brianna's words shake her.
Brianna pushed off the locker with a smooth grace, walking closer. "I just hope you're not getting too comfortable. Some of us have reputations to protect."
Liana swallowed, but the words that had felt heavy in her chest earlier didn't feel as frightening now. "I'm not here to compete," she said softly but firmly. "I'm just… trying to be me."
For a moment, Brianna's smirk faltered. Liana thought she might walk away, but then Brianna leaned closer, lowering her voice so only Liana could hear.
"Careful," she said, her tone cold. "Not everyone will just step aside for you."
Liana nodded, her chest tightening, but she didn't back down. "I understand."
Brianna straightened, her eyes narrowing, before turning sharply and walking away, leaving Liana standing in the hallway, heart racing but head held high. She had faced the first true test, and she had survived.
---
When second period started, Liana tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept drifting to the morning encounter. The words lingered, sharp and deliberate, a reminder that Brianna wasn't someone who would fade quietly into the background.
A soft tap on her desk broke her thoughts. Aiden leaned over, his gray eyes soft but concerned. "You okay?" he whispered.
"I… I'm fine," she replied, managing a small smile. "Just… Brianna."
He nodded knowingly, a reassuring presence beside her. "Ignore her. She's not worth the worry."
Liana felt a warmth in her chest. His faith in her made her stronger, made the whispers of fear less powerful. With Aiden's quiet support, she felt capable of handling whatever Brianna might throw her way.
---
Lunch brought its usual rush of noise and movement. Liana chose her usual corner table, but this time, she wasn't alone for long. Aiden appeared beside her, carrying two bottles of juice and a small snack bag. "Thought you might like some company," he said with a soft smile.
"Thanks," Liana replied, feeling her chest swell. She had grown used to these moments, these quiet respites from the chaos of the school day, and yet each one felt new and thrilling.
They ate in companionable silence at first, exchanging small conversations about classes and homework. But the tension from Brianna still lingered like a shadow at the edges of Liana's awareness. Across the cafeteria, Brianna watched, her expression unreadable.
"You handled her well this morning," Aiden whispered as he leaned slightly closer. "I'm proud of you."
Liana's cheeks warmed. "I'm… learning," she admitted softly. "It's not easy, though."
"Nothing worth having is," he replied, smiling gently.
By the time the bell rang, Liana felt a small but steady spark of triumph. She had faced Brianna, she had remained composed, and with Aiden by her side, she knew she could continue to stand her ground.
As they walked home together, the sunlight casting long shadows across the pavement, Liana realized that challenges would keep coming, but she was ready to face them. Brianna's presence was a test, yes—but it was also proof that Liana was no longer invisible, that she had begun to claim her space.
And with Aiden by her side, the space between them wasn't just shrinking—it was becoming a place where she could finally feel safe, strong, and seen.
---