Chapter 20
Friday morning started like any other, but Liana could feel an undercurrent of tension the moment she stepped into school. Brianna was already at her locker, smirking with that practiced, sharp gaze that had become all too familiar. Liana felt the usual tightness in her chest, but she refused to let it control her. She had grown braver over the past week, and with Aiden's support, she felt stronger than she had in months.
"Morning, shadow girl," Brianna said, her voice deceptively sweet. "I hope you're ready for the weekend. Wouldn't want you to get too comfortable before Monday."
"I'm ready," Liana replied steadily, keeping her voice calm. "And I don't intend to disappear anytime soon."
Brianna's smirk faltered just slightly, then returned sharper than before. "We'll see," she murmured before turning away. Liana exhaled slowly, her heart still fluttering with adrenaline. The confrontation had been small, but it left a pulse of triumph behind—a reminder that she could stand her ground.
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By second period, Liana tried to focus on her lessons, though her mind kept drifting to Aiden. His quiet confidence, the way he noticed small things about her, and the subtle support he offered kept her grounded, even as Brianna's shadow lingered in the back of her mind.
A soft tap on her shoulder pulled her from her thoughts. Aiden leaned slightly over her desk, eyes warm and attentive.
"You okay?" he whispered.
"I… I think so," Liana murmured, steadying her racing heart. "Just… school stuff."
He smiled reassuringly. "Ignore her. She can try, but she won't change who you are. You're stronger than she realizes."
Liana felt her chest lift slightly. With Aiden's presence, the tension seemed manageable. She realized the cafeteria—Brianna's favorite stage—could no longer intimidate her like it used to.
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Lunch brought the usual chaos, but Liana felt a quiet rhythm as she approached their corner table. Aiden was already there, holding two bottles of juice and a small bag of snacks.
"For you," he said softly, passing her the bottle.
"Thanks," Liana replied, warmth spreading in her chest.
They began eating quietly, speaking softly about classes and weekend plans, their conversation weaving a comfort that made the cafeteria's chaos feel distant. But Brianna's gaze lingered from across the room, sharp and calculating. Liana felt her chest tighten, a flash of nervousness creeping in—but she refused to show it.
Then it happened. A tray slipped from a nearby table, crashing loudly to the floor. Liana flinched at the noise, and before she could react, Brianna deliberately stepped closer, positioning herself to block Liana's path.
"You're really enjoying your little bubble, aren't you?" Brianna said, mockingly sweet, her eyes glinting with challenge.
Liana took a deep breath, drawing courage from the quiet strength she had nurtured over the past weeks. "It's just lunch," she said firmly. "Nothing more. Let's move on."
Brianna's smirk faltered slightly, but she didn't back down. "We'll see how long you can keep this calm," she said, before finally stepping aside and letting Liana pass.
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Aiden appeared beside her instantly, subtle and reassuring, his hand brushing against hers in a grounding touch. "See?" he said softly. "Nothing to worry about. You handled that perfectly."
Liana felt a surge of pride. "Thanks," she whispered, her voice still trembling slightly from adrenaline. "I… I'm trying."
"And you're doing amazing," Aiden replied, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. That small gesture reinforced what she already knew—she wasn't invisible, and she didn't have to hide from anyone.
By the time the lunch bell rang, signaling the end of their break, Liana felt stronger than she had in weeks. She had faced Brianna, stayed composed, and realized that with Aiden by her side, even the most uncomfortable situations could be handled with courage.
As they walked toward their next class, Liana's shoulders were squared, her head held high, and her heart full. The space between her and Aiden was no longer just physical—it was a safe place, a sanctuary where she could finally be herself, seen and supported. And with that knowledge, she was ready for whatever came next.
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