The Things They Said About Her
It started with a whisper in the hallway.
Jay walked past the lockers like she always did - hoodie over her cast, notebook pressed to her chest - pretending not to hear the snickers.
"She was nothing before him."
"I heard it was all arranged. She just took advantage of the deal."
"She faked the whole crash thing for attention."
Jay stopped walking.
Her jaw clenched.
Her breath went tight in her chest.
But she kept walking.
Keifer wasn't with her today - he had practice. And she refused to look weak without him.
Except...
"Didn't even like her before. He just felt bad for her," someone muttered behind her. "Probably guilt-tripped him into staying."
That was it.
Jay turned.
But before she could speak - he did.
"Say it again."
Keifer's voice cut through the hallway like a blade.
Everyone turned.
He was sweaty from practice, jersey slung over his shoulder, hair a mess - and furious.
He stepped between Jay and the two guys who had been whispering. Nico. And some junior with too much mouth and too little sense.
Keifer's tone was deadly calm. "Say it again."
Nico raised his hands. "Dude, it's just school drama-"
Keifer stepped closer. "You think spreading lies about her makes you interesting?"
"She's the one who started all this," the junior muttered. "Acting like she didn't trap you."
Keifer laughed once.
And then he said it.
"If anyone got lucky in this relationship, it's me."
Silence.
Jay stared.
"You think she trapped me?" Keifer said, voice hard. "I begged her to give me a chance. I'm the one who was chasing her. So if you've got a problem, take it up with me."
The crowd was frozen.
Then a teacher called out, "Enough. Back to class."
But no one forgot it.
Especially not Jay.
Later - Rooftop
Keifer found her again during last period - alone on the rooftop, staring out at the grey sky, lips tight.
He sat beside her without saying anything.
Finally, she asked, "Why'd you say all that?"
He shrugged. "Because it's true."
Jay blinked. "You didn't have to. People already knew."
"People didn't matter. You did."
Silence.
"I don't want you to think this was ever pity, Jay. Not once. Not ever."
She nodded slowly.
Then said, almost shyly, "You really begged for a chance?"
He smiled. "Don't flatter yourself."
"You were on your knees?"
"Emotionally."
She laughed once, just enough to hide how her heart was splitting open again.