Mary POV
The sound of my alarm jolted me awake.
I groaned and reached for my phone, silencing the irritating noise before rubbing my eyes.
7:30 A.M.
My eyes widened.
"Shit!"
I shot up from the bed, nearly tripping over my blanket as I rushed to get ready. How had I overslept? Today of all days?
After a quick shower and throwing on a pair of jeans and a hoodie, I grabbed my bag and hurried downstairs.
Maya was already seated at the dining table, scrolling through her phone.
She looked up the moment she saw me.
"Did you wake up late because you don't have confidence?" Maya asked with a mocking smile. "Just drop out while you can, and I'll let you all keep your dignity."
I met her gaze without looking away.
"Don't worry. There'll be no need for that."
The smirk slowly disappeared from Maya's face.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then she forced a smile and waved a dismissive hand.
"We need to get going .
I shrugged and followed her outside.
The ride to school was quiet.
The moment we arrived on campus, I noticed the atmosphere was different.
Students filled the hallways, chatting excitedly. Everywhere I turned, I heard Lana's name.
"Lana is amazing."
"She's definitely going to do well."
"I'm rooting for her."
Even some of the teachers stopped to encourage her.
"Keep up the good work, Lana," one teacher said warmly. "We're all proud of how far you've come."
Lana thanked them with a shy smile.
I couldn't help smiling too.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Maya's expression darken.
Every compliment Lana received seemed to make her more irritated.
Another teacher stopped Lana and wished her luck.
"You've got this, Lana!"
"We believe in you!"
Maya's nails dug into her palm.
"Unbelievable," she muttered under her breath.
"What?" I asked.
"Nothing."
Her jaw tightened as another group of students gathered around Lana, offering words of encouragement.
The attention Lana was getting seemed to be driving Maya crazy.
Without another word, Maya turned and walked away.
I watched her leave, a bad feeling settling in my stomach.
Maya wasn't the type to let things go.
And judging by the look on her face, she was already planning something.