Chapter Eight: Leftover Ashes
"Are you okay?" Teresa asked for the thirtieth time.
I sighed, not even bothering to hide my irritation anymore. "Yes, Teresa. I'm fine. I've been fine since yesterday, but you keep asking like I'm about to break into pieces any second."
She opened her mouth, probably to ask again, then wisely shut it. We walked side by side into the science wing, the hallway buzzing with the usual morning chatter. My shoulders felt tight, my mind still replaying yesterday's mess like a bad loop I couldn't pause.
Just as we stepped through the classroom door, I bumped straight into a solid chest. I didn't even need to look up to know who it was. The familiar scent and the way my stomach twisted told me everything.
Grayson.
"Excuse me," I muttered, trying to slip past him toward my seat.
His hand shot out and caught my wrist. Warm fingers wrapped around my skin, stopping me in place.
"Hi," he said, voice low and urgent. "I heard what happened yesterday. Are you okay?"
I yanked my arm, trying to free myself. "Let go. You have no right to talk to me. Not after everything."
He didn't release me. His grip stayed firm, eyes searching my face like he actually cared.
"Let go!" I snapped, louder this time.
Before he could answer, Teresa shoved him hard in the shoulder. "Don't touch her! Not after what you did."
Grayson stumbled back a step, looking stunned.
In my head, Raven's voice cut through sharp and clear: Incoming behind you!
I spun around just as Bianca's hand sliced through the air toward my face. My fingers closed around her wrist mid-swing, stopping the slap inches from my cheek. Her eyes widened in shock.
"You weren't really just going to slap me over a man, were you?" I said, my voice cold and steady.
Bianca twisted her arm, trying to yank free, her face flushing with anger. I held on tighter for another second, letting her feel how easily I could stop her.
The science teacher's voice boomed across the room like thunder. "Enough! Everyone, go to your seats. Now!"
I released Bianca's wrist and stepped back. She glared at me, rubbing her arm.
As I moved toward my desk, I looked her straight in the eyes and said calmly, "Bianca, like I told you before… you can keep him. I don't want trash." I reached out and patted her shoulder once, almost gently. "Good luck with my leftovers."
Her mouth opened, but no words came out.
I slid into my seat without another glance, heart pounding but head held high.
Teresa dropped down beside me, eyes wide with a mix of awe and worry.
Raven's soft chuckle echoed in my mind. Well handled, little phoenix.
I allowed myself the smallest smile.