Chapter 1: The Confession Wall

The day after the new student transferred in, my photo exploded onto the confession wall.

Every high school has that secret digital corner where drama finds its stage. For us, it was the confession wall—an anonymous message board where confessions, gossip, and rumors spread like wildfire.

"Help! Is this girl dating the valedictorian? Why is she always hanging around the top guy in class? It’s so intense."

With all the rumors swirling, someone scrawled a huge 'bitch' across my desk in black Sharpie.

No one knew who did it. The janitor later tried scrubbing at the mark, but it just smeared, a nasty reminder lingering under the harsh overhead fluorescents. I could feel everyone’s eyes burning holes in my back as I took my seat.

Only the transfer student stared at me, a smug smile on her face.

"Get it now? This seat is mine."

"And so is the valedictorian."