Chapter 2: Claiming Territory

Beside my desk, I blurted, "Mallory, even if you like the top student, you can’t slander me like this."

My heart hammered so hard I thought everyone could hear it. I wanted to disappear, but instead, I forced myself to meet Mallory’s eyes. My voice wavered, but I didn’t let it crack. The words came out louder than I meant, echoing against the cinderblock walls. My hands curled tight around my backpack straps, knuckles white.

"I don’t know what’s going on between you and him, but if you want this seat so badly, you can have it."

I slid my notebook aside, making a show of moving my stuff, even though my heart was pounding. "Isn’t that enough?"

Morning class hadn’t started yet, but the room was already filling up. The cinderblock walls were plastered with faded motivational posters and last year’s championship banner. The air smelled faintly of dry erase markers and cafeteria tater tots. Everyone turned to look.

The transfer student’s face turned red. "What are you talking about?"

She sounded rattled, her voice cracking just a bit as if she wasn't used to being called out.

"What do you mean I like the top student? He and I have been friends since kindergarten. You’re the one who took my seat—"

She suddenly stopped talking.

Mallory went silent. For a moment, even the air felt charged with tension, thick and heavy, as if the whole class was holding its breath.