Hidden Within

46 | free

I'm nervous to attend school after the events that took place during the homecoming dance. My friends seem to sense my anxiety.

"Hey," Mason says, resting a comforting hand on my shoulder as we stand in the schoolyard. "It's going to be okay. We've got your back, Hads."

"If anyone says anything, I'll slap them," Clover joins the conversation, taking my side.

I laugh, the sound coming out shaky. "I don't think any slapping will be necessary."

"I have nunchucks in my book bag," Kai retorts, an out of the blue confession. "I'm prepared at all times."

"Why the fuck do you have those?" Devon questions as she gazes at Kai like he's an idiot. In all fairness, he is—though I still love him.

Kai shrugs. "Why not? I found them at a thrift store for, like, two dollars."

Mason rolls her eyes. "Kai, you're weird."

"You love me." Kai sticks his tongue out.

I fall back in step as Mason, Clover, and Kai walk ahead of me, heading for the school doors as the warning bell rings, signifying that it's time for first period.

"Hey," Devon mutters, "you okay?"

I hesitate a moment before nodding, offering her a tight-lipped smile. "I think so. I mean, I'm nervous. But I'm okay."

"Just push through until fourth period. Then I'll be with you. If anything happens, just let me know. I'll handle it."

"You sound like a dude. What are you gonna do, Dev? Start a fight?" I giggle.

Devon lifts a shoulder in a shrug as we walk toward the school doors. "Over you, for sure."

Devon and I speak for a few moments longer before having to part ways to attend our separate classes. I stop by my locker to grab my things for first period, which I dread having to sit through alone. As I walk down the hallway, I notice a few stares from my peers, though nothing is too bad—nothing like how my first day back at school after homecoming had played out in my head.

Opening my locker, I inhale a deep breath and try my best to ignore those around me. I'm about to turn to make my way back down the hallway when I suddenly notice a presence approaching. I stiffen, assuming I'm about to run into Delaney. I bristle, unsure of what I would even say if I were to see Delaney's face.

I'm shocked to find Grace standing next to me. I can hardly recall the last time I spoke to her. I hadn't expected her to seek me out—especially not after the stunt Delaney pulled at the homecoming dance and having seen Grace standing by her side.

"Hi," Grace says as our gazes meet. She shifts her feet nervously and clutches the strap of her book bag tightly.

"Hey." My voice sounds hollow. I don't blame myself for being cautious.

"I just wanted to, um . . ." Grace trails off. Her stare drops to the floor as the bites down on her bottom lip. "I wanted to tell you that I'm happy for you, Hadley. Really. I had no idea about . . . well, I just think it's really cool—you and Devon, I mean. And I'm sorry. For what Delaney did. I didn't know she was going to . . . I wish I could stand up to her the way you've done before. And I wish you felt like you could have talked to me about . . . everything. I'm sorry."

My expression softens as Grace apologizes, the tension in my body easing before fading completely. She means no harm. It's somewhat comforting to know that I always had someone on my side, even when I didn't realize.

"You don't have to let her treat you the way she does," I say after a moment, unashamed of my bluntness. "You don't have to let yourself be pushed around. It's okay to stand up for yourself. Besides, I know a group of people who would be more than willing to accept you. If you're interested."

The smile Grace wears is one of the most genuine I've ever seen her sport. It dawns on me that I have not been the only victim of Delaney's manipulation. It had never really occurred to me that Delaney was making anyone else as miserable as she'd been making me feel.

"I'm sorry, too," I add. "I wish you felt like you could have talked to me as well. But I'm always here. If you ever need anything."

Grace nods, warmth gleaming brightly in her hazel eyes. "You're an amazing person, Hadley," she says. "You deserve to be happy."

She leaves me with that, wandering back down the hallway with nothing more than a departing smile and wave. I watch as she goes, feeling the most content I have in a while.

For the longest time, I'd been living my life merely going through the motions, breathing but not really living. Now I know what it truly means to be alive, and to live every moment to the fullest.

It feels nice to be free.

___

a/n: we're so close to the end y'all 😭