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Today is not a good day.
Paris had spilled the news to the entire school, revealing that Lorelai and Max Medina were in a relationship. As if life at Chilton couldn't get any more miserable..
The marble-tiled hallways of Chilton echoed with laughter, sharp and cutting. Ronnie Gilmore didn't have to turn around to know it was about her. The way the whispers followed her like a shadow was all too familiar by now. But today, it wasn't just about her; it was about her mother, and that made her blood boil.
"So, Gilmore," one boy called out, his voice carrying over the noise of slamming lockers. "Should we start calling your mom Mrs. Medina?"
"Or just Lorelai, since apparently, boundaries don't exist?" another chimed in, the group laughing like they'd all just cracked the joke of the century.
Ronnie froze mid-step, her fingers curling into fists around the strap of her bag. Her heart thudded in her chest, and she could feel her jaw tighten. Slowly, she turned, locking eyes with them, her gaze as sharp as a blade.
"You want to say that again?" she asked, her voice low and steady. It was the kind of tone that made people think twice before pushing her buttons.
The group hesitated, their confidence faltering. But before Ronnie could fully unleash, a familiar voice broke in.
"Wow, impressive stuff," Josh Whitmore drawled, leaning casually against the row of lockers just a few feet away. His tie was loosened, and his blazer hung open, as if the Chilton dress code was more of a suggestion to him. "Really hitting the high notes of wit and originality."
The group turned to Josh, confusion clouding their faces.
"What's it to you, Whitmore?" one of them shot back, though the edge in his voice was dulled by uncertainty.
Josh straightened, stepping closer. "Oh, nothing much. Just figured I'd point out that obsessing over other people's lives doesn't exactly scream 'future Ivy League material.'"
The group exchanged uneasy glances, their bravado crumbling.
"Whatever," one muttered, and they slunk off down the hallway.
Ronnie raised an eyebrow at Josh, who now stood a little too smugly in her opinion.
"Didn't know you were taking on the role of my personal bodyguard," she said, crossing her arms.
Josh smirked, leaning casually against the lockers again. "Don't get used to it, Gilmore. You looked like you were about to start throwing punches, and I'd hate to see you get expelled."
"Oh, please." Ronnie rolled her eyes, though a small grin tugged at the corner of her mouth. "I can handle a couple of idiots without your help."
"Sure you can," Josh said, straightening up and starting to walk away. He glanced back over his shoulder, his grin widening. "But I figured you'd owe me one instead."
