M O X I E - E. Munson

C H A P T E R: 1

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　I　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

"I want a 2,000-word essay after spring break," Mrs. Carson announced just as the bell rang. A chorus of groans erupted across the classroom.

Cyra barely reacted. She was too busy stuffing her notebook into her bag, already halfway to the door when—

"Cyra, stay back for a moment."

She froze, closing her eyes briefly before forcing a neutral expression. With a sigh, she slung her backpack over one shoulder and strolled over to the desk.

"Yes, Mrs. Carson?" She tilted her head, feigning curiosity.

The teacher studied her over her glasses. "You've been coming in late a lot lately. That's not like you. I wanted to check in—make sure everything's okay."

Cyra fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Yeah, I'm good. Just tired lately, it's fine." She was lying through her teeth, but she'd gotten good at it. Really good.

Mrs. Carson didn't look convinced. "I made you an appointment with the counselor tomorrow."

Cyra blinked. "Right. Got it." She barely registered the words before turning on her heel and walking out.

She stepped into the hallway, weaving past groups of students. The noise was grating—laughter, locker doors slamming, whispered conversations. Then, as she glanced up, her stomach twisted.

Max.

The redhead stood near her locker, talking to Lucas, but her eyes flicked toward Cyra for just a second.

Cyra looked away fast. She knew Max had questions. They all did. But she didn't want to answer them.

After the mall—after everything—she cut herself off from them. It was easier that way. She slipped into the popular crowd, the ones who didn't ask why she suddenly wanted to forget that summer. Steve had tried at first, pressing her for answers, demanding to know why she was shutting them out. But after weeks of silence, he gave up.

Robin still showed up at her house sometimes, trying to make her laugh, but Cyra barely engaged.

She was just counting down the days until graduation.

Reaching her locker, she sighed—only to find someone already waiting for her.

Chrissy Cunningham.

Cyra raised an eyebrow. "Hey, Chrissy," she said, a little confused.

Chrissy smiled, but there was something off about it. Hesitation. "Hey. I, uh... need to talk to you about something."

Cyra nodded, urging her to go on.

Chrissy lowered her voice. "I was wondering where I could get weed."

Cyra blinked. "You?"

Chrissy bit her lip. "I know you get some from Eddie. Could you... talk to him for me?"

Of all people, Cyra hadn't expected Chrissy Cunningham to ask that.

"Uh..." She hesitated, then shrugged. "I'd have to ask him first, but... I'll let you know at cheer practice."

Chrissy's shoulders relaxed. "Thanks, Cyra."

Cyra just nodded as Chrissy walked off. She was already planning to meet Eddie at lunch anyway. One more question couldn't hurt.

Right?

***

Cyra strode toward the woods behind the school field, her usual meeting spot with Eddie. The air was thick, the kind of damp stillness that made everything feel just a little off. She should've been paying attention, but she was too preoccupied—her mind still circling back to the weird feeling in her gut.