Once Upon A Journal

Chapter Eleven

Sometimes, when you're desperate and out of options, even the worst choices start to seem appealing.

It's strange to think that just a few days ago, I never would have imagined myself in this situation. I always believed I'd know exactly what to do and the steps to take next.

But when you're backed into a corner, you end up making decisions you'd usually hate—choices that involve being around certain someone you'd rather avoid.

For the next few days, I couldn’t stop replaying Lily’s words in my head. Each passing day, her suggestion felt like a neon sign flashing in my mind. If I can’t have people like me, at least I can make them forget about this mess. It might be short-lived, but it’s better than nothing.

My turning point was when a junior got hold of my journal from Gianna and decided to post everything on the gossip page. He even wrote how it took him hours to click through every page, but in the end, it was worth it.

Each day, the whole school feels more and more like one of those internet gossip forums and I'm the celebrity about to get cancelled over something trivial.

But if the plan goes as I imagine than at the very least, it's in my control this time to steer the gossip.

As I walk through the hallway, the whispers around me are like a low hum, but today, they don’t sting as much. They’re just white noise, fading into the background.

I straighten my back, feeling the cold morning air nip at my cheeks and hold my head a little higher. Today, the stares don't burn like they usually do because my mind is preoccupied with a single focus: figuring out how to get Alex to pretend to date me.

With half an hour left before the classes start, the corridors are still quite, providing just enough time to find Alex.

It doesn't take long to spot him. He strolls down the hall with his bag slung casually over his shoulder. I quickly catch up, my heart pounding.

“I need to talk to you,” I blurt out, my stomach twisting itself in knots over what I am about to say.

He raises his eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He’s waiting for me to continue,but before I can get another word out, Mark, one of the members of the student council, appears out of nowhere. He grabs both our hands like some overzealous Zumba instructor and starts dragging us towards the stairs.

“Someone blew up the chemistry lab. I need your help,” Mark says, pausing in between his breath.

And you blew up my plan.

"Don’t tell Ms. Morgan,” he adds with a chuckle. “She's been in a bad mood lately. I’m sure you know why, Juliette.” He glances back at me, likely expecting a laugh or a shared joke. When he sees my expression, his smile falters.

Honestly, I don’t find it amusing. Hearing the same thing about yourself over and over feels like unwrapping the same old, reused present–predictable and boring.

“Does the lab assistant know?” Alex asks.

“Nope. I had Sarah and Vivienne distract him off-campus. We can’t let Ms. Morgan find outword because suspension seems to be her new favourite word.”

When we finally reach the lab, I’m left open-mouthed at the destruction.

“By someone, did you mean you?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Well… maybe,” Mark admits, scratching the back of his head. “Please help me, guys. I thought I’d found the greatest solution that could change the world, but… I messed up.”