𝔉𝔏𝔄𝔐𝔈𝔖.

EPISODE THIRTY-THREE 33: CHLOE.

**HADIZAH'S POV**

We finally started the second semester, and our timetable had shifted. My first period now consisted of Social Studies.

Mrs. Sharon, our teacher, was a friendly-looking woman with quirky glasses. "This semester, we'll be focusing more on community service and how we can assist those less privileged than ourselves. We'll be visiting places like-" She was interrupted.

"The club," Jeff said, and the class snickered.

"She said help the less privilege, not go around at start partying," Peggy said.

"Mr. Anderson, I will not tolerate inappropriate behavior in my class," Mrs. Sharon said sternly.

"I'm sorry," Jeff said, his insincerity palpable.

"From next week, we'll be visiting orphanages, going to the slums, and everything in between," Mrs. Sharon continued.

"Oh my God, I hate the smell of poor people. It makes me gag," someone muttered.

"Yeah," others chorused.

"It's about helping your country rise above its challenges," Mrs. Sharon said firmly.

"Well, she's not a citizen of this country," Maya said, pointing at me.

I couldn't believe it. What had I done to deserve this? My patience snapped. "At least I'm more useful than you, who claims to be a citizen of London," I shot back, the courage surprising even me. I braced myself for the fallout.

The class went silent, and Maya shot me a death glare.

I knew I'd face repercussions after class, but it felt worth it.

"Back to class and behave yourselves, everyone," Mrs. Sharon said.

I glanced at Julian, who shot me one of his signature killer smiles. My heart fluttered, and I blushed uncontrollably.

When lunch arrived, I found Julian at our table.

"You've started standing up to the people trying to f**** with you," he said.

I gave him a look that made him aware of his language.

"Okay, fine. Sorry for the language," he said.

"Better," I replied, and he pulled me close.

"Julian, stop it," I said, though my heart raced at his touch.

"What, you don't like when I'm close to you?" he teased.

"It's not that. I've just been breaking a lot of rules lately," I explained.

"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll start avoiding you. I don't want you breaking rules for me," he said.

"No, Julian. I don't want that. It's just... I don't know," I said, struggling to find the right words.

"Just what? Please explain," he urged.

Before I could respond, Ava approached. "Can I sit here?"

I didn't know how to respond.

"You can-" I started, but Anna interrupted.

"You're not welcome," Anna said, flanked by her friends, Bianca and Tracy.

"Looks like Petros wasn't told her opinions don't matter," Ava retorted.

"Hadizah, wasn't she the one who talked bad about you?" Anna asked.

I was at a loss for words.

"Who are you to interfere in our friendship?" Ava demanded.

Julian watched, disinterested in the drama.