𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 | bridget and hook

𝟏𝟒

Bridget's transformation was striking. Gone was the girl with the bright pink hair and carefree demeanor; now, she exuded an air of sophistication. Her newly blonde hair gleamed under the academy's lights, styled in soft waves that framed her face elegantly. She started wearing outfits that reflected an "old money" aesthetic—tailored blazers, pearls, and classic cuts that made her look effortlessly polished.

It wasn't just her appearance that had shifted. Her attitude was different too. There was a coolness to her, a newfound sense of composure that made her seem untouchable. The whispers in the halls had already begun—people noticed the change, but Bridget carried herself like she didn't care.

Ella watched the transformation with mixed feelings. On one hand, she was proud of her friend for reclaiming her sense of control. On the other, she wondered if Bridget was burying her emotions too deeply, shielding herself behind this new, polished exterior.

As Bridget walked through the academy halls, heads turned. She was no longer the girl who would be easily pushed around by Uliana or Hook. In fact, she hadn't even glanced in their direction since the incident. It was clear: this new Bridget wasn't here to play the same games as before.

As the weeks passed, Bridget embraced her transformation with a fierce confidence that turned heads throughout Merlin Academy. With her sleek blonde hair and impeccable "old money" style, she radiated sophistication. Students whispered about her elegance, admiring her from afar but unsure of how to approach her.

Despite the compliments and admiration, Bridget was resolute in maintaining her distance from Hook and Uliana. She had built a wall around herself, making it clear to everyone—including herself—that she was no longer the girl who would allow anyone to dictate her worth.

One afternoon, Bridget and Ella were leaving the library, deep in conversation about their upcoming project, when they overheard a group of students gossiping nearby.

"Did you see how Bridget transformed? She's practically untouchable now," one girl said.

"Yeah, but I heard Hook is still trying to win her back," another added, their tone laced with disbelief.

The mention of Hook made Bridget's heart skip a beat, but she quickly buried the feeling. She had successfully avoided him for weeks and had no intention of letting his charm disrupt her newfound independence. Ella caught the slight shift in Bridget's expression.

"Are you alright?" she asked, glancing at Bridget.

"Yeah, just... surprised, I guess," Bridget replied, forcing a smile as they headed to the cafeteria.

When Bridget entered, she spotted Hook sitting at a table with Uliana, laughter spilling from their conversation. Anger simmered beneath her calm exterior, but she steeled herself, determined not to give him the satisfaction of knowing he still affected her.

"Ready for lunch?" Ella nudged her gently.

"Of course," Bridget said, keeping her focus straight ahead. She walked past Hook's table with poise, pretending he didn't exist.

Later that week, during a student council meeting, Bridget found herself sitting across from Hook. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, she felt a spark of the connection they once had. But she quickly dismissed it, reminding herself of the betrayal.

"Bridget," the council president called, "do you have any suggestions for the upcoming charity event?"

Seizing the opportunity, Bridget shared her ideas with passion, letting her confidence shine. Hook leaned back in his chair, watching her intently, a mixture of admiration and regret on his face. But Bridget remained focused on the task at hand, determined to prove she was more than the girl he had known before.