Kingsley Academy

Chapter 5

After yesterday's confrontation with Kade, I've been keeping my eyes open, waiting for the next round of this game we're playing. I know him well enough by now to realize that he won't let things go quietly. And neither will I.

As I round the corner toward my locker, I spot him immediately. Kade is leaning against the lockers, his arms wrapped around Natalie—his latest fling. She's practically draped over him, giggling as she presses her lips against his neck, completely oblivious to the world around them.

But Kade? He's not oblivious. The moment I step into view, his eyes flick to mine, and that familiar smirk spreads across his face.

"Morning, princess," he drawls, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. His voice is casual, but there's an edge to it, like he's daring me to react. "Looks like you survived your little trip to the principal's office."

Natalie pulls away from him slightly, her expression dazed, but she's clearly trying to figure out what he's talking about. Kade keeps his eyes on me, waiting for my response.

I narrow my eyes, walking up to my locker and opening it with a sharp twist of the handle. "Morning asshole. Guess I'm tougher than you thought."

"What's your problem, Allison?" Natalie snaps, her voice sharp with irritation.

I don't even look at her at first, casually flipping through my books. But after a moment, I turn slowly, arching an eyebrow.

"Excuse me, who are you?"

Her expression hardens as she crosses her arms over her chest, trying to appear tough.

"You heard me," she says, her voice shaking slightly. "What's your problem? You've been acting like a total—"

"A total what?" I cut her off, my voice cold as ice. "You're really trying to finish that sentence? You?"

Natalie's eyes widen, and I take a step closer, making sure my voice carries across the hall for everyone to hear.

"Let me make one thing clear, Natasha—or whatever your name is," I say, my tone biting. "You don't get to talk to me. In fact, I didn't even realize you could talk. I thought your whole purpose here was to stand there, looking like a cheap knockoff of someone important."

Natalie's jaw drops, and I hear more whispers ripple through the crowd, everyone now fully focused on the scene unfolding in front of them.

"You think you matter just because Kade let you hang off his arm for a few days?" I continue, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Sweetheart, he's not even going to remember your name by next week. If he even knows it now."

I glance at Kade, who's watching with a twisted grin, clearly enjoying every second of this. But he doesn't defend her, doesn't say a word. Natalie's face pales as she looks between him and me, clearly realizing just how alone she is in this moment.

"Don't you get it?" I press on, stepping closer. "You're nothing. You're just the girl he uses when he's bored. And you know what? He probably can't wait to get rid of you because everyone knows girls like you are disposable."

Natalie's lips tremble as tears well up in her eyes. She glances at Kade, silently begging for his support, but he just shrugs, his smirk growing wider. He's enjoying the show, and I'm the one controlling the narrative.

"You think being pretty is enough?" I say, leaning in, my voice softening to a deadly whisper. "Newsflash: You're not even that pretty. You're average. Forgettable. And when Kade moves on—and trust me, he will—you'll be just another nobody at this school, wondering why no one notices you anymore."