The next day, Grace couldn't shake the feeling of tension hanging in the air. The Pogues had always been easygoing, but there was a shift-a palpable change between her and the girls in the group. Sarah had barely acknowledged her, and Kiara had given her the cold shoulder all day.
Grace didn't know how to fix it. She wasn't trying to steal anyone's spotlight, and she certainly didn't want to come between anyone in the group, but it felt like she was being pulled in two directions. The boys were easy to be around-they made her feel comfortable, accepted. But the girls? That was different. It was like they were silently judging her, and no matter what she did, it wasn't enough.
During lunch, Kiara and Sarah sat together, whispering and exchanging glances as Grace sat across from them with Pope and John B. The tension was thick, and it didn't go unnoticed.
Grace felt a knot form in her stomach. She hated this feeling-the feeling of being an outsider, even though she was a part of the group.
As if sensing her discomfort, Pope leaned over and whispered, "Don't worry about them. They'll come around."
But Grace wasn't so sure. The way Sarah had looked at her that morning, like she was a threat-it wasn't just in her head. There was something there, something unspoken that made Grace uncomfortable. She wanted to talk to Sarah, to clear the air, but she didn't know how.
John B. noticed the change in Grace's demeanor and shot a questioning glance toward her. "Everything okay?"
Grace forced a smile, trying to mask the growing unease. "Yeah. Just... thinking about stuff."
John B. didn't press further, but his concern didn't go unnoticed. He was always there, always trying to make sure she was okay. And in a way, that made Grace feel safe. But it also made her feel guilty. She didn't want to drag anyone else into her emotional mess.
As the day dragged on, Grace couldn't escape the feeling that something was about to happen. Something that would force her to confront the growing tension between her and the girls-and between her and the boys.
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Tides of grace
FanfictionIn a world divided by social classes, Grace finds herself caught between the carefree Pogues and the elite Kooks. As she navigates friendships, loyalty, and her own identity, she struggles to fit in while uncovering secrets that could change everyth...
