Maybe It Was Fate

Chapter Twenty-Six

The minute I arrive at school, I can tell something is off. Chris didn't come in with me this morning because he had to get here early for preparation for a presentation.

When I walked through the gates, all eyes turned to land on me and they didn't leave me. Eyes followed me down the halls and I had an unsettling feeling that Madison was up to something.

She wasn't standing at her normal place by the front door, judging people as they walked through the doors.

I turn my head to look for her. I scan the hallways and contemplate whether or not I should ask someone. I think better of it. I skip going to my locker and run towards the cafeteria to find my friends.

Jakob and Ethan sit at the usual table with Jess and Emma sitting across from them. I scan the room before running across to meet them.

"She's plotting against me. I can feel it," I say as soon as they notice me.

"What are you talking about."

I look around again and lean in. "Madison," I whisper.

"You're paranoid," Jess says.

"Yeah, she's not out to get you," Emma agrees.

Jakob and Ethan don't say anything. "Guys something is off. Did Chris tell you what happened with her on the weekend?"

Ethan and Jakob nod but I get confused looks from the girls.

"I'll tell you guys later."

They murmur in agreement. I know it's ridiculous but something feels off, the way people were watching me, the way Madison wasn't in her usual place.

I sigh and jump onto the table. Maybe I should just relax. If Madison is up to something, I can cross that bridge when I get there.

"What have you guys got up first?" I ask.

"English," Jakob and Ethan respond in unison. I swear those two are telepathic.

"I have history," Emma says.

"Maths with you," Jess replies, her eyes locked on her phone screen.

"I have history with Emma," Hannah says.

Jess giggles a bit, looking at her phone still.

"What's funny?" Jakob asks, trying to peek over her shoulder.

She breaks eye contact with her phone and gives Jakob a little glare. "None of your business,"

"Woah, Jess. Chill out," Hannah says.

"I am chill, he shouldn't be reading my texts," she responds, a slight edge to her voice.

"If you laugh at something while we're around, we're obviously going to be curious," I point out.

She mutters unintelligible words under her breath. "Would you guys get off my back?"

She slides out of the booth we're at and storms off towards the door.

"What the hell was that?" Ethan says, an eyebrow raised.

I shrug. "I guess we were kind of singling her out. I'll go talk to her."

They all nod and jump right back into conversation. I make a beeline out the door to where I think Jess headed.

As I'm walking, I hear shoes scuffing on the ground from around the corner and hushed voices throwing words back and forth.