The Pact

In the quiet town of Alderwood, where everyone knew everything about everyone - or at least pretended to - secrets were a currency more valuable than gold.

Elena Whitmore, with her polished shoes and quiet defiance, was known for being untouchable. She didn't speak unless she had to, and when she did, it was with precision that made people think twice before asking anything of her again.

Jay Carter, on the other hand, was everyone's favorite bad decision. With messy hair, a motorcycle he shouldn't legally own, and a smirk that made hearts trip over themselves, he was the reason half the town's daughters stayed up at night and the other half warned their sons.

They weren't supposed to cross paths. She was the mayor's daughter, practically raised to walk straight lines and smile under pressure.
He was the boy who climbed roofs at night and drew graffiti in abandoned barns.
But that's how secrets start - in the places where lines blur.

***
She turned to him, curious now. "What are you hiding, Carter?"

He didn't answer. Just reached into his jacket and pulled out a folded piece of paper - an arrest notice, his second. If he got a third, he'd be gone for good. Reform school or worse.

"I need an alibi," he said. "Just once. I was out past curfew last night. Someone tagged the courthouse. It wasn't me this time, but they're blaming me anyway."

Elena stared at the paper, then at him.

"What do I get?"

He was surprised. Most girls would've slapped him or walked away. But not her.

"You get out of that perfect little glass box you live in," he said, watching her eyes flicker. "You get me owing you."

She held out her hand.

"Fine. One lie. One favor."

"Deal," he said, shaking it.

But that wasn't the end. That was just the beginning