Chapter 28
Tuesday morning began with a restless energy that Liana could feel in every step down the crowded hallways. Brianna had been unusually quiet during first period, but that silence was worse than her usual smirks. Liana sensed that something bigger was brewing—an interference designed to catch her off guard, publicly, where she would feel exposed.
Aiden noticed the tension in her movements as they walked side by side. "You're worried," he said softly, his gray eyes scanning the hall.
"I… I just have a feeling," Liana admitted quietly. "Something's coming today. I can feel it."
Aiden reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Whatever happens, we face it together," he whispered. "You don't have to do this alone."
Her chest warmed. That quiet reassurance was enough to calm the flutter of nerves in her stomach. With him by her side, she felt braver, more grounded.
---
By lunch, the tension had thickened. The cafeteria buzzed with noise and chatter, but Liana's senses were alert to every movement around her. She spotted Aiden waiting at their corner table, holding their usual juice bottles and snacks. Relief washed over her briefly, but her relief was short-lived.
From across the room, Brianna appeared, striding confidently through the crowded tables. Every glance Brianna cast in Liana's direction was deliberate, calculated to draw attention. She carried a tray of food and dropped it with a loud crash directly in front of Liana, causing a ripple of laughter and startled gasps from nearby students.
Liana froze for a split second, chest tightening. But she felt Aiden's hand brush hers under the table—a grounding, calming presence—and she drew a deep breath.
"It's okay," he whispered. "You've got this."
Summoning every ounce of courage she had been cultivating over the past weeks, Liana straightened, meeting Brianna's gaze without flinching. "Accidents happen," she said firmly, voice steady despite the murmur of onlookers. "No need to make it bigger than it is."
Brianna's smirk faltered slightly, but she quickly masked it with a glare. "You're really trying to act brave, aren't you?" she said, voice dripping with mockery.
"I am," Liana replied calmly. "Because I don't let fear control me anymore."
A hush fell over the nearby students as Brianna's irritation became visible. For the first time, Liana realized the power she had gained—not through aggression, but through composure, confidence, and the quiet support of someone who truly cared about her.
---
Aiden's hand squeezed hers gently under the table, a subtle reminder that she wasn't facing this alone. "See?" he said softly. "You handled that perfectly."
Liana's chest warmed. "Thanks," she whispered. "I… I'm learning."
Across the cafeteria, Brianna's glare lingered for a moment longer before she finally turned and walked away, muttering something under her breath. Liana exhaled slowly, relief washing over her.
As the lunch bell rang, signaling the end of their break, Liana realized something profound: she was no longer the timid girl who had started the year hiding in the shadows. With Aiden by her side, and with the quiet strength she had built, she could face challenges, public embarrassment, and intimidation without losing herself.
Walking toward their next class, Liana felt a thrill of triumph and newfound confidence. The space between her and Aiden was no longer just a safe corner of quiet connection—it was a fortress, unshakable even in the face of Brianna's escalating interference. And for the first time in a long while, she felt unstoppable.
---