Found Out

The next day at school started like any other. I walked into my classroom, took my usual seat, and began unpacking my books. It had been a few days since Andrew and Jake's fight, and things had been relatively peaceful. I allowed myself a small sigh of relief, hoping the calm would last.

But then Jake walked up to me. He didn't look angry or smug, just determined. "Meet me outside," he said quietly, but with an edge that sent chills down my spine.

I wondered what this was about. Despite our history, Jake had been unusually quiet since his confrontation with Andrew. Maybe it was over, I had thought. Maybe he was done with me. But now, those hopes seemed naïve.

As he walked out, I hesitated. I wanted to ignore him, to stay in my seat and pretend I hadn't heard. But a mix of fear and curiosity pulled me to my feet. I glanced around the classroom, hoping for some excuse to stay, but there was none. I followed Jake out the door.

He led me down the hallway to the bathroom. My heart pounded