The tension in the air feels thicker than usual as I walk into school the next morning. It’s like everyone knows something I don’t. Whispers follow me, some hushed, others blatant. I don’t even have to strain to hear the gossip.
“She’s so full of herself. Did you hear what she said to Kayla?”
“Yeah, she’s definitely pushing her luck. No one crosses Kayla.”
“I heard she’s already staying over at Klaus’s house. What a—”
I grit my teeth, willing myself to ignore the comments. I can’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me break. Not today.
The twins are waiting for me near the entrance, their expressions a mix of concern and something else—anticipation, maybe? Emerald smiles when she sees me, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“You okay?” she asks as I approach.
“Peachy,” I repl
