Mayella POV:
Wardell's school bell reverberated through the air, signaling a short reprieve from the academic rigor. The buzzing chatter of students filled the room, each one eager to escape the confines of their classroom. I tried to blend into the background, a strategy I'd been employing a lot recently, but my thoughts weren’t about the schoolwork. Before I could completely zone out, Leelu and Xavia swooped down on me, their energy nearly palpable.
"May! Heard the latest?" Leelu quizzed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I sighed, already anticipating what was to come. Xavia, grinning slyly, jumped in,
"Mr. Popular, Maxmillian, was looking for you. Seems like he's grown a conscience overnight. Pity!"
Chuckles and snickers from nearby tables confirmed Xavia's intel. I rolled my ey
