The afternoon sun beat down on the outdoor courts as our PE class gathered for handball. I adjusted the straps of my school sports uniform, still riding the high from breakfast and Xander’s goodbye kiss. Alissa had already linked arms with me on the way to the field, chatting excitedly about weekend plans, but the moment the teams were announced, my stomach dropped.
“Claire, you’re with Team Blue,” Coach Ramirez called out.
Ashley, Becky’s former best friend, smirked from across the court with her group—Jennifer, a couple of other girls who had quietly sided with her after the fallout. They were Team Red. Perfect.
Alissa shot me a concerned look from her spot on my team. “You good?”
I nodded, forcing a smile. “Just a game.”
But it wasn’t just a game. From the first whistle, Ashley’s t
