Just my luck at Sapling High

Chapter 4: The Shared Secret

Brooke spent the rest of the week desperately trying to extinguish the fire Sarah’s post had started. Every time someone brought up Chris, her answer was a practiced, automatic script: "We are just friends. He was just being nice because I didn’t have a textbook."

On Thursday morning, Brooke walked into the girls' locker room, her stomach twisting into knots. She expected the worst when she saw Clara and Piper standing by the vanity mirrors.

Instead, Piper looked up, her expression soft rather than angry. "Hey, Brooke. Don't worry about Sarah's post. She’s just trying to stir up drama like she always does."

Brooke blinked, completely caught off guard. "You... you aren't mad? I thought everyone knew you liked Chris, Piper. I felt so guilty."

Piper sighed, walking over and leaning against the locker next to Brooke's. "I do like him. I’ve liked him for a really long time. But I’m not going to blame you just because he’s being attentive to the new girl. You didn't ask for Sarah to take that picture."

Clara capped her lip gloss and smiled warmly, putting a reassuring hand on Brooke’s shoulder. "Exactly. We’re a team in AP Honors. We don't tear each other down over boys. If Chris likes you, that’s on him, but we wanted to make sure you were doing okay with all the rumors."

For the first time since transferring to Sapling High, the heavy knot in Brooke’s stomach completely dissolved. She wasn't an outsider anymore; she had found an unexpected sanctuary with the school queen and her best friend.