Whispers at School
287 Words
Chapter Three
Walking through the school gates felt different that morning. The air seemed thicker, the stares sharper, like every pair of eyes knew something I didn’t.
I kept my head down, clutching my books to my chest. All I needed was to survive the day. Blend in, stay invisible—that was the plan.
But fate had other ideas.
The roar of laughter hit before I even turned the corner. He was there, of course, leaning casually against his locker, surrounded by a flock of girls. His grin was dazzling, his voice smooth as he whispered things that made them giggle and blush.
My stepbrother.
My stomach churned. I forced myself to walk past without looking, but it was impossible not to feel his gaze. It burned into me, pulling me in like gravity.
“Hey, isn’t that—” A girl’s voice cut through the chatter.
I froze.
Another girl whispered, too loudly, “She’s new. Think she’s after him already?”
Laughter followed, sharp and cruel.
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I kept moving, ignoring them, pretending the words didn’t pierce like knives. But then, before I could escape, he spoke.
“Eyes on me, sweetheart,” he called, voice carrying through the hallway.
The entire corridor went silent.
I stopped, heart pounding, refusing to turn around. No. Don’t give him the satisfaction.
But I could feel it—his smirk, his fiery gaze locked on me.
And when I finally dared to glance back, he wasn’t surrounded by girls anymore. He was watching me, only me, like I was the only person who mattered.
The whispers started again, louder this time.
And in that moment, I knew my peaceful life was already unraveling.
- Writer
