Beneath the Same Sky

The First Clash (Alice’s POV)

The next morning felt like the start of something heavy. The air was thick with tension, and my stomach churned as I pulled into the parking lot of Westbrook High. It was larger than my last school, the kind of place where everyone had known each other since childhood. That was clear from the way students moved in packs, laughing and chatting like they had no worries in the world. I was the outsider, and I knew it.

As I stepped out of the car, I could already feel the stares. Whispers spread like wildfire. It was the same story everywhere—people always wanted to know more about the girl whose millionaire parents had died in a tragic accident. They always wanted to dissect my life like it was some kind of story they could gossip about.

I ignored the looks and headed into the building. Today was about surviving. I had to make it through my first day, and maybe, just maybe, things would start feeling normal again.

My first few classes were a blur of introductions, stares, and the constant murmur of whispers behind my back. The teachers were polite, but distant, and the students... well, they weren’t exactly welcoming. I kept my head down and tried not to draw attention to myself. It was easier that way.

Everything seemed to be going fine until lunchtime.

I was standing in line, tray in hand, trying to decide between a sad-looking sandwich or a slice of pizza that had seen better days, when I felt someone bump into me from behind—hard.

“Oops, didn’t see you there.”

I turned around and saw her immediately. A tall, blonde girl with sharp eyes and a smirk that told me everything I needed to know. She didn’t need to introduce herself for me to understand what kind of person she was. The girls beside her snickered as they watched me.

“I guess that’s what happens when you’re invisible,” she added, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.

I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my cool. The last thing I needed was to start my first day by getting into an argument with someone like her. But she didn’t seem like the type to let things go.

“Everyone’s been talking about you,” she continued, stepping closer, her voice just loud enough for everyone around us to hear. “The poor little rich girl who lost everything. Must be tough going from being someone to being… well, nobody.”

The words hit harder than I wanted them to. I could feel the heat rising in my face, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

I thought of my parents. The hollow ache in my chest tightened. I hadn’t asked for this, for people to know my story and for them to pity me. The grief still weighed so heavily on me, and now I was forced to carry their scrutiny, too.

I stepped back, trying to sidestep her and escape the situation, but she moved to block my path, her eyes narrowing.

“I’m just trying to get to know you,” she continued, her voice laced with mock concern. “You’re the talk of the school, after all. Or do you think you’re too good to talk to people like us now?”

Her words stung, but I held my ground. “Leave me alone,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions building inside me.

Jessica’s smirk deepened, and her voice grew more venomous. “You think you’re special because of what happened to your parents?” She leaned in closer, her tone cold and sharp. “Newsflash, that doesn’t make you interesting—it just makes you a tragedy.”

The comment hit me like a punch in the gut. My heart pounded in my chest, but I wasn’t going to let her see me break. I swallowed hard, fighting back the sting of tears. I had to stand my ground.

Just as I opened my mouth to speak, a voice interrupted.

“Back off.”

I turned to see a girl with dark brown hair and olive skin stepping between us. Her expression was fierce, her hands planted firmly on her hips as she stared down Jessica.

“I said, back off.”

Jessica scoffed, rolling her eyes. “What are you, her bodyguard now?”

The newcomer didn’t flinch. “She doesn’t need one. But if you’re smart, you’ll walk away.”

Jessica’s lips curled into a sneer. “This isn’t over,” she hissed before turning on her heel and stalking away, her posse following close behind like obedient sheep.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. My heart was still racing from the confrontation, but I was grateful for the girl who had stepped in. I had no idea who she was, but I was already thankful.

“Are you okay?” she asked, turning to me, her expression softening.

“Yeah,” I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I was telling the truth. “Thanks for stepping in.”

“No problem. Jessica can be a real piece of work.” She rolled her eyes and smiled. “I’m Bianca. You must be Alice, right?”

“Yeah, that’s me,” I said, managing a small smile. “I guess I’m the new gossip around here.”

Bianca shrugged. “You get used to it. People like Jessica live for drama. But you don’t have to deal with it alone. If she gives you more trouble, just let me know.”

I blinked, surprised by her kindness. I hadn’t expected anyone to go out of their way for me, especially not on my first day. “Thanks,” I said, feeling a little lighter.

As we started walking, Bianca gave me a sideways glance. “You know why Jessica’s giving you such a hard time, right?”

I shook my head, still rattled from the confrontation. “No idea. I’ve never even spoken to her.”

Bianca smirked. “That’s exactly the problem. Everyone’s been talking about you since you got here. Jessica doesn’t like when anyone takes attention away from her, even if you didn’t mean to.”

I frowned, feeling the weight of her words. “But… they’re talking about me because of what happened. It’s not like I asked for it.”

Bianca shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to her. Attention is attention, and Jessica’s the type to make sure no one stands in her spotlight, even if it’s for something like… well, like what you’ve been through.”

It stung to hear that people were gossiping about me, but it stung even more to realize that someone like Jessica would twist that into something competitive.

“You’re sitting with me today,” Bianca said, nodding toward a table where a few other students were gathered. “No need to eat alone.”

I smiled for real this time, grateful for the lifeline she was offering. “I’d like that.”

As we walked over to her table, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe today wasn’t going to be as bad as I thought. Maybe I’d even made a friend.

I glanced over at Jessica, who was still glaring from across the cafeteria, and felt a flicker of unease. I had a feeling this wasn’t the last I’d hear from her.

But for now, I had Bianca. And that was more than enough.