Riya’s POV
Nadia, hitting Laurie did not go unpunished. After school hours, she was forced to serve detention by cleaning and organizing the lecture room. Filled with guilt that this had resulted because she was trying to defend me from Laurie, I tried to help with the tasks but she wouldn't let me.
“Why?” I asked her, feeling violated by her refusal. “It's all my fault. I should help.”
“Maybe next time. If there ever is. But for now, you have to go with Hiram. He's been standing there for minutes, waiting for you.” She motioned towards Hiram's direction with her head and I turned my head to look at him. He was pacing outside the door, looking a little impatient.
I shifted my eyes back to Nadia again.
“He wouldn't mind…”
“Knowing Hiram, he will.” She placed a comforting hand over my
