Noel
The chilly morning air nipped at my cheeks as I trudged down the empty street, my breath visible in the faint light of dawn. I clutched my bag tightly, walking faster than I usually would. It wasn’t even close to the start of school, but I didn’t care. Avoiding the boys was all that mattered. The thought of facing their teasing, their probing questions, or worse, their indifference, made my chest tighten. I just needed to get through today without any incidents.
“Noel!” Bridget’s voice startled me, cutting through the quiet. I stopped mid-step and turned to see her jogging toward me, her blonde hair catching the dim light. She looked annoyingly energetic for this time of the morning.
“What are you doing here so early? Avoiding someone?” She smirked, her tone a mix of curiosity and
