Samira's POV
The morning at Saint Trenton High was worse than I expected. The hallways were buzzing with energy, lockers slamming, students laughing, and gossip circulating like wildfire. I had hoped I could slip in unnoticed, grab my books, and get to first period without incident. I was wrong.
Ashley spotted me before I even reached the lockers. Her eyes narrowed like a predator locking onto prey. She smirked, clearly delighted that she had cornered me in such a public space.
"Samira James..." Ashley said, tilting her head to the side. "Fancy seeing you here so early. Are you trying to hide from everyone, or just me?"
I stopped in my tracks, clutching my notebook tighter against my chest. "I am not hiding, Ashley." I said, meeting her glare evenly. "And it is none of your business wh
