"Don't listen to them."

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) PLEASE JUST STOP BEING A GHOST READER!! ITS ANNOYING!! PLEASE COMMENT AND VOTE. ITS NOT THAT HARD!!! PLEASE! please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters

im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters. i know i ask this a lot, but i really don't like ghost readers because i work super hard on these chapters so when i see views going up bt votes not its hard for my motivation!

The cafeteria buzzed with its usual chaos-clattering trays, bursts of laughter, and the rhythmic hum of multiple conversations blending into an overwhelming noise. The scent of greasy fries and reheated pizza lingered in the air, the kind of smell Odessa had grown used to but never quite got comfortable with.

Today, though, something felt different. The energy was off. Tense.

Odessa sat at Miguel's lunch table, her tray barely touched as she stared at the half-eaten sandwich she'd taken maybe two bites from. The decision she'd made earlier that week still lingered heavily in her mind. She couldn't keep sitting with Sam, Yasmine, and Moon. Not if they were going to keep bullying people, tearing others down just to make themselves feel better.

She thought about how they'd treated that freshman girl last week, whispering behind her back, making fun of the way she dressed-loud enough that Odessa knew the poor girl had heard. She thought about the way they snickered every time Eli walked past. It wasn't just teasing-it was cruel.

No more.

This table felt better. Safer.

Miguel sat across from her, his usual friendly smile easing some of the tightness in her chest. Eli was next to her, picking at his food in silence, and Demetri, of course, was being his usual sarcastic self, scrolling through his phone between bites of pizza.

Then, the crackle of the PA system cut through the noise.

"Everyone, can I have your attention, please?"

Counselor Blatt stood at the front of the cafeteria, her face strained as she raised both hands, calling for silence. Conversations dulled. Forks clinked softly against trays as students turned, curious but half-distracted.

Odessa sat up straighter, her gaze drifting toward the front.

Counselor Blatt cleared her throat awkwardly, clearly reading from the paper trembling in her grip.

"Cyberbullying is no laughing matter," she began, her voice echoing just enough to carry through the room. "Sending cruel messages to someone online can be just as harmful as saying it directly to their face."

Odessa nodded slightly, leaning on her elbow as she listened. So far, the message was solid enough. She wasn't exactly a fan of Blatt's usual awkwardness, but at least she was trying to raise awareness-

And then Blatt said it.

"I'm not going to name names," she continued, voice too firm, too pointed, "but the other day, a mother called me because her son came home crying after being made fun of online for his facial deformity."

Odessa's heart stopped.

Her stomach dropped like a stone, and her entire body stiffened as the words sank in.

She wasn't the only one who noticed.

Every head in the cafeteria seemed to turn at once, every pair of eyes shifting in the exact same direction-toward Eli.

It was like the entire room collectively realized who she was talking about.

Why would she say that? Odessa thought, heart pounding as the weight of what had just happened hit her all at once. It wasn't just vague-it was obvious. Too obvious.

Next to her, Eli shrank lower in his seat, shoulders curling inward as his face paled. His head dipped immediately, eyes locking on his tray as he pressed his lips together tightly, his hand shooting up to cover his upper lip-covering his scar.

The scar they all knew about.

The one Counselor Blatt had practically broadcasted.

Odessa felt heat rise in her chest, anger twisting her stomach as the whispers started. Soft, but noticeable. The low murmur of students nudging each other, whispering behind their hands. Some were outright staring. Others, worse, were smirking.

This was so messed up.

Without thinking, she reached out and placed her hand gently on Eli's shoulder, squeezing just enough for him to feel it.

"Don't listen to them," she whispered, leaning close enough that only he could hear. Her voice was soft but steady, full of quiet reassurance.

Eli didn't say anything. His face stayed down, his hand still covering his lip, but his eyes flicked to hers for a split second-just enough for her to catch the hurt. The gratitude.

He wasn't okay.

And Blatt? She just kept talking like she hadn't completely humiliated him in front of the entire school.

"But today," she continued, oblivious, "our goal is to make this school a safe space for all students."

Odessa resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Seriously? How could she talk about making school a safe space after that?

Miguel turned back toward their table, clearly just as uncomfortable. His jaw was tight, his usual easygoing expression replaced with something tense and frustrated. Then, his eyes drifted back to Eli, and suddenly, the tension shifted.

"If you're sick of getting bullied," Miguel said firmly, breaking the silence, "my karate dojo's looking for recruits."

Odessa blinked, startled by the sudden offer. Eli sat up just a little, blinking in surprise too, but Demetri...

Demetri snorted, giving a dry, sarcastic laugh as he shoved another fry into his mouth.

"Yeah, right. You hear that, Eli? A little karate training and you're gonna be kicking major ass," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm.

Odessa narrowed her eyes and shot him a look. "Demetri, seriously?"

Miguel didn't back down. "I'm serious, man. My sensei's the real deal. I'm sure I could get you both discounts."

His eyes flicked toward Odessa then, his expression softening just slightly as he added, "And you too, Dess."

The nickname caught her completely off guard.

Her heart gave an embarrassing thud in her chest, her cheeks burning as she ducked her head slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I-I wish I could," she murmured, voice quieter now. "But my parents... they're strict. I don't think they'd let me do karate. They want me to focus on my grades."

She frowned, and for a second, Miguel's expression mirrored hers, his face falling with understanding.

"Right... yeah. I get that," he replied softly, and Odessa hated how disappointed he sounded.

Demetri, however, wasn't done being sarcastic.

"As enticing as getting punched in the face sounds," he added, smirking, "I think we'd rather spend our afternoons playing Crucible Control than learning how to wax on, wax off."

Miguel shot him an exasperated look, but Odessa wasn't paying attention anymore. Her focus was still half on Eli, who remained quiet, half on Miguel, whose eyes kept lingering on her like he was trying to figure her out.

And then, as if the whole thing wasn't uncomfortable enough, Counselor Blatt kept digging.

"And one last thing! While we're all looking forward to the Halloween dance, let's make sure our costumes are culturally sensitive this year. For example, instead of 'sexy nurse,' maybe try 'gender-neutral hospital employee.'"

The cafeteria broke into scattered laughter, half mocking, half genuine, and Odessa let out a quiet sigh.

Miguel, clearly trying to change the subject, turned toward her again, voice softer this time.

"Y-You going to the dance?" he asked, voice stuttering just slightly.

Odessa blinked, caught off guard again, and for a second, she thought he might be blushing too.

"I... I don't know," she admitted. "I have to ask my parents tonight."

Miguel nodded, but she caught the way his brow furrowed slightly, his gaze lingering.

He was noting something.

The way she always hesitated when mentioning her parents. The way she seemed... nervous about their reactions.

And Miguel made a silent decision right then-if Odessa couldn't go? Maybe he could help change that.

The smell of garlic bread and marinara sauce filled the Reyes household as Odessa sat at the dinner table, her fork absentmindedly pushing pasta around on her plate. She hadn't taken more than a couple of bites, her stomach in knots with nerves. The Halloween dance was coming up, and she'd spent the entire day rehearsing how she was going to bring it up to her parents. Every version of the conversation in her head ended the same: strict no.

Her mother, Charlotte, sat across from her, scrolling through her phone while sipping from a glass of water. She was still dressed in her work clothes-tan slacks and a cream blouse, her dark hair tucked behind her ears as she skimmed emails. At the head of the table sat her father, Kingston, reading a physical newspaper like he did every evening, though Odessa knew he was just as attentive to their conversations as ever.

This was the moment. If she didn't ask now, she might never get the courage.

"So, um... there's this dance at school on Friday," Odessa started carefully, voice soft as she pretended to focus on twirling pasta around her fork. "A Halloween dance. I was thinking... maybe I could go?"

Charlotte's head lifted from her phone, eyebrows slightly raised. "A dance?"

Odessa nodded, trying to stay casual. "Yeah, it's just a school event. Super chill. Music, costumes. Nothing wild or anything. Miguel, Demetri, and Eli are going too. Everyone is."

The mention of boys made her dad lower the newspaper just enough for his sharp eyes to peer over the edge. His expression instantly shifted, lips pressing into a hard line.

"Boys? Who exactly is everyone?"

Odessa's heart sank. Of course he'd focus on that part.

"They're my friends, Dad! It's not like that. We're just going as a group," she explained quickly, holding her hands up defensively.

Charlotte set her phone down now, exchanging a glance with Kingston, her expression turning more serious.

"I don't know, Odessa. You've had so much on your plate lately with school. A dance seems like... a distraction," her mom said carefully.

Odessa resisted the urge to groan. "Mom, please. I've been working so hard! Straight A's in every class. One night off isn't going to ruin my future."

Kingston leaned back in his chair, arms folding across his chest. "We'll think about it."

Odessa blinked, shoulders slumping. "You always say that! It never actually means yes!"

Before her dad could respond, the doorbell rang. The unexpected sound echoed through the house, breaking the tension.

"I'll get it," Charlotte said, rising from her chair. Odessa was too busy glaring at her half-eaten plate of pasta to think much of it until-

"Odessa? There's... a boy here for you?"

Odessa nearly knocked over her chair as she scrambled up, heart leaping into her throat. Oh no.

Sure enough, standing on the porch was Miguel, shifting awkwardly on his feet with his hands tucked into the straps of his backpack. His hair was slightly tousled, and he was wearing his usual hoodie and jeans, looking nervous but determined as he stood face-to-face with Charlotte.

Charlotte's eyes narrowed slightly as she sized him up.

"You're... Miguel, right? You go to school with Odessa?"

Miguel nodded quickly. "Yes, ma'am. Hi. Sorry for showing up unannounced, but-"

"Why is he here?" Kingston's voice boomed from the dining room as he approached, his tall frame casting a shadow near the door.

Odessa wanted to die.

Miguel cleared his throat, straightening his back. "Actually, Mr. and Mrs. Reyes, I, uh... came to talk to you. About the Halloween dance."

Odessa's jaw dropped. What is he doing?!

Kingston's eyebrows shot up. Charlotte glanced back at Odessa with a raised brow.

Miguel continued, shifting his weight slightly but staying respectful.

"I know Odessa mentioned wanting to go, and I just thought... maybe I could help ease any concerns? I'd be happy to make sure she stays safe. Actually, if you're comfortable with it... we could even go together. As, like, dance partners. I'd look out for her the whole night."

Charlotte blinked, clearly surprised at the gesture. Her expression softened a little as she tilted her head, considering the boy in front of her.

"That's... sweet. He's being responsible, Kingston. See? He's offering to be her chaperone," Charlotte said, her tone shifting slightly as she addressed her husband.

Kingston, however, was already shaking his head.

"With a boy? Absolutely not. My daughter is not dancing with boys until she's eighteen," he said firmly, crossing his arms again.

Odessa's mouth fell open. "Eighteen?! Are you serious? What, am I just supposed to sit at home for the next three years doing homework?!"

Miguel held up his hands quickly. "Sir, I promise it's not like that. It's a school event, supervised, and I'm a karate student! If anything happened, I could protect her."

Kingston's eyes narrowed further. "Oh, so now it's dangerous? That's supposed to be reassuring?"

Miguel paled slightly. "Wait, no-I didn't mean-"

"Dad, come on!" Odessa cut in, exasperated. "It's a school dance, not some underground fight club! I just want to have fun with my friends. I'll be home early! You know I'm responsible."

Charlotte placed a hand gently on Kingston's arm, leaning closer to speak quietly. "Honey, maybe we're being too strict. Miguel came all the way over here just to ask permission. That's pretty respectful. And you know Odessa isn't reckless."

Kingston's jaw tightened as he stared hard at Miguel, who stood his ground despite clearly sweating under the pressure.

The silence was thick-until Charlotte gave Kingston a very pointed look. The look.

The one that said you're being unreasonable and you know it.

Kingston exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. Finally, he spoke.

"Fine. But no dancing. And you're home by nine sharp. No exceptions."

Odessa's face lit up.

"Thank you! Oh my god, thank you, thank you, thank you!" she squealed, practically throwing herself at her parents for a quick hug before grabbing Miguel's arm and dragging him toward the door.

Miguel blinked, clearly still processing what just happened. "That... actually worked?"

Odessa laughed, breathless. "I can't believe you did that! You're crazy-but thank you."

Miguel shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just... I really wanted you to come."

Odessa felt her face heat up. "Well... I'll see you Friday, then?"

Miguel grinned. "Yeah. Friday."

ASH SPEAKS!!!

miguel diaz to the rescue!!!🤭🤭

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) PLEASE JUST STOP BEING A GHOST READER!! ITS ANNOYING!! PLEASE COMMENT AND VOTE. ITS NOT THAT HARD!!! PLEASE! please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters

im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters. i know i ask this a lot, but i really don't like ghost readers because i work super hard on these chapters so when i see views going up bt votes not its hard for my motivation!