Hailey’s POV
The morning had started like any other, but by the time the second bell rang, I knew something was wrong. Based on Madison's smirks, and Brighton's stupid grins each time they caught my gaze.
The hallway felt heavier than usual, whispers echoing between lockers and classrooms, each glance from a classmate like a small dagger against my chest. My cheerleading practice had ended hours ago, but the rumors—vicious, cruel, and impossible to ignore—had already spread through the school like wildfire.
I stepped into my classroom, expecting the usual chaos, but the room was unusually quiet. Even Lilly, my best friend, seemed tense, her hyper energy curbed by something unseen. I dropped my bag on the chair and sat, trying to act normal, pretending like the messages, the stares, and
