Charlotte @charrylatte - Tumblr Blog

Quid Pro Quo

summary - looks like silver falls just got a new troublemaker. after her mom dies, [name] moves in with the walters, taking on the responsibility of keeping her best friend's little sister, jackie, out of trouble. with no one to cover her mistakes, [name] quickly learns that staying out of drama is harder than she thought. and with cole walter around, will she fall victim to the notorious cole effect? warnings - MDNI, underage drinking, partying, mentions of unsavory past, character death, mommy issues, etc.. the charry files - m.list

⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖

Did the Walters not know what an AC was?

I woke up before my alarm, drenched in sweat, feeling like I'd sprinted around Central Park ten times without stopping.

Wiping my forehead with the back of my hand, I scowled and sat up, already deciding I'd need a shower before I could face the day.

Jackie was still fast asleep, tangled in the sheets, so I carefully slipped out of the creaky bed, tightening my bathrobe as I grabbed my shower bag.

Will had mentioned there was a bathroom on the second floor near the stairs, so I figured that was my best shot.

The house was still quiet except for the groaning pipes and rush of running water, which told me someone had beaten me to it.

I headed in that direction, ready to knock, when Nathan stepped out of his room down the hall, dressed in workout gear.

"Morning, [Name]," he said with a quick smile.

"Good morning." I glanced back at him. "Going out for a run?"

He zipped up his jacket and nodded. "Yeah, I go every morning." He tilted his head toward the bathroom door, his brow tightening. "You gonna take a shower?"

"Yeah, woke up really sweaty," I admitted. Jackie and I hadn't had time to shower last night since we were too busy unpacking and settling into our room.

Nathan pointed to the wall behind me. "Just so you know, there's a bath schedule."

I turned and stared at the paper taped there—rows of names scribbled beside different time slots.

It was six-oh-seven now, Danny's name blocked in, and Jordan's right after.

A schedule for showers? Who even needed that?

Couldn't everyone just pick their own time like normal people?

At this rate, Jackie and I had no shot at squeezing in before school. "Um... do you guys have another bathroom?" I asked.

"Yeah, downstairs," Nathan replied, tightening the strap on his watch. "The little kids use it, but they shower in the evenings, so it's free in the mornings. You can go ahead and use it."

Relieved, I smiled. "Thanks, Nathan. Have a good run." Without waiting for a reply, I turned away from the crowded schedule and started toward the stairs.

In the kitchen, Katherine was already busy with breakfast, standing by the counter with the waffle maker steaming in front of her. The smell of bacon in the air, mixed with the buttery scent of waffles.

She glanced up when I walked in, giving me a warm smile before turning back to her task. "Morning, hun," she greeted, sliding the lid of the waffle maker open. "How'd you sleep?"

"Fine," I answered quickly, not about to admit I'd spent the night sweating like a cow.

Katherine plucked out two golden waffles with practiced ease and set them onto a growing stack beside a plate of eggs and bacon.

"Good, good. Breakfast?" she offered, gesturing toward the spread with the spatula still in her hand.

I shook my head, shifting my shower bag from one hand to the other and nodding toward the bathroom down the hall. "I was actually about to take a shower. Do you have anything less..."

My eyes flicked to the greasy plates lined across the kitchen island—piles of bacon, eggs, and steaming waffles stacked high like a buffet.

"Less greasy?" I finished.

Katherine paused, setting the spatula down and wiping her hands on a dish towel as she thought.

Her eyes scanned the counter before she looked toward the refrigerator. "Um... I have some yogurt, and there are berries in the crisper. I could throw them together for you."

"Yeah, that'd be great," I said with a small nod, grateful for something lighter to start the morning with before heading off to shower.

I thanked her and moved on, crossing the hall toward the bathroom. A couple of backpacks and sneakers were piled near the mudroom door, proof of the younger kids rushing through the house yesterday.

The bathroom was tucked at the end, smaller than I expected, with a chipped white door and the sound of a faint drip coming from inside. I twisted the knob, relieved to find it unlocked, and stepped in.

The bathroom wasn't fancy—plain tile, a shower curtain printed with fading stripes, and a sink crowded with kid-sized toothbrushes in a cracked cup—but at least it was empty.

I hung my bathrobe on the hook, set my shower bag down on the counter, and turned on the water. The pipes rattled for a moment before giving in, warm steam quickly filling the room.

Finally, I could rinse off the sticky sweat and wet dog clinging to me since last night.

I finished quickly, dried off, and changed into my clothes for the day, packing my shower bag back up before stepping into the hallway again.

The house had grown louder since I'd left the kitchen—doors opening, footsteps running up and down the stairs, voices overlapping as everyone scrambled to get ready.

I slipped past the commotion. First day going to school here in Colorado, and I couldn't help wondering what it would be like.

Back in New York, everything had been routine, same faces, same teachers, a pattern I didn't have to think about. Now it felt I was starting over from scratch.

I checked my phone—six twenty-three. Not much time left before we had to head out. "[Name], I have your yogurt ready. Do you want juice or coffee to go with it?" Katherine called as I passed the kitchen. She stood by the counter with a spoon in hand, a small bowl already set out for me.

At the island, Alex, Jordan, Danny, Parker, and Benny were crowded around plates of waffles and bacon, already halfway through breakfast, forks clinking against plates.

"Oh, water's just fine, please," I replied, giving Katherine a quick smile before lifting my hand in a small wave toward the table. "Morning, everyone."

A few mumbled greetings came back between bites, but no one looked up for long.

I moved on without stopping, heading for the stairs. The house was getting louder now, the shuffle of footsteps overhead and the sound of chairs dragging back from the table filling the air.

By the time I reached the landing, Danny was stepping out of his room, brushing his hair out of his face as he adjusted the strap on his backpack.

"Hey," he said simply, closing the door behind him.

"Hey," I greeted back with a quick nod as I passed Danny in the hall, not stopping as I pushed on toward mine and Jackie's room.

The door creaked softly as I slipped inside, the air still warm from the night before. Jackie was curled on her side under the blanket, hair spilling across the pillow, dead to the world.

I set my shower bag down by the dresser and pulled my Bayswater tote from the chair, unzipping it to make sure everything I needed was inside.

"Jackie, it's time to wake up," I said, keeping my voice firm but low as I folded in my notebook, pens, and the smaller pouch I used for makeup.

She groaned faintly, burying her face deeper into the pillow, but I kept packing, sliding my phone into the inner pocket and checking the clasp before tightening the straps.

Once I finished packing, I let out a long sigh and set my tote by the door. Jackie still hadn't moved beyond a lazy shift under the blanket.

I walked over to her bed and leaned against the edge, crossing my arms as I looked down at her tangled hair and half-buried face.

"Jackie~," I said in a sing-song tone, drawing out her name. "Wake up~. You don't want to be known as the new girl who's also late for school, right?"

I tugged gently at the corner of her blanket, enough to make her stir, the faintest groan slipping from her as she dragged the covers higher.

Jackie cracked one eye open, squinting at me from under the blanket. "It's not even six thirty yet..." she mumbled, before her alarm blared sharply across the room.

I didn't hesitate—grabbing the sheets and yanking them off her bed.

"It is now. Wake up, princess—the sun's a harbinger of death," I teased, dropping the blanket neatly at the foot of the bed. "Katherine made breakfast, so make sure you eat before we leave, okay?"

Jackie groaned, burying her face in her pillow again, but I didn't linger. I left her to her usual wake-up routine, heading back to drop my bag by the door.

I wasn't about to risk leaving it anywhere near the Walter kids during breakfast—something told me they weren't fashion people.

Heading back downstairs, I spotted my small bowl of yogurt waiting on the counter, a glass of water beside it. The kitchen smelled faintly of bacon and toasted waffles, but the yogurt felt like a safe, light choice amidst the chaos. "Thanks, Katherine," I said quickly, offering a small smile as I picked up the bowl.

"It's my pleasure," she replied, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I also went ahead and put a little honey in it, so it has some sweetness."

I took a careful bite, savoring the creamy texture and the gentle drizzle of honey mingling with the berries. "It's amazing," I said, letting the words slip out before taking another bite.

"Morning."

I glanced up to see Cole weaving through the kitchen, dressed but with damp hair that gleamed under the morning light—he must have just gotten out of the shower.

"Excuse me," he muttered, carefully squeezing between Katherine, Nathan, Parker, and Issac, who were all clustered around the island.

When he finally reached my side, he leaned over, glancing at my bowl as his hand reached for the coffee pot on the opposite side of me. "What are you having?" he asked casually.

I set my spoon down in the bowl and lifted it slightly, showing off the berries and honey mixed into the yogurt. "Yogurt with berries and honey," I said, holding up my half-eaten bowl like proof of my good choice.

Cole tilted his shoulder toward the island. "Didn't see that on the menu."

"That's because I asked for it," I replied, shrugging lightly.

"What, too good for waffles?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Can you fault a girl for preferring something light in the morning?" I countered, taking a small bite and letting the sweetness linger on my tongue.

Cole tilted his head, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "Not really, if the girl looks like you." He gave me a quick once-over, eyes scanning me from head to toe before taking a casual sip of his coffee.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he winked and strolled over to the other side of the island to start on his breakfast.

I froze for a moment, caught somewhere between disbelief and mild annoyance. You'd have to have some seriously good game to pull off something like that with such confidence, and clearly Cole thought he did.

I couldn't decide whether to roll my eyes or gag, but all I could do was shake my head subtly and focus back on my yogurt, silently telling myself not to let him get under my skin.

Lee came barreling into the kitchen on his skateboard, the wheels clattering against the tile and echoing through the room.

Katherine, perched by the counter buttering a slice of toast, "Lee, I hear that skateboard. That's staying home."

She immediately froze and shot her nephew a sharp look. "If you ride it in school again, you'll get a suspension."

Lee shot back a dramatic look of disbelief. "But Aunt Katherine—"

She cut him off mid-protest with a pointed stare that left no room for argument. "We have no more 'buts' to be had."

Lee's face scrunched up further, lips pursed and eyebrows furrowed, clearly weighing his options—and losing.

I leaned against the island, silently observing, and couldn't help comparing it to my own mornings. God, this was different.

At home, the penthouse was always quiet. The only people moving through it were the cleaners or the occasional maid.

Even when I lived in my dorm back at Highview, I'd chosen a single room to have space to myself. And still, even there, it was peaceful.

Alex let out a sudden snort, making heads turn in his direction. He'd been quietly buried in his book the whole time, so the noise came as a surprise.

"Why are you laughing at me?" Katherine shot a sharp look at her fourth son, her hands still busy arranging sandwiches and snacks on the counter.

Alex shook his head quickly, pressing his nose back into the pages in an attempt to hide behind the book. "I'm not," he mumbled, clearly hoping to avoid further scrutiny.

"You're going to have to rewrite that history paper on modern warfare," Katherine said without looking up, her voice calm but firm.

"Mom—" Jordan tugged at her sleeve, trying to get her attention.

"One second, please," Katherine replied, not breaking her rhythm.

"Mom!" Jordan repeated, this time louder, voice edged with frustration.

Katherine finally looked up from the brown paper lunch bag she'd been packing. "Jordan, what is it?"

Jordan let out an exasperated sigh. "I can't find Rumple."

"Again?"

I frowned, tilting my head. "What's a... 'Rumple'?" I asked Danny, who was leaning casually against the counter.

"Jordan's pet corn snake," Danny answered without a pause, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

My eyes went wide. "I'm sorry... snake?" I muttered under my breath, glancing at the boy who looked so calm about it.

Albert had gotten a pass because he was a cute dog, but a snake? I knew the Walters lived on a ranch, but even so—letting a middle schooler have a pet snake inside the house?

"Don't worry, corn snakes are harmless," Danny said, giving me a small, reassuring smile as if that explained everything.

I swallowed hard and nodded, though it did little to calm the flutter of unease in my stomach.

Harmless or not, the thought of a snake slithering around inside the house—maybe even underfoot—made my skin crawl.

I kept my distance, inching toward the counter silently hoping Rumple was tucked away somewhere far from sight.

Even with Danny's assurance, I couldn't shake the image of that glossy, sinuous body sliding across the floor.

Finishing the last bite of my yogurt, I set the empty bowl aside and headed upstairs to grab my bag.

The stairs creaked lightly beneath my feet as I entered our room again, and I found Jackie just finishing packing her things.

"Jackie, I told you to hurry so you could have breakfast," I said with a sigh, pulling my bag over my shoulder and tightening the straps.

"Bus is leaving at five!" Cole's voice boomed from downstairs.

Jackie slung her notebooks and binders into her leather backpack with a quick, practiced motion. "I know. I just thought I'd have more time," she mumbled, zipping it closed with a soft click.

I glanced at the clock again, the minute hand inching closer to our departure time. "Well, make sure you grab something to eat from the fruit bowl before leaving, okay?" I reminded her, giving her a pointed look.

With that, I headed back downstairs, only to find the Walter clan in full chaos mode. Alex remained buried in his book, though he kept craning his neck to watch the chaos unfolding around him.

Nathan was crouched beside Jordan, helping him carefully check under chairs and behind cabinets in search of Rumple.

Issac seemed completely unfazed, eating his breakfast with his backpack already strapped to his back.

Danny and Lee were nowhere to be seen—likely getting their bags.

Katherine looked up from the island as I passed, offering a small wave. "Have a good day, [Name]."

"Thanks. You too," I replied, giving her a quick smile before heading toward the door, stepping past the commotion and the echoes of footsteps and muffled shouts.

When I stepped outside, the crisp Colorado morning hit me, and I was immediately greeted by the sight of Cole pulling the car up to the front and sliding it into a perfect parking spot.

He jumped out, swinging the door open and heading to the trunk. "Don't you have a regular backpack?" he asked, glancing at the sleek leather tote in my hands as he lifted his own bag.

"I—no," I replied, falling into step behind him.

I alternated between handbags back at Highview, liking the variety and the way it let me carry things neatly without dumping everything into a single backpack.

Some girls preferred backpacks, some didn't—it was personal—but I'd never liked lugging all my stuff around like that.

Cole tossed his bag into the trunk, and just as I moved to slide mine in, he held up a hand. "I wouldn't do that. Lee's bringing his board, and the others are gonna throw theirs in too."

"But Katherine told him not to bring his board," I said, frowning.

Cole's brows rose, silently asking if I really expected anyone here to actually follow instructions.

I shook my head slightly, realizing the futility of it, just as the first of the boys came charging in.

Lee hurled his skateboard into the trunk with a dramatic clatter, followed quickly by his backpack.

One by one, the others dumped their bags in, some still half-zipping, some bouncing slightly as they landed, until the trunk looked like it had been hit by a small tornado.

I stepped back, clutching my tote a little tighter. "Yeah, I think it'll just be on my lap," I decided, realizing there was no other safe spot with the trunk full of backpacks.

"Wise choice. C'mon," Cole said, wiggling his fingers to gesture me toward the passenger side and swinging the door open. "In you go, New York."

I climbed in carefully, sliding onto the seat once I made sure Danny would be sitting next to me.

He closed the door with a soft click as Cole rounded to take the driver's seat, giving the interior a practiced, confident sweep before starting the engine.

Jackie finally stepped out of the house, lingering on the porch for a brief moment as if gathering her courage.

I leaned forward slightly, calling out, "Jackie!" She looked my way, caught my wave, and started down the steps.

Alex re-opened the backseat door and stepped out, letting her slide in between him and Nathan.

I turned to her once she settled. "Did you grab anything to eat?"

She nodded quickly. "Mhm," holding the apple up with a small smile.

I exhaled quietly, relieved she hadn't skipped breakfast entirely, and shifted my tote slightly onto my lap, bracing myself.

⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖

Cole pulled into the student parking lot, and I couldn't help but take it all in—literally every clique you'd expect from a high school movie was scattered around.

Jocks in varsity jackets laughing loudly, artsy kids lounging near the edge of the lot, and the ubiquitous group of girls who looked like they stepped straight out of a magazine cover.

A few of the jocks spotted Cole's car and waved. "Yo, Cole! What's up, man?" one called.

Cole responded with a brief fist-bump before maneuvering the car into an empty space, his confidence making the entire scene feel almost staged.

As the car came to a stop, everyone shifted to get out. "Hey, guys, we got a full car today, so that means, Isaac," Cole said, glancing in the rearview mirror at his cousin.

"No offering rides to random cheerleaders."

Isaac let out a sheepish chuckle. "Okay!"

Cole didn't miss a beat, giving them all another pointed look through the mirror. "Hey, and we leave at three-thirty. Okay?"

He reminded everyone of the school curfew, still sounding half like a drill sergeant, half like he was enjoying the chaos.

Danny held the door open for me. "[Name]," he said, offering his hand to help me out.

"Thanks," I replied, taking it as I stepped down, the soles of my shoes hitting the pavement with a satisfying thump.

Cole continued his constant reminders about the curfew, gesturing and squawking from the driver's seat, but I tuned most of it out, my attention drifting to the crowd of students and the first-day-of-school.

Everyone was out of the car now, except for one. I leaned toward the open backseat door.

"J."

Her expression was guarded, subtle unease in the way she hugged her bag to her lap.

I could tell she was slowly adjusting to all of this—the move, the house, the car full of Walter kids.

She finally met my eyes. "You okay?" I asked, a twinge of worry in my voice.

She gave a small nod. "Yeah," she said, but it didn't completely convince me.

Nathan and Danny soon joined us, hauling their backpacks over their shoulders. Both of them threw concerned glances her way, sharing my own worry.

"Hey, we'll show you to your classes," Nathan offered, stepping forward with a reassuring smile.

Jackie's face brightened immediately. "Really?"

Danny nodded emphatically. "Yeah. Can't have you getting lost on your first day." His tone was light.

I gave her a gentle nudge with my elbow. "See? You've got backup." Jackie's smile widened, and I could tell some of the apprehension was melting away.

Jackie stepped out of the car, and I slid an arm around her shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze. "Just call me if you're not feeling okay, okay?" I reminded her.

Being a junior, I knew we wouldn't have many classes together right away unless she opted for the more challenging tracks—which, knowing Jackie, she probably would.

She clutched the straps of her bag tightly, her knuckles white. "Yeah, I know. Don't worry about me, [Nickname]," she said, shooting me a tight-lipped smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Poor thing," I murmured, cupping her cheek lightly. Together, we stepped back and took in the school before us.

It was certainly... something.

Just a series of square, monotonous buildings conjoined together, blocks of concrete and glass with little architectural personality.

But for all its size, it lacked a certain je ne sais quoi—the intangible charm or character I'd felt walking into Highview's hallways.

There were no ivy-covered walls, no quaint archways, nothing that made you stop and think, wow, this is a school worth remembering. It was functional, but decidedly bland.

Cole leaned casually against the closed trunk, arms crossed, his eyes scanning our faces. "So, what do you think?" he asked, clearly gauging our reaction to the school.

"Big/Bland," Jackie and I said in unison.

My tone was blunt—honestly too honest—and Cole chuckled, shaking his head before kicking himself off the car and standing upright.

"Not like those fancy Manhattan schools, huh?" he said, stepping right next to me with a smirk.

His gaze flicked toward the monotonous blocks of concrete and glass that made up the campus. I nodded, unable to disagree.

Jackie adjusted her backpack and drew a slow breath, clearly bracing herself for the first day. I gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"Cole!"

A girl came bounding our way, her light blue cardigan swinging behind her as the hem of her burnt rouge polka dot dress bounced with each step.

She barely acknowledged anyone else, heading straight for him. "Hey," she greeted, and before Jackie or I could even move out of the way, she was in his space.

Cole didn't hesitate—he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into a deep kiss, right there in the middle of the student parking lot. Jackie and I froze, blindsided.

I instinctively reached out and covered Jackie's eyes with my hand. "She's still a baby," I mouthed to Nathan and Danny, steering her a step back from the PDA happening right in front of us.

Around us, a few students glanced over, some rolling their eyes, others smirking as if this was nothing new.

Cole, of course, looked perfectly content, like kissing a girl in the middle of the parking lot was just part of his morning routine.

Jackie peeked up at me, clearly bewildered, and I could only shake my head at the spectacle.

At this rate, just shack it up in the car will they?

When they finally pulled away from each other, Nathan, Danny, and I exchanged glances like we could finally breathe again.

Jackie shifted uncomfortably beside me, her apple still clutched like she wasn't sure whether to bite into it or throw it.

Cole casually slid an arm around the girl's waist, completely unfazed by the attention he had just stolen from the parking lot.

"Good luck today, New York," he tossed back over his shoulder at me, smirking as if he'd just handed down a blessing before strolling off with her, carefree and smug.

The girl also turned back and gave us the stink eye.

Nathan rolled his eyes and jerked his chin toward the main building. "C'mon," he said, guiding Jackie and me forward.

Danny fell in step on her other side, making sure she didn't lag behind. We followed them through the stream of students heading inside, everyone clumped together in little packs that made the campus feel more claustrophobic than big.

The entrance itself was as boring as the rest of the place. Above the double doors hung a faded banner that read: Home of the Bighorns.

Beneath that, in an actual sign, Silver Falls High School.

No stone crest, no grand motto, no polished bronze plaques. Just canvas flapping in the wind and a plain sign.

Jackie slowed for a second to stare, and I couldn't blame her. This was all completely underwhelming.

"Is she his girlfriend?" I asked, still curious about the girl.

She was pretty enough, I'd give her that, but the look she shot Jackie and me back in the parking lot said everything—possessive, dismissive, like we'd just trespassed on her territory.

Danny pulled the door open for us. "Erin?" So that was her name. "Yeah, sometimes." His tone was casual, like this was common knowledge, but my ears perked up.

Dirt on Cole Walter on my second day? That had to be some kind of record.

"Cole doesn't really date," Danny explained as we stepped into the crowded hall, voices and footsteps echoing off the dull walls. "Like, he's got girls he hooks up with, but somehow he always ends up back with Erin."

My brow furrowed as the implication sank in. "But don't you..." I trailed off, realizing what I was about to say. The thought had already formed in my head, but I hesitated.

"Share a bedroom together?" Danny finished for me without missing a beat. "Yeah." His expression was unreadable, but the corners of his mouth twitched like he was used to that reaction.

I exhaled sharply, piecing things together, remembering the night I had seen Danny watching plays instead of sleeping.

It all made sense now. "I am so sorry, Danny," I said softly, patting his arm in sympathy.

Danny gave a shrug, brushing it off, though I caught the faintest smirk as if he appreciated the pity.

"You get used to it," he said, guiding us deeper into the tide of students rushing toward their lockers and classrooms.

Danny took both mine and Jackie's schedules, scanning them quickly as we weaved through the crowded hallways.

Students jostled past us, lockers slammed open and shut, and the roar of voices filled the air like static.

Finally, Danny stopped in front of a classroom door. "Okay. Here it is," he said, handing Jackie her schedule back.

I glanced up at the whiteboard inside where the words Treaty of Versailles were scribbled in bold marker. History. Of course.

Jackie clutched her bag straps tighter, her nerves written all over her face. I gave her a reassuring smile and patted her back.

"Text or call if you need me," I reminded her firmly, not about to let her forget she had me on standby.

Her lips curved into the smallest smile. "Love you."

"Love you too," I said, giving her arm a squeeze before she slipped into the room.

The door closed softly behind her, and I lingered for a second, staring at the dull classroom walls and the rows of desks before Danny gently tugged me forward, steering me toward my own first class.

"You guys are really close, huh?" Danny noted as we stepped away from Jackie's classroom and moved down the hall with the current of students.

"I've known Jackie since she was a baby," I said. "Her sister Lucy was my best friend." The words came out heavier than I intended.

Danny glanced at me, like he picked up on the tone behind it, but he didn't press.

We passed rows of identical lockers, a couple of kids leaning against them, half-watching us with that curiosity people always had for new faces.

I kept walking, focused on the conversation instead of the stares. Jackie wasn't just some kid I happened to know—she was family to me in a way that had nothing to do with blood.

Losing Lucy had only made that stronger.

Danny gave a small nod, thoughtful. "Makes sense," as though it explained everything about the way I hovered over her.

The way I made sure she wasn't thrown to the wolves on her first day here.

Jackie was all I had left.

⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖

Apparently, I had math with the twins. Meaning Cole was in my class.

Why the universe seemed to be so pissed at me these days was beyond me—though if I had to guess, the answer probably traced back to my wild child tendencies in New York.

Karma had a way of circling back.

Danny guided me toward the front while the rest of the students milked the few free minutes before the bell rang.

He stopped by the teacher's desk. "Mrs. Travers, this is the new student I mentioned," he said.

The woman looked up from a neat stack of papers, her expression warm but firm. "I'm Mrs. Travers. [Name], right?" She extended her hand, and I quickly took it.

"Pleasure to meet you," I said, trying to sound composed.

"Happy to have you onboard." She gave my hand a polite squeeze, then glanced around the room. "There should be an empty seat in the third row. You can go ahead and take that one, and I'll have you introduce yourself once the bell rings. Sounds okay to you?"

Be put at the center of attention? Fuck no. Every instinct screamed no.

But my mouth betrayed me. "Perfect."

Danny walked me over toward the middle row, leaning in a little. "I'm right in the back if you need anything," he said. "And Cole's on the second row."

Of course he was. And speaking of, he wasn't even in the room yet.

Figures. I wouldn't have been surprised if Cole Walter was also prone to showing up late, perfectly timed to make an entrance.

I slid into my seat, placed my tote by my feet, and exhaled slowly, bracing myself for the inevitable label of being "the new kid."

When the bell rang, the last few stragglers rushed in, earning sharp, pointed looks from Mrs. Travers as she stacked and straightened a pile of graded exams on her desk.

"Alright," she began, standing at the front with the kind of presence that quieted a room without effort.

"I have everyone's term exam here, all graded with notes." She held up the stack like proof of judgment.

A low murmur swept across the room, the sound of students bracing for impact.

"Some of you did well—good for you," she said, tone brisk, "but to those who didn't, you will need to see me after class." Her eyes swept the room once more before she set the papers back down.

Then her gaze shifted to me. "But before that, we have a new addition to the class." She gestured in my direction.

Perfect. Just perfect.

Dragging myself out of my seat, I felt every eye lock onto me. For a split second, I was Cady Heron from Mean Girls, standing awkwardly while the entire room dissected me in silence.

And then the door opened.

Of course. Of course the timing had to be cinematic.

In strolled Cole Walter, the man of the hour himself, unbothered and smug. "Sorry I was late, Mrs. T," he said, like the rules never applied to him.

"Just sit down, Cole," Mrs. Travers replied flatly, pointing to his seat.

"Yeah..." he drawled, heading toward his desk with lazy confidence—until his eyes landed on me.

"Oh hey, New York." His grin spread like he'd just discovered a new toy, and the class rippled with chatter at his words.

I wanted to melt into the floor. The one thing I'd been hoping for this year was to fly under the radar, not have my name—and apparently my new nickname—broadcasted by Mister Popular himself.

Cole slid into his seat in the second row, still smirking. "Didn't know we'd be having the same class," he added, voice deliberately loud enough for half the room to hear.

A wave of whispers and side glances spread like wildfire.

"Cole," Mrs. Travers said firmly, his name carrying the weight of a warning. He leaned back in his chair, finally quiet, though his smirk never left his face.

She shot me a sorry look before mouthing go ahead. My eyes swept the room—every face turned toward me, waiting.

"Hi everyone," I started, my voice stable enough even though my palms were sweating, "I'm [Name], and I've just recently moved here to Colorado from New York."

A few kids nodded, polite smiles. Others just blinked like I was background noise.

But a cluster of girls in the back exchanged looks—whispers carrying just loud enough to hear "New York" slip between them like it was gossip-worthy intel.

"New York," Cole repeated under his breath, the smirk still plastered across his face, like he owned the nickname.

Mrs. Travers clapped her hands once. "Thank you, [Name]. You can take your seat." She cut through the tense atmosphere with professional efficiency, but I could still feel eyes lingering on me as I sat down.

Cole half-turned in his chair just enough to throw me one last grin before he finally faced forward.

I exhaled, slouching slightly in my chair, already counting down the minutes until the period was over.

Mrs. Travers straightened the stack of papers on her desk, letting the silence settle. "Alright, now that we've gotten introductions out of the way—let's get back to business."

She picked up an expo marker and turned to the board, scrawling Quadratic Equations in neat, blocky handwriting.

"Today we're starting a new unit. Don't panic, I'll walk you through it," she said, her tone half stern, half reassuring. "By the end of this term, you're going to be able to solve these in your sleep. And for some of you—"

She looked directly at a kid in the back who was still smuggling chips out of his backpack, "—that might be the only time you'll actually get them right."

A ripple of laughter moved through the room. Cole was spinning his pencil lazily between his fingers like he'd seen this lecture a thousand times before.

I leaned back in my seat, letting my eyes wander slightly as Mrs. Travers continued to outline the quadratic equations on the board. Honestly, none of this was new to me.

School back in New York's Upper East Side had been far more advanced, and I didn't exactly need to study to grasp the basics.

Notes weren't really my thing anyway—too tedious—but I kept my notebook open anyway, mostly to blend in.

Around me, kids were scribbling furiously, some glancing up at the board, others already whispering to friends.

I caught Cole glancing at me from the corner of my eye and smirked slightly under my breath. He had this annoying way of making even the mundane feel like part of his little performance.

Mrs. Travers began mapping out the standard form on the board, "Remember: ax² + bx + c = 0. This is the foundation. If you don't get this, the rest is going to be a very long uphill climb."

The lesson continued in that same methodical pace, Mrs. Travers slowly walked along the front of the classroom, pausing now and then to check if anyone had questions or to correct a student's misstep.

The students around me scribbled notes, heads down, pens scratching furiously, some clearly panicking over something I already understood in half a glance.

I stayed quiet, flipping my notebook open and letting my pen hover over the page, mimicking the motions of taking notes while my mind wandered elsewhere.

Honestly, I was just waiting for the bell to ring. Each word from Mrs. Travers blended into the background hum of the classroom—the monotony only broken by the occasional cough, pencil drop, or shuffle of papers.

It was nearing the end of the period when Mrs. Travers checked her watch and reached over for her desk.

"Now for your test results," she announced, picking up the stack of graded exams and beginning to pass them down the rows.

The shuffle of paper and soft murmurs of students flipping through their grades filled the room.

Of course, everyone but me got one. My hands stayed on the desk, folding over each other, as Mrs. Travers paused in front of me.

"[Name], do you mind if you take this test sometime later? I'd like to see where you are in the curriculum." Her tone was polite, she wanted to make sure the new kid wasn't skipping over material or something.

I raised an eyebrow, giving her a neutral shrug. "Sure, that's fine," I said.

Having no doubts I'd be able to finish it quickly, probably in less than half the time, but I kept that thought to myself, folding my arms casually as the rest of the class continued sorting through their papers.

When Cole finally got his test back, he scowled briefly, lips pressing into a thin line as he scanned the grade. I rolled my eyes subtly and turned toward Danny, nudging him lightly. "What about you? How'd you do?"

He lifted his paper just enough for me to see: A-. I silently applauded him, giving him that small, approving look that said good job.

Danny returned the grin, clearly proud but modest about it.

Then the bell finally rang. The sound sliced through the chatter like a starting pistol, and the room erupted into movement.

Students shoved chairs back, gathered their things, and began filing toward the doors. I slipped my tote onto my shoulder, standing beside Danny, glancing over at Cole.

He leaned back in his chair, expression neutral now, but I knew he was already plotting some way to make my day more... interesting.

The next few classes passed in a haze of lectures and half-hearted note-taking. Three of them were with Danny, two with Cole, each period blurring into the next. By the time lunch rolled around, I was shoving my tray aside when a ping from my phone reminded me of an email from the school's counselor: I had an appointment scheduled.

I made my way to the counselor's office and found Jackie just stepping out, flanked by a woman I assumed was Miss Jacobs—the counselor. This was the first time I'd seen her since Danny and I had dropped her off for her first class that morning.

"Hey," I said, keeping my voice low.

She gave me a small nod, still looking a little out of it. "Hey."

Miss Jacobs stepped forward, offering a professional smile. "[Name], yes?"

I nodded, slipping my hand into my tote. "That'd be me."

"Come in," she said, holding the door open.

I paused for a second, glancing back at Jackie. "Yeah, I'll be there—just give me a second." I rested a hand on her shoulder, feeling the tension under her thin frame. "You okay?" I asked, the thought creeping into my mind—had someone bullied her? Had something uncomfortable happened in class?

She shook her head, letting out a quiet sigh. "Mhm. Yeah, I'm fine. Just got my classes switched, is all."

I gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Let's go to lunch together right after this, okay?"

Jackie gave a small nod, sinking down onto it, looking a little smaller than usual, "Yeah," she replied softly.

I offered her a small, encouraging smile before turning toward the office door. Stepping inside, I closed it behind me.

Miss Jacobs gestured to one of the chairs across from her desk. "I'm Tara Jacobs, but please, just call me Tara," she said, her tone calm and professional, yet friendly enough to put me at ease.

"It's nice to meet you," I replied, sliding into the chair, my back straight and hands folded loosely in my lap.

Counselors and I had a long history—most of my previous visits had been tied to my behavior: underage drinking, minor mischief, and other run-ins that didn't exactly put me in a teacher's good graces.

So being here in a new school, with a fresh start, made this meeting feel unexpectedly nerve-wracking.

Tara placed a small salad off to the side of her desk, giving me her full attention again. "I just wanted to meet you and ask—how are you doing? I know this is a big change."

"I'm doing well," I answered, keeping my tone polite and straightforward. I didn't elaborate—there wasn't a need to overshare.

The truth was, I was fine. I could handle this; it was just a matter of letting them see that I wasn't the type to get caught up in drama...

She set her pen down and leaned her elbows on the desk, resting her chin lightly in her hands.

"I do want to talk to you about the future since you're a junior," she said, gesturing toward her computer screen. "I went ahead and looked at your grades—and I have to say, I'm impressed."

I didn't bother correcting her assumption. It wasn't surprising she didn't know about my history—my mom had made sure none of my stunts back in New York never touched my permanent record.

In her eyes, I was a model student; in reality, I just paid to win. "Do you have any schools you're thinking of applying to once you graduate?" she asked, her tone curious but encouraging.

I didn't hesitate. "Yale," I said, letting the name hang in the air like a challenge.

Her eyes widened slightly, and I caught the tiniest flicker of admiration—or maybe surprise. "Yale," she repeated. "That's ambitious. Do you have a plan for getting there, or are you still figuring things out?"

I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms casually. "I've got a plan," I said simply, not needing to justify it further. I didn't have to brag, and I didn't have to prove myself. It was enough that I knew where I was going.

"I've done internships for my mother's company since I was fourteen, a lot of community service hours through my old school's committee, and I was captain of the girls' field hockey team," letting the list roll off like it was nothing.

One thing I could thank those counselors back at Highview for was that they'd tried to keep me busy—plenty of programs, extracurriculars, and leadership positions designed to keep me from clubbing or sneaking out at night.

It hadn't always worked, of course, but it had given me a stacked résumé that now, conveniently, made me look responsible and ambitious.

Tara nodded as she typed quickly, occasionally glancing up at me, her expression neutral but attentive. "That's an impressive range," she said. "It's clear you've been proactive, even outside the classroom."

I gave a small shrug, leaning back in the chair, careful not to let my casual demeanor betray too much. "It kept me busy," I admitted, leaving out the part where I'd still found ways to make my own fun.

Her fingers paused over the keyboard as she studied me, but the slight smile she offered made the office feel a little less like a test.

"Well, that's exactly the kind of initiative colleges look for," she said. "It's good to see you're thinking ahead."

"Thank you," I said, offering a polite nod.

"Do you have any other schools just in case? Not Ivy Leagues—any UCs or CSUs?" she asked, her tone gentle but probing, like she genuinely wanted to make sure I had backup plans.

I shook my head slightly. "No."

If Yale didn't want me, I didn't want anything else. I had my sights set, and anything less felt like settling.

Tara raised an eyebrow, "I understand that Yale is your goal, but... why Yale specifically?" Her tone was not judgmental, but I could tell she genuinely wanted to understand my reasoning.

I paused for a moment, letting her question hang in the air while I considered my answer. "It's challenging," I said finally, shrugging lightly. "The academics are strong, the network is... well, it's Yale.

"It's also where my mom went to school," I added quietly, more to myself than to Tara.

It wasn't something my mom ever talked about with me—obviously. Still, I'd seen enough over the years: the plaques on her office walls, the framed photos with her friends.

She went to Columbia for undergrad with Aunt Angelica and Katherine, and then on to Yale for further studies.

It wasn't about following in her footsteps—well, maybe a little—but it was more about understanding what high-level expectations felt like, and proving that I could meet them in my own way.

That history, silent though it was, always lingered just beneath the surface, shaping the version of myself I wanted colleges to see.

I knew if I played that card, Tara wouldn't question me further. That's the thing with counselors—they can't discourage a student from pursuing something that could genuinely benefit their future.

And I knew Tara wasn't the type of woman to stand in the way of a girl wanting to follow in her mother's footsteps, especially a girl who'd lost her mom and might be clinging to that connection in her own way.

"Alright, [Name], I think we have a good sense of your goals and what you're capable of."

It was enough to keep the conversation moving without her pressing for details I wasn't ready to share, and it let me maintain control of the narrative.

"I'll check in with you periodically, but you're clearly on the right track."

I gave a small, polite smile, standing up and straightening my tote over my shoulder.

"Thank you, Tara."

⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖

"How was your first class?" I asked Jackie as we walked the crowded hallway toward the cafeteria.

Dodging clusters of students chatting and carrying trays, the smell of lunch wafting up from the open doors ahead.

"It was good," she said, but the way her shoulders slumped and the faint frown tugging at her lips immediately told me that answer was bullshit.

"J." I stopped walking, and she mirrored me, glancing around as though expecting someone to appear out of nowhere to embarrass her further.

She drew in a deep breath, her fingers curling around the straps of her backpack. "The teacher had me introduce myself in front of everyone... and then asked why I came to Silver Falls." Her gaze dropped to the floor.

Right, there was no way she could tell a room full of teenagers that her whole family had died.

That she'd been shipped across the country to live with our mother's friends, or that she was basically starting over in a place where no one knew her.

"I... I don't know," she admitted, her voice quiet as she shifted from one foot to the other.

I froze. Alex had to come save me." I could see the relief on her face even as she tried to hide it—the panic of being the center of attention.

I reached over, "Hey, it's fine. First-day jitters, everyone goes through it." giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You're gonna get the hang of it. It just takes a minute to figure out who's who and how things work here."

When we stepped into the cafeteria, the smell of hot food mixed with the faint tang of bleach hit me immediately.

The lunch line was decent, students chatting and laughing as they loaded trays with sandwiches, fruit, and the occasional mystery casserole.

I followed Jackie into the line, but honestly, I wasn't hungry. "I'm not really hungry, but I'll go find us a table," I said, pausing mid-step to make sure she understood.

She stayed put, shifting slightly from one foot to the other, nodding. "Okay," she said, keeping her eyes on the line ahead.

I slipped out of line, scanning the cafeteria for an empty table, but all I could see were clusters of kids crowded around trays, elbows bumping, and backpacks spilling onto chairs.

If this were Highview, I would have had a table claimed before anyone even noticed I was leaving the line.

"Hey."

I let out an audible groan, spinning to see who it was. Ding ding ding—two for two.

The guy I did not want to be associated with was standing right behind me. Cole.

"What are you doing?" he asked, leaning closer over my shoulder, low enough that no one else could hear.

I took a step back, scowling, irritation flaring. "Trying to find a table," I said sharply, not bothering to hide my annoyance.

He didn't move away. Instead, he placed a hand on the small of my back and guided me forward, weaving through the students like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Let me help you," he said, leading me toward the front of the line.

"What are you doing?" I asked again, more incredulous than before, my eyes scanning the cafeteria as I realized a lot of students had started watching us.

"Trust me," he replied, smirking slightly, his grip firm but not uncomfortable.

I glanced back at Jackie, who was still in line, her brows furrowed in confusion. She mouthed the question silently.

'What are you doing?'

I quickly typed a response on my phone and held it up, exaggerating the panic: 'He's fucking kidnapping me, J. Call the police!'

Her eyes widened as she blinked, unsure whether I was joking or serious, while Cole continued steering me forward, oblivious—or maybe amused—by the silent drama unfolding around us.

From the corner of my eye, I spotted Alex storming off somewhere, his backpack swinging wildly as he disappeared down the hallway.

'Did someone do something to him?' I wondered for a split second, but I quickly brushed the thought aside.

Honestly, I would've wanted to be Alex in that exact moment—done with this cafeteria, leaving everyone else to deal with it.

When I faced forward again, I realized I was somehow at the front of the line with Cole, his hand still lightly pressing against my back.

"Cole, what the hell are you doing?" I snapped, irritation bubbling up.

I wasn't exactly innocent myself—I had cut lines before—but my carefully crafted plan to stay under the radar was being completely foiled by this arrogant little prick.

He smirked at me, the kind of cocky grin that made my stomach churn. "Don't worry about it, princess." Great, another nickname.

"I preferred the other one," I muttered under my breath, shooting him a sharp glance.

I'd much rather have him call me New York than have everyone assume I was one of his hookups.

"Excuse me. You mind if I slide ahead?" Cole asked the girl at the front of the line, flashing the kind of casual charm that made her step aside without protest.

I rolled my eyes as he moved past her, then watched as he grabbed a tray, picking food. "These are always good," he remarked, piling on a few items.

"Here, hold this," he said, shoving the tray toward me while he dug into his wallet.

Did he seriously think I couldn't pay for my own lunch?

I took the tray reluctantly, trying not to let my annoyance show, as he handed a card to the lunch lady. She slid it back with a nod, and suddenly we were cleared to go.

Cole led me across the crowded cafeteria to a table where I only recognized one person—Erin, the girl from earlier who had given us that snogfest in the parking lot.

She shot me a sharp glare as we approached, clearly not thrilled about my presence.

"All right, everyone. This is New York," Cole announced, planting himself at the side of the table like he owned the place. "New York... this is everyone."

A few of his friends just stared at me silently, sizing me up, while others offered small waves.

Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I tried to memorize as many faces as possible, scanning the table like a general surveying a battlefield.

"[Name]," I said deliberately, emphasizing my name so Cole would hopefully get the hint and drop the nickname.

The girl sitting next to Erin offered a small, welcoming smile. "Hi." Well, at least she wasn't as icy as her friend over there.

Erin shot her a pointed look before turning back to her tray, clearly annoyed by any social niceties that didn't involve her.

Cole gestured expansively. "Sit."

I shot him a look. Everywhere was taken, and it seemed like he had only just noticed that no one was willing to make room.

I surveyed the table again—tight clusters of trays and elbows, students firmly rooted in their spots.

"Guys, move over," Cole called, leaning forward like he expected compliance. No one budged.

Erin finally chimed in, shifting slightly in her seat. "It's pretty cramped already."

Cole let out a theatrical sigh, lifting a tray beside hers. "Hold this," he told one of his friends. "You can have my seat."

I had about had enough of his theatrics. "No need," I said firmly, ignoring him. I didn't even want to eat lunch, so I turned to the girl next to Erin. "Mind taking this for me?"

She nodded readily, picking up the tray as dozens of eyes in the cafeteria turned toward us, curious.

I didn't want to play the bitch, but sometimes you had to act to get what you needed.

"You didn't think I actually eat this crap, right?" I said, digging into my bag for my wallet.

I pulled out a fifty, placing it on the spot where Cole had been sitting. "But thanks for the free labor."

I grabbed the tray back from the girl, mouthing a quick thank-you before weaving through the crowded lunchroom and handing my tray to Jackie.

She didn't look surprised in the slightest—she had probably expected this kind of chaos with Cole. "Jackie, got you lunch," I said, then scanned the room again.

I spotted Nathan sitting alone at a small table nearby. "And I found us a table," I added, gesturing toward him.

Jackie took the tray from me, letting out a long sigh as she balanced it in her hands. "Did you really have to do all that, [Name]?" she whispered.

Her eyes flicked nervously toward the other tables where Cole's group still lingered, clearly watching us move away.

I felt a twinge of guilt. Jackie didn't like being the center of attention, and dragging her into my little stunt probably didn't make her feel any more comfortable.

But I'd just blown a fuse—Cole acting like he owned the place, and knowing I wasn't going to sit there and let him pull the whole power play on me.

"I just couldn't help myself,"

We reached Nathan's table, and I slowed just enough to ask, "Mind if we join you?"

He looked up from his sandwich, chewing as he gave a small nod. "I thought you were sitting with Cole."

My eyes followed his for a second, landing right on Cole across the room. He was staring at me like I had personally declared war on his entire bloodline.

I turned back with a casual shrug. "Too crowded for my taste." I slid into a chair, Jackie sitting beside me, her tray already set down neatly in front of her.

Nathan's gaze flicked back toward his older brother, then back to me. His voice was even, "You shouldn't have done that."

Jackie and I exchanged a look, the kind of wordless conversation where she was silently asking what the hell I was thinking.

Sure, I'd humiliated Cole in front of half the cafeteria, but to me it felt like fair game.

Quid pro quo. He shoved me into the spotlight, so I shoved him right back.

How else was I supposed to make it clear that I had no interest in being near him in any way, shape, or form?

"Why?" Jackie asked, eyeing the options on her tray as if lunch might offer an escape from this mess.

"Cole loves a challenge," Nathan explained, his tone clipped but honest. "And you just gave him that."

Jackie turned her head, pinning me with a look that was half exasperation, half I-told-you-so. "I told you," she said lowly, not letting me off the hook.

Against my better judgment, I faced back across the room. Cole was still staring, but the expression on his face had shifted.

His usual smug smirk was there, but it was sharper now—like he'd just spotted his next game.

"Shit."

⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖