Chapter Three

Katie's POV:

My heart stopped as Alexa stepped out from behind the nearby truck, an icy smile spreading across her face. 

"Well isn't this cozy..." she purred, sauntering towards us. "Little Katie moving in on my territory."

I froze, panic rising. How much had she heard Luke and I discussing? 

Luke stepped forward, jaw clenched. "Alexa, this has nothing to do with you. Just leave."

She tossed her silky hair over one shoulder. "Oh I don't think so. Something's going on here and I intend to find out what." Her eyes glinted dangerously. 

I found my voice. "Nothing is going on. Luke just wanted to clear the air, that's all. We should all get home."

I started backing away slowly. The last thing I needed was Alexa's wrath when she realized Luke wanted me, not her. She'd make my life hell.

With a final pleading look at Luke, I turned and hurried off. The sound of Alexa interrogating Luke faded as I rushed to my car. My hands shook as I turned the ignition. 

At home I collapsed into bed, replaying the tense confrontation in my mind. I hoped Luke could placate Alexa's jealousy without throwing me under the bus. Her suspicions were raised and I knew she'd be watching me like a hawk from now on. The thought knotted my stomach. 

Over the next couple days at school, I kept my head down. Luke tried approaching me a few times but I brushed him off, anxious to avoid more drama with Alexa. 

By Friday, when a week had gone by with no retaliation from her, I finally started to relax. Maybe she'd decided to back off after all.

But at lunch on Monday, everything changed. Alexa sauntered up to my table with a knowing glint in her eye. Leaning down close to me she whispered, just loud enough for my friends to hear, "Didn't your last school kick you out? For stealing or something?"

I froze, blindsided. What was she talking about? Before I could respond she breezed away, satisfied smirk in place. I felt my friends' eyes on me as I stared down at my uneaten lunch.

Over the next few days, the rumors spread like wildfire. Alexa was telling everyone I'd been expelled from my last school for stealing computers and vandalism. The stories grew more twisted with each retelling. 

I overheard whispers everywhere I went. Former friends avoided me in the halls. Luke tried to talk to me after class but I just shook my head, unshed tears burning behind my eyes. There was nothing he could do or say to fix this. 

When I got home I'd disappear straight to my room. I stopped responding to concerned texts from Chloe and Julia about what was being said. I couldn't bear to explain that none of it was true.

My parents noticed a change too. "Katie honey, is everything okay? You seem down lately," my mom asked one morning.

"I'm fine," I mumbled, avoiding her eyes. They couldn't know about the bullying. It would devastate them to know how miserable I was.

The only bright spot was photography club after school. Sarah, the president, believed I was innocent and didn't treat me differently. For a blissful hour I could forget about Alexa's scheming and lose myself behind the lens. 

But the rest of the time, loneliness and sadness overwhelmed me. I missed my old life more than ever. The rumors had destroyed the fragile new beginning I'd built here. 

One day after photography club let out, Luke intercepted me at my car. His green eyes were tormented.

"Katie please, just talk to me. I know Alexa's lying, you have to trust me," he pleaded, grabbing for my hand. I recoiled, fresh tears pricking my eyes.

"Just leave me alone," I choked out, wrenching open my car door. Sobs overtook me as I pulled out of the lot, leaving a distraught Luke behind. I had never felt so broken.

****

The persistent rumors and isolation plunged me deeper into depression. I stopped trying in classes and barely spoke, even to Julia and Chloe. They called and texted constantly, begging me to let them help. But I felt too far gone.

At home, my parents' arguing got worse. They seemed on the brink of splitting up, oblivious to my misery. I both craved their comfort and resented their distance. We'd always been close, but it was like moving here had torn apart the fabric of our family. 

The one bright spot continued to be photography club. In that dingy classroom, I felt free to be creative and let my guard down. Sarah even convinced me to submit some photos to the yearbook spread. 

"You have such an amazing eye, Katie. I know things are awful right now but just focus on your passion," she encouraged. I mustered a grateful smile.

Meanwhile, Luke went out of his way to intercept me whenever possible, despite my efforts to avoid him. He even began ditching his popular friends, who looked at him like he had lost his mind.

"Katie please, give me five minutes. That's all I ask," he begged after cornering me by my locker one day. My resolve wavered at the torment in his eyes, but I forced myself to harden my heart. Luke's world had brought me nothing but pain.

I hurried off without a word, his pleas echoing after me. As difficult as it was, I knew cutting ties was the only way forward. Let Luke obsess over me if he wanted. I just needed to get through each day.

One cold, rainy afternoon as I left photography club, Luke ambushed me again in the otherwise deserted parking lot. Desperation radiated from him in waves.

"Katie stop!" he yelled as I walked briskly to my car. "You have to listen to me!"

I whirled around, anger flaring. "I don't have to do anything! Leave me alone, Luke. Haven't you ruined my life enough?"

I saw my words land like physical blows. Luke looked utterly stricken. But I meant what I said. All my suffering could be traced back to him. 

Luke ran both hands through his disheveled hair. "You know I never meant to hurt you. I made mistakes but I lo--I really care about you! I'll make this right somehow, I swear. Just don't shut me out."

His eyes shone with emotion that I felt echo in my core. But no. I couldn't forget the damage he'd caused in the name of popularity and status. 

I turned back towards my car, ignoring his broken pleas. But suddenly I spotted a shadowy figure emerging from the bushes nearby. Too late I realized it was Alexa, smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

"Well how interesting," she purred, gliding towards us. "Poor desperate Luke, pining away. Yet the feeling doesn't seem mutual." Her sharp gaze fixed on me. 

I froze. There was no telling what she might do next. Luke hastily wiped his eyes and scowled at her. 

"Alexa, get lost. This is none of your business." 

She waved a dismissive hand. "Oh but it is! I can't have you chasing after Lainey here when you should be begging for my forgiveness."

Lainey? I bristled at the taunting nickname. Alexa's smile only widened, sensing she was getting under my skin.

Luke stepped in front of me protectively. "Don't call her that. Just leave us alone!" His voice shook with emotion. I stared helplessly at the ground. 

Alexa toyed with her necklace, feigning boredom. "Let's not be rude now. I just want what's best for everyone. Now Katie, why don't you do us all a favor and disappear? Nobody wants you here anyway."

Her words hit me like a gut punch. Blinking back hot tears, I shoved past Luke and wrenched open my car door. As I peeled out of the lot, I glimpsed Alexa blowing Luke a taunting kiss before sashaying away. 

What little spirit I had left felt crushed. I had nowhere to turn anymore. Not family, not Luke, no one. All that was left was to endure the daily torment of Alexa's psychological warfare.

Pulling into my driveway, I noticed with dread that only Dad's car was there. Going inside, I found him sitting at the counter, head in hands. He looked up with red-rimmed eyes as I entered.

"Katie, there's something I need to tell you..." he began hoarsely. My heart seized. What now?