Chapter 7: Breaking the Silence

Julie walked into the cafeteria, her heart pounding, Emma by her side like a protective shield. She could feel the whispers swirling around her, the sideways glances from classmates who pretended not to stare.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to keep her chin up. She wasn't going to let Madison's words break her, not when she had Emma and… maybe even Noah.

They sat at their usual table, Julie trying to focus on unwrapping her sandwich instead of the knot in her stomach. Emma leaned in, her voice low. "Ignore them. They don't know anything."

Julie nodded, but her eyes betrayed her, drifting over to Noah's table. He was laughing at something his friend said, his smile bright and carefree. But then he looked up, his gaze locking with hers. Julie's heart flipped.

He smiled, a small, genuine smile that made her stomach do somersaults. But just as quickly as it appeared, it faded, his eyes flicking to the side.

Julie followed his gaze and her heart sank. Madison was walking toward them, her steps deliberate, her eyes cold.

Emma bristled, her jaw clenching. "Here we go."

Madison stopped in front of their table, her smile sugary sweet. "Hey, Julie. I just wanted to say hi. You've been… really popular lately. I'm almost jealous."

Julie forced herself to meet Madison's gaze. "What do you want, Madison?"

Madison's eyes flashed, but her smile never wavered. "Oh, nothing. Just thought you should know… Noah's really nice to everyone. Don't read too much into it, okay?" Her voice dripped with condescension. "Wouldn't want you getting your hopes up."

Julie felt the words like a slap, her face heating up. But she refused to give Madison the satisfaction of seeing her break. "Thanks for the advice. But I can figure that out on my own."

Madison's smile faltered, just for a second. Her eyes narrowed. "Sure. Just trying to help." She turned on her heel, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she walked back to her group.

Julie let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Her hands were trembling, her heart thudding painfully.

Emma put a hand on her shoulder. "She's just trying to get in your head. Don't let her."

Julie swallowed, nodding. "Yeah. I know."

But the words still stung, echoing in her mind. Was Madison right? Was Noah just being nice?

Before she could spiral any further, a voice called her name. "Julie!"

She looked up, her heart skipping as Noah walked over, his expression concerned. "Hey… is everything okay?"

Julie opened her mouth, but no words came out. She was hyper-aware of every pair of eyes on them, including Madison's piercing glare from across the room.

Noah frowned, his gaze flicking to Madison before settling back on Julie. "I… heard what she said. Don't listen to her." His voice was firm, his eyes steady. "She doesn't know what she's talking about."

Julie's throat tightened, warmth spreading through her chest. "You… you heard that?"

Noah nodded, his shoulders tense. "Yeah. And for the record… I don't just talk to people to be nice. I talk to people because I want to." His eyes softened, his voice lowering. "Because I like them."

Julie's breath caught. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

Noah's cheeks turned pink, his gaze dropping for a second before he looked back at her, his smile sheepish. "Anyway… I just wanted you to know that. Don't let her get to you."

Julie's heart was pounding, her chest tight with something she could only describe as hope. "Thanks, Noah." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but he smiled, his shoulders relaxing.

"Anytime." He glanced at Emma and gave her a nod. "See you both in class?"

Emma grinned, giving him a thumbs up. "You bet."

As he walked away, Julie felt a surge of warmth, the knot in her stomach easing. Maybe Madison didn't have all the answers. Maybe Julie wasn't as invisible as she thought.

Emma leaned in, her eyes sparkling. "Told you he likes you."

Julie felt herself blush, a shy smile spreading across her face. "Maybe… maybe he does."

And for the first time all day, she believed it.