Chapter 13: A New Lens
Chapter 13: A New Lens
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A Morning That Feels Different
The morning follows its usual routine—but something feels off.
I wake up early, as always. The familiar chime of my alarm pulls me from restless dreams, ones I barely remember but leave behind a faint sense of unease. The early light filters through my window, painting long shadows across my bedroom walls.
Everything looks the same.
Yet, it isn't.
The weight of the past few days clings to me, invisible but undeniable. The bruises on my ribs are fading, but their presence lingers, a dull ache that refuses to be forgotten.
I run a hand through my hair and exhale.
Today feels different.
Maybe because of Serena.
Maybe because I'm starting to see things differently.
I get out of bed and begin my morning preparations.
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Dressing with Purpose
I stand in front of the mirror longer than usual.
The reflection staring back at me is unchanged—the same dark hair, the same sharp black eyes, the same lean but toned frame I've worked hard to maintain.
But the way I see myself is different.
I adjust my posture.
Shoulders back. Chin slightly higher.
Not enough to be noticeable to others.
But enough that I notice it myself.
I choose my clothes carefully today.
Nothing flashy, nothing obvious. But something solid. Strong.
Like I'm reminding myself that I exist.
That I won't let the world erase me.
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A Silent Breakfast
Downstairs, my family is already at the table.
Lily chatters about something inconsequential—a new game she's obsessed with, some minor drama between her friends at school.
Mark sits quietly, as always, eating in silence.
My parents exchange glances as I enter. They don't say anything outright, but their concern is palpable.
I grab some toast and sit down. My mom watches me for a second before speaking.
"Derrick, you seem… different this morning."
I pause mid-bite, my fingers tightening slightly around the edge of my plate.
"Different how?"
She hesitates. "I don't know. You just seem… more focused."
I swallow the dry toast and give a small shrug. "Just another day."
My dad hums in thought, taking a sip of his coffee. "That's not a bad thing."
Lily grins. "Yeah, maybe Derrick finally decided to stop being moody."
I roll my eyes. "Not likely."
She laughs, and for a moment, the tension eases.
But the silence between my parents lingers.
I don't address it. I don't have the energy.
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A Walk with Purpose
The air is crisp, carrying the faint scent of wet pavement. The distant sounds of the city waking up—cars, distant conversations, the occasional bark of a dog—fill the background.
The walk to school feels different today.
Not just because I'm thinking too much.
But because, for the first time in a while—I'm not dreading it.
I can't ignore the apprehension twisting in my gut.
I know Jason and his group won't just stop.
I know the whispers will still be there.
But…
So will Serena.
And that fact alone changes something.
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The Charged Atmosphere of Southwood High
The school grounds feel strange today.
It's subtle. Almost unnoticeable.
But it's there.
The way people glance at me, then look away quickly. The lingering gazes, the unspoken tension in the air.
Like the balance of things is shifting, and everyone can feel it—even if they don't understand why.
I keep my stride steady, not hesitating, not looking for trouble.
But I can't stop my eyes from flicking toward the oak tree.
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The Oak Tree – A Silent Witness
I slow down slightly as I pass it.
It stands there, unchanged, as it always has.
A silent witness to the small but important moments of my life.
This is where I first saw Serena.
Where I spent so many quiet afternoons lost in thought.
And now—it feels different.
Like it knows something I don't.
I shake my head slightly, pushing the thought aside.
I adjust the strap of my backpack, exhaling slowly.
Whatever today holds—
I'm ready.
Or at least—
I want to be.
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The Hallways – A Minefield of Tension
The moment I step inside, I feel it.
The eyes.
Not as blatant as before. No outright hostility.
But it's there.
A watchfulness. A curiosity.
A lingering question hanging in the air.
I pass by a group of students near the lockers.
They lower their voices slightly as I approach.
I don't need to hear the words to know they're about me.
It should bother me.
A few days ago, it would have.
But now?
Now, it just feels distant.
Like white noise.
A distraction I can tune out.
I keep walking.
Head high. Shoulders relaxed.
Unbothered.
Or at least—pretending to be.
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A Familiar Voice
"Derrick!"
I pause.
The sound of my name spoken so casually—without hesitation, without judgment—catches me off guard.
I turn.
Serena is standing by the lockers, waving me over.
For a second, I just stare at her.
Not because she looks different.
But because she doesn't.
She looks at me exactly the same way she always has.
Like nothing has changed.
Like I'm just… me.
And somehow—that means everything.
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A Moment of Normalcy
I walk over, and she grins.
"You planning to walk past me like I don't exist?" she teases.
I huff a small laugh. "Wasn't sure if you'd want to be seen with me."
She rolls her eyes. "Don't be stupid."
I glance around. "People are watching."
She shrugs. "Let them."
For the first time all morning, the tension in my chest eases slightly.
She's still here.
Still treating me like I matter.
And right now—that's enough.
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The Shift in the Air
The moment doesn't last.
It never does.
Because as we talk, I can feel it.
The way people watch us.
The subtle shift in the atmosphere.
Jason Carter is standing near the far end of the hall, leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
Watching.
His expression is neutral.
But his eyes say everything.
This isn't over.
Not by a long shot.
And for the first time, instead of feeling afraid—
I feel ready.