LOVE, LIES AND LOCKER ROOM

As I sat in class, my eyes wandered around the room, taking in the familiar faces of my new classmates. That was when I saw him - the guy I had bumped into on my way out of the school clinic. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I thought to myself, "Oh my gosh, isn't this the guy I bumped into earlier?" I couldn't help but wonder if he was thinking about our earlier encounter, and if he was, what he must think of me.

"Luther!" a girl from the back of the classroom exclaimed, and I realized that must be his name. Betty, my new friend, seemed to sense my curiosity and leaned over to whisper, "Luna, that guy over there is Luther. He's one of the most popular guys in school, and rumor has it, he's from a pretty wealthy family." She raised an eyebrow and added, "And have you noticed that you two have matching names?"

I smiled politely, trying to play it cool, but inside, I was intrigued. Who was this Luther guy, and what was his story? I made a mental note to ask Betty more about him later.

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of our first break. Betty and I gathered our things and headed out of the classroom. "Come on, Luna, let's go get your name badge," she said, leading me to the administrator's office.

As we waited in line, I couldn't help but think about Luther again. What was he like? Was he friendly? Did he have any interests or hobbies? I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand.

When it was finally my turn, I received my name badge and couldn't help but smile at the bold, curvy letters that spelled out my name. "I love it," I exclaimed, and Betty chuckled.

"I know, right? It's so you," she said, and we both laughed.

Next, Betty took me on a tour of the school, showing me the restroom and introducing me to some of her friends. As we were leaving the restroom, we heard a commotion coming from outside. We rushed out to see what was happening and were met with a disturbing sight - a group of boys beating up another student, leaving him bleeding and bruised.

I felt a surge of anger and concern, and before I could even process what I was seeing, Betty whispered, "That's what happens when you don't do what the bullies tell you to do." Her tone was matter-of-fact, but I could sense a hint of bitterness beneath the surface.

I turned to her, my eyes wide with alarm. "But why do they have to beat him like that? What if he dies? Can't we report this to the school authorities?" I demanded, feeling a sense of outrage.

Betty's expression turned somber, and she began to narrate a story that sent shivers down my spine. "I know how you feel, Luna. I was just like you when I first got here - naive, idealistic, and always trying to help those in need. But then I learned the hard way that sometimes, it's better to mind your own business."

I listened, entranced, as Betty shared her own experiences with bullying and harassment. Her story was a sobering reminder that even in a place of learning, there can be darkness and cruelty lurking beneath the surface.