Next day, the aftermath

CHAPTER 14

Monday morning felt like stepping into a storm.

Emma had barely made it through the school gates when she noticed the way people were looking at her. Not just the usual glances, but stares — some amused, some curious, and some downright judgmental.

Sophie rushed up beside her, phone in hand. "Emma… don't look at your phone. Just… don't."

Emma froze. "What? Why? What happened?"

Sophie hesitated, then sighed and handed over her phone anyway. On the screen was a blurry but unmistakable photo: Emma and Lucas kissing on the dance floor, soft lights behind them, his hand cupping her cheek, her eyes closed.

And below it? A caption someone had added: "Guess they weren't done with sleepovers #Scandal"

Emma's heart sank. "Oh no…"

"It's everywhere," Sophie said gently. "Instagram, Snap, even the class WhatsApp group. Megan started it. I'm sure of it."

Emma swallowed hard, feeling the familiar burn of embarrassment creep up her neck. "I knew this would happen. I knew it."

But before she could spiral further, she heard his voice.

"Emma."

Lucas jogged up, his expression a mix of concern and determination. He glanced at the phone, then at her. "You saw it."

Emma nodded, blinking back frustrated tears. "I didn't want this. Why can't people just leave us alone?"

Lucas hesitated, then reached out and took her hand right there in front of everyone. "Let them talk. We have nothing to be ashamed of."

His warmth steadied her. She took a deep breath. "You're right. I just hate how people twist things."

"I know." His eyes softened. "But we're in this together, okay?"

She managed a small smile. "Okay."

The teachers notice

By mid-morning, the situation had escalated. A few teachers had caught wind of the online chatter. Mr. Grant, their homeroom teacher, called Emma aside after class.

"Emma," he said kindly but seriously, "I'm aware there's some… chatter online involving you and another student. I want you to know that if you need support, or if anyone is making you feel uncomfortable, we're here for you."

Emma felt her cheeks warm. "Thank you, sir. I'm okay. It's just... a lot."

"I understand. And I hope you remember — you're not in trouble. But please, if it becomes too much, let someone know."

Emma nodded, grateful but eager to escape the spotlight.

Megan stirs the pot

At lunch, Megan made her move.

She sauntered over to Emma and Lucas's table, phone in hand, smirking like a cat that had caught the canary.

"Cute pic, lovebirds," she purred. "I'm sure the teachers loved seeing it too. Maybe next time you could put on a better show?"

Lucas stood, towering over Megan, his jaw clenched. "Megan, leave her alone."

Megan raised an eyebrow. "Touchy, aren't we?"

Emma stood too, heart pounding. But this time, she didn't shrink back.

"You really must be bored, Megan," Emma said evenly. "Is this the best you can do? Screenshot and snark?"

A few kids nearby snickered. Megan's smirk faltered.

"You think this is over?" Megan hissed, leaning closer so only Emma could hear. "I can make things so much worse for you."

Emma met her gaze, steady and unflinching. "Do your worst."

Megan glared, then spun on her heel and stalked off.

Lucas let out a low whistle. "You're amazing."

Emma exhaled shakily. "I'm tired of being scared of her."

A quiet moment

After school, Lucas walked Emma home, their fingers laced together. The tension of the day seemed to ease as they left the school grounds behind.

"I'm sorry about all of this," Lucas said quietly. "You didn't ask for any of it."

Emma shook her head. "Neither did you. But I'm glad we're facing it together."

They reached her porch and paused. Lucas looked at her, a softness in his gaze that made her heart ache in the best way.

"I don't care what anyone says," he said. "I'm just... happy to be with you."

Emma smiled, feeling tears prick her eyes — not from sadness this time, but from the sheer relief of being understood. "Me too."

He leaned down and kissed her again, gentle and lingering. And for that moment, the world faded away.

Parent reactions

That evening, Emma's mom knocked gently on her door.

"Emma?" she said, stepping inside. "We need to talk."

Emma's stomach twisted. "About the photo?"

Her mom nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I saw it. And I want you to know — I'm not mad. But I'm worried. People can be cruel, and I don't want you getting hurt."

Emma looked down. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

"I know." Her mom squeezed her hand. "Just... be careful. Not with Lucas — he seems like a good boy. But with the people who want to tear you down."

Emma nodded, relief washing over her. "Thanks, Mom."

Meanwhile, across town, Lucas was having his own conversation.

His mom set down her phone with a sigh. "Lucas, I saw the photo. I wish you'd told me what was going on."

Lucas rubbed the back of his neck. "There's nothing to tell. We're together. And people won't stop talking about it."

His mom softened. "I'm not upset, honey. I just want you to be mindful. High school gossip can be brutal."

"I know. But I'm not going to let it scare me off."

She smiled and hugged him. "That's my boy."

The next day — rising above

Tuesday morning dawned clearer, inside and out. Emma walked into school with her head held higher, Lucas at her side.

The stares hadn't disappeared. The whispers hadn't faded. But something was different.

Emma wasn't hiding anymore.

When Megan passed by, glaring, Emma just smiled.

Lucas squeezed her hand. "Proud of you."

Sophie joined them, grinning. "You two are officially my favorite couple. The drama is exhausting, but you're handling it like pros."

Emma laughed. "I'm trying."

Lucas added, "We're both trying."

A new beginning

That afternoon, as they walked home again, Emma felt lighter.

There would be more challenges. More rumors. Maybe even more photos. But for now, she knew one thing for sure:

Whatever came, she and Lucas would face it together.

And that, she realized, made all the difference.