11: Cracks in the facade

The door of the classroom burst open and Isabel stormed in, her face twisted with rage.

"What is going on here?" Isabel demanded, her eyes blazing with anger.

Dan stood up, his expression calm and confident. "Just having a conversation with Angel," he said. "What business do you have here?"

Isabel's eyes narrowed. "I know you're protecting Angel, Dan. And I want to know why."

Dan smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "Let's just say I have my reasons."

Isabel's face turned red with anger, but she knew better than to mess with Dan. He was feared by everyone in Ridgewood Academy.

"Fine," Isabel spat, turning on her heel. "This isn't over."

With that, she stormed out of the classroom, leaving Dan and Angel alone once again.

"Well, that was fun," Dan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Why did you say that to her?" Angel asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. "I thought she was your girlfriend."

Dan raised an eyebrow. "She's not my girlfriend," he said. "Where did you get that idea?"

Angel looked uncertain. "I just thought...she's always around you, and… that's what everyone in school thinks" She trailed off.

Dan's expression softened slightly. "It's complicated," he said. "But she's definitely not my girlfriend."

Angel nodded, looking relieved. "Okay, I just didn't want to assume anything."

Dan smiled slightly. "You don't have to assume anything about me and Isabel," he said. "We're just... acquaintances, I suppose."

Angel nodded, her eyes still fixed on Dan's face. "Okay, I think I understand," she said. "So, can we continue the conversation?"

Dan's expression turned serious, and he nodded. "Yeah,"

. . .

Angel walked into the kitchen, where her dad was preparing dinner. She took a seat at the counter, watching him with a mix of emotions.

"Hey, sweetheart," her dad said, noticing her presence. "How was your day?"

Angel hesitated, unsure of how to start the conversation. But something about her dad's gentle tone put her at ease.

"It was okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her dad's expression softened. "Ok, tell me about your day"

Angel took a deep breath, telling her dad about her day

Her dad listened attentively, "I know you're going through a tough time," he said

Angel nodded, feeling a sense of understanding. "Yeah, I think we both are."

Her dad put down the knife he was using and walked over to Angel. "I'm here for you, kiddo," he said, giving her a gentle hug. "No matter what."

Angel felt a lump form in her throat as she hugged him back. "Thanks, Dad," she said, her voice muffled.

The next day, Angel and Her Friends walking after a class They were chatting and laughing, but Angel's mind was still on Dan.

"Hey, guys, I have to tell you something," Angel said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Her friends leaned in, curious. "What is it?" Vicky asked.

Angel took a deep breath, telling them about her encounter with Dan and the revelation that Isabel wasn't his girlfriend.

"Then why are they always so close" Mira asked.

"He said they were acquainted, he also said it was complicated" Angel said trying to hide her smile

Her friends exchanged knowing glances, teasing her about her growing interest in Dan.

"Angel's got a crush!" Mira joked, giggling.

Angel's face turned bright red, but she didn't deny it. "Shut up, guys," she said, laughing.

. . .

Isabel, Carly and Liz were all huddled together, whispering and giggling.

"I'm telling you, she'll regret being picked for the competition next week," Isabel said, her eyes gleaming with malice.

Her friends nodded in agreement, their faces filled with excitement. "We'll make sure she doesn't stand a chance," Liz said.

Isabel smiled, her face twisted with anger. "Good," she said. "I want to see her fail."

. . .

Dan is sitted in his luxurious room

Dan's room was sleek and modern, with gray walls, black furniture, and minimalist decor. It felt sterile and impersonal, with no personal touches or mementos. The luxurious space seemed to emphasize his isolation, with a large entertainment system suggesting he spent a lot of time alone.

Staring out the window, He was lost in thought, trying to figure out his feelings for Angel.

He couldn't deny it anymore – he had feelings for her. But what kind of feelings?

Was it just admiration, or was it something more?

Dan sighed, running a hand through his hair. He didn't know, but he was determined to find out.