There's something about betrayal that lingers—like perfume on stolen clothes.
It's not just the sting of what they did.
It's the fact that they smiled while doing it.
Flashback — Six months Ago
It was spring. Senior prep week. I had just won Head Girl.
Confetti. Balloons. Smiles.
And then came the vote.
A sudden "disciplinary report" dropped.
A scandal, photoshopped and whispered.
Three anonymous tips sealed it.
All traced back to the same three bees:
Hailey. Violet. Serena.
My hive.
"It's nothing personal," Hailey had said.
"You just got… too bright."
And they dimmed me.
Present Day — Ridgewood High
I walk past Violet's locker. She flinches like I'm a ghost.
Good.
Serena avoids eye contact in the hallway, her smile stretched too tight.
She knows.
Guilt is a perfume too.
It seeps from her skin when I'm near.
Gym Class — The Setup
I'm stretching on the bleachers when I spot Hailey talking to Coach Renn.
All fake concern and soft voice.
A minute later, the Coach walks over.
"Brielle? You'll be partnered with Jaxon today."
Of course I will.
Jaxon Cruz.
Mr. Charisma.
The one who watched me fall and said nothing.
He jogs over, smirking. His jersey clings just right—he's used to getting what he wants.
"Didn't think you'd come back," he says.
"Didn't think you'd still be here," I fire back.
That wipes the smile off his face.
Mid-Drills
We're passing the ball when he leans closer.
"You're not like them. You're... dangerous now."
I chuckle. "I've always been. You just missed it."
After Class — Girls' Locker Room
Serena corners me.
"Bri… I didn't want to vote."
"But you did."
"Hailey said you'd survive it…"
I raise a brow.
"Tell Hailey she was right. I did survive. And now I'm thriving."
Serena looks like she wants to cry.
Too late, baby. This isn't regret. This is karma knocking.
I grab my bag, toss my ponytail over my shoulder, and walk out like the hallway's my runway.
Phone Buzzes — New Message from Unknown Number
"Watch your back, Queen. Not everyone's who they seem."
I pause.
Plot twist?
Game on.