Chapter 21 — The Calm Shatters
The school bus rattled over the winding road, laughter and chatter filling the air. Students were buzzing about the camping trip—smores, campfires, games—but Jay's stomach was a knot of unease.
"I don't know why I have to stop by my old school for some paperwork," she muttered, clutching her folder. Alys, sitting across from her, gave a sympathetic glance.
"You'll be fine," Alys said. "It's just a quick stop. Nothing bad's going to happen."
Jay didn't answer. Her heart was pounding, not just from nerves, but from the memory of past encounters she'd rather forget.
The Old School
Jay stepped out, the folder clutched tightly in her hands. The halls were familiar, the smell of disinfectant and textbooks bringing back memories she had tried to bury.
And then she saw him.
Cyrus.
His eyes were cold, sharp. That smirk didn't reach his face.
"Well, well… look who decided to show up," he said, his voice low and threatening.
Jay froze. "C-Cyrus… I'm just here for—"
"Papers? Sure." He stepped closer. "You think you can just waltz back into my life and pretend nothing happened?"
Before she could react, his hand shot out. Jay tried to dodge, but his fist caught her side. Pain shot through her ribs. She stumbled, her vision blurring.
Her breathing hitched. Not again… not here…
Section E to the Rescue
The noise of the scuffle drew attention. Within minutes, Keifer, Drake, Percy, and Cian were storming through the hall.
"Jay!" Keifer shouted, barreling toward her.
Cyrus froze, sizing them up. "This isn't over."
Keifer's fists clenched. "You want another round? Fine. But back off her."
A quick scuffle followed, and Cyrus finally backed off, leaving Jay shaking, bruised, and sore. Keifer immediately pulled her into a protective grip.
"Are you okay?" he demanded, eyes scanning her injuries.
"I… I'm fine," Jay said quickly, brushing him off. "It's nothing. Really."
Keifer's jaw tightened. "Nothing? You're bleeding, idiot."
"I said I'm fine!" she snapped, though her voice wavered.
Drake gave her a pointed look. "Jay… you really should go to the hospital."
"No." Jay shook her head stubbornly. "I'm not going. I don't need anyone fussing over me."
Alys & Drake — The Breaking Point
Alys had arrived just moments later, eyes wide at the sight of Jay's bruises. "Jay! What happened?"
"I'm fine, Alys, really," Jay said, forcing a smile.
But the real heartbreak was Drake's quiet refusal to explain the timing of his late arrival, the delay that could have prevented Cyrus from hurting her sooner. Alys begged him, tears streaming down her face, but Drake just shook his head.
"I… I can't," he muttered.
Alys's cries broke into full sobs. "Why won't you tell me? I don't understand!"
Drake looked away, jaw tight. "I'm protecting you. That's all."
Her shoulders shook as she backed away. "I… I can't do this."
And just like that, their relationship fractured in a way that words alone couldn't mend.
It wasn't just about jay getting hurt.Not really.
It was about the built up anger Alys had because of Drake's coldness. The same coldness that made her feel unwanted,unneeded.
The coldness that made it feel like Drake wasn't really there somewhere in his own mind.
And Alys had enough of this the coldness, being the only one putting efforts in the relationship and him.
So even if it hurt her and cracked open her heart. She let go.
Because jay getting hurt was Aly's last straw.
Keifer's Protective Streak Emerges
Meanwhile, Keifer's entire demeanor shifted. He stayed glued to Jay's side, checking her constantly, tension radiating from him in a way that made everyone uncomfortable—including Jay.
"You're not leaving my sight," he said quietly, gripping her wrist when she tried to step away. "I don't care if you hate me right now, you stay close."
Jay blinked. "Keifer… I'm fine. You're… acting weird."
"No," he said sharply, eyes flashing. "I'm acting smart. You got hurt, and if anyone tries that again…" He didn't finish the sentence, but the message was clear.
Jay swallowed, a mixture of relief and apprehension flooding her chest. This was the start of something she couldn't quite name—fear, trust, and… something dangerous simmering beneath the surface.
Closing — Ominous Calm
The group finally got back on the bus, quiet for once. Jay leaned against the window, staring at the trees rushing by, trying to ignore the ache in her ribs.
Alys sat beside her, sniffling but holding onto Drake's abandoned jacket, still heartbroken. Keifer was just behind her, still tense, still watching.
The laughter and excitement of the camping trip felt far away.
But… how long can this fragile happiness last?