A few girls whispered behind their hands, eyes wide. Even Miley, still pouting from the announcement, kept looking over with a mix of confusion and disapproval.
Ms. Hayes seemed completely unaware, or at least unconcerned. She paced slow in front of the board, heels clicking on the floor, skirt swaying with her steps.
Leon sat relaxed, arms crossed, watching her with a small, satisfied smile.
Ryan sat frozen in his seat, staring at the back of Leon's head, mind racing.
Everything was changing too fast.
The teacher he had always respected for being strict and professional was dressed like she was going out at night.
Leon, who skipped classes and never did homework, was now class rep and festival leader.
The lunch bell rang and the classroom emptied quickly. Students grabbed their bags and headed out in groups, voices filling the hallway with the usual chatter about food and plans.
Ryan lingered at his desk for a moment, watching the room clear. Near the front, a small circle of girls had gathered around Miley's seat. Miley was still sitting there, head down, shoulders shaking a little as she wiped her eyes. The girls around her spoke in soft voices, one rubbing her back, another saying things like "It's not fair" and "You were the best rep we had."
Emily had joined them too, kneeling beside Miley's chair and giving her a gentle hug. "Don't worry, Miley. It'll be okay."
Ryan felt a knot in his stomach. He didn't know what to do or say. Part of him wanted to go over and comfort Miley too, but he felt like everything happening was somehow his fault, even if he couldn't explain why.
He decided it was better to leave. He grabbed his bag and slipped out to the canteen.
The canteen was already busy. Ryan got a tray, picked a simple sandwich and a drink, and found an empty table in the corner where he could eat alone.
He sat down and took a bite, trying to focus on the food and not think about the morning.
A few minutes later Leon appeared, tray in hand, that easy smile on his face.
"Hey, bro," Leon said, dropping into the seat across from him. "Mind if I join?"
Ryan shook his head. "No, go ahead."
Leon started eating, looking relaxed. "How's your day going so far?"
Ryan shrugged. "Okay, I guess. Just normal."
Leon nodded. "Yeah, Mondays are always slow. But things are looking up."
They ate in quiet for a bit, Leon talking about some game he played over the weekend, Ryan giving short answers.
Then Leon leaned forward a little. "By the way, to celebrate becoming the new class rep, I'm throwing a party."
Ryan looked up, unsure. "A party?"
"Yeah," Leon said, grinning wider. "I'm pretty happy about it. Small celebration, you know, just to mark the occasion."
Ryan hesitated. "Good… I guess."
Leon laughed. "Come on, why aren't you excited? The party's at your house."
Ryan froze, sandwich halfway to his mouth. "What?"
Leon nodded like it was obvious. "My place isn't big enough for everyone I want to invite, and you're my best friend, so I figured your house is perfect. Bigger living room, nice backyard. It'll be fun."
Ryan's mind raced. His house. With his mom naked all the time now. And Leon inviting who knows how many people.
He opened his mouth to say no, to refuse, but the words stuck. Leon was looking at him with that expectant smile, and Ryan felt the familiar cowardice take over.
"I… I don't mind," he said quietly instead.
Leon cheered, punching the air a little. "Yes! I knew you'd be cool with it. You're the best friend ever, man."
He leaned back, still excited. "It's tonight, by the way. After school. I'll handle most of the stuff, you just chill."
Ryan just nodded, feeling numb.
Before standing up to leave, Leon reached into his bag and pulled out a small, plain black box tied with a red ribbon. He slid it across the table to Ryan.
"Here, this is for your mom. A gift for helping with the celebration tonight."
Ryan looked at the box. "What is it?"
Leon stood up, tray in hand. "Don't open it. It's for Lauren. Just hand it to her when you get home and tell her it's from me for today's party."
He gave Ryan a wink and walked off toward the trash bins.
Ryan sat there alone, staring at the box on the table.
The lunch bell was going to ring soon.
He picked it up carefully and put it in his bag.
To be continued…
* * * * *
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