The first day of 9th grade hit Grace like a wave.
Everything was bigger. Taller hallways. Stricter teachers. Louder students.
But her squad… her people… were still there. Julian, Zoey, Ella, David, Dylan, Ethan, and Theo (he had finally found a balance with the group) were already walking together toward the cafeteria.
Grace inhaled. A small smile tugged at her lips.
High school wasn't intimidating when you had people who truly had your back.
Class placements:
9A: Grace, Julian, Zoey, Ella, David, Dylan
9C: Nate, Claire, Peyton, Ethan
9B: Lucy, Adrian, Audrey, Theo
Lily and Zara were around too, hovering on the edges like storm clouds that weren't quite dissipated.
Grace knew they could make trouble — but this year, the squad was stronger.
Hallway chaos:
First period ended. Lockers slammed. Students shouted greetings to friends.
Grace glanced around. Her squad fell naturally into formation:
Nate and Adrian laughing very loudly.
Dylan and Ethan bantering loudly.
Zoey whispering jokes to Ella.
Theo and Lucy making extremely bad jokes.
David teasing Grace, making her laugh.
Julian casually looping his arm with hers as they walked.
The dynamic hadn't changed — it had leveled up.
Lily tried to catch Julian's attention in the hallway.
Julian didn't even glance. Grace noticed but didn't panic.
"Good," she muttered under her breath. "Finally. Focused."
Lunch:
The group claimed their usual table. High school had bigger lunchrooms, but they still made the corner theirs.
Lily and Zara attempted a few subtle interruptions:
Zara leaned near Julian to whisper something loudly enough for Grace to hear.
Lily tried to sit near Grace during lunch line.
The response? The group acted as one.
Dylan lightly blocked Lily with his backpack.
Zoey and Ella flanked Grace, subtle but protective.
David positioned himself so Lily couldn't squeeze past.
Julian casually looped his arm with Grace, smiling softly at her.
Grace breathed. The squad had grown from chaos into strategy.
High school challenges started immediately:
New sports competitions.
Science fairs and projects requiring teamwork.
Clubs forming, and everyone jockeying for positions.
Grace realized something: 9th grade wasn't about surviving.
It was about thriving.
And with Julian by her side, the squad backing her, and her friends all growing together, she knew this year was going to be unforgettable.