Page 76 of Perfect on Paper

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Locker 89

Brooke wouldn’t speak to me the next day. She hadn’t responded to my texts or DMs the night before, so I guess I’d kind of expected this, but it was still another level of horrific to have her look me in the eyes coldly and then move her gaze right past me.

I was used to being alone at school, but not while there were other kids here. This morning, while I floated awkwardly waiting for the bell, pretending to busy myself at my locker or walking with purpose like I had somewhere to be, it felt like everybody was staring at me.

Then, around the time I doubled back and started retracing my steps, still walking with purpose, I realized everybodywasstaring at me. As I passed Marie, she opened her mouth like she was going to say something, then closed it and looked away. A group of girls whispered among themselves, and Idefinitelyheard my name, and all of themlooked up as I passed with all the subtlety of a viral TikTok.

I slowed my pace and stared around the hall, my neck prickling with the stares. How could it be that so many people knew Brooke and I had blown up the day before? More importantly, how could it be that so many peoplecared?

Then a girl I only barely,barelyknew approached me. I only recognized her because of her impeccable taste in hijabs, which she always coordinated with her eye shadow. But I couldn’t have pulled her name out of a hat with a single slip in it.

“Hey, can I talk to you for a second?” she asked.

All eyes were on us. A hit new Broadway show, starring me and brilliantly pigmented eye shadow girl. There was nothing bizarre about this whatsoever.

We walked a few steps down the hall until we were away from the main hub. Even then we didn’t exactly have much privacy, so we angled toward the wall and spoke in whispers.

“So, what’s… how can I help you?” I finished haltingly.

“I wanted to ask you to please keep my letter quiet,” she said. “I thought it was confidential when I sent it, and it’s really, really important it stays between us.”

And finally, I realized what was going on.

Pins and needles flooded my body, and the world seemed to desaturate. “How did you know about that?” I asked, thinly.

But I knew the answer, didn’t I?

“Oh. Everyone knows. I figured you’d… Sorry.”

Somehow, I managed to stay upright, and semi-steady. “Okay, I see. Um. Right. I don’t know who you are, and I don’t know what letter you mean in particular, but I haven’t told anyone anything. It’s totally confidential.”

Oh, theskepticismon her face. “Really? Because I heard—”

“Yes, one incident happened yesterday, but I promise you, it was isolated. I will never, ever tellanyonewhat you wrote me…”

“Hadiya.” She didn’t look convinced. “I’m serious, though, it really can’t get out.”

“Hadiya, I swear on my sister’s life I will not tell a soul about your letter. Please don’t worry. But I… I need to go.”

Everyonewaslooking at me.

Iwasthe star of the show. The surprise villain revealed.

I needed to find Brooke, because even though there was nothing she could say that would make this better—I alreadyknewwhat had happened here—it was the only obvious next step. And I needed to have a next step. If I didn’t, I would have no choice but to stand alone, helpless in the middle of this crowd while accusing stares were directed my way.

So, step one. Walk.

My feet cooperated.

Step two. Locate.

She was already outside the classroom, waiting to go inside and bag a seat as far away from me as she could. At least she didn’t try to get away when she saw me storm up.

“You told everyone?” I hissed as soon as I was within earshot.

She stood her ground and spoke in a firm tone. “I told Ray. She had every right to know what happened.”

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