Lena’s fingers tightened on the hard edges of her metal tray as she stared across the packed cafeteria, hoping to find either Ty or an empty table. The day so far had been no different to one at her old school—girls either glaring jealously at her or laughing and whispering behind their hands. Guys grabbing or smacking her ass, asking if she wanted to get to know them better. All that was missing were the accusations she was screwing every athlete on campus, though she was sure it wouldn’t take long for those rumors to start.

Well, at least it feels like home.

“Hey, Lena!”

She jumped at the shout, seeing Autumn waving frantically at her. A fellow sophomore, the bubbly redhead had volunteered to show her around the school, and was her assigned partner for study hall. The only problem was that she’d apparently never learned how to whisper, making it impossible to ask anything Lena didn’t want the entire room hearing the answer to.

“Come on,” Autumn ran up to her, still beaming. “I’ll show you where my friends and I sit!”

Lena followed mutely, thinking about the only questions the other girl had refused to answer; the teacher’s aide in their chemistry class had gotten things rolling so quickly that they’d been able to start their homework before the hour was up. She slumped in the seat Autumn had pushed out for her, pushed aside her tray and buried her face in her arms. Two classes had passed since she’d seen the guy, and she still couldn’t get him out of her head—his flawless dark skin, cool gaze and high, neat ponytail. He’d only spoken as necessary, his voice even and deep, and he’d had an assuring, yet commanding presence. She sat up and propped her chin in her hand, playing with the loose corner of her sandwich wrapper. She was surprised Kara had given her lunch money at all.

“Who is that guy?”

She looked up when Autumn sighed, the only unenthused noise she’d heard the girl make.

“He’s a junior,” she said, brushing a curly lock of auburn hair from her warm brown eyes. Her pale skin was scattered with freckles. “His name’s Jason.”

Lena looked at her. A junior, and he was already an aide? Autumn nodded.

“That’s all I know for sure, that’s why I couldn’t answer your questions,” she opened her chocolate milk and took a sip. “My boyfriend’s in his band, though, he’ll know more.”

“More about what?” Ty sat down next to her, put an arm around her and kissed her cheek.

“That weird guy you’re friends with, the quiet one,” she swatted his hand away from her milk. “Lena was asking about him earlier.”

“You know his name’s Jason, and he’s not weird,” he sounded like they’d had the disagreement before. “You’d know that if you actually talked to him, instead of listening to those dumb stories.”

He pulled away, unwrapped his sandwich and took a large bite. She twirled a lock of hair around one slim finger.

“There’s just something I’ve never trusted about him,” she argued, taking her milk out of his reach. He shook his head, then swallowed.

“He’s nowhere near as bad as you think,” he told her, then looked over her head toward the doors. “But speaking of untrustworthy…”

“Oh no,” Autumn followed his gaze, groaning as she turned back to the table. “Not her again!”

Lena turned to see a tall, slender girl sauntering toward them, her long, artfully curled black hair bouncing with each step. Her cloud gray eyes lacked the smile plastered to her full red lips, the expression turning venomous when she reached their table.

“I heard we were getting a new girl today,” she focused on Lena, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “What was your name again? Whoreina?”

Lena snorted, was that really the best this girl could come up with?

“It’s Lena,” she tilted her head. “Who’re you?”

The girl leveled a haughty stare at her.

“The name’s Stephanie, newbie,” she answered flatly. “And you better remember it.”

Lena tucked some loose hair behind her ear.

“Why’s that?”

Stephanie laughed scornfully.

“Because I rule this place,” she said with too much pride. “And everyone knows it.”

“Everyone except me,” Lena grinned innocently. “I’m new, remember?”

Stephanie laughed again, the sound fading fast.

“I know, and that’s why I’m telling you,” she leaned over the table. “So you’ll learn your place.”

Lena stared at her, then let out an exaggerated yawn.

“How about you just give me your number? Then I can call you when I care.”

She got up, tossed her uneaten lunch in the trash and slid the tray in the rack on top of the can. She’d been feeling sick lately, anyway.

“Now if that’s all you wanted, I’ve got better things to do.”

Stephanie huffed.

“I’d suggest changing that outfit first,” she side-eyed Lena’s tie-dye halter dress, cropped denim jacket and white sandals. “Or do you want everyone to know you’re a loser?”

Lena scoffed.

“Better a loser than a poser,” she swept past her, then snickered. “I’m loving the tail, though!”

Autumn and Ty started laughing, Autumn pointing to the limp trail of toilet paper fluttering at the back of Stephanie’s skirt. Stephanie glared at her, her face flushing red as the laughter spread. She ripped the paper off, crushing it in her fist as she whirled back to Lena.

“You better enjoy this, bitch,” she snapped menacingly. “Because I am going to end you!”

Lena shrugged, throwing a small wave over her shoulder as she twirled away.

“Have fun with that, Steph!”