Before that incident, Ellie approached her nightly practice with a quiet resolve, diligently packing up her things and leaving after bidding goodnight to old Mr. James at the gate. To an onlooker, she seemed completely unruffled, as if unaware of the whispers and snide comments that circled around her at school. Her focus was singular, honed intently on her textbooks and the lessons taught in class.

Returning from the restroom after two grueling math periods that afternoon, the hallways were lively, crowded with students stretching their legs—a mix of boys and girls, but predominantly the former. Ellie walked hastily, head down, trying to avoid attention. But there, leaning against the banister, was Mike, the very student who'd taunted her the day before. He casually blocked her path, mocking, “Surprised you didn’t shatter a kneecap.”

Ellie had spent the night nursing her bruises with a hot towel and the herbal liniment her Aunt Lisa provided, claiming a clumsy fall as the cause. The swelling had reduced considerably by morning. Ignoring Mike’s bait, she attempted to sidestep him.

Unrelenting, Mike shoved her, causing her to stumble forward, perilously close to falling. His laughter rang out, “Still acting all high and mighty?”

Ellie swallowed her retort, her eyes lowered, and walked back into the classroom. Finding no satisfaction in further provocation, Mike followed, watching her take her seat before snatching the chalk dust tray and tipping its contents over her desk. Clouds of white dust erupted, settling over her books. The nearby students scattered, covering their mouths against the invasive particles, while Ellie remained still, stoically enduring the indignity, even as the front of her hair gleaned white.

Ignoring Anna, her indifferent seatmate, Mike tossed the empty tray aside and left, leaving Ellie to meticulously clean her desk, pretending like nothing had happened.

Later, post-basketball, Mike returned to the classroom with his teammates, sweat-drenched and boisterous. Seizing the ball from his friend, Mike feigned a shot, aiming directly for Ellie as she scribbled notes. She evaded it just in time, the ball colliding with her desk with a loud thud, scattering more dust.

“Three-pointer!” Mike whistled triumphantly.

Noah, entering behind him, frowned at the unnecessary drama. “Why do you keep picking on her?”

Approaching Ellie, he asked, “Are you alright?” Meanwhile, Anna sighed loudly, “You nearly gave me a heart attack, Mike. Keep your nonsense to yourself.”

Mike mocked a salute, “Sorry, Madam Rep!”

Noah scowled but turned back to Ellie. “I apologize on his behalf. Everything okay?”

Ellie’s chest heaved with pent-up emotions. She wanted to snap at Noah, dismiss the idea that anyone could speak for Mike. Instead, she stood and issued an unexpected challenge, “After tonight’s study session, let’s settle this.”

Surprised, Mike nodded, intrigued by her sudden defiance, “Sure thing.”

The rest of the evening, the classroom buzzed with excitement, students dawdling after the lights dimmed, drawn by the promise of drama. Yet, neither Ellie nor Mike made a move, sitting as still as statues. Eventually, the curious crowd dwindled as classrooms darkened one by one, leaving only the solitary glow from Class Ten.

Noah, hovering uncertainly, tried dissuading Mike, “Remember, if you lay a hand on her, that's it; we're done. I don’t condone violence against girls.”

Mike waved him off. “If I didn't want a scuffle, I wouldn’t have antagonized her yesterday. Leave if you’re scared.”

With an exasperated sigh, Noah left, echoing his disapproval. Now, only Ellie and Mike remained, tension palpable in the dim room.

Lounging lazily at Ellie’s desk, Mike nudged it with a foot. “Ready for this, country bumpkin?”

Without warning, Ellie sprang to life. Like a cornered predator, she seized his collar, pulling him down with surprising strength. His abdomen met the sharp edge of a concealed object, a shiver of pain triggering awareness.

Her voice, frigid and steady, sliced through the silence. “Insult me again, I dare you.”

As realization set in, Mike cursed, shocked at the unexpected threat. “Are you nuts? Get that thing off me.”

Despite his jostles and tugs, Ellie’s grip was iron, her gaze unyielding, the first cracks of fear unsettling Mike. The knife in her hand edged closer, silent and lethal.

“Keep insulting me, and see what happens,” she threatened.

Caught between bravado and genuine fear, Mike was at a loss. “Just put that down. What the hell are you doing with a knife at school?”

Ellie’s eyes remained locked on his, “I’ve been carrying it, waiting for the right moment.”

Beads of cold sweat trickled down Mike’s back. His voice turned wary, “Well, you took your time.”

Ellie’s icy patience was unnerving, every word deliberate, “Are you going to keep bullying me?”

Mike pursed his lips, fighting against the impulse to relent. “I know you hate me for what happened with Zach... but believe me, I’m pushing myself to prove I belong here. Come term exams, if I'm not mid-class, I’ll step aside.” Her conviction brought tears to her eyes, and she quavered, “But if you say it’s not enough…”

Her voice broke, small hiccups echoing in the room. Mike watched, frozen as she fiercely blinked through her tears.

"Then what?" he whispered, reading the anguish in her tear-streaked face.

"Then I'll make you pay,” she hissed, pure determination chilling her frail figure.

Eying Ellie, Mike found something he hadn’t expected. Behind the tears and fear, she radiated a strength that intrigued him. “You threaten me with a knife?”

The blade trembled but remained steady. “Don’t make me.”

His unusual calm unruffled her wild facade. Having drawn a sort of unspoken truce, Mike finally stood back, fixing his collar. “End-of-term exams, then?” he asked, a new respect threading his tone.

Ellie nodded, the intensity waning. “End of term,” she agreed.

As a sign of détente, Mike moved to pocket the knife. “It’s for both our safety.”

Ellie protested, “That’s not mine. I need it for someone else. Losing it will cost me.”

Mike merely chuckled, more amused than combative now. Turning to leave, he tossed over his shoulder, “Keep it. But remember, if you don’t make it, you’ll have to back your words.”

Left alone, the adrenaline seeped out of Ellie, leaving her drained but resolute. She watched as the last light flickered out. Taking a deep breath, she followed in Mike's wake. 

Outside, she walked towards home when someone stepped in front of her, blocking her path. She sidestepped, only to find her way blocked again. Frustrated, she snapped, “What’s your deal?”

In the shadow of the lamplight stood Justin, tall and imposing. Ellie stopped short, guilt washing over her. 

He spoke softly, “The knife. It’s mine.”

Caught red-handed, her face burned with the shame of knowing he’d likely witnessed the confrontation. She lowered her gaze, muttering, “It’s in my bag.”

Justin stepped around her, retrieving his property. He extracted the blade halfway, its steel gleaming ominously in the lamp's light. Ellie stood quietly, a chastened child braced for discipline.