Chapter 4 JUNO

I don’t know why, but I woke up feeling off. Maybe it was because I found my door open when I woke up and I was sure I shut it last night.

Could it have been Mom? I wasn’t sure.

I got dressed for school and headed downstairs. Mom and her boyfriend were already at the table.

Wait… what is he doing here?

Did he sleep here last night?

“Morning,” I said, taking a seat across from them.

“Good morning, sweetie,” Mom chimed. “Did you sleep well?” she asked, like I was five.

I just looked at her, raising a brow, before reaching for the pancakes on the table.

“I didn’t get a chance to ask about your first day of school.”

Yeah, right. Not when she was busy playing house with her new toy.

“You did,” I said flatly. “And I said it was fine.”

“Okay. Oh… and our neighbor stopped by. They invited us to a small backyard barbecue this weekend. You know, just to welcome us to the neighborhood.” I wasn’t fazed. I just kept eating.

“Okay.”

The conversation drifted back to her and her boyfriend. I just ignored them and finished my food quickly, grabbed my bag, and headed for the door.

I was about to open it when her boyfriend's voice stopped me.

“How about I drop you off at school?”

“I can manage,” I replied, already opening the door.

Because if I stayed any longer, Mom would try to convince me or insist that he dropped me off. I stepped outside and left.

I got to school earlier than usual. A few students were already around, scattered across the hallway. I was heading to class when I saw the principal stepping out of his office.

“Good morning, Miss Maddox. Can I see you in my office?” he said with a polite smile.

Great.

“Yes, sir,” I nodded.

He stepped inside, and I followed, already wondering what the problem was this early in the morning.

I stepped in, closing the door behind me as he took his seat. I remained standing for a second before he gestured to the chair in front of him.

“Have a seat.”

I sat down quietly, my fingers resting on my lap. What could this be about this early? He opened a file on his desk, flipping through a few pages before looking up at me.

“I’ve gone through your records, Miss Maddox. You’re clearly a bright student,” he continued, “but your history suggests a pattern of behavior that is of great concern.”

I didn’t say anything.

“I don't want to point any accusing fingers as to who started what but I'd like you to know that that type of behavior is not acceptable here,” he added, leaning back slightly. “This school as you may know is your final opportunity. It won't be easy for you to get into another school if you leave here because as you may know. You're in your final year and I hope you buckle up and do well.”

My jaw tightened, but I nodded.

“I understand, sir.”

“I’ll also keep an eye on you and assign someone to help you get settled academically,” he continued. “Mr. Finn Hollis.”

Great.

“He’s one of our top students and the head of your class. I suggest you cooperate with him.”

“I will,” I replied, even though we both knew that was debatable.

“Good,” he said, closing the file.

“Because this only works if you’re willing to try, Miss Maddox.”

“You can go now.”

I stood up, giving a small nod before turning to leave.

When I arrived in class, some students were already seated including the so-called head of the class.

I walked straight to my seat and dropped my bag, settling in as I searched for my first subject’s book.

Before I could find it, the chair in front of me scraped loudly against the floor.

I looked up.

It was Greg. He turned the chair around and sat on it backwards, resting his arms on the backrest so he could face me properly.

Of course. I didn’t say anything. Just continued digging through my bag.

“Good morning, Juno,” Greg said, dragging my name like we were old friends.

I ignored him.

“You know, it’s actually nice that you’re here,” he continued. “At least there’s a familiar face around. Someone who can show you around… help you settle in.”

His tone was laced with sarcasm.

“I’m sorry to burst your bubble,” I muttered, not even looking up, “but I don’t need your help.”

“Oh, I’m sure you will.”

“I doubt that.”

He let out a low chuckle.

“You’re still as feisty as ever. I thought maybe you’d changed. Maybe you and I could’ve been friends.”

He said it with an irritating smirk.

I leaned forward slightly, lowering my voice.

“Do you know why I’m here, Greg?” He scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. “Because I broke the nose of your boss. You remember James, right? Well, he's wearing a bandage now because of me. So, in case you have any bright ideas about us being friends... rethink it. I have no problem repeating James’s fate to you.”

I leaned back, watching the flicker of genuine shock cross his face. Just then, the kid who actually owned the desk arrived and tapped Greg’s shoulder. Greg didn't even acknowledge him; before he returned that smug smile.

“Oh, we’re definitely going to be good friends,” he said. “In fact…”

“Gregory.”

The teacher’s voice cut through the room.

“Why are you sitting like that? and "Is that your seat?”

Greg stood up slowly, completely ignoring the question.

As he walked past me, he reached out and patted my head.

“See you later, Juno.”

I immediately brushed my hair like I could wipe away the fact that he touched me.

Disgusting.

The class ended, followed by a few more, each one dragging on longer than the last. Eventually, it was time for lunch.

I found the cafeteria, grabbed a tray, and paid for something that looked decent enough before scanning the room for an empty table.

I sat alone and ate quickly, not really tasting anything. Once I was done, I headed for the library. I just wanted some peace and quiet, maybe even a quick nap to escape the noise in my head, then I stood up and left.

It took me a few minutes to find it, but when I finally did, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

“Library card?”

The librarian’s voice stopped me immediately.

“I don’t have one yet,” I said. “I’m…”

“She’s a new student.”

I turned around and it was Finn. He stood a few steps behind me, hands tucked casually in his pockets. The librarian raised an eyebrow.

“New? This late into the term?” the librarian asked, peering over her glasses. “Is she in your class, Finn?”

Finn gave a sharp nod. That was enough for her; she motioned me to go inside. I didn’t say thank you as I walked past her.

Rows and rows of shelves stretched out in front of me. I kept walking, not entirely sure where I was going.

“The sitting area is this way.”

Finn’s voice came again, already ahead of me.

I followed him through the shelves until we reached an open space filled with tables and students. And that’s when I stopped.

The place was packed. Not loud like the cafeteria but not so quiet either. Low voices filled the space, chairs scraping occasionally, pages flipping, people whispering like they owned the silence.

My eyes scanned the room slowly, every table filled, bodies leaning into each other, heads bent together, soft laughter here and there. It felt… suffocating. This was a Library, it was supposed to be quiet or was it like this because the Librarian was

at the front?

I shifted slightly, my grip tightening around the strap of my bag. This was a bad idea. I turned on my heel immediately, Nope…

I wasn’t doing this.