Daisy hadn’t even made it past the front entrance before the whispers started.

“Jordan is back…”

“I saw him walk in earlier.”

“…I hope she doesn’t stir up another fight.”

“She must love the attention. Two boys fighting over her? Please.”

“I don’t even see what they see in her.”

She heard every word. Some were loud enough to be intentional, others were low murmurs meant to sting from a distance. Daisy didn’t respond. She just adjusted the strap of her backpack and kept walking. Head high, eyes forward, even though her chest was tight.

Classroom 2B was already half full. The moment she stepped in, her gaze flicked toward...