Chapter 2 THE ENCOUNTER

The moment Xavier walked away, the cafeteria burst into chaos.

Whispers.

Gasps.

Stares.

Hailey barely registered any of it. Her heart was still hammering in her chest, her skin tingling where his hands had been just moments ago.

What just happened?

She slowly sank back into her seat, feeling Jessa's wide-eyed gaze burning into her.

"Okay... what the hell was that?" Jessa demanded, practically bouncing in her seat.

"Did Xavier Knight just...wait...what's going on between you two?"

Hailey shook her head quickly.

"Nothing. I don't even know him"

Jessa snorted. "Yeah, well, he sure as hell knows you"

Hailey clenched her fists, staring down at her untouched food. She wanted to disappear. To pretend none of that just happened. But the cafeteria wasn't letting her.

All around them, students were still whispering, girls glaring at her like she had just stolen something precious from them.

Brielle, who sat a few tables away, looked livid.

Hailey swallowed hard. She needed to get out of here.

"Excuse me" she muttered, grabbing her tray and standing up.

Jessa called after her, but she didn't stop. She just needed air. Space. Anything to clear her mind of him.

But the moment she stepped out of the cafeteria, she realized one terrifying thing-

Xavier Knight was dangerous.

Brielle suddenly came from nowhere, blocking her way with her arms crossed. Her two friends, Tessa and Lila were with her.

"Well, well, look who it is" Brielle drawled, tilting her head.

The new school slut"

Hailey stiffened. "Excuse me?"

Tessa let out a dramatic gasp, pressing a hand to her chest.

"Oh, come on, Hailey. You really think people didn't see what just happened? Xavier Knight, of all people, touching you?" She laughed, shaking her head.

"That was pathetic"

"You know, girls have tried for months to get his attention. And yet, somehow, you just...what? Stumble into his lap?" Lila said.

Hailey clenched her fists.

"I didn't ask for his attention"

"Oh, but you got it. And trust me, Hailey, that's a very dangerous thing" Brielle said and then continued by moving closer.

"You're not special. You're just a toy he'll get bored of and when he does? You'll wish you never even looked at him"

Hailey swallowed hard, her throat dry.

"Stay out of his way because if you don't-" She trailed off, giving Hailey a slow, knowing look before flipping her hair over her shoulder.

"Well... don't say I didn't warn you"

With that, she and her friends brushed past her, laughing.

Hailey stood frozen.

What had she just gotten herself into?

She let out a shaky breath, trying to push down the lump in her throat. Her hands clenched by her sides as Brielle and her friends walked away, their laughter still ringing in her ears.

"Hailey!" She heard a familiar voice call her.

Jessa jogged up beside her. "You really just left me in the cafeteria" she said, shaking her head.

"Cold"

"Sorry" Hailey muttered.

Jessa eyed her, then glanced back toward Brielle and her group, who just entered an empty class.

"I see they're already starting their usual nonsense"

Hailey sighed. "I don't get it. I don't understand why Brielle hates me this much"

Jessa shot her a confused look.

"Wait, hates you? You guys know each other?"

Hailey let out a dry laugh.

"She's my cousin"

Jessa stopped walking.

"You're kidding"

Hailey shook her head. Jessa's jaw dropped for a second before she scoffed.

"Wow. And here I thought she was just mean for fun. Turns out, she's actually heartless"

Hailey looked away, not wanting to let the conversation dig too deep.

Jessa nudged her lightly.

"Well, don't let her get to you. And while we're on that topic, try to avoid Xavier too. The last thing you need is more trouble" she said and Hailey nodded without saying anything.