The next lesson after Chemistry was History, and as luck would have it, Sky and I were separated. Different teachers, different sides of the building.
Sky looked a little uneasy about it when we split off at the stairwell, but I just gave him a reassuring pat on the back. "You'll survive," I teased, before heading toward the classrooms.
History passed in a blur of glass beakers, harsh fluorescent lights, and a lecture that I barely absorbed. All I could think about was the strange encounter with Isabella — or Bella — from earlier.
When the bell finally rang, releasing us for lunch, I shoved my notes into my bag and practically jogged out the door, weaving through the crowd of students until I spotted Sky standing near the lockers.
"Hey!" he called out, grinning when he saw me. "Ready to eat? I'm starving."
"Same," I said, adjusting my strap as we started heading down the hallway together toward the cafeteria.
That's when I saw her.Bella.She was standing with a small circle of girls — maybe three or four — laughing softly about something one of them had said. She stood out effortlessly, even in casual conversation. Her brown curls were gathered in a loose ponytail today, and she wore a sleek black jacket over her black booty short, giving her an easy, untouchable coolness.
Sky followed my gaze and blinked in surprise. "Wait, she has a group?" he whispered like it was a revelation.
Before I could answer, Bella looked up and locked eyes with me. A slow, easy smile spread across her face. I raised my hand in a casual wave.
"Hey, Bella," I called out, a little louder than I intended.
Sky's head whipped toward me so fast I thought he might pull something."You just called her Bella?" he hissed under his breath, eyes wide. "You—you call her Bella?!"There was something almost betrayed in his tone, like I'd casually revealed I was her lifelong best friend.
I shrugged, trying to seem casual even though inside, yeah, I knew that wasn't normal. Most people probably stuck with Isabella unless they were close.
Bella tilted her head, amused, and motioned for us to come over."Come sit with us," she said, her voice light but commanding. "We have extra space."
Sky looked like he was about to melt on the spot.
Still stunned, he followed me as we walked over to her table — the cool kids' table, where some of the best-dressed, most confident-looking students in the school were already lounging. Bella's friends welcomed us without much fuss, scooting over to make room.
I ended up sitting across from Bella, who leaned casually on one elbow, twirling a plastic fork in her hand while she talked with her group. Sky squeezed in beside me, stiff as a board, clearly trying to figure out how breathing worked in such "high-level" company.
Camilla showed up not long after, dropping her tray onto the table with a loud clatter. "Is this where the party's at?" she grinned, sliding into the seat next to Bella. Bella smirked and nudged her with her shoulder.
It was easy. Almost too easy.For a minute, I let myself enjoy it—the normalcy, the laughter.
Until it happened.
My contact lenses flickered. A soft ping sounded in my right ear, almost inaudible over the cafeteria noise.Across from me, Bella stiffened slightly, her casual demeanor sharpening. I saw the faintest shimmer of text flash across her eyes:
[Mission Assigned: Immediate Response Required.]
Our gazes met.No words needed.
Bella gave an imperceptible nod toward the side exit. I caught it immediately.Without drawing attention, she stretched as if bored, standing up with her tray. I mirrored her, mumbling something about needing more napkins.
Sky looked up, confused. "Where are you—?"
"Bathroom," I lied smoothly, already stepping away.
Together, Bella and I slipped away from the table, disappearing into the tide of students without a backward glance.