This is going to be hard. We're going up against people who are used to winning. Then maybe it's time they learned how to lose, Ayana said, her voice steady. I'll bring everything I've found so far. And Marcus, be careful at school today.
Watch your back. Always do. See you at 4. 4:00. Ayana confirmed.
We'll start building our case. She ended the call and looked at her wall of achievements again. This time, instead of feeling defeated, she felt a surge of purpose. Each certificate, each award was proof that she belonged at Willoughby High, that she had earned her place. No amount of bullying or threats could take that away.
Her mother appeared in the doorway, already dressed for work. You're up early," she said softly. Couldn't sleep. Ayana replied, "Mom, I'm going to Marcus's house later. We have a project to work on. " Her mother nodded, understanding in her eyes.
"Just be home for dinner. " She paused. "And Ayana, whatever you're planning, be careful. " "I will," Ayana promised. "I'm not going to do anything wrong. I'm just going to expose what's already wrong. Her mother smiled sadly.
Sometimes that's the most dangerous thing of all. The walk to Marcus's house felt longer than usual. Ayana kept looking over her shoulder, hyper aare of every passing car. She carried her laptop in her backpack along with a notebook filled with her morning research. The afternoon sun beat down on her shoulders as she finally reached Marcus's front porch.
Marcus opened the door before she could knock. Come on in. I've already started mapping out connections on my computer. Ayana followed him to the kitchen where his laptop sat surrounded by snacks and empty soda cans. True to his word, his mom had left them a plate of chocolate chip cookies.
First things first, Marcus said, pulling up a spreadsheet. I made a list of names. Students who left suddenly or transferred in the past 2 years. There's a pattern. Ayana leaned in, scanning the screen.
How did you get this information? School newspaper archives. I write for them, remember? Plus, the yearbook committee keeps pretty detailed records. He pointed to a name.
Look at this one. Elijah Carter. He was top of his class freshman year, then suddenly went quiet, started missing school. His grades dropped. Now he works at the grocery store after school and barely talks to anyone.
I remember him," Ayana said softly. "He used to answer all the questions in biology. Then one day, he just stopped. " Marcus nodded. "I saw him this morning. He was watching when Tyler and his friends were laughing about your suspension in the hallway.