"Why didn't you say anything tonight?" he asked. "Because it wouldn't matter," she replied. "People don't listen when they already decided who you are." Trevor nodded slowly. "Yeah, I get that."
Before either of them could say more, a shrill whistle cut through the air. "Everyone," a teacher called out. "We just received word it's a false alarm." "Someone pulled the lever in the hallway. You can go back inside."
Students groaned. Some cheered. Everyone turned around and started heading back into the ballroom. Trevor looked at Marina. "You want to go back in?
We can sit together this time." Marina considered it. Part of her wanted to go home and forget the night existed. But another part of her, a bigger part, refused to let Dylan and his friends think they pushed her out. "Yeah," she said.
"I'm not running." Trevor grinned. "Cool. Let's go." They walked inside together, but Marina didn't realize Dylan, Brandon, and Jace weren't done with her.
The false alarm didn't cool them down. It made them reckless. And as the music started again, and the chaperones tried to get things back to normal, the trio regrouped near the back of the room, whispering urgently. Jace pointed at Marina with his chin. "Round two."
Dylan's eyes narrowed. "Round two." But what they didn't know was that Marina was done playing defense and the next move wouldn't be theirs anymore. Back inside, the ballroom felt different. Not calmer, just tighter.
Like everyone sensed the night had taken a turn they couldn't explain yet. The lights from the chandeliers reflected off the sticky punch stains on the carpet. Teachers were scattered around trying to regain control of the event, but the students were whispering non-stop, and every whisper circled back to Marina. Marina and Trevor took a seat at one of the small round tables near the dance floor. Trevor grabbed two bottles of water and handed her one.
"You need this," he said. "Thanks," she replied, twisting off the cap. He leaned in a little, lowering his voice. "Just keep your guard up. Those guys still look pissed."
Marina scanned the room. Dylan leaned against a wall with his arms crossed, staring at her like he was studying a puzzle he couldn't solve. Brandon bounced nervously on his heels. Jace swayed slightly, cracking his knuckles like he thought it made him look tough. "They think I embarrassed them," Marina said quietly.
"You didn't embarrass them," Trevor replied. "They embarrass themselves." "Yeah," she said. "But people like that, they don't see it that way," Trevor sighed. "Maybe we should stay close to the teachers."
"No," Marina said, shaking her head. "That's exactly what they want—to make me feel like I need protection." Trevor studied her a moment. "You know, most people don't talk like that." "Well, most people haven't been punched in the face as many times as I have,"," she replied, letting out a tiny laugh.
Trevor laughed with her, but it was cut short when a glass clinked loudly on the floor. They both turned. Jace had kicked a cup toward their table. "Oops," Jace said, smiling wide. "My bad," Brandon snickered.