Brookwood was cracking in real time. "You're going to regret this," he spat, jabbing a finger toward her face. "You have no idea who you're messing with." Maya lowered her phone but kept it ready.
"I know exactly who I'm dealing with. a coward who relies on intimidation because he has nothing else to offer. The words landed like a physical blow. Evan's face contorted with rage, but the bell rang before he could respond. Students began hurrying to class, though many lingered to watch the drama unfold. This isn't over, Evan growled before storming away, shoving younger students aside as he went.
Maya gathered her remaining papers, her hands steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her. A few brave students gave her subtle nods of approval as they passed. The day crawled by in a haze of new teachers, introductions, and sidelong glances. Maya felt Evans predatory stares from across classrooms and cafeteria tables. He was watching, waiting, plotting his revenge.
When the final bell rang, Maya headed to her assigned locker to gather her things. She immediately noticed something was wrong. The lock had been tampered with. The metal scratched around the dial. She tried her combination, but the mechanism stuck.
Opening her phone, she documented the damage, adding it to her growing collection of evidence. She'd need to report this to the office, though she had little hope they'd take action. If this was how Evan operated, he clearly had protection from somewhere. The next day, Maya's muscles tensed as she approached the cafeteria for lunch. She'd packed her own food, wanting to avoid the lunchline drama.
But as she neared the double doors, a familiar figure stepped into her path. Evan leaned against the wall with exaggerated casualness, his smirk promising trouble. He'd positioned himself perfectly,