Chapter 43
Andrea sat alone in the farthest corner of the cafeteria, her tray of food untouched in front of her. The once-familiar hum of conversation around her now felt like a constant reminder of her fall. Students glanced her way, their whispers and giggles carrying easily across the room.
“Is she really sitting here alone?”
“I heard someone saw her crying after the draw. Pathetic.”
“Do you think she still thinks she’s better than us?”
Andrea tightened her grip on her fork, staring at the tray as if it could shield her from the harsh words. She reminded herself to breathe, to ignore them, to keep her head high. But it wasn’t easy.
As the lunch period wore on, Andrea tried to keep her focus on her plate. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a group of elite students approaching, their movements deliberate.
“Oh, look,” one of them said loudly, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. “The mighty Queen has fallen.”
Andrea didn’t respond, keeping her eyes on her food.
“Do you think she misses the fancy parties?” another one teased.
“She doesn’t even deserve this table,” one of the boys sneered, holding up a mop bucket filled with dirty, gray water.
Andrea froze, her pulse quickening as she realized what was about to happen.
“Don’t,” she said quietly, her voice shaking despite her best efforts.
They laughed.
In one quick motion, the boy tipped the bucket over her tray, the filthy water splashing onto her food, her lap, and even the edge of her sweater.
Andrea shot to her feet, the gasps and laughter from nearby tables echoing around her. The sharp, sour smell of the water clung to her clothes, and tears burned in her eyes.
“Oops,” the boy said with a smirk. “Looks like your lunch got ruined.”
Andrea grabbed her tray and fled, her vision blurring as she pushed through the cafeteria doors and into the hallway.
Andrea found a quiet corner outside, away from the chaos. She sank onto the cold stone bench, staring down at her soaked sweater and jeans. Her chest heaved as she tried to stop the tears that threatened to fall.
She wiped at her face angrily, furious with herself for letting them get to her. But no matter how hard she tried, the laughter and whispers wouldn’t leave her mind.
The rest of the day was no better.
As Andrea walked out of her last class, a group of students blocked her path, their smug smiles and mocking expressions setting her on edge.
“Where do you think you’re going, Joker?” one of them asked, stepping closer.
Andrea’s heart raced as she backed up, her bag clutched tightly in her hands. “Leave me alone,” she said, trying to sound firm, but her voice wavered.
“Or what?” another boy taunted, leaning in. “You’ll cry on us? Run to the Sinclairs?”
The mention of the brothers made Andrea’s stomach twist. They were nowhere to be found, and she wasn’t sure if they’d even care if they were.
“Back off,” came a sharp voice from behind the group.
The students turned to see Aiden, his sharp eyes cold and unflinching. He stood tall, his presence alone enough to make them hesitate.
“You’re not worth it,” one of them muttered, and the group dispersed quickly.
Andrea let out a shaky breath as Aiden stepped closer, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets.
“You can’t even handle them,” he said bluntly, his tone laced with disdain.
Andrea bristled, her earlier gratitude fading. “I didn’t ask for your help.”
“No, but you needed it,” Aiden shot back.
Andrea stared at him, her frustration bubbling over. “Why do you even care, Aiden? You’ve made it clear you think I’m weak.”
“Because you are,” he said, his voice cutting. “And it’s embarrassing to watch.”
Andrea’s chest tightened, her fists clenching. “If that’s how you feel, then don’t bother next time.”
Aiden’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. “Do you think they’ll always protect you? They won’t. Not me, not Nathaniel, not anyone. You either fight back or get crushed.”
Andrea’s breath caught at his words, their harshness landing like a blow.
“Maybe you should stop expecting someone to save you,” Aiden continued, his tone cold but oddly firm. “Figure it out, Andrea. Or you’ll end up exactly where they want you—at the bottom.”
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the empty hallway.
