The things we hide

Maren didn't know who to trust anymore. The morning after the splash of cold water and her mother’s nagging had peeled her off the surface of her bed, she'd gone to school half-present, haunted by the notes. The hallway noise barely registered anymore. The questions in her mind were louder than anything.

Kade.

Maybe he was never the one behind the first note. Maybe it was just Carter messing with her head. Or… someone else? But then, what about Kade’s sudden appearance the other day? Why would he say something like that? Unless… he wasn’t telling the truth.

Maren didn’t get far into her day before trouble found her again.

She was pulled out of third period and sent to the principal’s office. Her heart sank. This couldn’t be happening. She hadn't done anything—she was sure of it. But when she stepped into the room, a security officer stood near the desk. The principal held something in her hand. A small object. Maren didn’t recognize it right away.

“We found this in your locker,” the principal said. “Do you want to explain?”

Maren stepped closer and felt the blood drain from her face.

It was a small vape pen—strictly forbidden. And she’d never seen it before in her life.

“I—I didn’t put that there,” she said, voice trembling. “That’s not mine. I don’t even smoke. You can test me—”

“Someone reported it anonymously. And we had probable cause to check your locker. Your attendance has been… erratic. And there’ve been behavioral concerns logged by several teachers.”

“I didn’t do this. I swear—” Maren felt her knees weaken. “I—I’m being set up. Please, you have to believe me.”

The principal didn’t answer. He seemed tired. He was about to respond when the door suddenly opened.

Kade stepped in.

Both Maren and the principal looked up, startled.

“I did it,” he said plainly. “It was mine. I put it in her locker.”

There was a long, choking silence.

The principal narrowed her eyes. “Excuse me?”

Kade remained still. “I wanted to see her get in trouble. Just… to see what would happen. I hate her. Everyone does.”

Maren flinched like she’d been hit. The words struck harder than they should have. She stared at him, unblinking, lips parted.

Even the principal looked stunned. “Kade, that is an extremely serious accusation to make against yourself—”

“I don’t care,” he interrupted. “It’s the truth. Let her go.”

Maren couldn't stand to hear anymore. Her stomach turned. This… this couldn’t be real. The quiet boy. The one she thought might be different. Who had written that strange, kind note—or had he?

She didn’t wait to hear the rest. The principal waved her off with a nod, but Maren had already bolted out the door, feeling her world cave in just a little more.

As she walked down the hall, trying to breathe through the tightening in her chest, some girls leaned against lockers and whispered behind their hands, snickering. The hallway felt like it narrowed around her.

When she reached the classroom, she didn’t hesitate. She was done being quiet.

She marched straight in, even while everyone turned to stare. She didn’t look away.

Carter sat near the back, arms stretched out behind his head like he owned the place.

“Hey look,” he called out, a cruel grin on his face, “It’s creepy Maren.”

A few people chuckled, more out of habit than humor.

“I know it’s you behind this, Carter,” she said firmly, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Cut it out. You got Kade in trouble for no reason. It’s not cool. I’ll report you.”

Carter just tilted his head, a mock pout on his face. “And you think I’d care?”

“Well, yeah,” Maren said, eyes narrowing. “You claim you’re my boyfriend.”

Gasps filled the room.

Carter blinked, and then—he laughed. A hard, ugly laugh that made her skin crawl.

“Don’t believe her,” he sneered. “She’s talking crazy. She always does. You actually believe this crap?”

He stood up and walked over. Maren didn’t back away, but her knees locked when he got too close. Before she could move, he shoved her back against the wall.

“Don’t play with me, Maren,” he hissed, his voice low and sharp. “You think you’re so funny. The perfect little freak. The one who always knows everything. Well, you’re wrong. You’re nothing. You’re nobody.”

Maren’s heart hammered in her chest. She couldn’t say a word. But now—now she was sure. It was him. It had always been him.

Everyone else in the room watched, mouths sealed, eyes wide. The whispers had stopped. They had become statues, afraid to move.

Kade wasn’t the villain.

Carter was.

And now she knew, ori she thought she did. 

Maren didn’t respond. She watched him, saw the glint in his eyes. This wasn’t someone innocent. But something still didn’t sit right. He acted guilty—but was that just who Carter was? Loud, angry, abusive? Or was he truly the mastermind?

Before she could say anything, the door flung open.

Kade stepped inside, his shirt wrinkled, his expression unreadable.

Carter glanced at him and laughed again. “Oh, look. Now Kade’s the hated one. You two are like twins.”

Kade looked at Maren. She gave the faintest shake of her head, as if to say: Why?

He turned to Carter. And without warning, he lunged.

His fist collided with Carter’s jaw with a sickening crunch. Carter hit the floor hard.

“You think you’re tough?” Kade growled. “You think you’re king? Think again. You’re nothing. And you know it. Leave Maren alone.”

Carter coughed, blood on his lip, but still smiling. “Oh look who finally knows her name…”

“Alright,” Carter said slowly, standing back up. “I’ll leave her alone. But not for long. I’ll give her time to prepare—for when I do come back.”

“What does that mean?” Kade snapped.

“You’ll see,” Carter whispered. “Days, weeks, maybe even tonight. But I will be back. And it’ll be unexpected.”

“Trying to scare us?” Kade asked.

“Don’t act so tough, Kade,” Carter said, brushing himself off and going back to his seat like nothing had happened.

Maren stood there, frozen. Kade had defended her. After everything. After what he’d said.

Why?

He looked at her once. No words. Just that same unreadable gaze. Then he sat down at his desk.

The bell rang.

Break time was over.

Maren sat in her chair, heart thudding in her ears. What had just happened?

The teacher walked in, paused, and looked at the red stain on the floor.

“What the hell happened here?”

Nobody answered.