Chapter 120 - Preparing for the heat

The gym is packed with students, all crammed together on the bleachers. The Principal stands at the front, adjusting his glasses and tapping the mic to get our attention. I’m half-listening, feeling the buzz of anticipation ripple through the room. Exams start in two days, and after that, an eight-week summer break.

Nathan nudges me gently with his shoulder. “You ready?” he whispers, his voice low so no one else hears.

I glance at him, giving a small shrug. “Ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.” But it’s more than exams that are weighing on my mind. Liam. Vince. My mom’s odd behavior this morning. It’s like I’m balancing a thousand things in my head, each one demanding attention.

The Principal clears his throat again, and I focus on his voice as he lays out the usual exam rules. Phones are off and away during tests, and there is no talking or wandering around. Cheating means automatic failure, and apparently, they've got extra proctors this year to “ensure academic i