Dodging the Trap

Rosewood Academy – Friday

Ariella Kane was getting good at pretending.

Pretending to be calm.

Pretending Melody’s eyes didn’t follow her everywhere.

Pretending she hadn’t already lived this day once—and lost.

She adjusted her blazer, checked her watch, and walked into the marble halls of Rosewood like she owned them. Not because she still thought she did. But because she wanted everyone else to believe she might.

Today was important.

In her past life, Friday of the first week was when Melody made her first big move. She had planned a casual “surprise” in front of everyone—a spilled drink that had ruined Ariella’s dress, made her snap at Melody, and started a wave of gossip that slowly chipped away at her image.

This time, Ariella wore dark colors. Minimal accessories. No drink in hand.

She came prepared for war disguised as routine.

---

Morning Assembly – Rose Garden Plaza

Students stood in groups, waiting for the weekly student announcements. The sky was clear, and the teachers lined the edges like statues. The school principal tapped her mic.

Ariella stood alone near a stone bench, her arms crossed gently.

She didn’t look at Melody. She didn’t have to.

Melody was standing a few feet away, talking to Cassie and another girl named Brie. Her soft giggles were just loud enough to hear. Ariella caught snatches of phrases:

“...She’s acting strange lately.”

“…Maybe something’s wrong at home?”

“…You think Luca likes her? Please.”

Ariella smiled to herself. They were scrambling.

Last time, she’d trusted Melody so much that she hadn’t even realized when the jokes started.

Now, she let them talk. She gave them nothing to work with.

And then—

Melody moved.

Holding a tiny cup of strawberry smoothie.

Right toward Ariella.

Ariella stepped aside at the last moment to tie her shoe. Melody’s movement froze. The smoothie sloshed dangerously in her hand.

Ariella looked up and said calmly, “That’s a pretty drink. Shame if it spilled.”

Melody blinked. Her mouth opened slightly, but she said nothing.

Caught.

Exposed.

Even if no one else noticed… Ariella had won.

---

Break Time – Art Studio Wing

Ariella wandered into the studio wing after class. She remembered this place fondly. Quiet, full of sketchbooks and oil paints no one touched unless assigned. She hadn’t come here often before—she was too busy being the center of attention.

But now, she welcomed the silence.

She sat on a stool and pulled a sketchpad off the shelf. Her fingers traced the cover, mind wandering.

Luca was already in the room.

She hadn’t noticed him until he stood, walking from the back corner, headphones around his neck.

“Oh,” she said, startled.

He stared at her. “You don’t come here.”

“I do now.”

He raised a brow. “Why?”

“I needed quiet.”

He walked past her to return a paintbrush. “That’s new.”

Ariella looked down at the sketchpad. “Maybe you only knew the version of me that was easy to dislike.”

He didn’t answer for a second. Then:

“I didn’t dislike you. I just didn’t believe you.”

That stopped her.

She looked up. “Believe me how?”

Luca shrugged. “People who smile too much are hiding something.”

Ariella smirked, closing the pad. “Then what am I hiding now?”

His eyes flicked to her hands, then back to her face.

“I’m still figuring it out.”

And with that, he walked out, quiet as ever.

---

Lunch – Inside the Main Hall

Tasha waved Ariella over. “I saved you a seat.”

“Thanks.” She sat down, careful to keep her posture relaxed.

Melody and Cassie were watching again.

Ariella didn’t meet their eyes.

Instead, she leaned over and whispered to Tasha, “Want to know something funny?”

Tasha nodded.

“I used to sit over there,” Ariella pointed casually, “thinking it meant I mattered.”

Tasha glanced across the room. “You still matter.”

Ariella looked at her with surprise. Tasha blushed and focused on her sandwich.

Then Jace slid into the seat beside them without asking.

“Is this the quiet girls’ table now?”

Tasha nearly jumped. Ariella sipped her water.

“Maybe we just don’t want your noise,” she said.

Jace laughed. “Cold.”

He looked at her closer. “You’re not what I thought.”

“I get that a lot this week.”

“You’re messing with Melody on purpose, aren’t you?”

Ariella’s fork paused. “What makes you say that?”

He grinned. “Because she’s spiraling. And I like watching her squirm.”

Tasha gasped softly.

“Don’t tell anyone,” Ariella said with a wink. “Wouldn’t want to ruin the fun.”

Jace held up a hand. “Scout’s honor.”

And just like that, another piece shifted.

---

Afternoon – Back of the Library

Melody followed her.

Of course she did.

Ariella pretended not to notice until she heard the fake cough behind her.

She turned around, slow and sharp. “Need something?”

Melody’s expression was sweet. Too sweet.

“I wanted to talk. Just us.”

“Talk or manipulate?”

Melody blinked. “Excuse me?”

Ariella leaned against the bookshelf. “That smoothie trick was cute. Next time, don’t aim for the shoes. It’s too obvious.”

Melody’s smile faltered. “You think I’d—”

“I know you did.” Ariella’s voice dropped. “But don’t worry. I’m not mad. I’m just done playing dumb.”

Silence stretched between them.

Melody folded her arms. “You’re acting like I’m your enemy.”

“Maybe because you are.”

Melody’s mask cracked, just for a moment.

Then she forced a laugh. “You’re so dramatic lately. It’s just school.”

Ariella stepped closer. “No, Melody. It’s chess. And you’re losing.”

She left her standing there, fake smile glued on, eyes flashing with something dark.

---

Evening – Private Driver’s Car

Ariella sat in the back seat, watching the city blur past.

Her phone buzzed.

Tasha [5:45 PM]:

Thank you for letting me sit with you. I know I’m not cool or anything.

Ariella smiled.

Ariella:

You’re real. That’s cooler than most people here.

She didn’t need a crowd. She didn’t need to be feared or adored.

This time, she’d build something better.

Something that couldn’t be torn down with one “accident.”

---

Later That Night – Bedroom

She opened her notebook again.

She crossed out a line.

✘ Friday public spill trap – AVOIDED

She added another name to the corner of the page.

Jace Carter – unpredictable, might become useful

The unknown number hadn’t texted again. Yet.

But she could feel it.

The real enemy hadn’t made their move.

And when they did, she’d be ready.