Chapter 26 Chapter 26
Cass sat on her bed, phone in hand, staring at Jace’s message again. Don’t mention it. You handled yourself well. She had typed a quick reply: Thanks. I mean it.
It wasn’t much, but it was enough. Her heart was still racing from Monday’s cafeteria humiliation, and Jace’s quiet intervention had saved her dignity. She wanted him to know she appreciated it, even if words felt small compared to the storm he had calmed for her.
She exhaled, feeling a mixture of relief and warmth. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she realized she had never thanked anyone like that. Not fully. Not genuinely. And for a brief moment, she felt seen.
Home was calm and peaceful
Descending the stairs, Cass found her mother in the kitchen, humming softly as she stirred pancakes. Her glow was impossible to ignore. The dark tension that had hung over their home for months had lifted slightly. Her mother looked alive, moving with purpose, her face carrying a soft warmth that made Cass pause.
“Morning,” her mom said lightly, flipping a pancake with care. “You slept well?”
Cass smiled. “I did.” She noticed the little details: the neatness of the kitchen, the way her mother’s eyes sparkled with a softness Cass hadn’t seen in a long time.
Her mother glanced at her with an unreadable expression. “You look… rested.”
Cass blinked. “I’m trying.”
“You should be proud of yourself,” her mom said quietly. “Not just for school, but for surviving everything. And for not letting them..” she gestured vaguely, “make you smaller.”
Cass’s chest tightened. She nodded, quietly grateful for the rare moment of recognition.
School felt lighter with Lena walking beside her. They shared quiet jokes, planning small battles against Marvin’s antics while keeping their focus on Cass’s leadership goals.
Tuesday’s lunch was tense but calm. Marvin had kept a low profile, glancing at Cass with a smirk but refraining from any major attacks. She noticed him, of course, but Lena kept her spirits high, whispering strategies and reminding her of Monday’s victory.
After school, Cass returned home to see her mother again. The glow had deepened, and Cass finally allowed herself to relax in her presence. They sat together, sharing a quiet dinner and chatting about small things home repairs, neighborhood gossip, even an old family recipe. The warmth made Cass feel like life could actually hold moments of calm
Later that evening, Lena arrived, dragging her little sister along. The younger girl had been staying with their grandmother that day and immediately claimed Cass as her honorary big sister.
Cass laughed as the two girls bounced around her room, chattering non-stop. Lena recounted the latest gossip at school while her little sister attempted to reorganize Cass’s desk.
“You’re like family now,” Lena said, nudging Cass. “You’re officially in the club of chaos, comfort, and revenge plots.”
Cass laughed genuinely, feeling safe, protected, and included. She sent a quick text to Jace: Lena and sister are here. Chaos level: max. Wish you could see this.
Wednesday wasn’t much of a hassle. Actually maybe it might actually end well , at least that’s what I think.
Wednesday brought tension like electricity in the air. Another leadership meeting was scheduled, and Cass knew Marvin would try something.
Sure enough, during lunch, he approached her table with Jacinta trailing behind. His grin was sharp, filled with that familiar arrogance.
“Student council, huh?” he said loudly. “Big dreams for little Winfield.”
Cass felt a flush rise to her cheeks, but Lena immediately stood. Her usual playful grin vanished, replaced with a fierce glare.
“You want to make fun of her?” Lena snapped, stepping in front of Cass. “Try me first. Go ahead.”
Gasps swept across the cafeteria. Marvin froze, incredulous at the sudden confrontation.
Without warning, Lena grabbed a tray and tipped it with precision, drenching Marvin with melted cheese, mayo, and remnants of the lunch chaos. His hockey jacket and perfectly coiffed hair were ruined. Students screamed, laughed, and recorded everything on their phones.
Jacinta gasped, but Lena wasn’t done. She flicked her wrist toward Jacinta, nearly slapping her for good measure before restraining herself. “Back off,” Lena hissed.
Cass stood rooted, stunned, then laughed a long, shaky laugh that finally released weeks of tension. She had never felt so protected, so alive. Marvin, humiliated in front of the school, stood dripping, fuming, and muttering curses under his breath.