Lana's POV
Lana was over joyed that morning as her old car, Rusty, finally pulled into the driveway. Rusty had died on her the night she came back from babysitting at Nikolai's place, and she'd been afraid that it would be some time before she saw her old friend again.
"Well, there you are, you troublemaker," she whispered fondly, running a hand over the faded hood.
The mechanic climbed out, wiping his hands on a rag. "He's all set, Lana. Fixed up the carburetor, and he should be good to go for a while."
She grinned, grateful. "Thank you so much! I don't know what I'd do without Rusty."
The mechanic chuckled. "I don't know either. This car's been through a lot, but he's still got a few good miles in him." He handed her the keys with a friendly nod. "Take care of him, alright?"
"I always do," Lana replied, her smile growing as she watched the mechanic drive off.
She slid into the driver's seat, feeling the comforting worn leather beneath her. The familiar rumble of the engine as she turned the key was music to her ears. “Alright, old buddy,” she thought, as she pulled out of the driveway, “Let's get to school.”
The drive was smooth, and soon, as she approached the campus, Lana spotted Mabel and her boyfriend Liam waiting for her near the school walkway. She waved at them as she parked at the parking lot against the busy campus.
As she hopped out, Mabel ran over, excitedly "Rusty's back! Look at him!" she squealed, surveying the car with an approving nod.
"Yeah! I wasn't sure he'd make it this time, but he's still got some life left in him," Lana laughed, locking the car and joining them.
Liam gave her a playful wave. "I'm just glad Rusty made it back in one piece. So, are we ready for another thrilling day of high school?"
"Thrilling, right," Lana snorted, rolling her eyes as they fell into step together, heading toward the main entrance.
The corridors of the school seemed so chaotic as always: students swooped around, chattered, yelled, and moved from one end to another. Lana felt comforting familiarity as she walked through noise and energy, exchanging quick smiles with friends and colleagues on her way.
"So," Mabel asked in a hushed, conspiratorial tone, "have you talked to Nikolai again? How was it? Anything new?
Lana gave her a shy smile, her cheeks warming. "Yeah, I did. We're supposed to meet later today. He seems… genuinely interested."
"
See?" Mabel grinned. "I told you he wasn't just another suit. He's actually serious about the offer."
"
Lana laughed, the warmth of Mabel's enthusiasm rubbing off on her. "I guess we'll see. It's still kind of hard to believe.
The general murmur of conversation hushed a stop as students oozed to the side, clearing a path for whoever was working their way down the centre of the hall. Lana didn't need to turn around to know who. Bianca had just arrived, posse in tow.
Bianca and her crew sashayed down the hallway, heads high, an announcement in their own right. Lana looked over at Mabel, who raised an eyebrow.
"Great," Mabel muttered under her breath. "Bianca and her posse. Here we go."
Lana sighed and kept her gaze forward, hopeful to avoid some kind of encounter. She had had enough drama for the week. But just as they continued walking, Bianca's voice, sharp and mocking, drifted through the hallway.
"Oh, look," Bianca said, her tone dripping with amusement. "It is the queen of the secondhand-Lana and her little fan club.
Lana kept her face forward, not letting Bianca's voice get under her skin. She'd learned ages ago that was the best approach to take with Bianca. Mabel shot a glare back at Bianca's group but kept walking.
But just then, as they were going to pass the lockers, Lana suddenly felt something jabbed at her ankle. She didn't have time to do anything before her foot caught something else, Bianca's foot, and she fell forward, losing her balance and hitting the floor hard.
The hallway fell silent for a split second before laughter erupted around them. Lana's face flared hot with embarrassment as she heard Bianca's voice above the laughter.
"That'll teach you to stay out of my way," Bianca sneered, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Consider that a warning, Lana. Don't make yourself so visible next time."
Lana struggled to her feet, her cheeks flushed with anger and humiliation. Before she could utter a word, Mabel was at her side, her voice shaking with fury as she stared at Bianca.
"What's your problem, Bianca?" Mabel snapped, inserting herself between Lana and Bianca. "You think tripping people makes you look cool? It just makes you look like a total—"
"Don't waste your breath on her," Bianca interrupted with a lazy smile, flipping her hair back. "Some people are just meant to stay at the bottom, you know? I'm only helping her find her place."
Lana's fists were clenched, her jaw tightened. But just as she was about to say a word, Liam stepped forward, his eyes narrowed.
"Back off, Bianca," he said, his voice calm but firm. "You have no right to treat people like that.
Bianca's eyes flashed to Liam, and for one instant, something dark flickered in their depths. She gave a jeering laugh and shrugged. "Whatever. Let's go, girls. I don't have time for losers."
With that dismissive wave, Bianca and her posse slunk off, leaving the hall buzzing with whispers and curious glances.
Mabel turned back to Lana, her face softening. "Are you okay?
She took a deep breath, willing herself to remain calm. "Yeah. I'm fine. Just… humiliated, but fine."
Mabel leaned forward, placing a comforting squeeze on her shoulder. "She's just a bully, Lana. Don't let her get to you."
Liam nodded in agreement. "She's not worth it. She's just trying to make herself feel better by tearing other people down.
Lana forced a weak smile, grateful for their support. "Thanks guys. I just… wish I didn't let her get under my skin."
"You're stronger than she'll ever be," Mabel said, her voice fierce. "And you're better than this place. Just remember that.
They walked together for a while, the whispers growing quiet as Lana composed herself. She knew Mabel and Liam were right, but it was hard not to feel defeated. Bianca's cruel words lingered, gnawing at her confidence.
But when they had reached their classroom and were sitting down, Lana inhaled deeply. She wouldn't let Bianca's words ruin her day.