The rumors spread like wildfire.
By the time Lena walked into school the next morning, it was clear that everyone knew. The stares were differentânot the usual whispers about her and Jaxon, but something bigger. Some people looked at her with curiosity, others with judgment, and a few with what almost looked like admiration.
She kept her head down as she made her way through the hall, pretending not to hear the murmurs. But they were impossible to ignore.
"Did you hear? She's the reason Jaxon walked off the court."
"I heard she made up lies about Ryan because he dumped her."
"No, that's not it. I heard Ryan was a total creep, and Jaxon's backing her up."
Lena gritted her teeth, forcing herself to keep moving. The last thing she wanted was to get caught up in their version of events. She wasn't here to defend herself to people who had already decided what they wanted to believe.
As she reached her locker, she let out a slow breath, placing her hand on the cool metal to steady herself. But before she could even begin to compose her thoughts, she felt someone step up beside her.
"Well, well," Ryan's voice cut through the noise. "You really had to drag my name through the mud, huh?"
Lena tensed. She knew this was coming, but that didn't make it any easier.
She turned, preparing to tell him off, but before she could get a word out, another voice chimed in.
"Oh, shut up, Ryan."
Lena turned, blinking in surprise. Madison.
Ryan looked just as shocked. "Excuse me?"
Madison crossed her arms, her expression unimpressed. "You heard me. Spare me the fake outrage, Ryan. You're just mad someone finally called you out."
Lena's stomach twisted. She had expected Ryan's reaction. She had even expected the whispers. But Madison coming to her defense? That was unexpected.
Ryan scoffed, shaking his head. "Whatever."
As he stormed off, Lena looked at Madison. "Why did you do that?"
Madison sighed, shifting her books in her arms. "Because... you're not the only one he tried to push himself on. And I'm done pretending he's some great guy just because everyone else does."
Lena studied her for a moment, searching for any sign of deception. But there was none. Madison looked tiredâmore exhausted than Lena had ever seen her.
"You too?" Lena asked softly.
Madison hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. He never took things that far with me, but... yeah. He doesn't like taking no for an answer. After hearing the rumors last night, I couldn't sleep. The memories, the fear, the disgustâit all came rushing back. And the worst part? I know we're not the only ones."
Lena's breath caught in her throat. "You really think there are others?"
Madison exhaled sharply, her fingers tightening around her books. "I don't think. I know. And that makes it even worse knowing he's still getting away with it."
A wave of emotion crashed over Lena, a mix of anger, frustration, and something close to relief. Because for the first time, she wasn't alone in this.
Madison exhaled, looking down the hallway where Ryan had disappeared. "We have to come up with another solution. We can't take the chance that Ryan isn't kicked off the team and Jaxon ends up sitting out of the game. It's too important for him with all the scouts coming to watch."
Lena frowned. "I know. But what else can we do?"
Madison hesitated for a second before meeting Lena's gaze. "Actually, I have an idea." She took a deep breath. "I have a friend who plays for North Ridge. He's their point guard. We worked together last summer as lifeguards at the pool, became close, and we still keep in touch. If Ryan plays in this game, I think I can convince him and his team to make it miserable for him. They could double-team him, exploit his weaknesses, and completely throw him off his game. We make him look bad, expose his weaknesses, and ensure Jaxon and Ethan still get to play and impress the scouts."
Lena stared at her, processing the plan. "You really think he'd go for it?"
Madison nodded. "I told him part of what happened to me last summerânot everything, and not Ryan's name. But he could tell I was upset. He was furious that someone had made me feel that way. If I tell him it was Ryan? He won't hesitate. He'd love the chance to mess with him."
Lena exhaled, feeling a new sense of determination settle in. "Then let's do it."
Lena felt a flicker of hope.