Lena and Madison walked side by side through the halls, an unusual sight that drew more than a few double takes. Normally, the two barely acknowledged each other unless absolutely necessary. But today, they were united by something much bigger than old rivalries.
When they arrived at the gym, they spotted Jaxon and Ethan sitting on the bleachers, deep in conversation. As soon as they saw Lena and Madison approaching together, their conversation stopped.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Okay, I must be hallucinating. Are you two actually willingly hanging out?"
Jaxon smirked, crossing his arms. "Did hell freeze over, or did I miss something?"
Madison rolled her eyes. "Relax, boys. We're not here to braid each other's hair. We have a plan."
Jaxon exchanged a glance with Ethan before turning back to them. "Should I be concerned?"
Lena took a deep breath. "Just hear us out."
They explained everythingâthe whispers, the rumors, the way Ryan had gotten away with too much for too long. Then Madison laid out her idea, explaining how her friend, the North Ridge point guard, could help make Ryan's game a nightmare.
Ethan frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. "So, let me get this straight. You want to use their team to sabotage Ryan?"
"Not sabotage," Madison corrected. "Expose. Make sure everyoneâcoaches, scouts, the whole schoolâsees him for what he really is."
Jaxon was quiet for a moment, processing. "And you really think your friend will go along with it?"
Madison nodded. "He will. I told him part of what happened to meânot Ryan's name, but enough to make him mad. And when I tell him the rest, I know he won't hesitate."
Jaxon let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "That's... actually not a bad plan."
Ethan sighed, looking at Lena. "You really want to do this?"
She met his gaze, unwavering. "We don't have a choice. If the school won't take action, then we make sure Ryan doesn't get to walk away from this unscathed. But we're going to get our winâon our terms."
Ethan was silent for a moment before he exhaled, nodding. "Alright. Let's do it."
Jaxon smirked. "Looks like we're about to make this the most miserable game of Ryan's life."
For the first time in what felt like forever, Lena felt in control.