Mr. Hines, in a surprising twist, doesn't turn out to be his usual grumpy ass, but sounds a lot more laid back. He doesn't shout or call us names, but maintains his composure as he corrects our mistakes or guides us through the various exercises. What's going on with him?

I don't put my luck to test by asking directly, so I stand back and enjoy this new version of him. In the second part of the class, he even allows us to split up in teams and play soccer together. I team up with Peri and Tre and end up winning. Although I miss three shots and cause a penalty, I'm happy.

This class hasn't been tainted by drama and unnecessary conflict, something that has blurred the line between a healthy environment and a madhouse. When the bell rings and it's time for us students to get changed and leave the school premises, I'm still in high spirits.

Brix compliments me for the victory, even though it's Tre who deserves credit. He's so talented. "Rieleigh, you did great! I'm so proud of you!"

I try to correct her. "I was literally the worst on that pitch. I caused a penalty and nearly got a red card. I missed two shots. Look, Brix, I'm happy that you look after me, but let's be objective." She shakes her head and laughs softly. After all, she and I have known each other for a long time, and so has Peri. There's no way they don't know how poor I am at sports.

"Let's go, okay?" I say, tying my shoelaces and grabbing my stuff to leave the lockers, followed by who seem to be my friends again.

***

The parking lot is silent, but not in a peaceful manner. This lack of a distinct sound gives a creepy vibe, as if this were a horror B-movie. Peri, Brix and Tre walk side by side without making noise. I trail close behind, hoping the tension breaks and we can head home safely.

Instead, I hear a guttural sound. Someone's clearing their throat. It isn't either of my regained friends. Their lips are sealed, their pace is regular. So, who's that? We restart walking, but that sound becomes more insistent.

We can't ignore it anymore.

"Is there a problem?" I whisper ask. No answer. More steps towards the exit. Just when I think we're out of here, I see her. Ashlea, in all her devious nature and cruelty. Her arms are crossed and her eyes are locked in a laser glare. Peri and Tre cower a little bit, but quickly regain their composure.

I stand exactly in front of Ashlea, my fists clenched and my head up high. I'm not afraid to face her. She doesn't scare me. Whatever she threatens to do, I'll send it back with all my force. It's time her reign of terror comes to an end once for all.

"Ashlea."

"Oh, Rieleigh... Here you are. Have you had fun playing detective and then spewing shit on the rest of us? Do you feel satisfied?" Her voice is a hiss, but it doesn't deter me. If anything, my determination grows further. I'm not afraid of her manipulation tactics.

"If I'm satisfied... Hmm... Try guessing?"

"Don't play with me!" The more she loses her temper, the more calm I feel. My conscience is clean. I have nothing to lose. She and the rest of that horrible clique turned to club tried to outcast me without success. If she were smart, she'd admit her faults and give up her absurd battle against me. Unfortunately, she's too proud to do so.

She's convinced she can defeat me, make me regret I even exist. I won't bow down. I won't budge. I'm not alone.

I point it out, much to Ashlea's anger. "Have you noticed? I can count on someone to help me, you don't anymore. You're cornered, Ashlea." Peri, Brix and Tre gather their courage and circle her.

She maintains her defiant attitude, but it's obvious it's a crumbling façade. "You can't talk to me like that! Have you got the faintest idea of what you've done, Rieleigh? Just because you're an outcast, it doesn't mean you have to-"

I cut her nonsensical rambling off. "Ruin lives, like you and that stupid club have done for years? Because of you, Peri, Brix and Tre have fallen in trap, as well. They've had double lives to hide the horrors behind The Burden of Breaking Hearts." Brix shakes her head and throws a glare of disapproval at an overwhelmed Ashlea.

The latter attempts to turn and run away, but Tre blocks her path by pulling her left arm. "Where do you think you're going, Ashlea?" he asks with a resolute tone. "You're done running away from accountability. Your time for playing evil games and using payback as a way to get what you want is over."

She angrily lets go of his grip and makes two more steps forward, away from the school perimeter. I shake my pointing finger. "No, no, Ashlea, we're not done yet. Stay here. There's one more thing I have to say." My voice may sound sugary, but it's actually a deception.

She scoffs. "Enough! If you keep up with this nonsense, I'll tell everyone that you stole to gather that trash and make sure you'll be punished in a way you'll never forget for the rest of your miserable lives." She doesn't realize that Brix has filmed her rants and is preparing to post them on social media.

She taunts the tamed queen viper. "Oh, there goes Ashlea Bradbury's reputation of an assertive, domineering social butterfly. Everyone will learn about your worst side—the only true one." One ping, and the video spreads like wildfire on Instagram and TikTok.

Ashlea looks like she wants to sink in a hole so deep that she'd rather die than try coming out of it. She has no more fake leverage on us. Her ass has been busted. She has to admit defeat; yet, she doesn't. She still believes I've been plotting against her all this time.

I correct her. "Well, I decided to plot against The Burden of Breaking Hearts as a whole, not just you. So, I don't understand why you're so butthurt."

She snarls at me. "Because you're nothing but a petty loser, Rieleigh. Learn for once that you can't get your way. Make do with what you have, baby: nothing." Her words reek of desperation and hypocrisy. Her attempt to project her insecurity onto me fails miserably as I flash her a plastic smile.

"It's not true I have nothing, Ashlea. I have these three amazing people," I reply, pointing at Peri, Brix and Tre, "whom you and your lovely gang used as pawns for your twisted payback schemes. You can't be happy at others' misery. That's vile."

That said, I don't waste any more words on her sorry ass. I leave her alone to mull over her downfall, with my friends following me shortly after. Now, I can say it loud: The Burden of Breaking Hearts is over, and there's no way it can be reformed or its members can bring back the status quo.

I might've struggled through my early battles, but I've won the war.