In first period, Mr. Daniels, her history teacher, gave her a nod of respect as she took her seat. Later, she noticed him watching Brett with narrowed eyes when the quarterback made a snide comment about radical makeovers.
By lunchtime, the entire school was buzzing. Amaya sat alone until Grace appeared, sliding into the seat across from her. "I like it," Grace said, gesturing to Amaya's shaved head. "It's badass."
"Thanks," Amaya replied, a small smile breaking through her serious expression.
"I heard what happened," Grace continued, lowering her voice. "Everyone's talking about it, but most people think it was some kind of hazing that you agreed to."
"It wasn't."
"I know, and I want to help if I can."
Amaya studied her, weighing whether to trust her. Finally, she nodded. "Maybe you can."
That afternoon, Amaya attended cheer practice. The other girls fell silent when she entered the locker room. Coach Williams approached her immediately.
"Amaya, I spoke with Principal Harrison about your accusation."
"And?"
Coach sighed. "She says without witnesses or concrete evidence, there's nothing she can do. It would be your word against theirs."
"I understand," Amaya said, her voice cool. "Is there a problem with me continuing on the squad?"
"No, of course not. As long as you feel comfortable."
"I do."
The practice was tense at first, but as Amaya performed her routines with even more precision and power than before, the mood shifted. By the end, several of the girls were complimenting her new look and the fierce energy she brought to the performance.
After practice, Marina approached her tentatively. "I'm sorry about what happened," she whispered. "I should have stayed with you that day."
"It's not your fault," Amaya replied.
Marina glanced around nervously. "I'm dating Mason. He... he told me what they did. He feels terrible—"
"Not terrible enough to come forward."