The next day at Ridgewood International, Maya could feel the tension before she even entered the building. Whispers followed her in the hallways, and students seemed to glance her way a little too often. She knew Vanessa was at the center of it, plotting and waiting for the right moment to strike.
Maya tried to focus on her classes, but her mind kept drifting to the rooftop and Liam. He had been her anchor in the storm of the school, and she could feel the reassurance of his presence even when he was not there.
By the afternoon, it became clear that Vanessa had escalated her schemes. During history class, Maya noticed a group of students watching her, their expressions curious and tense. Vanessa's eyes gleamed as she whispered something to one of her friends. Maya did not need to hear it to know it was another plan aimed at her.
When the final bell rang, Maya hurried toward the stairwell, hoping to meet Liam on the rooftop. She needed the sanctuary of that quiet space to regroup, to breathe, and to think.
When she reached the door, she found Liam already there, leaning against the railing. The sunlight caught his hair, and for a moment, the chaos of the school seemed far away.
"You are here," he said, his tone calm but his eyes sharp. "Good. I have a feeling today will be… interesting."
Maya felt her pulse quicken. "What happened?"
Liam motioned for her to follow him to a corner of the rooftop where they could speak privately. "Vanessa is planning something. I am not sure what yet, but she will try to corner you. You need to stay alert and stay with me. We do this together."
Maya nodded. "I will follow your lead."
He gave her a small smile. "Good. That is all I ask."
For the next few moments, they stood in silence, letting the wind sweep across the rooftop. Maya felt the tension in her chest ease slightly. Being here with Liam made her feel protected and strong. She realized she had grown used to relying on him, and she did not mind it at all.
"Do you think she will come here?" Maya asked quietly, glancing toward the stairwell.
"I doubt it," Liam replied. "Vanessa prefers a stage. She wants an audience. That is why she thrives in the hallways, in the cafeteria. She likes to control the narrative. Here, she cannot."
Maya felt a surge of confidence at his words. For the first time, she realized that she could face Vanessa and the chaos she brought without fear. She was not alone. She had Liam by her side.
Suddenly, the distant sound of footsteps reached them. Maya's stomach twisted. "Is that her?"
Liam's gaze narrowed, but he remained calm. "Maybe. Stay close to me. Whatever happens, I have you."
The footsteps grew louder, and then a figure appeared at the top of the stairwell. Vanessa stood there, smiling faintly, her eyes calculating. She did not move closer, but the smirk on her face was enough to let Maya know she had been caught in another trap.
"You two seem very cozy up here," Vanessa said, her voice sweet but filled with hidden menace. "I hope you are enjoying your little secret."
Maya swallowed hard. She felt her heart racing, but she refused to look afraid. Liam stepped slightly in front of her, protective but composed.
"Vanessa," he said, his voice steady, "you can watch all you want, but nothing happens unless we allow it. Understand?"
Vanessa's smirk faltered for just a moment, but then she laughed softly. "Oh, I understand perfectly. And I will be watching. Always."
With that, she retreated down the stairs, leaving Maya and Liam on the rooftop. Maya exhaled slowly, her tension melting into relief.
"You see what I mean?" Liam asked quietly. "She will not stop. But neither will we."
Maya nodded, her heart still racing. "I know. And I am ready."
The rooftop became more than just a sanctuary. It was a place where plans were made, strength was drawn, and trust was built. Maya realized that Vanessa's schemes, no matter how clever, would not break her. With Liam by her side, she was strong. She was ready for whatever came next.
And she knew that together, they would face every challenge Ridgewood International could throw at them.