School had only been back in session for a week, and Copperdale High was humming. Posters for fall clubs were taped crookedly along the hallways, the scent of floor polish still clinging to the tiles, and the late‑summer heat pressed through the windows.
Isis was ecstatic to be a Junior, finally in the upper classes! And she felt taller walking through the halls, like she’d earned her place.
Music Theater was her favorite class, tucked in the old auditorium wing where the walls were lined with vintage show posters and award banners from past productions. Today, her group sat in a loose circle of metal chairs, scripts in hand, practicing lines.
When they finished early, the group dissolved into casual chatter. Shayla, who always wore glitter eyeliner and had artificially dyed red hair, leaned forward with a mischievous grin.
“So Isis, what’s the deal with you and Ava Green?”
Ava’s name hit Isis like a cold splash. Her fingers tightened around her script before she forced them to relax. She kept her voice even.
“Nothing really. We knew each other before Copperdale, but she blew me off and that was it, I guess.”
“That’s not what I heard. Apparently you stole her man.” She giggled like it was juicy gossip.
Isis felt heat crawl up her neck. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but her pulse thudded. “I don’t know what you mean. What does Roman have to do with this?”
“Oh, come on.” Shayla tucked her legs under her chair. “Ava’s liked Roman since they were kids. They were close until you came along, then he broke her heart.”
Isis sat rigidly, growing defensive. “I didn’t start dating Roman until after she blew me off. So I’m not sure where you’re getting your story from. She didn’t like me before.”
But Shayla’s words stuck like burrs. Roman had mentioned hanging out with Ava as kids, so she pictured childhood bike rides and shared popsicles. How serious could kids possibly be?
Shayla shrugged, already rummaging through her backpack. “Hmm.”
Isis wasn’t done.
“Who told you he broke her heart? What are you talking about?”
Shayla raised her hands in surrender. “Don’t shoot the messenger. That’s what Ava’s telling people. I’m not trying to start anything.” She huffed. “If it’s any consolation, everybody is rooting for you.”
Isis let out a flat, disbelieving laugh. Was there some rivalry between her and Ava that the whole school was in on?
She gave her own “Hmm.” stood up, and slung her backpack over her shoulder.
The rest of the day felt different. Isis found herself watching people’s expressions, listening for whispers, scanning faces for signs of judgment. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, even when she sat with Roman at lunch, his arm casually draped behind her, or when they walked through the halls together.
Was Shayla making it up? Or was Ava really spreading rumors around? Isis wanted to ask Roman, but things between them were good and she didn’t want to poke at something that wasn’t broken. She’d wait and see what unfolded.
When Isis got home from school, she opened the front door and planned on heading to the kitchen for a snack. She heard her mom’s cheerful voice from down the hall, “Isis! You’re home! Come look!”
Isis followed her mom’s voice to the nursery and smiled at the scene before her. A brand new crib sat against the wall and her parents were both kneeling on the floor, putting together a second crib. They were surrounded by pieces of wood, a baggie of screws, and a drill, while her mom studied the instructions.
They both looked up at her, flashing the cutest smiles, and her dad said “Your mom thinks I need audio instructions. Please distract her so she stops reading me every step!”
“Oh just because you already built one, you think you’re a crib master huh?” Her mom teased.
To which her dad replied “No faith in your man at all! Woman, I don’t need a supervisor.”
Her mom playfully shoved him and he pretended to lose his balance, dramatically sprawling down on the floor.
“Okay, you two definitely have this under control, I’ll leave you in peace.” Isis giggled.
Before she could walk away, her mom let out a high-pitched squawk. “Eeeeek! They just moved! Come feel Isis. They know big sister is here!”
Isis navigated through the chaos on the floor and sat next to her mom. Her mom grabbed her hand and placed it on her belly. She didn’t feel anything for a second, but then, there it was. A tiny little thump. Her eyes shot up to her mom’s face as she exclaimed “No way! Mom, they’re actually in there! Dad have you felt this? It’s, it’s…” Isis’s eyes welled with tears.
Her dad sat up to lean on one elbow, watching them. “They’ve been kicking around for a few days now. Pretty crazy right?”
Isis sat there in wonder. Speechless. Another thump under her palm.
“Should you be on the ground like this?” Isis asked.
“Honey, I’m in shape and healthy as can be. I didn’t slow down for you and I won’t be slowing down for these two.”
They sat there for a few moments, hearts overflowing with joy.
Her mom broke their silent reverie when she told Isis, “Oh hey, a big box came for you today. Did you see it in the entryway?”
Isis’s face lit up and she squealed “Aaaah! It’s here? Really?!” And she jumped up and ran out of the nursery.
After dinner, Isis was in her room setting up the brand new gaming computer she ordered a week earlier. It was a dual monitor with a professional camera and microphone. Obviously she was excited to stream on it, but she also planned on recording some of her songs.
After the desert trip with Jayson, he continued to show interest and fascination with her music and singing. He made her feel like she had a very special talent, and his encouragement over the past few weeks prompted her to get more serious about it.
Later that night she was lying in bed, replaying the conversation in Music Theater, so she texted Jackie.
Isis: Did you know Ava is going around telling people I stole Roman from her? Have you heard anything about that? Or has anybody said anything about me?
Jackie: Wtf babe. Seriously? That bitch just won’t go away! You know I would tell you if I heard anything, but people probably know not to talk around me since I’m your bf. Where did you hear that?
Isis: This girl Shayla was gossiping in class today. It really got under my skin.
Jackie: I’ll keep my eyes and ears open. Don’t let it get to you babe. It’s obvious Ava is jealous and probably has been for awhile.
Jackie: OH! Remember how Austin’s rich friend in Del Sol Valley was planning a party at his mansion? It’s happening this weekend!
That distracted Isis, and she fell asleep looking forward to a fun night out with her friends.
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