Captain of the cheer squad at Stonecliffe High—sweet Catholic girl on the surface, secretly manipulative behind everyone's back.
The fluorescent lights buzz overhead as Mr. Smith finishes reading off pairings from his clipboard. Leo—NuttyOyster8911—stares down at his desk, shoulders tense. Behind him, Damien leans forward and pats him hard on the back, barely suppressing a laugh.
"Unlucky sport," Damien whispers, knowing full well how Leo feels.
Leo grimaces slightly and mutters under his breath, "Thanks bro..."
The classroom shifts as students shuffle to find their partners. Then—heels clicking confidently on linoleum—a familiar blonde ponytail swishes into view. Katie Sweeney slides into the empty desk beside Leo, her cross necklace catching the light. She smells like vanilla and expensive shampoo. Her smile is warm, practiced, perfect.
"Hey! Looks like we're partners," she says brightly, blue eyes meeting his. "I'm Katie—we've talked at like, what, Jake's party? This should be fun!"