The Monday after fall break arrived with an unusual chill. Leaves danced across the school courtyard, golden and crisp, but Michelle barely noticed them. Her thoughts were elsewhere.
Steve had barely spoken to her all weekend.
And today… Emily was supposed to arrive.
The Transfer Student
When Michelle entered the school building, the hallway was unusually loud — not with gossip, but curiosity. People stood near lockers, whispering, glancing toward the front office.
She didn't need to ask. She knew.
The door opened.
And there she was.
Emily.
Tall, stunning in that effortless way some girls just were. Long dark waves of hair, emerald green sweater, boots that clicked confidently across the floor.
She smiled at the front desk secretary.
Then she turned.
And locked eyes with Michelle.
It lasted only a second. But in that second, Michelle felt every doubt resurface, every insecurity claw its way back up her throat.
And then she saw him.
Steve.
He stepped out of the stairwell and froze mid-step when he saw Emily.
She smiled.
He didn't.
Michelle watched as a storm passed behind his eyes—guilt, anger, pain. But not love.
That gave her a sliver of hope.
Unwanted Reunion
Later that day, Michelle found herself in the library, trying to study, headphones in. But she couldn't focus. She kept seeing that look on Emily's face. That confident smile.
It wasn't just a reunion.
It was a challenge.
Lila plopped into the seat beside her, clearly out of breath. "Okay. Confirmed. Emily is in our Psychology class. And she sat right next to Steve."
Michelle pulled out one earbud. "How did he look?"
Lila raised an eyebrow. "Like he was chewing glass."
Michelle smirked. Just a little. "Good."
But the moment didn't last.
Because when the bell rang and lunch began, Emily made her next move.
The Confrontation
Michelle was at her locker when a soft voice came from behind her.
"You must be Michelle."
She turned.
Emily stood there, all charm and fake sweetness. She leaned lightly against the locker beside hers.
"I've heard a lot about you," Emily said, her tone polite… and sharp.
Michelle didn't flinch. "Wish I could say the same."
Emily laughed lightly. "You don't have to be threatened. I'm not here to stir up the past."
Michelle closed her locker and stared at her. "Then don't."
But Emily's eyes sparkled with something darker. "Just a heads up, Michelle. Sometimes, the past doesn't stay buried."
And with that, she walked away.
The Distance Grows
That night, Michelle and Steve sat in his dorm room in silence.
He looked at her and finally spoke. "I didn't know she was actually coming until a few days ago. I swear."
Michelle nodded slowly. "Why didn't you tell me what happened between you two?"
Steve sighed. "Because I was ashamed. She wasn't just a bad breakup, Michelle. She was manipulative. Controlling. I was different back then. I let her in, and she nearly broke me."
Michelle's voice cracked. "And now she's here."
He looked at her, his eyes pleading. "But I'm not with her. I'm with you. I love you."
Tears formed in her eyes. "Then prove it. Don't let her get in your head. Don't let her make me feel like I'm less."
"I won't," he whispered.
But even as he said it, Michelle felt the walls building up again.
Emily wasn't just a ghost.
She was real.
And she had just stepped into their world.