A week had passed, and although things seemed to be settling down, a nagging feeling gnawed at Katelyn. Everything was too quiet. She hadn’t seen or heard from Zach since their last conversation, and his absence at school worried her. Ryder kept reassuring her, saying that Zach just needed time and that she shouldn’t be concerned, but the unease wouldn’t leave her.

In the meantime, Katelyn spent most of her days learning more about Lucas, growing closer to him with each passing moment. She was happy with him, but the unsettling feeling of dread still lingered in the back of her mind.

“Are you okay?” Lucas asked one afternoon as they walked to class together, sensing her distraction.

Katelyn shook her head, snapping out of her thoughts. “Yes... sorry. I got lost in my head.”

Lucas studied her for a moment, his brow furrowing. “Are you still worried about Zach? I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

Katelyn sighed, rubbing her temple. “No, it’s not that.”

“Then what is it?” Lucas asked, his voice gentle but probing.

She hesitated before answering, her gut telling her something was wrong. “I just have this feeling that something bad is going to happen.”

Lucas frowned. “Like what?”

“I don’t know,” Katelyn admitted, her gaze distant. “But don’t you think it’s strange that Lucy’s been so quiet since the whole picture thing? It’s like she just vanished.”

Lucas nodded, realization dawning on his face. “You’re right. It is too quiet. Do you think she’s plotting something again?”

Katelyn bit her lip, unsure. “Maybe.”

Lucas reached for her hand, squeezing it. “Should we try to keep an eye on her? See if anything is up?”

“No,” Katelyn said, shaking her head. “She’ll just deny it if we confront her. Let’s just stay alert.”

Lucas pulled her into a protective hug, his arms wrapping securely around her. “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Katelyn hugged him back tightly, resting her head against his chest. “I know you won’t.”

———————————————————————————

Later that day, the group gathered in the cafeteria for lunch. Samantha and Ryder were teasing each other, as usual, while Katelyn and Lucas sat quietly, their minds still on the conversation from earlier. But before anyone could take another bite, a familiar face appeared at the table.

Katelyn’s eyes widened as she stood up quickly, her smile lighting up her face. “Zach! You’re back! Where have you been? Do you know how worried we were about you?”

Ryder chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Jeez, calm down, Kate. You’re gonna scare him off again.”

Katelyn blushed, realizing how flustered she’d gotten. “Sorry.”

Lucas reached over and gently tugged her back down into her seat. “Let Zach talk, Katie.”

Zach rubbed the back of his neck nervously, shifting on his feet. “Sorry for making you guys worry.”

Ryder grinned. “It’s cool, man. We’re just glad to see you back.”

Zach smiled gratefully, but then his gaze shifted to Lucas, his expression turning more serious. “I’ve been... distant. I guess I was being cold before, but... I’m Zach. I grew up with them.”

Lucas, always calm, gave him a reassuring smile and extended his hand. “No problem. Nice to officially meet you. No hard feelings?”

Zach hesitated for a moment before taking Lucas’s hand. “Yeah. No hard feelings.”

Ryder leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of him. “So, what have you been up to, man?”

“Not much,” Zach replied with a shrug. “I heard there was trouble for Kate, that someone posted pictures on the school forum. I came back to help clear up any rumors.”

Katelyn’s heart softened. “Thanks for worrying about me, but we’ve taken care of it.”

Zach nodded, though his brow furrowed slightly. “Well, that’s good then.”

Lucas glanced over at Katelyn, his voice serious again. “Katelyn thinks Lucy’s been too quiet lately... like she’s plotting something.”

Samantha’s eyes widened. “Do you really think so?”

Ryder snorted, rolling his eyes. “Knowing her? She probably is. She’s such a—”

“Ryder!” Samantha hissed, smacking his arm before he could finish.

“What?” Ryder shrugged. “It’s true.”

Zach, his expression thoughtful, leaned in. “What do you think she’s planning?”

Katelyn crossed her arms, feeling uneasy again. “I don’t know... but I have a bad feeling she’s not done.”

Lucas nodded. “I agree. Lucy isn’t the type to admit defeat easily.”

As they all discussed what Lucy might be up to, the mood around the table grew heavier. They were all on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop. But before anyone could say more, the conversation was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.