The cafeteria hummed with chatter as Lucas and his friends sat around their table. Suddenly, Mrs. Walters, their math teacher, appeared at the entrance, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Lucas.

"Umm… excuse me, Lucas?" Mrs. Walters called out, her voice polite but firm. "I need a moment to speak with you."

Lucas glanced up, slightly confused, but nodded. "Sure, Mrs. Walters."

“Follow me, please,” she said as she turned and walked toward the hallway.

Lucas stood up, exchanging a quick look with Katelyn before following Mrs. Walters out of the cafeteria. As he walked behind her, he couldn’t help but wonder what she wanted to talk about.

Once they were alone in the hallway, Mrs. Walters stopped and turned to him with a smile. “I just wanted to check in, see how you're adjusting to the new school. Everything going alright?”

Lucas nodded, relieved it wasn’t anything serious. “Yeah, everything’s going fine.”

Mrs. Walters smiled, pleased. “I’m happy to hear that. You’ve been doing exceptionally well in math, and I was wondering if you could stay after school today.”

Lucas hesitated for a moment. “Umm… I think I should be able to.”

“Great,” Mrs. Walters said, her tone bright. “I’ve noticed you have a real talent for math, and I’d like to talk to you about joining the math club.”

Lucas blinked, a little surprised, but flattered. “Okay, sounds good.”

“Excellent,” she said with a satisfied smile. “You get back to your lunch now. I’ll see you after classes.”

“See you later, Mrs. Walters,” Lucas said before heading back to the cafeteria.

As soon as Lucas disappeared around the corner, Mrs. Walters pulled out her cell phone, her expression hardening slightly.

The phone rang once before a familiar voice answered. “Hello?”

“It’s done,” Mrs. Walters said in a low voice. “I did what you asked. Lucas will be staying after school.”

On the other end, Lucy’s voice lit up with satisfaction. “Thank you so much, Aunt. You’re the best!”

Mrs. Walters sighed, clearly torn. “You better not cause too much trouble, Lucy. If I get wrapped up in your mess, I won’t go easy on you.”

“I know, I know. Don’t be mad,” Lucy replied with a laugh. “Love you!”

Mrs. Walters shook her head, though a small smile crept onto her face. “Love you too, brat.”

———————————————————————————

Back in the cafeteria, Lucas returned to the table and sat down next to Katelyn, who immediately turned to him, concern etched on her face.

“Everything okay?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Lucas reassured her. “Mrs. Walters wants me to stay after school.”

Ryder, overhearing, raised an eyebrow. “Are you in trouble or something?”

Lucas chuckled. “No, she wants me to join the math club. Apparently, my grades are at the top of the class.”

Samantha let out a small sigh, her shoulders slumping. “Wow, I wish my grades were that good in math. No matter how hard I study, they always stink.”

Katelyn grinned and pinched Samantha’s cheeks playfully. “You’re always my smart cutie.”

Ryder, looking mock-jealous, shot a glance at Katelyn. “Hey, hands off! She’s my cutie only.”

Katelyn laughed. “Jeez… whatever.”

Turning back to Lucas, Katelyn’s smile softened. “So, you won’t be able to walk me home today?”

Lucas frowned slightly, clearly disappointed. “Yeah, I won’t. I’m sorry, Katie. I have to stay late for this club thing.”

Katelyn waved off his concern. “It’s okay, I can walk with these guys.”

Ryder immediately piped up, winking playfully. “Sorry, me and my girl have a study date at the library. So we’re out.”

From the other side of the table, Zach spoke up quietly. “I can still walk with you if that’s alright.”

Lucas turned to Zach, appreciating the offer. “I’d appreciate it if you walked with her. Thanks, man.”

Zach hesitated for a moment. “You’re not weird about us hanging out? After everything?”

Lucas shook his head, his tone calm and sincere. “No, not at all. I know you guys have been good friends for a long time.”

Katelyn nodded in agreement. “I’ve explained everything to Lucas. It’s cool.”

Zach smiled, a little more relaxed now. “Okay, then. I’ll walk with you after school.”

Katelyn flashed him a grateful smile. “Thanks, Zach. I’d like that.”

As they continued eating lunch, Katelyn’s mind wandered. Something about Lucy’s sudden quietness and the strange feeling she’d had for days nagged at her. Whatever Lucy was planning, Katelyn knew she needed to be ready.

What she didn’t know was how soon everything was about to change.