The broken path

Mary sat under the old oak tree in the schoolyard, her gaze fixed on a patch of wilting daisies near her feet. The world around her felt distant, the chatter of students a dull hum in the background. She wrapped her arms around her knees, wishing she could disappear.

"Daisies are resilient, you know," came a voice, smooth and warm. "They might look like this now, but they'll bounce back with a little care."

Startled, Mary looked up to see Ryan standing over her, his school bag slung casually over one shoulder. His smile was disarming, his presence unexpectedly comforting.

"You think so?" Mary asked softly, brushing her hair out of her face.

Ryan dropped his bag and sat beside her. "Absolutely. Kind of like people, don't you think?"

Mary blinked, unsure how to respond. But as Ryan continued to talk, the knot of anxiety in her chest began to loosen. His words were kind, his tone understanding, and for the first time in weeks, she felt a glimmer of hope.

Unbeknownst to her, Mona watched the exchange from a distance, her green eyes narrowing with disdain. She clutched her bag tightly, her jaw clenching as she observed Ryan's easy charm and Mary's tentative smile.

What does he see in her? Mona thought, her lips curling into a sneer. She had worked too hard to keep Mary down. Ryan's sudden interest in her was a threat, one Mona couldn't ignore.

As Mary and Ryan's laughter drifted across the yard, Mona turned on her heel, determination hardening her features. If Ryan wanted to play hero, he'd make sure he thought twice.

At lunch, Mona saw her opportunity. Ryan was walking past her table when she called out, her voice light and inviting.

"Hey, Ryan! Got a minute?"

He paused, his gaze flicking to her with mild curiosity. "Sure. What's up?"

Mona patted the empty seat beside her. "Sit down. I've been meaning to talk to you."

Ryan hesitated but eventually sat, setting his tray on the table. Mona leaned forward slightly, her expression warm and welcoming.

"So, how are you finding this place?" she asked, her voice dripping with interest. "It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but I bet someone like you has no trouble fitting in."

Ryan chuckled, his charm slipping into place. "It's not too bad. Everyone's been pretty friendly so far."

Mona nodded, playing with the edge of her napkin. "Well, if you ever need someone to show you around or, you know, fill you in on the unspoken rules of the place, I'm your girl."

Her tone was light, but her words were calculated. She needed Ryan to see her as an ally, someone worth his time. As their conversation continued, Mona noticed him relaxing, his initial caution fading. By the time lunch ended, she was confident she had planted the seeds of doubt.

As Ryan walked away, Mona allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Let's see how close you and Mary get now.

---

Mary noticed the shift almost immediately. Ryan seemed distracted during their next conversation, his usual attentiveness dulled. When she asked if something was wrong, he brushed it off with a half-smile, but the distance was palpable.

Sophie, ever observant, picked up on the change too. She cornered Mary after class, her expression a mix of concern and frustration.

"Something's off with Ryan," Sophie said bluntly.

Mary frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I don't trust him," Sophie replied. "And I definitely don't trust Mona. Did you see her talking to him during lunch?"

Mary shook her head, confusion flickering across her face. "Why would Mona talk to Ryan?"

"That's what I want to know," Sophie muttered. "Just… be careful, okay? Mona doesn't do anything without a reason."

Mary nodded, but a part of her clung to the fragile hope Ryan had given her. For the first time in weeks, someone had made her feel seen, valued. She didn't want to let that go.

---

Meanwhile, Mona sat at her desk, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. She had thrown the first stone. Now, it was only a matter of time before Ryan's budding friendship with Mary began to unravel.