The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 108

Chapter 108

Chapter 108

ASTRA

I stood up from the bench outside the principal’s office when the door opened.

Maya and her two friends came out first. They gave me mean looks and smug little smirks as they passed. Of course they would. They were rich kids. Maya Whitmore especially, and they probably got off with nothing more than a warning and a pat on the back.

But I was happy to see the red marks on their cheeks and arms, the ones I had left.

My Small victories.

“Miss Hawthorne,” Principal Mollins called from inside. “Come in.”

I took a deep breath and stepped into his office, closing the door behind me. I sat down in the chair across from his desk, hands folded tightly in my lap.

Principal Mollins sighed, leaning back in his chair. He looked tired.

“What happened, Astra?”

I told him everything, calmly, and honestly.

He listened quietly, then sighed again.

“We have video from the cafeteria cameras. You did hit her first.”

I nodded, eyes down.

“I know. But she poured food on me. Humiliated me in front of everyone. I… I just couldn’t take it anymore.”

Principal Mollins rubbed his temple.

“You were supposed to come report it immediately, Astra. Not take matters into your own hands.”

I bit my lip, fighting back tears.

“I’m sorry, sir. I know I should have but… it hurt. And I was tired of them treating me like I’m trash.”

He watched me for a long moment, expression softening slightly.

“Look… you’re one of the brightest scholarship students we have. Your grades are excellent. You’re a leader on the sports committee. I don’t want to see you throw that away over this kind of nonsense.”

He leaned forward.

“Starting Monday, you’ll have two weeks of after-school library duty. You’ll help Mrs. Patel with shelving, inventory, and any tutoring needs that come up. Consider this a warning. Next time, it will be more serious and it could affect your scholarship status.”

I let out a shaky breath of relief.

“Thank you, sir.”

He nodded.

Fri, Jul

Chapter 108

“Go clean yourself up. And try to stay out of trouble.”

I stood up, still trembling a little, and left his office.

The hallway felt longer than usual as I walked toward the bathroom to clean the food and juice off my uniform.

But for the first time in a long time….

I didn’t feel completely powerless.

$5 voushark

“Uhhh, I detest her so much,” Priya groaned dramatically, slamming a stack of posters onto the table.

The school day had ended hours ago, but the four of us, me, Priya, Chloe, and Elizabeth were still in the committee room finishing up last-minute work for next week’s pep rally and game-day promotions. I had changed into my spare uniform but my hair still smelled faintly like orange juice.

Priya was pacing like a caged animal.

“Maya Whitmore is actually the devil. Who pours food on someone in the middle of lunch? In front of the entire cafeteria? She’s not even trying to hide how much of a bully she is anymore!”

Chloe snorted, sorting through a box of megaphones.

“She’s always been like that. She’s just extra pressed right now because Zane isn’t giving her attention. So she’s taking it out on you. Classic rich-girl behavior.”

Elizabeth leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, looking proud.

“I still can’t believe you slapped her. I wish I’d been there to see it. You’ve been taking their crap for years, Astra. I’m genuinely proud of you for finally snapping.”

I managed a small, tired smile as I wiped down the table.

“I just… I couldn’t take it anymore. It felt good for like two seconds but well it got in trouble.”

Priya stopped pacing and grinned at me wickedly.

“Girl, you went full feral. Like a tiny, angry warrior princess. I’m living for it. I heard the entire cafeteria was recording and maya’s going to be so mad when she sees how many people were cheering you on.”

Chloe laughed. “When I came, some of the football guys were literally yelling ‘get her, Astra!’ I heard it.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Maya’s family might be scary, but you stood up for yourself. That matters.”

I felt a little warmer inside.

“Thanks, guys. I really needed that.”

We kept working, the conversation flowing easily, Priya dramatically reenacting the slap, Chloe teasing her about being too loud, Elizabeth trying (and failing) to keep us on task. For the first time in weeks, I felt like I had real friends in my corner.

After we finally wrapped up, I said goodbye to the girls and made my way to the bus stop. I pulled out my phone and typed a message to Jason.

Me:Hey, I didn’t see you at school today. Is everything okay? Let me know when you can.

The message showed as delivered, then read almost immediately but no reply came.

1

12:09 Fri, Jul 3

Chapter 108

I stared at the screen, worry gnawing at me. Jason had never gone a whole day without at least texting me back. Something felt off.

The bus ride home was quiet. When I got to the mansion, the twins were already in the living room.

“Hi, Astra!” they called out cheerfully.

“Hi, boys,” I replied with a tired smile. “I’ll be down in a bit to make snacks, okay?”

I went upstairs, glancing at Zane’s closed door as I passed. Was he still sick?

I took a quick bath, changed into comfortable clothes, and felt a little more human. As I was about to head back downstairs to the twins, something pulled at me.

I stopped in front of Zane’s door.

I knocked softly.

No answer.

I knocked again, a little louder.

“Zane? It’s me… Astra. Are you okay?”

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