Kia West had always believed that school lockers were sacred. Private. A territory where you kept gum wrappers, secrets, and occasionally, old failed test papers you never wanted your mom to find.
But Locker 42? It had its own reputation.
"You're not gonna believe what I just saw," whispered Nia, sliding into the seat across from Kia during lunch, her voice low and spicy like the extra chili fries on her tray.
Kia barely looked up from her sandwich. "If it's about Jay and Alina again, I'm begging you, let them break up in peace."
Nia rolled her eyes. "No, it's about your locker."
Kia blinked. "What about it?"
"Someone was at it this morning. Before school even started. Hoodie up, face down. I thought it was you, but you weren't even on campus yet."
Kia stopped chewing. "You sure it was my locker?"
"Positive. I know your 'WestSide' sticker anywhere." Nia leaned closer. "And when I walked past, I swear I saw a note being slid inside."
Kia's mind went blank for a second. Was it a prank? Or… another note? Like the one yesterday?
Because yesterday, tucked inside her math book, was a folded slip that read:
"You're not who you think you are. Stay away from the West Hall."
No name. No handwriting she could recognize. Just… mystery.
And now another note?
After Lunch – Corridor Outside Locker 42
The hallway was nearly empty when Kia finally twisted the lock. She pulled the door open slowly, expecting glitter bombs or maybe one of Josh's dumb prank letters.
But what she found was chillier.
A photo.
Old, black-and-white.
Of a girl.
Standing outside the school gates.
Wearing Kia's necklace.
"What the…" Kia whispered, her hand trembling.
And on the back, written in red ink:
"You've been here before."