Chapter One: He Was Mine First
The hallway buzzed with laughter and footsteps as students filled East Ridge High, but Ava Thompson stood still, her fingers tightening around the straps of her backpack.
She saw him—Liam Carter, in his black hoodie, that signature smirk on his face, effortlessly tossing a basketball between his hands as he leaned against the lockers. He wasn't looking at her.
He was looking at her.
The new girl.
Madison Blake.
Ava's stomach twisted. Madison had only been here for two weeks, but it felt like she owned the entire school. Platinum blonde hair, flawless makeup, perfect white teeth. She walked the halls like she was on a runway and spoke like she already knew everyone worth knowing.
And somehow—she'd found her way to Liam.
"Earth to Ava."
Ava blinked and turned to her best friend, Zoe, who nudged her gently. "You've been glaring at them for, like, a solid minute."
"I wasn't glaring," Ava mumbled.
Zoe raised an eyebrow. "Your death stare could melt lockers."
Ava looked again. Madison had leaned in, whispering something to Liam. He laughed—really laughed. The same way he used to when they'd walk home together, or when he'd steal her fries at lunch. Ava knew that laugh like her own heartbeat.
It didn't belong to Madison.
"He was mine first," Ava whispered under her breath.
---
Later that day, at lunch, Ava hesitated before walking into the cafeteria. The tables were packed, noise echoing off the walls. She spotted Liam immediately. He was at the center table with the basketball team—and Madison.
Ava's feet moved faster than her thoughts.
She slid into the seat beside Liam, practically bumping Madison out of her spot.
"Hey," Liam said with a surprised grin. "Didn't think you were coming."
Ava forced a smile. "Why wouldn't I?"
Madison tilted her head with a sugary voice. "Oh, we just assumed you were sitting with… Zoe today."
"I changed my mind," Ava said flatly, her eyes never leaving Madison.
Liam looked between the two girls, his smile fading slightly. "You okay, Ava?"
"I'm great," she replied. "Just enjoying the company."
Madison laughed softly, brushing her hand through her hair. "You're so funny, Ava."
Zoe arrived a moment later, her tray in hand, and sat across from Ava, giving her a warning look. But Ava didn't care.
Madison was making a move on Liam.
And Ava wasn't going to let her win.
---
After school, Ava waited by the lockers, chewing her lip as she tried to stay calm. Liam finally appeared, tossing his gym bag over his shoulder. She stepped in front of him.
"We need to talk."
He looked confused. "What's up?"
Ava tried to keep her voice even. "About Madison."
Liam raised a brow. "What about her?"
"Don't play dumb. You've been glued to her since she got here. What happened to us?"
Liam sighed. "Ava, we're friends. That's what we've always been."
Ava's chest tightened. "But I thought… I thought we were more than that."
"Ava…" He ran a hand through his hair. "You're amazing, but Madison's just—she's new. I'm just being nice."
"Too nice," Ava snapped. "You used to save your hoodies for me. Walk me home. Sit beside me in class. Now you barely notice I'm there."
"That's not fair."
"No, what's not fair is her walking in here and stealing what I've waited three years for."
Liam paused. "What exactly have you been waiting for?"
You. She didn't say it aloud. Her pride wouldn't let her.
Instead, she stepped back. "Forget it."
She turned and walked away, blinking back the burn in her eyes. But before she turned the corner, she glanced back just once—
And saw Madison, standing nearby with that perfect smile on her lips, watching them.
---
To Be Continue..
CHAPTER 2 : NOT THAT INNOCENT
The morning after the cafeteria showdown, Ava stood at her locker, trying to keep her breathing steady. She'd barely slept. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Liam smiling at Madison — laughing with her like they were the only two people in the world.
"Don't overthink it," she whispered to herself. "He's just being nice. He's yours. He likes you."
"Talking to yourself already? Rough morning?"
Ava turned, heart immediately clenching.
Madison Blake.
In all her golden-blonde, lip-gloss-shining, oversized-sweater glory. She had the kind of effortless look that screamed I just woke up like this and I'm still prettier than you.
"What do you want?" Ava asked, slamming her locker shut harder than she meant to.
Madison tilted her head. "Relax. I'm just here to be friendly. It's what we do in L.A."
"You're not in L.A. anymore," Ava muttered.
Madison smiled like she hadn't heard the edge in Ava's voice. "I just wanted to say thanks for the welcome yesterday. It was… unforgettable." Her eyes twinkled — too sweet. Too fake.
"Yeah, unforgettable," Ava said. "Especially the part where you couldn't stop flirting with Liam."
"Oh?" Madison blinked, all innocent. "Was he… taken?"
Ava's jaw clenched. "Yes. Very taken."
"Hm," Madison hummed thoughtfully. "Weird. He didn't mention that."
Ava stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Let me make it clear, Madison. Liam is not available. I don't care how many highlights you have in your hair or how good you are at batting your lashes."
Madison didn't flinch. She just smiled wider. "Got it. Loud and clear, Ava."
Then she walked away.
---
Later that day…
Liam caught up with Ava after History class. "Hey, where were you this morning? I didn't see you before homeroom."
Ava barely looked at him. "Busy."
He frowned. "Are you mad at me?"
"No," she lied. "Why would I be mad?"
"You tell me. You've been quiet since lunch yesterday."
She finally turned to face him, arms crossed. "Okay. You really want to know? I don't like how close you were with Madison yesterday."
Liam blinked. "Are you serious?"
"Dead serious."
"She's new. I was just trying to make her feel welcome."
Ava raised a brow. "You pulled out a chair for her. You gave her half your fries. You laughed at her jokes."
Liam ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "Ava, come on. This isn't like you."
"Exactly," she snapped. "This isn't like you either."
For a second, neither of them said anything.
Then Liam's voice softened. "You're my best friend, Ava. You know that."
Her chest tightened. Best friend. The words tasted bitter now.
"Yeah," she said quietly. "I know."
But in her gut, something felt off. Like Madison wasn't just another transfer student. Like she wasn't done.
---
That night…
Ava sat on her bed, scrolling through Instagram when a new photo popped up.
@MadisonBlakeXO
📸 First week in a new town and already found my favorite people 💋
Tagged: @LiamCarter03
The picture? Madison and Liam — laughing, too close, his arm slung around her shoulders.
Ava's heart dropped.
She didn't think.
She didn't pause.
She just commented:
"He's not yours."
---