The next day, Sarah and Dora walked to school together, just like always. As they settled into their seats, Shane approached them, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Does your boyfriend attend this school?" Shane asked loudly enough to gain everyone's attention.
"Yes. Don't tell me you're flirting with Dora—Jake is her boyfriend," Stella cut in before Dora could respond.
"I'm not talking about Dora," Shane said, eyes locked on Sarah. "I'm talking about Sarah."
Sarah frowned. "What?"
"Wait—Sarah has a boyfriend?" one of the classmates asked, intrigued.
"Is that why she rejected Bryan?" someone else whispered.
"What kind of rubbish are you people talking about?" Sarah snapped.
"I mean... I saw a guy yesterday. He put his arm around your neck," Shane said, his tone casual but teasing.
"That was my younger brother," Sarah replied flatly.
"You have a younger brother?" Stella asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That's a lie! I took pictures," Shane said, pulling out his phone and showing the photos to Sarah and Dora. A few students leaned over, eager to see.
"That's her kiddo brother," Dora said firmly, glancing at the photo.
"You have a brother?" Sam asked, clearly surprised.
"Yeah," Sarah replied, brushing off the attention.
"What about my cap?" Shane added.
"I'll drop it at the comic store," Sarah muttered.
"Don't go back on your word," Shane warned, then turned and walked away.
"Do you owe me an explanation?" Stella asked, eyes narrowing at Sarah.
"No," Sarah said simply.
"Do you like Shane?" Stella pressed.
"I hate him. He's so annoying," Sarah groaned.
"Good," Stella replied, then left with a toss of her hair.
That evening, Dora and Sarah went to the stadium while a game was underway. The loud cheers from the crowd echoed around them.
"You said you had something to tell me," Dora reminded her as they walked along the stands.
"Yeah." Sarah sighed and then opened up, telling Dora everything—about the strange dreams, the witch, and the mysterious connection she felt when she met Shane.
"Maybe you should see a priest," Dora said seriously, her brows furrowed.
"Hey, girls!" a voice called behind them.
They turned to see Chris approaching with two other boys. "This is Michael and Jackson," he said, introducing his friends.
"Hello," the boys chorused.
"Hi. You played really well," Sarah said, smiling at Michael.
"Thanks." Michael smiled back and extended a hand. Sarah shook it confidently.
"I hope to see you again soon," Michael added with a charming grin.
"Yeah... sure," Sarah replied, her cheeks slightly warm.
"Did you enjoy the game, sis?" Chris asked Dora.
"Yeah, thanks," Dora replied.
"Let me give you girls a ride home," Michael offered politely.
"Of course, you can," Chris said. They all got into the car.
They dropped Dora off first.
"Take care, Miss Sarah," Michael said as she stepped out.
"I will, thanks," Sarah replied, feeling unexpectedly impressed.
As they walked into the house, Chris nudged her. "Don't tell me you've fallen for Michael?"
"What rubbish are you saying?" Sarah retorted.
They laughed it off and went in for dinner.