Keeley successfully avoided Aaron for a month by eating lunch behind a bookcase in the library, sneaking out the back entrance, taking a different subway, and constantly looking over her shoulder.

Her friends worried about her absence at lunch, but she claimed she needed more study time and promised weekend hangouts, appeasing them. Grades were crucial for scholarship students.

Literature class presented a different challenge. Aaron constantly sought her out, exacerbated by Mr. Weisz's frequent partner discussions. Keeley answered questions concisely, but Aaron had other plans.

"The Valentine's dance is in two weeks. Going with anyone?" he asked nonchalantly.

"No. Other plans," she replied.

Plans that involved staying far away from him. In her past life, they had been together, and Lacy had "accidentally" pushed her into a punch bowl.

Lacy undoubtedly knew about the day Aaron skipped his usual lunch group—Lydia said the student lounge buzzed about it for days. Keeley didn't need Lacy targeting her over Aaron.

"What plans?" he pressed.

"With my friends," Keeley stated firmly.

"I see." The teacher ended the discussion, cutting him off.

Lydia and Jeffrey were in her last class, so Keeley confirmed her evening plans. She invited them for pizza and video games. Who could refuse?

"Sorry, I've been asked to the dance," Lydia apologized. "Why don't you two go together? It would be fun!"

Panic surged. She'd forgotten Lydia had a date, preoccupied with Aaron's friends. She couldn't go near that dance!

Jeffrey looked confused. "I saw your name on the volunteer signup sheet for dance decorations. Planning to set up and leave?"

Keeley hadn't signed up! Someone was sabotaging her—Aaron? Lacy? Or a new enemy?

After school, she pleaded with the volunteer teacher, insisting she hadn't signed up. The teacher dismissed her, assuming laziness or dance preparations. Keeley's name remained on the list.

Why hadn't she pushed harder to transfer schools after her rebirth? Her father had dismissed her request, as she was almost finished with her senior year. He explained a transfer would harm her university applications. Resigned, she thought five months wouldn't be too bad.

Ha. Dealing with Aaron Hale and Lacy Knighton proved her wrong.

Keeley conceded. "Lydia's right; we should go together. Pizza afterward?"

"You're on," Jeffrey grinned, heading to his locker.

"I'll talk to my date," Lydia promised. "See you tomorrow!"

"See you."

This was going to be awful. Dances were overrated, but enemies made it worse. Who wanted her there so badly?

Lost in thought, Keeley bumped into a vaguely familiar face. "Watch where you're going, peasant!"

One of the rich kids. She thought his father worked for the UN. Sandy hair, brown eyes…she knew him. He sat at Aaron's lunch table in her past life, but she couldn't recall his name. Something else about him frightened her.

As he joined Lacy, it clicked: Lacy's friend! He'd been interested in her, but she'd only had eyes for Aaron. Older, different hairstyle…he'd been driving the car the day she died! He must be doing Lacy's dirty work. What was his name?!

A primal urge to escape propelled Keeley down the hallway. Suddenly, her backpack handle was yanked, her shoulders burning with pain. Aaron, the last person she wanted to see, held her captive. Angry tears welled up.

"Let me go!"

"In a minute. You're hard to find. Avoiding me, perhaps?" he scoffed. Entitled jerk!

"What do you want?" Keeley grumbled. Her wallet and keys were inside—she needed them to get home.

He frowned at her tears. "Why are you crying?"

"None of your business," she snapped. "Leave me alone! We aren't friends!"

Once, she'd considered him her best friend, following him like a lost lamb. They'd laughed, talked, acted like a couple—all a lie. He chose Lacy. Why wasn't he sticking with that choice? Was he toying with her?

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