Billie Baird ★ ⁰⁴

The day had already started off strangely, but nothing prepared me for when the new substitute teacher walked into the classroom. Billie. It was impossible not to notice her—not just because of the way she dressed, or her confident posture, but because of that presence that seemed to fill the entire room. I thought, in that instant, that she was absurdly beautiful. That's all. Nothing more than that. Or at least that's what I tried to convince myself of. Justin and Hailey immediately noticed how I remained silent, staring more than I should have. The giggling started right away, accompanied by low comments and provocative glances. They knew me too well to let it go. But they also knew why it bothered me so much. I didn't want to feel anything for anyone. Not after what happened.