2 – Is Karma a Real Thing?

Evy took a deep breath and stepped through the school gate.

Yes! She was nervous. But unlike before, it had nothing to do with fear. She couldn’t find the right word to describe what she was feeling. All she knew was that she was excited and curious to see the reactions of the people who had once made her life miserable in this school. And more than anything, she was anxious to see her—the one person who had always been her anchor. The girl who held her when she cried. The one she could tell everything to, without filters or fear. The one who never cared about popularity or reputation.

The one and only, her true best friend.

Hailey.

They hadn’t talked much over the past year. A few scattered messages, the occasional check-in, but nothing like before. And Hailey had no idea that she had enrolled in Woodstock High once again.

As Evy walked through the gate, curious glances followed her. The boys shamelessly checked her out. Girls glared openly.

Ha!

Once, they stared because she was a nerd. The laughingstock of Woodstock High. Now, they did because they were interested.

Losers!

Not sparing them a single glance, with her head held high, she walked confidently into the building.

The moment she entered the corridor, people stopped. Whispers followed. Everyone wanted a good look at the ‘new girl.’

If only they knew who she really was.

She approached the reception desk. “Hello, I’m Evelyn Brook—”

“New student?” Mrs. Brown, head of the admin department of their school, asked.

“Kind of,” Evy replied with a polite smile. She instantly liked her.

Mrs. Brown handed her a file with a kind smile. “Here’s your schedule, a school map, and your locker number. Your books are already inside. Enjoy your first day.”

“Thank you,” Evy said, a smirk tugging at her lips. “I’m sure I’ll have some fun.”

As she walked toward her locker, she suddenly crashed into something, or rather someone.

“I am sorr—” She stopped.

Her expression hardened when she realized who stood in front of her. “I’m sorry,” she repeated coldly, brushing past him without another look.

The morning was going smoothly until Eddy crashed into someone.

The new girl.

Something about her felt… odd. He didn’t know, but he had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that he knew her from somewhere. He wished he’d gotten a better look at her face.

She didn’t even hesitate. Just apologized—flat, emotionless, and walked away. Hot didn’t even begin to cover it.

She wore skinny black jeans, a red top, and a black leather jacket. Heavy boots stomped against the floor like a warning. Everything about her screamed, ‘don't mess with me.’

For reasons he couldn’t explain, Eddy found her intriguing. When she apologized, it felt like she knew something he didn’t.

Later, Eddy met his friends in the boys’ common room. Yes! They have separate rooms for boys where all the lockers are furnished. There is no entry for girls there.

Over there, every single male species was talking about the new girl, but not a single person knew her name.

Strange!

Evy headed toward the girls’ common room to grab her books. She was just about to step inside when her breath hitched.

Hailey.

She stood in front of Evy’s old locker, fingers brushing the metal as if it might bring her back. She could see how much Hailey missed her and was missing her now.

“Looking at my old locker would not bring me back, Hails,” Evy smiled.

Hailey froze. She turned. “Evy?”

Shock flashed across her face before she ran forward. They crashed into each other, arms tightening in a bone-crushing hug.

“Oh my God,” Hailey whispered. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“Well,” Evy grinned, pinching her cheek, “this should help.”

“Ouch!” She rubbed her cheek. “Okay, I believe it now.”

They laughed, clinging to each other like they were afraid the moment would disappear.

“You look beautiful,” Hailey said, pulling back to examine her. “This past year has been good to you.”

“I won’t argue about that,” Evy teased. “But tell me. Have I been replaced?”

“Never,” Hailey said instantly. “Nothing was the same without you. I did make a few friends, but no one was special enough to take your place.”

“I missed you, too,” Evy said softly. “I made a best friend there—”

Her smile faltered.

“But he’s in second place. You’ll always be my number one.”

The bell rang, signaling the first lecture. Here in Woodstock, there are three bells. the first to head to class, the second as a warning, and the third, detention territory.

On their way to class, they compared their schedules and were ecstatic to find out that both of them had the same lectures.

The moment they entered, the entire room went silent. They were all staring at Evy and giving her curious glances. Ignoring them all, she sat on the bench with Hailey.

“You’ve changed,” Hailey whispered. “You’re finally being yourself.”

“It was time for me to get out of my shell, Hails. You know, there is so much I have to tell you about.”

But Evy was interrupted by one of the popular and most arrogant jocks.

“Hey Hailey, hey babe!” Victor said.

Mostly, everyone knew Hailey because she is one of the sweetest people here. You can trust her with anything. But because of her down-to-earth and not so slutty attitude, she isn’t in the IT group.

“Hey, Victor,” Evy said flatly.

“I see you know my name,” he smirked.

“Well, I always keep track of people who are on my hate list,” she said innocently while Hailey tried to muffle her laugh with her hand.

“Ouch,” he said dramatically, his hand on his heart. She doubts if he even has a heart. “That hurts.”

“And I care because?” Evy raises her brows.

“Who wouldn’t care about me? Just look at me.” He didn’t know how dumb he sounded right now.

“Whatever!”

“At least tell me your name?”

“Well, just say I am your worst nightmare.”

Ms. Wendy entered before he could reply. She is their literature professor. Evy was thankful that this school didn’t have the introduction of a new student. Yes, here the class starts directly. A few minutes later, another interruption by Mr. VIP of one of the most egoistic and arrogant jocks.

“May I come in?”

“Edward, you are five minutes late. But as it is the start of the New Year, I would spare you from detention. But don’t you repeat it,”

“Thank you, Ms. Wendy.” He came inside and stopped. He was looking for an empty seat in the class. And soon, his eyes met hers.

He froze.

Evy didn’t want to flash any kind of emotion, so she rolled her eyes and looked away. But he hesitantly went towards the back and sat beside one of the biggest bitches in this school, Madeline.

Edwards looked the same as before. She can bet that he is the same arrogant jerk.

The following three lectures went smoothly, and soon it was lunchtime.

Yay! For her, as she just loves eating. Unlike other schools in town, their canteen provides really good food.

Edward was stopped dead in his tracks when he saw those familiar green emerald eyes. When her eyes met his, he could see the hatred in them. The next three lectures were torture for him. Not because of the teachers, but because his mind was filled with thoughts.

Not once did she glance his way.

Finally, the bell rang, and she left the class. He wanted to chase her, but he was stopped by none other than Madeline. One of the most irritating and clingy people. He doesn’t even know why he stands her. She was and is going to be the biggest mistake of his life.

Evy and Hailey sat at one of the tables in the canteen. She wasn’t a loner in this school. For the past year, she had been part of a group in which there were all kinds of people—geeks, nerds, emo, etc. And actually, she finds it cool. She believed that a person should befriend a variety of people instead of hanging out with one type of person.

Evy was telling Hailey about her life back at her old school. During the whole three classes, they had been chatting like maniacs. She really wished Owen were here. Her best friend from another school. He was his strength there. The only reason why Evy is able to face these monsters.

“Hails,” she said suddenly, “isn’t there a new boy?”

“Yeah, there is. But I have seen no fresh faces… Until now.” Hailey was looking behind her.

When she turned back, she could not believe her eyes. She jumped up and ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck. He spun her around and kissed her cheek.

Evy grabbed his arm and pulled him towards their table. “Hails, remember I was telling you about my best buddy back in my old school. Well, meet Owen.”

“Hello,” she said shyly.

Hailey is shy. But once she gets along with the person, then this girl can never stop talking.

“Hi, Evy told me so much about you. And finally, I can meet the famous Hailey.” He hugged her.

She was blushing hard. And well, even Evy was shocked because Owen hugged no random person. And he was giving her his famous hugs. She knew for a fact that Owen would love Hailey and vice versa when they met.

All three of them were chatting and laughing when Victor interrupted them again.

“Hey, Nightmare. What are you doing here? A girl like you should sit with us. If you want, your friends could also tag along.”

“Well, we are pretty fine here,” Evy replied, frustration clearly written on her face.

“Oh, come on.” Victor insisted.

“Dude, just leave.” Owen intervened. And he did. Owen could be scary if he wanted.

Then the bell rang, indicating the next lecture.

During the break, Evy found that Owen had shifted to Woodstock and wanted to surprise her. He was glad he did, though. Both her best friends are with her now. And the best part of it was that she could see Hailey and Owen becoming best buddies soon.

The next lecture was Evy’s personal favorite, the Psychology lecture. And not only was that her favorite teacher, Mrs. Natalia, going to take it. She used to take the Psychology workshop at her old school.

“Look, who do we have here? My favorite students. Owen and Evelyn.” Mrs. Natalia exclaimed.

“The one and only.” Owen grinned.

“And you might be the famous Hailey, of whom Evelyn always used to talk about.” Mrs. Natalia spoke.

Mrs. Natalia also used to be Evy’s counsellor. She always used to tell her all about Hailey.

“Well, class, I am Mrs. Natalia Peters, your Psychology teacher and the cultural head of this school,” She exclaimed.

“Is she Evelyn Brook?” Madeline asked.

“Yes, she is.” Mrs. Natalia confirmed. With that, everyone in the class started talking.

“So, everyone, you all can get along with Evelyn afterwards. But before that, I have various things to inform you. As you know, Woodstock High is famous for its cultural activities and fests, so this year we have made some changes to the cultural team. Instead of Madeline, Evelyn, and Owen will be the new cultural heads. And Edward and Carson are also removed from their assistant posts,”

“What!” Madeline shrieked.

“You might be Madeline. Calm down. You are already the head of the cheerleaders, Edward is the captain of football, and Carson is the basketball team captain. And looking at the past two years’ records, the statistic has gone low.”

These made her shut up and shrink down in her seat.

Mrs. Natalia continued, “So now Evelyn and Owen will be replacing you, Madeline. Don’t say anything and let me complete. Those two had done a wonderful job back there in the old school, and the graph is much higher from here. Hailey, you will assist both of them, and you are chosen because I have seen your portfolio, and the rest of the teachers have also recommended you. So, from now on, these are your new heads. I want every one of you to cooperate with them. And as for your Psychology class, well, it will start tomorrow. You are all dispersed.”

Eddy was beyond hurt when he saw Evy hugging the new guy. When he entered the canteen for once, he thought she was running towards him, but she didn’t even look at him. Instead, she hugged that guy. He had also joined their football team. Apparently, in his old school, he was the best.

He was even shocked when he heard that she, Owen, and Hailey would be the new heads of the cultural team. He was not complaining or anything, but he felt like Owen had replaced him, and it stung. And most importantly, she talked about Hailey to Mrs. Natalia. But what about him? Is he nothing to her?

It came as a shock to each and every person when they learned the unknown girl was none other than their old Evelyn Brook. But when he saw her beautiful green emerald eyes, he instantly knew who she was.

She was the nerd and the laughingstock of Woodstock High.

She has changed a lot. Not in a bad way, but now her true personality was reflected, which was only known by him and Hailey.

He was glad that she had transformed within one year for good because now not only she but even Owen and Hailey would be considered in their popular crowd. And they do deserve it.

Evy has always been creative along with Hails, and Eddy was glad that they are part of their cultural team. He does not doubt that Evelyn, Hailey, and Owen would be good heads.

Evelyn, Hailey, Owen. He sighed.

It always used to be Evelyn, Hailey, and Eddy. They were like the three musketeers for a long time. But after that, they also used to hangout. Evelyn was closest to him. But he can’t blame her, though. He had been horrible to not only Evy but also to Hailey. He deserves this.

Is Karma a real thing?

Naah! He doesn’t think so. Yes, Evy is angry now, but everything will be back to normal once he asks for an apology. He knows her. She always forgives him. And he knows that she will forgive him again. But first, he needs to give her some space and let her calm down. Once she comes around, he will ask her for forgiveness, and they will be best friends again.

Finally, Evelyn Brook, his best friend, is back.