sanctuary || d. wayne

SIX

GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL
NOVEMBER 2ND
8:20 a.m.

As expected, Noelle received stares of pity and curiosity as she walked down the hallway. It had gotten easier to ignore people since the cafe incident, but it still made her feel a little queasy.

What was unexpected, however, was the lack of Silas.

The past couple days had made Noelle suspicious of whether Silas was done with her or not, but today merely confirmed it. He knew today would be her first day back yet said nothing about it. When he returned to school, Noelle managed to send a reassuring text because she couldn't be there.

No, the only encouragement she got was from her family and Damian (who threatened to beat up anyone that had anything bad to say).

"Hey," a familiar voice greets gently. Noelle looks over at the source of the voice, frowning in confusion and slight surprise.

Daniel Westle gives a reassuring smile. He didn't look like her was under any type of influence like he did the other night. Definitely more put together. And despite being considered short for a male, he still remained taller by a couple inches. Those dull brown eyes didn't seem as dull as they did Halloween night. Something changed.

"Daniel," Noelle greets with a small smile. She stops near a row of lockers, not having to go to class just yet. "Hey, what's up?"

"I could ask you the same." He chuckles before leaning against a locker. "How are you doing?"

"Well, classes haven't started yet, so it's still to be determined." Her small smile falls as people whisper once they walk past her and Daniel. "Was it like this when you came back?"

Daniel shrugs. "Kinda, but it didn't last long. Maybe a couple days. I wanna say the same for you, but ever since that photo was posted..."

Noelle lets out a small groan, leaning her head against the locker. The cool, but most likely dirty, metal cools her warm forehead. "So you saw it too, huh?"

"Hard not to. Keeps taking up space on my home page." He gives a small chuckle.

Noelle's cheeks burn slightly. She chuckles along, but it sounds more forced. "Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't mean—"

"Don't worry, don't worry," Daniel reassures, eyes widening slightly at her reaction, "I was just joking. I promise, no one will care by the end of the week."

"You think?" Noelle asks hopefully.

Daniel opens his mouth, to give reassurance, but the well-dressed teen patting Noelle on the back interrupts him.

"Congrats with the Wayne, Noelle!" The girl says before walking away from Daniel and Noelle.

"Okay," Daniel sighs, watching the other girl leave for a few moments before focusing on Noelle again, "maybe not." Noelle lets out another groan. "Listen, I have something else I wanna talk to you about."

Noelle looks up at him, frowning in confusion. What could he possibly have to say?

"It's about...that night."

Of course it has to be about that night. What else could they possibly talk about? She should've known better when he approached her. Maybe he's finally looking for someone to talk to. But why choose now? Eight minutes before their first class?

"Yeah," Noelle says with a small smile. "Of course. Should we do this lat—"

"No, I don't think it can wait," he says. The reassuring expression he had moments ago quickly turned into one of need. He needs this, Noelle realizes. She doesn't get the chance to say anything before he continues. "I met Robin that night. I had to deliver him a message Jade wrote: I got to read it beforehand. You were bait for him."