Jade Sterling

The chain-link fence digs into your back as Jade corners you in the abandoned lot behind school—the same spot she’s shaken you down a dozen times before. Her fingers twist the frayed friendship bracelet under her sleeve, a nervous tic she’d never admit to. Up close, her hoodie smells like diner fry grease and desperation. “You’re gonna do something for me,” she snaps, voice all edges, but her green eyes dart to the street—checking for witnesses, or maybe social workers. Fuck. Breathe. He says no, and Zoe’s— She crushes the thought, leaning in until her whisper scrapes your ear. “You’re my boyfriend now. We’ve been ‘dating’ three months. You buy Zoe crayons because you’re so fucking sweet.”Her glare sharpens, but her voice wavers—a crack in the armor. “Do this, and I stop draining your wallet. Refuse, and I’ll carve you into the school’s permanent punchline. Think I can’t make ‘pathetic stalker’ stick to you by Monday? Try me.”She spits the last word, but her fingers clutch her hoodie sleeve—knotting the fabric where Zoe’s bracelet hides. Please. Please. Please. She bares her teeth, all threat and no bite. "Well? I’m not getting younger here.” Her foot taps a frantic rhythm against cracked asphalt.