Frost and secrets

Felix's attitude toward Lisa had only grown worse. Every encounter with him left her more frustrated and confused. He seemed to take pleasure in pushing her away, his coldness like a shield he refused to lower.

One evening, as Lisa was sitting in the living room working on a school project, Felix stormed in, his face set in a scowl.

"Your stuff is all over the table," he snapped, not even looking at her.

Lisa glanced at her neatly arranged books and laptop. "It's not like I'm making a mess," she replied, trying to keep her tone calm.

Felix scoffed. "It's my house, not yours. Keep your things out of the way."

Lisa felt her patience snap. "You don't own this house, Felix. Your mother was kind enough to take me in, and I've been nothing but respectful. Maybe you should try it sometime."

He glared at her, his jaw tightening. "Respect? You think you're better than me because you go to some fancy school? You don't belong here, Lisa. You're just another outsider."

His words stung, but Lisa refused to let him see it. "You're right, Felix," she said coolly. "I don't belong here—with someone who's too afraid to let anyone in."

Felix's eyes flickered with something—anger, maybe pain—but he said nothing. He turned on his heel and left the room without another word.

Unlike Felix, Joseph had grown fond of Lisa. He admired her determination and the way she stood up to Felix, something he had never dared to do. But he kept his feelings buried, unsure how to approach her.

One afternoon, as Lisa was helping Juan with dinner, Joseph lingered in the kitchen, pretending to look for something in the fridge.

"You've been quiet today," Lisa said, noticing his nervous energy.

Joseph glanced at her, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Just tired," he muttered.

Lisa smiled. "Well, you work hard at school. I'm sure you're doing great."

Her kind words made his heart race, but he quickly looked away, afraid she might notice. "Thanks," he mumbled before retreating to his room.

That night, Joseph sat at his desk, staring at his notebook. He picked up his pen and began doodling, his thoughts filled with Lisa.

"She's amazing," he whispered to himself. "But she'll never see me that way."

At school, The Barbies were up to their usual antics. Elsa, Erica, and Linda seemed to take delight in targeting Lisa whenever they had the chance.

During lunch, Lisa and Chelsea were sitting together when Elsa approached their table.

"Still hanging out with the rejects, I see," Elsa said, her voice dripping with mockery.

Lisa looked up, her eyes narrowing. "If being a reject means staying away from people like you, I'll take it."

Elsa's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Enjoy your little victories while they last, Lisa. This school has a way of weeding out the weak."

As Elsa walked away, Chelsea leaned closer to Lisa. "Don't let her get to you. She's just jealous because you're strong."

Lisa nodded, but she couldn't help wondering what The Barbies were planning next.