Arabella had been absent from school for a while after the accident, and rumors had been flying around about what happened to her. Some said she got into a fight. Others said she got struck by lightning. A few swore she had gone on a top-secret spy mission. Naturally, Arabella encouraged all of them.

When she finally walked into school again, her signature energy was still there, but something was different. The bright orange shirt, the star stickers on her cheeks, the ever-present grin—all the same. But now, she had an eyepatch over one eye, decorated with tiny golden stars. She had clearly embraced it, but it didn’t stop the hallway from going quiet for a moment when people saw her.

Lily, Adam, and Sebastian were waiting for her by the lockers.

Lily, arms crossed, was the first to speak. “Okay, what the hell happened to you?”

Arabella struck a dramatic pose, one hand on her hip. “Oh, you know, just got caught in a top-secret lab explosion while saving the world. No big deal.”

Sebastian gasped. “Wait, really?”

Adam sighed, adjusting his glasses. “No, Sab, she’s messing with you.”

Arabella pouted. “You don’t know that.”

Lily rolled her eyes but was clearly relieved to see her friend being her usual weird self. “Seriously, though. Are you okay?”

Arabella’s grin softened. “Yeah. I mean, it’s permanent, but it’s not the end of the world. Just gotta rock the pirate look forever.” She tapped the eyepatch playfully. “I think it makes me look mysterious.”

Sebastian’s brows furrowed. “Does it hurt?”

“Nah. Well, not anymore.” Arabella nudged him. “Don’t look so worried! I’m still me. Just… with one less fully working eyeball.”

Adam, who had been watching her carefully, finally spoke. “You’re handling this really well.”

Arabella beamed. “Duh. Can’t let something like this ruin my coolness.”

Lily scoffed. “You were never cool.”