The Dot was buzzing louder than usual. You were sitting with Paige, Hazel, Jimmy, Spinner, and Jay, mid-laugh about something stupid.

That’s when the bell over the door jingled.

Every head in the booth turned. Rick walked in, trying his best to look small, unnoticed. But the second his eyes scanned the room and landed on your table, the energy shifted. Paige muttered something under her breath. Spinner rolled his eyes so hard you thought they might stick.

You slid out of the booth and met Rick at the counter, your arms crossed.

“We don’t want you at Degrassi,” you said flatly.

Rick’s shoulders twitched, but he tried to straighten up, forcing calm into his tone. “I have a right to an education. Look, what I did to Terri last year was horrible, but I’m getting therapy. I’ve changed.”

Your chest tightened at the mention of Terri, her face flashing in your mind, the coma, the hospital. You clenched your jaw. “I don’t care. Find another school, Rick… or you’ll be sorry.”

Rick’s eyes widened, his lips parting like you’d struck him. “Is that a threat?” His voice cracked just slightly, but he caught it and pushed harder, almost defiant. “Because Mr. Raditch warned you. You can’t touch me.”