**Chapter 3: Lockers and Secrets**

As Bri walked to her locker, the sound of lockers slamming and friends chatting filled the hallway. She couldn't help but feel like she was stuck in a daze, her mind preoccupied with Richie and the way he made her feel. She tried to shake off the feeling, telling herself she was being ridiculous, but it was hard to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. As she opened her locker, she was startled by a voice behind her. "Hey, Bri, what's up?" It was Ben, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You look like you're a million miles away." Bri smiled, trying to play it cool. "Just thinking about the talent show," she lied. Ben nodded, his expression turning serious. "I'm a little nervous, to be honest. What if we mess up?" Bri laughed. "We won't. We've practiced enough. Besides, it'll be fun, no matter what happens." Ben grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're right. I'm just being paranoid." As they chatted, Richie walked up to them, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey, guys, what's the plan for the talent show?" Bri felt her heart skip a beat as Richie clapped Ben on the back, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment. She quickly looked away, trying to play it cool. Ben filled Richie in on their discussion, and the three of them made plans to meet up at Eddie's house to rehearse. As they walked down the hallway, Bri couldn't help but feel like she was walking on eggshells, trying not to let her feelings get the best of her. As they approached the entrance of the school, Mike Hanlon caught up to them. "Hey, guys, I need to talk to you about something," he said, his voice low. Bri's curiosity was piqued. "What is it, Mike?" Mike glanced around nervously, making sure no one was listening. "I heard there's going to be a big change in the school. Something that might affect all of us." Ben's eyes narrowed. "What kind of change?" Mike hesitated, glancing around nervously again. "I don't know, but I heard it has something to do with the school's budget. If it's true, it could mean big cuts to the arts program." The group exchanged worried glances. The arts program was one of the few things that made their school stand out. Without it, the school would be just another faceless institution. As they stood there, trying to process the news, Bri couldn't help but wonder what other secrets were hiding in the shadows, waiting to be uncovered.