⠀⠀Mrs. Bressler's concerned face swims into focus. "Brietta," she says gently, "are you okay? You fell asleep half-way through the lesson."
 ⠀⠀Brietta's hand trembles slightly as she rubs her eyes. "Yeah, I just couldn't sleep last night. I'm sorry." The half-truth tastes bitter on her tongue, but she can't bring herself to admit to her last-minute essay cramming session. 
⠀⠀"Do you want me to write you a pass to the Nurse?" Mrs. Bressler offers.
⠀⠀Brietta shakes her head, forcing a weak smile. "No, I'm okay." The sound of shuffling feet and muffled conversations catches her attention. She glances towards the classroom door, watching as students begin to file in for the next class. A flush creeps up her neck as she realizes how long she must have been out. "I should get to my next class."
⠀⠀As Brietta gathers her belongings, the acrid smell of smoke seems to linger in her nose.
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The sounds of panting came from behind Brietta and Allison, sounds of leaves crunching underneath their footfalls slightly drowning out Lydia's lack of athleticism. "Allison, when you said you needed to stop for an errand before we went shopping," Lydia cuts herself off to catch her breath before continuing, "a five-mile hike in the woods was not what I was expecting."
⠀⠀"Yeah, Ali," Brietta inhales and readjusting her satchel before continuing, "I wanted to redecorate my room." She hadn't actually wanted to, but that sounds better than saying "I wanted to decipher a letter that a murderous werewolf might've sent me."
⠀⠀"About time, Brie," Lydia smirks, "No offense, but your room is bland." Brietta gapes at Lydia's insult, placing a hand on her chest, "Just because you say 'no offense', doesn't make it any less offensive, Lyds."
⠀⠀Lydia shrugs with pursed lips, and Brietta lets out a breathy laugh before changing the subject, "So, Ali, Valentines day is in four days, and Lydia and I always go see a romance screening at the theater. You should come with us." Brietta conveniently leaves out the part where Lydia always ditches her mid-movie to go see Jackson, seeing as Jackson broke up with her yesterday and she didn't want Allison to think of Eli, either.
⠀⠀Allison hums, "Sounds fun. Which movie?"
⠀⠀Lydia squeals, an extra pep in her step as she talks about the movie, "Love and Other Drugs. It's still in theaters, and we can go after school. Jake Gyllenhaal is so hot."
⠀⠀The rest of the walk through Beacon Hills' preserve was filled with Lydia's animated chatter about her celebrity crushes. The forest echoes with her enthusiastic commentary until Allison suddenly stops in front of a massive tree. She crouches down on the leaf-strewn ground, her movements deliberate and focused.
⠀⠀Reaching into her archery case, Allison extracts an arrow shaft, devoid of its tip. Brietta's curiosity piques, and she can't help but ask, "What are you doing...?"
⠀⠀Allison remains silent, her concentration unwavering. With practiced precision, she retrieves a substantial arrowhead from her case. Her fingers move deftly as she begins the process of attaching the arrowhead to the arrow shaft.
⠀⠀"What does that do?" Lydia questions, eyeing Allison's smug expression. Brietta scrunches her eyebrows together, eyeing Allison, "We're about to find out." 
⠀⠀The Argent teenager retrieves her bow with practiced ease, rising to her feet in one fluid motion. She aligns the arrow with the bow, her movements precise and controlled. Brietta watches with rapt attention as Allison narrows her eyes, her focus laser-sharp on the target tree.