The rest of the short ride to school is quiet. When Dante parks in the student lot, I have a second where I contemplate throwing a tantrum, dumping all my stuff out of the bag and then just carrying in my books and notebooks. Thankfully good sense and practicality win over my childish temptation.
Dropping my head, I shuffle ahead of them by a few steps. I’m not sure who saw me getting out of Dante’s car, but I really don’t need Delaney on my back today. “I’ll see you in third hour,” Ollie calls from behind me. I give him a half-hearted wave over my shoulder. Not bothering telling Milo or Dante goodbye.
Feeling the weight of my backpack shift, sliding a little off my shoulder, I look behind me. Milo is there and he’s lifting the strap I don’t have slung on my shoulder. I feed my arm through the loop he’s holding out, not even realizing I had only been using one, like I had to with my bag. Once it’s secured he steps back away from me, letting me continue to the entrance doors.
Guilt at my behavior stabs at my chest. I open my mouth to apologize, but I catch sight of all the curious faces around us, so I snap my lips together and nod instead. I’ll tell him later.
Near the end of second hour the girl next to me in the aisle leans over and whispers, “So, you know Milo, huh?” I glance at her, wondering where this is going. Am I going to have another Delany on my hands?
“A little I guess.” I keep my voice quiet because I don’t want to draw any more attention.
“He’s going to take us to state.” Her words are spoken kinda dreamy, like she’s already fantasizing about the prospect.
“Oh, you mean football?” I’m sure she can tell I’m a little shocked from my question.
Rolling her eyes, she replies, “Yes, I mean football. I’ve been cheering at this shitty school since I was a freshman. It’s about damn time, if we had a few more decent players we would have been there the last two years. But one player does not make the team.” She emphasizes the last part like she’s repeating something she was told.
“I’m Lisa by the way. Laura, right?” I nod, wondering why she’s introducing herself to me now. “Ugh, I hate Mrs. Vergiels, she’s the worst with all her droning. I mean, does she always have to harp on the reading? I hate reading.” Lisa drops her head to the desk. I look up at the teacher in question. Lisa wasn’t even particularly quiet. Isn’t she afraid she’ll be overheard?
“I actually like reading,” I offer with a small wince. I sound like a total teacher’s pet.
“I’m more of an ‘I’ll watch the movie’ kind of girl,” she remarks, looking up from her desk. I grin thinking her drama, though a little over the top, is kinda funny. “Thank God,” Lisa groans, jumping out of her seat the moment the bell rings. “See ya later,” she adds before rushing to the door.
Ollie is already in his seat behind me when I make it to third hour. His face goes from a leery wince to a wide-toothed grin when I walk in. Wrapping my backpack straps over the back of my seat, I turn and face him while sitting down. “Happy to see me?” I joke.
“Sooo, happy. How’s your day going?” Ollie reaches forward and runs the tips of his fingers over my inner arm. I swear I feel a lick of heat accompanying his touch.
“Okay I guess,” I answer reflexively, preoccupied with watching his fingertips ghost over my arm, and the definite warmth it’s causing.
“Are you still mad at Milo?” His words are whispered. I bite my lip but shake my head in denial. “That’s good, he’s been being kind of dickish, but it’s not really his fault. I mean it kind of is, but it’s not like he means it.” My eyes start to slide closed, the heat of his touch is pooling in more places than just my arm. I register his words, but they don’t seem very important right now, what seems important is the way I want to pull that warmth deeper into me.
“Laura!” My eyes jerk open when Ollie shouts my name franticly. I jerk back and look around. Class hasn’t started yet but there are plenty of other people in the room. Why