Chapter Six: Cold
RILEY'S POV
I entered the detention room to find the English teacher seated at her desk, completely focused on some papers. A girl sat in the far-right corner, her head bent over her books.
"Take a seat at the corner and keep quiet," the teacher said without even looking up.
Rude.
I sat at the left corner and pulled out a novel I'd started a few days ago—almost finished. Five minutes later, the girl was dismissed, leaving just me in the room.
Fifteen minutes passed before Xander walked in, completely unbothered, clearly annoying the teacher.
"Mr. Silver, where were you?" she demanded.
He ignored her and walked to the back of the class.
"For coming late, you'll stay an extra thirty minutes. Am I clear?"
Again—ignored.
He dropped into a seat.
Yeah. Definitely ruder.
A few minutes passed. Xander rested his head on the desk. I'd finished my novel two minutes ago, and now boredom was setting in.
I stood up and scooted closer to him. Even though he was the reason I got detention in the first place, I needed company.
He didn't move.
I scooted a little closer.
"What do you want, Ryane?" he muttered, his voice muffled.
"Did you just call me Ryane?" I snapped.
"So you don't know my name?" I don't know why I felt annoyed.
"I do," he replied lazily. "Rachel."
Is he doing this on purpose?
I scoffed and went back to my corner.
When I glanced back at him, I realized he was already staring at me a ghost of a smirk on his face. The moment our eyes met, he dropped his head again.
He's having a lot fun today.
I woke up the next morning to find the window I'd left open the night before now closed. I checked the time—twenty minutes past seven.
Great. I forgot to set my alarm again.
I rushed into the bathroom, took a quick hot bath, brushed my teeth, and returned to my room with a towel wrapped around me. Only then did I notice how cold the air felt.
I slipped on a grey tank top, blue skinny jeans, and tossed my thick black hoodie over my shoulder before heading downstairs.
Cleo was in the kitchen, making coffee—the only thing she could actually make properly.
"Morning, Cleo. Where's Mom?" I asked. I was starting to miss her. Since the loan, she'd been leaving for work earlier than usual.
"She already left," Cleo sighed, handing me a cup of coffee. "I went grocery shopping yesterday."
That explained the coffee.
I grabbed a plate of pancakes Mom must've made and sat down, dropping my backpack on the table and my hoodie over the chair. I'd just finished eating and reached for the dishes when Cleo took them from me.
"Come on. Luka's already waiting."
I grabbed my backpack and hurried after her. She was dropping me off since I was late.
Halfway through the ride, I froze.
"Shit."
"Watch your mouth in my car. What?" she snapped.
"I forgot my hoodie."
"I'm sure the weather will get better," she shrugged.
She was wrong.
The weather got worse.
I walked out of English class, teeth clenched, lips dry from the cold, trying not to look like I was freezing. I was just about to enter the cafeteria when Xander appeared in front of me, holding a jacket.
"Take it," he said, extending it toward me.
"No, thanks. I—I don't really get cold easily," I stuttered, trying to sound convincing. I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm and pulled me back.
"I won't offer it again. Take it."
I stared at him, then at the leather jacket, hesitating—until a cold wind blew past.
Stupid weather.
Before I could react, he draped the jacket over my shoulders.
"I don't care if you wear it or not," he said flatly. "You're free to die in peace."
Then he walked away.
He gave me his jacket… and acted like he didn't care at all.
I stared at it for a moment before putting it on.
It was warm—really warm. Long enough to cover my arms completely, even my wrists.
"Who gave you a jacket?" a voice asked.
I turned to see Harleen and Amber staring at me.
"Mhm… it's Xander's," I muttered, heat creeping into my cheeks.
"Oh, he did, didn't he," Amber said softly, that familiar look in her eyes—the one I hated.
And just like that, I felt cold again.
"Who's hungry?" Harleen quickly broke the tension.
~
I walked home later, hugging the jacket close. It had kept me warm all day, even though the weather had improved.
I'd stayed back to finish my homework, knowing that once I got home, I'd probably pass out.
I unlocked the door and stepped inside—only to freeze.
In the living room was Cleo… kissing a half-naked Luka, right on top of her.
Without hesitation, I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture.
"Oh Christ—Riley! This isn't what it looks like!" Luka exclaimed, jumping up.
I ignored him and turned to my sister, raising a brow.
"Cleo, would you like to explain why your boyfriend is half naked in our living room?" I asked, hands on my hips.
"Ril, give me your phone and we'll pretend this never happened."
I scoffed playfully. "Looks like you forgot one of Mom's rules. Kissing is fine—boyfriends too—but no sex."
"Ril, please. Just give me the damn phone."
"Oh, so we're using pet names now?" I teased.
"Riley, don't make me—"
"Make you what?" I interrupted, holding my phone up. "Imagine if Mom accidentally heard about this. Grounded for life."
I wasn't actually going to tell Mom.
"I'll take you shopping," she blurted.
"Nope."
"I'll do your laundry and clean your room for three days."
"Deal."
I deleted the picture and shook her hand before heading upstairs, completely forgetting Luka existed.