Chapter Ten: Confused
RILEY'S POV
It had been three days since that morning, and now it was Wednesday.
After my bath, I stood in front of my closet, arms crossed, staring like the clothes would magically choose themselves. Eventually, I pulled out a black sleeveless cropped top and layered it with a see-through white lace shirt, pairing it with a black jean skirt.
I braided my hair into a neat French braid and headed downstairs.
Mom was in the kitchen, humming softly as she cooked. She was home today—apparently, her manager had given her a rare day off.
We ate together, chatting about random things, and for a moment everything felt normal. Just as I was about to leave the kitchen, she asked the last question I expected.
"So… found any boys you like yet?"
I sighed. "No, Mom. You of all people should know you'd be the first to hear about it if I ever did."
She smiled knowingly, but let it go.
At school, I met up with Harleen and Amber. I'd been right—Amber had won the show, and her boyfriend Connor had thrown a not-so-small celebration for her.
Soon enough, the bell rang.
I walked out of calculus and headed for English. Honestly, whoever decided to schedule those two subjects back-to-back deserved jail time.
There were still seven minutes before class started.
When I entered the classroom, Xander was already there—the only one. English seemed to be the only class we shared. I sat beside him and took out my books. As usual, his head was resting on the desk.
We hadn't spoken since he dropped me off that morning.
"You're very punctual," I said, breaking the silence for the first time in days.
"I have my reasons."
"You want to improve your grades," I said casually, remembering what Mason had mentioned.
His head snapped up. "How do you know that?"
"I—I guessed," I stammered. It sounded like a lie. A terrible one.
He studied me for a second before putting his head back down, some strands still managing to fall perfectly. "You're curious."
"I like your hair," I blurted, immediately regretting it.
Stupid mouth. S
"I like yours too," he said quietly, his head still down.
"Mine's lame " I muttered.
He raised his head staring at me then shifted, just slightly, the space between us shrinking until I could feel his warmth.
My heart thudded hard in my chest, and for a second, I forgot how to breathe.
Before I could say anything else, lips pressed against mine.
My eyes widened.
Xander was kissing me.
For a moment, my brain shut down completely. Then my eyes fluttered closed, and I kissed him back. His hand slid to my waist, lifting my shirt slightly and resting against my lower back. Heat rushed through me, leaving me dizzy.
It felt unreal. Perfect.
My hand lifted instinctively, brushing the skin at his neck.
The moment I touched him, he pulled away.
He stood up abruptly, staring down at me—his expression filled with something ugly.
Regret. Maybe disgust.
Without another word, he walked out just as a few students entered, their curious glances flicking between me and the door.
I swallowed hard and stared at the board.
If he hadn't hated me before, he definitely did now.
But it wasn't fair. He kissed me first.
XANDER'S POV
I ran my hands through my hair as I walked, replaying everything.
That was a mistake.
A huge one.
Max leaned against the wall, examining me like a puzzle. "Let me guess. A girl. A girl. Or—wait for it—a girl." He chuckled.
I ignored him.
"Alright," he said, grinning. "I'll figure out who she is."
"I didn't ask for help."
"But I'm an amazing friend," he replied, patting my shoulder. "You're welcome."
I clenched my jaw. "I didn't tell you anything."
"Your silence says plenty."
"Why are you even here?"
"I'm starting with Ben's cupcake," he said casually.
"She's not Ben's."
"I know," he smirked. "She's yours."
He turned and ran off laughing.
RILEY'S POV
History class dragged on. I lowered my gaze to my book and started doodling random cartoon characters.
Someone sat beside me.
I didn't look up—until a hand tugged at my hair.
I jumped, spinning around.
Max.
Xander's friend.
He smiled and leaned closer, whispering, "Do you like Alexander?"
I pulled back, confused—and blushing?.
"Why would you ask that?"
His grin widened as he scribbled something on a paper. "Have you guys kissed?"
I shot up from my seat. "Excuse me, ma'am. I need the restroom."
His laughter followed me as murmurs spread through the class.
I hurried down the hallway and into the girls' bathroom, splashing water on my hands. As I turned to leave, my foot nudged something on the floor.
A chain.
I picked it up and frowned—it looked familiar.
Harleen's.
I slipped it into my bag, planning to return it later as I sighed.
School is exhausting.
A/N
Forgive me 😂 💞