Chapter Nineteen: Paired
RILEY'S POV
It's been two weeks since we returned from the break, and saying things have changed would be an understatement.
Somehow, I've found myself looking forward to English class—and I can't pretend I don't know why.
Xander and I still don't talk much, but every morning we seem to have formed a quiet habit of exchanging greetings.
It isn't much, but to me, it feels like a step forward. A small one—but still progress.
I walked into the classroom, noticing the teacher wasn't in yet and only a few students had arrived. As usual, I headed for the back seat.
And as usual, Xander was already there, his head resting on the desk.
I sat beside him and pulled out my books.
"Hey," I muttered.
"Hey, Rachel," he replied, his voice low and slightly husky.
I've gotten sort of used to the name.
It felt like whatever happened here that day had decided to bury itself, but that didn't mean it was the same for me.
"Are you okay?" I asked quietly.
"Yeah."
"Do you have a cold or something?"
"No."
I nodded and looked away.
A few minutes later, the teacher walked in.
"Everybody make sure you copy this note down," she shouted. "I can't guarantee it won't appear in your exams."
She paused, her eyes narrowing.
"Mr. Silver, didn't you hear me just now?"
I turned to see that Xander's head was still down.
"I'm not feeling too good," he muttered, his voice strained but loud enough for the teacher to hear.
Huh?
Didn't he say he was fine?
"Well then, go see the school nurse," she said after a moment.
"I'll do that," he replied—yet he didn't move an inch.
"Well, everybody, back to class!" the teacher snapped.
I leaned closer to him. "Didn't you say you were fine?" I whispered.
After a few seconds, he replied, "I was."
I frowned and focused on the board as the teacher continued writing.
When I finished copying the notes, I glanced at him again. He still hadn't moved.
I looked at the board, then back at him.
"Give me your book. I'll write for you," I muttered. There were at least twenty minutes left in the period.
"I'm good."
Seriously?
"It's for free."
"Mhm."
"I won't offer again."
Silence.
"Take it," he finally muttered.
For some weird reason, I smiled.
When I was done, I placed the book back on his desk.
"Thanks, Rachel," he said a bit softly.
I nodded.
"Alright class," the teacher announced, "before I forget—you'll be teaming up for a project due next week. And remember, it's important for your grades."
Groans filled the room as she told everyone to quiet down.
"Ethan and Rose."
"Melody and Aaron."
"John and—"
My mind drifted.
"Alexander and Riley."
"What?"
I snapped back, completely confused.
"Did I stutter?" she asked. "You and Alexander are teaming up."
By the time my thoughts caught up, the teacher was already done.
"Each team should come collect their topic slip," she added just as the bell rang.
I stood up and packed my things, then tapped Xander lightly on the shoulder.
"Are you asleep?"
"Go on, Rachel. I'll catch up," he muttered.
"Are you going to be okay on your own?"
I surprised myself by how concerned I sounded.
He lifted his head and looked at me for a few seconds before resting it back down.
"Are you going to keep standing there staring at me?" he asked.
I wasn't worried.
I was just… looking out for him. Like any normal human would.
"Go on, Rachel. I'm good."
"I'm not concerned," I muttered to myself as I walked out of the classroom.
Not forgetting about the topic slip.