My heart trips over itself, and for a moment, I just stare at him.
He soundlessly leans back against the headrest again, and turns his face away, just slightly. Like closing a door.
But his hand, still resting on his knee, is clenched now. Tight.
And for the first time since I sat down, he doesn’t seem so unaffected.
I debate saying more but quickly shut those thoughts down. The fact I’m evenconsideringit is worrying in itself.
I avert my gaze, fidgeting with the strap of my bag instead and, struggling to keep my eyes open, I yawn. The lack of sleep from the previous night must be catching up with me, because I can feel my eyelids growing heavy, my body yearning for rest. And the more I will them not to, the more desperate my eyelids are to close, and despite my best efforts, I find myself drifting off, the stranger’s face lingering in my mind as I slip into that place that currently seems much better than where I am right now.
Wow, even in sleep he won’t leave my thoughts alone.
***
“Get off,” a familiar husky voice calls out, the tone carrying a coldness that makes me jolt awake. Startled, I lift my heavy eyelids, and I realize I’ve somehow leaned onto the stranger’s shoulder in my sleep. My cheeks flush with embarrassment as I quickly straighten up.
How did I manage to move into that position? As I lift my gaze, expecting an annoyed glare, he moves past me without a word.
Christ, he’s tall.
Nevermind tall, he’s a giant! No wonder he was sitting alone, it’s a wonder he had any leg room at all.
Gathering my belongings, I take a deep breath and prepare to step off the train.
***
Stepping onto the grounds of Brentwood is like stepping into a different world—one that’s polished, shimmering, and hauntingly perfect. With towering arches and manicured hedges, the Brentwood crest engraved in gold on the massivefountain in the centre of the courtyard. Everything here seems to shout,You don’t belong.
The halls stretch out before me, gleaming with polished marble floors and adorned with intricate artwork. I can practically feel the eyes on me as I weave through the corridors, quiet but watchful, assessing and judging.
Your skirt is far too long.
I wonder if that’s what everyone else thinks too.
I can’t help but brace myself for the possibility of judgmental stares and biting comments. Initially, I’m prepared for the whispers and snickers but to my surprise, no one says anything. Perhaps a few weird looks, but nothing horrible. This is amazing.
I fumble with my phone, shooting off a quick message to Naomi and Sam.Can’t find you. Meet at lunch?—Adeline
Naomi promised to look after me or at least have my back after all.
I glance down at my class schedule. I have Business next.Great.
Distracted, I walk straight into someone, and the impact snaps me out of my daze. A soft splat hits the ground, and when I look down, I see a strawberry. Just when I’m about to pick it up, I turn. My breath catches as I take in a cold, perfect face. Blonde hair cascades down her shoulders, framing eyes so blue they almost look white—like frozen water. And the look she gives me… well, let’s just say she’s not thrilled.
“Watch where you’re going,” she hisses, voice all ice and venom.
Why does everyone at this school look like… well,that?
My cheeks flare, words fumbling as I try to apologize. “I—uh, sorry. It was an accident.”
She gives me a slow, withering look, her gaze dropping to my feet, and I swear I see her lip twitch. Two girls flank her, one withperfectly highlighted brown hair and the other with jet-black hair and a stare as sharp as a knife.
“Oh, my god,” the blonde girl sneers. “Wow… those look ancient. Like prehistoric-era ancient.”
Forcing a laugh, I shrug. “Maybe a little.”
“Come on, B. Let’s not waste our time with people like her, we’re going to be late.” This from the girl with the perfect highlights.
