Cracks

Chapter 28 Keeping up the pretense

Tess Cooper couldn't believe her eyes when she rounded the corner at Hillview's First Floor. Down the middle of the hallway was her boyfriend Chae, talking to the junior in the wheelchair. Tess hadn't spoken with the girl since that brief encounter the first day of school, but understood the girl had quite a reputation. What was Chase doing with her? Had they kept in touch? But why? Chase never bothered with other people, yet the conversation was too long to be a casual greeting.

Tess drew back behind the wall and studied the two cautiously. She and Chase hadn't been spending much time together lately. Their schedules kept them apart. Had Chase found someone else to replace her? Was something going on between the two?

She flinched when someone else appeared at her shoulder and looked up.

Zeke looked at her confused. "Why are you hiding?" He looked around the corner and saw his cousin in soft conversation with Alisson. He turned hack to Tess questioningly.

Tess looked away uncomfortably and shifted her feet awkwardly. "Do you know... if something's going on between them?" she asked softly.

Zeke blinked confused and shook his head. "I didn't even know they were still talking, but it's not like Chase tells me about his life."

Tess nodded in understanding. "Of course."

"I don't think you have to worry thought," Zeke continued, "they're just talking." He pressed her shoulder and headed towards his first class.

Tess sighed and leaned back against the wall, her books securely pressed against her chest. She knew she should be happy Chase was making friends. He had always been a loner. For him to talk to someone now was a big step. But did it have to be the pretty, snarky, mature girl? Despite the bad attitude, Tess couldn't deny Alisson was attractive. She couldn't blame Chase if he liked her, even if there was an age difference.

...

Alisson frowned confused when Chase approached her in the hallway. "Why are you here?" She had never seen him in this part of the school.

Chase pulled something from his pocket and handed it to her. "You left this at the gym yesterday."

Alisson took the wallet from him and stared at it before looking at Chase again.

Chase shrugged. "I thought I'd give it back to you here. I didn't think you'd appreciate it if I showed up at your doorstep unannounced."

"Thanks," Alisson said stiffly. She placed the wallet in her bag. "You didn't have to go through the trouble, she continued, "I have an appointment later today."

"I know," Chase nodded, "I heard you talking to Kai. I just thought you might need it before then."

"Alright," Alison said. She sighed. "Thanks," she muttered awkwardly, "for yesterday."

"Sure thing," Chase said. He stuck his hands in his pockets. "I should get to class." He turned and glanced at her over his shoulder. "Any time you feel the need to punch something... come find me."

Alisson stared at him a moment in thought, and nodded. "I will."

Chase nodded at her and strolled down the hall. When he turned the corner, his step halted. "Tess?" he asked confused. His girlfriend was leaning against the wall with her books securely pressed against her chest A troubled expression was on her face. "What's wrong?"

She looked up at him and smiled weakly. It seems you made a new friend."

"Hm?" Chase blinked. He glanced back at the hallway he had come from. "You mean Alisson?"

"I saw you talk to her," Tess said.

Chase shrugged. "She forgot her wallet in the gym yesterday. I just returned it."