Perfect Student

Chapter 13

I took a shower after dinner, using the scalding water to relax the muscles in my back that had been tense during Bryce's declaration to James. The steam and heat calmed me tremendously and reminded me that my concerns were minor. So James knew I had crush on him when we were younger... it really wasn't the end of the world. 

My bathroom steamed up and the mirrors grew foggy, so I walked into my room and tucked my towel against me tightly as I sat on my bed. I ran a brush through my slick, wet hair, extricating an excess of knots and trying to make it behave. When it was as untangled as it was going to get, I changed into my small black shorts and Star Wars pajama shirt that used to be Bryce's, stretching the cotton fabric over my head to avoid my wet hair. 

Soft music from my study playlist crooned softly through my phone speaker, calming me more. 

To my surprise, after dinner, the night had gone phenomenally. Since it was the weekend, we all stayed up to watch a comedy that James recommended and ended up watching an episode of a TV show Bryce liked as well. James left with a hug goodbye for both of us and the awkwardness that I felt before had dissipated, as if Bryce's terrible comment had cleared the air.

Bryce went to run the dishwasher as I let James out, teasing him as he walked to his car.

"Goodnight, Mr. Mason," I said, making fun of the formal title. He looked back at me with pretend anger, and I giggled through my hand, making him laugh.

"Sleep well, little Addy," he said, giving me the nickname that used to bother me. I stuck my tongue out at him like I used to and shut the door, texting Trinity immediately.

You know our teacher?

Mr. Mason?

Yeah, him. He came over for dinner to see Bryce.

And?

I waited, typing a response, and then deleting it, and then typing it again. Her second response came before I could send anything.

YOU HAD SEX?

WTF. NO!

Oh. What happened then?

Worse. I think I remembered why I used to like him...

Omg. You still love him!! What are you going to do?

The only thing I can do! Spend a year pretending I don't like him.

Hmm... I prefer the sex idea.

I shut off my phone and plugged it into the charger, trying not to think about Trinity's plan. 

Suddenly a sound came from my window sounding like rainfall. I walked across the plush carpet and peeked out, seeing a dark figure hidden by the shadow of the trees. I squeaked and jumped back, only to see my phone light up across the room. I ran to it and unlocked it, seeing a text from Hunter.

It's me. Come outside.

I looked at myself in my mirror and shook my head, trying to think of a backup plan. Guys never considered that we needed more than two minutes to look our best because so few of them bothered trying. I dug through my closet and threw on an oatmeal-colored cardigan with large brown buttons before running back to the window. I held my phone tightly in my palm, peeking out to confirm that it was really him. He waved up at me and I sighed, grateful that it wasn't someone else.

What if Bryce sees me?

I'm not scared of Bryce.

I was too embarrassed to admit that I was, so I slipped my phone in my shorts diminutive pocket and exited my bedroom, casting a wary look at my brother's bedroom door. I listened until I heard his relaxed, heavy breathing and then tiptoed lightly down the stairs to my door. I threw shoes on my bare feet then slid the lock on the front door slowly until it clicked open. I pulled the door open a sliver being careful not to let it make a single creak. When I could slip through, I ran to the side of the house, looking in the spot where Hunter had been standing.

"Hunter?" I scream-whispered into the dark night. The air was cool, and this side of our house was dark, moonlight and street lamps shining on the opposite side. I looked at the trees and bushes for any sign of movement until I heard crunching sounds coming from directly behind me.

I opened my mouth to scream as Hunter ran at meand clamped his hand over my mouth, making my eyes go wide. I shook in fear ashe hissed at me to shut up and then dropped his hands when he saw I was calm. 

Why were you so scared?" he asked in his normalvoice. I shot a look up at Bryce's window and saw that it was mercifully shut.I responded in a quieter voice just to be safe.