Fortunately, I only have one more class for the day. Unfortunately, that class is calculus. Math is a subject that I've always struggled with. I spend most of the time zoning out, alternating between fuming at River's continued shitty behavior and feeling elated that I stood up to him and impressed Gavin.
When the bell rings, I gather my things, shoulder my bag, and head to the library. We already have enough homework to make my head spin, and I can't afford to get behind in my classes. The guidance counselor said that I have a shot at actually getting into college, but it's up to me to make that happen. This semester is crucial for getting good grades.
Once inside, I make my way to the back of the large room, where the computers are located. As I walk, I can't help but notice the handful of students situated at the tables on the sides of the room. All of them have a variety of the best and newest computers and tablets. A couple of the girls have bags from designer brands like Kate Spade and Louis Vuitton, yet another sign of their means.
Sitting down, I resolve not to let the sheer amount of wealth always present on this campus bother me. This is my chance to turn my life around. It's an amazing opportunity. I'm lucky to be here at all, and I can't let my insecurities rule my life.
By the time I drag myself out of the library, it's nearly seven, and my stomach is growling so loudly that I'm afraid the boy sitting next to me can hear it. I pull out my phone, text Jessica to see if she wants to meet, and then head towards the dining hall.
Outside the doors, I stop, feeling a wave of anxiety come over me. I still barely know anyone. Even though she's very nice, I'm afraid to text Carly because I don't want to seem too forward. I would be happy to sit with Gavin, but I don't have his number, and I have no idea where he is.
"Excuse me," a voice says behind me, and I turn.
It's Tyler and Marina. She's wrapped tightly to his side, his arm unyielding around her. I smile at them uneasily, standing aside to let them pass.
"Brooklyn, right?" Tyler asks.
"Yes," I answer him, half wishing he hadn't spoken to me at all. Tyler, I have no problem with; he seems very nice from what I've seen of him. But there's a very good chance that River will be here soon if Tyler is here now. And I've had enough of him today. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself; that the only reason the thought of River kicks my heart rate up is because I'm still mad at him.
"I didn't get a chance to introduce myself earlier. Welcome to Eastwood, " he replies, holding out his hand. Tentatively, I take it, shaking his hand quickly before dropping it and stepping back.
"Thanks," I replied.
Marina smiles at me from her place by Tyler's side. "For what it's worth, I think you did great today at the meeting," she says.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that," another voice splits the night air before I can reply.
If I thought my heart rate was up just from thinking about River, it's skyrocketed now.
Pivoting with what I hope is a cool, calm, collected expression, not "I'm a deer in the headlights," I turn to him.
River is freshly showered, his hair damp and artfully messy. He's out of his uniform now, in jeans and a simple dark green pullover. The color compliments his light brown hair and green eyes perfectly. His arms fill out the sleeves, and this close, I have to crane my head back to fully look him in the eye because he's half a foot taller than I am.
"I must have missed the part of our relationship where I gave any indication that I care about your opinion of me and what I do," I tell him. His eyebrows lift, and he surveys me, what looks like surprise and amusement warring on his face.
YOU ARE READING
Eastwood Academy
Romance"I have to bite back a gasp as River's hand comes up, brushing my long hair back behind my ears. He doesn't stop there, letting his hand travel to my cheek and stroking lightly. His thumb brushes over my lips, parting them, and I barely stop a moan...
