Between The Lines

Chapter 31: Beneath the Surface

Rebecca shifted uncomfortably on the couch, her eyes fixed on a spot on the floor as she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. She couldn't shake the confusing mix of emotions swirling inside her – feelings she had never experienced before. The memory of their first encounter in class came rushing back to her, the sharpness of his sarcastic comment still stinging like an open wound.

She had immediately hated him that day, dismissing him as just another arrogant, good-looking guy who thought he was above everyone else. But as the days turned into weeks, she found herself drawn to him in a way she couldn't explain. It wasn't just his looks that intrigued her, although she couldn't deny the undeniable attraction she felt towards him. It was something deeper, something more complicated that she couldn't quite put her finger on.

As she stole a glance at Mr. Montgomery sitting next to her on the couch, a wave of embarrassment washed over her. She was confused by the conflicting emotions bubbling up inside her – the frustration, the longing, the curiosity. How could she feel this way about someone she had disliked so much at first and someone who is literally forbidden? No she just doesn't, she is just tired, sitting outside someone's door will do that to you.

Rebecca found her thoughts drifting back to a brief, yet memorable encounter she had in the hallway a few days ago. It was a frantic moment – papers flying everywhere, her heart racing with panic until a boy came to her aid with a gentle smile and a reassuring presence. What was his name again? Oakley? Omar? Her brow furrowed in concentration before the name finally clicked – Oliver. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she recalled his kindness and the way he effortlessly handled her scattered books. She imagined him as one of those high school sweethearts who exuded ease and charm, surrounded by a flock of friends with faces that mirrored the fake sweetness and beauty of Lyla, the popular girl in her class, or rather her worst nightmare. 

Rebecca heaved a sigh of relief as she pushed her confusing feelings aside, returning to her more familiar, snarky self. She hoisted her bag onto her lap and rummaged through it, searching for her notes. In the midst of her search, her hand brushed against the corner of a book, causing it to slip from her bag and tumble to the floor with a thud.

Her heart skipped a beat as she whipped around to see Mr. Montgomery, who had just collapsed onto the couch beside her, eyeing the book intently. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she quickly reached for the fallen book, hoping he hadn't seen the title or contents. 

"Oops, clumsy me," she muttered, attempting to lighten the mood with a sheepish grin. "Sorry about that. I guess my bag is a bit of a disaster zone."

Mr. Montgomery chuckled softly, a twinkle in his eye as he reached for the book and handed it back to her. "No worries, Rebecca. We all have our moments of clumsiness," he replied, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "And it looks like you've stumbled upon a rather interesting read... care to share?" His eyes widened as looked up from the cover, remembering that awkward moment in class, may as well have some fun with it.

Rebecca's cheeks flushed even deeper as she grabbed the book from him, quickly flipping it shut and trying to change the subject. "Oh, this? It's just some cheesy romance novel I picked up on a whim," she said nonchalantly, feigning indifference. "Not really my usual genre, but it's good for a laugh, I keep forgetting to return it to that friend though." 

Mr. Montgomery raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see. Everyone needs a guilty pleasure now and then," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But hey, no judgment here. We all have our little secrets, some more.. what's that word? Ah yes, adventurous than others."

All she could manage in response was a nod, her words caught in her throat as he rose from his seat to head towards the kitchen, presumably to warm up the kettle. As she watched him move with a grace that belied his easygoing demeanour, Rebecca knew he wouldn't understand what being insecure felt like, I mean he was practically a working machine.. with benefits. I mean did he just live by himself because she didn't think any girl could deal with him everyday...