Between The Lines

Chapter 66: Unsettled Feelings

Lane's Montgomery's POV (1st person):

The day had started like any other. I went through my usual routine—shaving, coffee, a quick workout to clear my head. As I drove to school, I couldn't help but think about Rebecca. She was always on my mind lately, and it was getting harder to push those thoughts aside.

I spent the morning grading papers and preparing for my classes. By the time lunch rolled around, I was already feeling the strain of the day. I needed a break, so I headed to the staff room for some much-needed coffee.

"Hey, Lane," Mr. Jenkins said, walking in. "We still on for that combined P.E. and English class this afternoon?"

"Yeah, absolutely," I replied, grateful for the distraction. "Should be interesting."

The idea was to make the P.E. class more engaging by incorporating some English elements—team-building exercises that also required communication and strategy. It was an experiment, but I was hopeful it would work.

As the combined class began, I couldn't help but scan the group for Rebecca. When I spotted her, my heart did a little flip. She was standing with Oliver, looking a bit off. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, a change from her usual braid. It looked... different. It didn't suit her. I liked her hair in a braid. It was her.

Oliver was being his usual self, touching her hair and whispering to her. I felt a surge of irritation. I hated seeing him touch her like that. It made me want to smack him and grab her, to pull her away from him. I knew I had to keep my cool, though.

"Alright, everyone, gather up!" I called out, trying to focus on the task at hand. I watched as Rebecca slipped into the back, dragging Oliver along with her.

As I explained the exercise, I kept an eye on them. I saw Oliver rubbing her arm, trying to comfort her. She looked like she was on the verge of tears, and it tugged at my heartstrings. But seeing them like that also fuelled my frustration.

"Rebecca," I said, calling her out. "Can you repeat everything I just said?"

The whole group turned to look at her. She stood there, looking like a deer caught in headlights.

"Uh..." she stammered. "You said... something about... um..."

I lifted one eyebrow, trying to hide my smirk. "Rebecca, it's important to pay attention. Especially during these combined sessions. Can you tell me what I just explained?"

"You were talking about... how physical activity can improve cognitive function?" she managed to say.

I nodded, satisfied but still amused by her flustered state. "Correct. Now, everyone, pair up and start the exercises Mr. Jenkins just demonstrated."

As the class continued, I couldn't stop glancing over at Rebecca and Oliver. The way he touched her, the way she looked at him—it drove me crazy. When the class finally ended, I knew I had to say something.

The bell rang for the next class, English. I waited for the students to settle in, my eyes fixed on Rebecca. She walked in, still looking a bit frazzled, and took her seat. Her ponytail swayed slightly as she moved, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance. It just wasn't her.

"Alright, everyone," I began, trying to keep my tone steady. "Today, we'll be working on persuasive essays. But first, I need to address something."

I walked over to Rebecca's desk, my heart pounding. She looked up at me, confusion written all over her face.

"Rebecca, can I see you for a moment?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

She blinked, clearly confused but stood up and followed me to the front of the class. The other students watched us curiously.