Between The Lines

Chapter 67: I have a crush... on YOU

Rebecca's POV (1st person):

I practically ran out of the locker room, knowing I couldn't stay there any longer. I barely had time to get changed, so I just threw a towel around my waist and slipped on some sandals. I knew I was being stupid and should have waited to get properly dressed, but I couldn't deal with Mr. Montgomery any longer.

As I walked home, the evening breeze felt cool against my damp skin, sending shivers down my spine. I hugged the towel tighter around myself, trying to keep warm. I was only a few blocks away from school when I noticed a car slowing down beside me. My heart rate spiked, and I started walking faster.

"Hey, stop!" a voice called from the car. "Get in."

I ignored the voice, picking up my pace. "Freak," I muttered under my breath.

"Rebecca, it's me," the voice called again. I stopped dead in my tracks, realizing it was Mr. Montgomery.

"Get in the car," he said, his tone firm but gentle.

I hesitated for a moment before walking over and climbing into the passenger seat, closing the door behind me. The warmth of the car was a welcome relief, and I couldn't help but shiver as the heat enveloped me.

"You're freezing," he said, turning up the heat. "What were you thinking, walking home like that?"

"I didn't want to wait and get dressed," I muttered, avoiding his gaze. "I couldn't deal with you."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You need to be more careful, Rebecca. This is dangerous."

"Yeah, well, I didn't want to stick around and have another awkward conversation," I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

He glanced over at me, his expression softening. "I get that. But you need to take care of yourself."

"I know," I mumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed.

There was a moment of silence between us, the only sound being the hum of the car engine. I glanced out the window, trying to gather my thoughts.

"You were really something at the pool today," he said suddenly, breaking the silence.

I turned to look at him, my cheeks heating up. "What do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "You were trying to get under my skin."

"Did it work?" I asked, feeling a mix of embarrassment and curiosity.

"Maybe," he said, his smile widening. "But you need to be careful with that, too. You're playing with fire."

I bit my lip, looking down at my hands. I was just trying to get him back. 

As he drove, the tension between us seemed to ease, replaced by a comfortable silence. I couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence, even if it was complicated and risky. At least I knew he cared.

When we finally pulled up to my house, I turned to him, feeling a mix of emotions. "Thanks for the ride."

"Anytime," he said, his smile genuine. "Take care of yourself, Rebecca."

I nodded, opening the door and stepping out into the cool evening air. As I walked up to my front door, I glanced back and saw him watching me, his expression unreadable. I gave him a small wave before heading inside, my mind racing with thoughts of what the future might hold.

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I sat in math class, doodling absentmindedly in my notebook. The lesson was dragging, and I couldn't help but let my mind wander. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and a student handed the teacher a note.