New beginnings

|4| New ways

-Madeline-

"Here, i've marked your test early to see your progress" Miss Laura, says as she hands me the paper with a smile.

The bold letter "C" on the paper stared back at me.

I forced a smile, a "C" wasn't exactly what I needed, but at least I wasn't failing. I guess Aaron was actually helping, even if it didn't feel like it some days.

As I exited the class, as if on cue Aaron caught up to me. "Hey, I can't make our lunch study session today. Got football practice," he said casually,, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Just come over after school instead."

Great.

As I walked over towards Clara and Chloe, I spotted Ryder passing by. A small smile tugged at my lips, and to my surprise, he returned it.We'd been spending most of our lunches together, smoking behind the school. He wasn't lying when he said he wanted to figure me out.

Chloe raised an eyebrow as she caught the exchange. "What was that about?" she asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

"What was what?" I asked innocently, even thought I knew exactly what she was talking about.

"Oh, please you were totally smiling at Ryker ford," Chloe teased, nudging me with her elbow.

"Can i not smile at someone?" I shrugged, playing it off.

"Girl, that's Ryker ford!" Clara chimed in, eyes wide. "he doesn't just smile at anyone"

"Barely even a smile" i muttered, brushing them off as we entered class.

Lunch rolled around, and I figured Ryker wouldn't show up. After all, Aaron had practice, so Ryker probably did too. I made my way to my usual spot behind the school, lit the cigarette, and leaned against the wall, inhaling deeply.

"Couldn't wait for me?" a familiar voice spoke up behind me.

I spun around. "Didn't think you'd come. Don't you have football practice?"

"Not today, Hand me one" he grinned, that cocky smirk of his never far behind.

I hesitated but handed him a cigarette, lighting it up for him as he leaned in close. The smoke curled around us, and for a moment we just stood there in comfortable silence.

"so why does Aaron have practice and you don't?" I ask, genuinely curious. "Aren't you like the star of the team"

He raised an eyebrow. "You think i'm the star, that's cute"

"Answer the question" I demanded, rolling my eyes.

He exhaled a cloud of smoke. "Got suspend from football for a few days"

"What? why!" My voice was laced with genuine surprise.

"Enough questions" he said, his tone shifting. "your turn"

"My turn?" I scoffed. "I didn't agree to anything"

"Come on, give me anything Hayes," He gave me that teasing look, knowing how much I hate to be called using my last name.

"Don't call me Hayes," I muttered, flicking the ash from my cigarette.

"Okay, well that's something," He said, smirking again. "Maybe you don't like it because your family is in the mafia! trying to keep their last name under wraps."

"Shut up," I said inhaling deeply, feeling the familiar buzz kick in. But suddenly, my head spun, and I felt lightheaded.

I stumbled and before I could hit the ground, Ryker caught me.