Eastwood Academy

Chapter 21: Just Friends

For once, I wake up before my alarm. I tossed and turned all night, burning with restless energy. My thoughts raced back and forth, the word "friends" echoing through my mind, along with the parting smile River gave me before he left.

Now, I feel cautiously optimistic, but there's a hefty dose of anxiety there as well. I want so badly to believe that River and I are finally going to move forward from the antagonism and the insults. But part of me is screaming that I won't believe it until I see it.

Which, as it turns out, doesn't take long. Determined to keep my cool no matter how this day goes, I head to class. When I see River leaning against the classroom door, I'm so shocked I nearly do a double take. He's almost always late for class, so I assumed he would be one of the last people to arrive like normal.

In his hand is a pretty navy blue stainless steel coffee cup with dark pink flowers and a red bow on top, which he holds out to me. I instantly love it. "Hello," River says, flashing me a grin. "For you," he says, handing me the cup.

"Hello," I practically stutter, automatically reaching out to accept the gift. "Thanks."

When I examine the copy on the cup's label, I see what must have caught River's eye. The cup has been labeled hazard-proof - no more worrying about spills and leaks. I blush and roll my eyes as I read the words. River watches me and laughs at my expression, but not in a mean way.

"Is this part of your community service project? Saving the school from my clumsiness?" I ask him sarcastically.

"Hey, you can't blame me for looking out for my fellow peers," he says, leaning against the wall. I expect him to walk into the classroom, but he doesn't. I wonder if it's because he knows Gavin is there waiting for me. And he probably won't like that River and I are suddenly on good terms.

"Yes, what a selfless act," I say in mock admiration, and then I wonder if he gets all the girls he sleeps with gifts, not that I think he wants to sleep with me. He made it very clear last night that his intention is to be my friend. The thought wipes the smile off my face and chases away my easy demeanor. This seems to show on my face because River's smile fades as he studies my expression.

"What's wrong, do you not like it? You can exchange it at the campus store for another color," he says, looking slightly anxious. How very out of character for him. I mentally curse myself for ruining the moment and give him what I hope is a convincing smile.

"Oh no I love it!" I assure him. "I just remembered I have a calculus test tomorrow that I forgot to study for. It's my worst subject. I'm trying really hard to keep my grades up because - well, you know," I finish lamely.

"I can help you study if you want," River offers. Another surprise.

"I didn't know you studied," I say, like I actually know him at all. From what I've seen of him in history class, he pays attention to the lectures, takes no notes, and aces the test from memory.

"Only on occasion, but calc is my strongest subject. So is that a yes?" he asks.

"Yeah, thanks, that would be great, and we can work on the donor website."

"Library tonight?" He suggests. I nod, and he smiles at me again. I blink up at him, a little dazed by how happy he seems to be in my good graces. Who would have thought? I realize I've stared a little too long and quickly avert my eyes to my watch, only to realize the bell will ring any second.

"We should probably go inside. Class is about to start," I say.

River always gets attention wherever he goes, so it's no surprise that our appearance draws a few stares when we walk into the classroom. River doesn't seem to notice at all, but I have to resist the urge to duck my head because I feel uncomfortable. I lock eyes with Gavin and smile at him. His returning smile looks rather painful and forced. I was right about him not being happy about River and me hanging out together.