HIGHSCHOOL CHAOS!Homework, Hormones and Horrible Timing

SIX

CHAPTER 6

     It's nearly sunset, the sky glowing a soft orange and casting long shadows across the basketball court. The once-bustling school grounds are quiet now, save for a few players still practicing and some distant chatter. I sling my basketball bag over my shoulder, watching as Ryan and Jake walk ahead, their footsteps crunching on the gravel.

Naturally, Ryan is the first to break the silence.

"Look at her," he starts, with that mischievous grin of his. "Our very own Isabel, pulling double duty as a student and now a tournament manager. What's next, president of the world?" He nudges me, clearly amused with himself. "We should probably go help her out."

"Why?" I ask, genuinely confused. "Isn't she the one who signed up for it? I'm not exactly a charity worker."

Ryan shoots me a look, one that says I'm missing something obvious. "Oh, come on, Danny boy. You can't tell me you don't feel bad seeing her lugging all that paperwork around like it's a midterm assignment."

I shrug, still not convinced. Before I can respond, Jake, who has been quiet this whole time, chimes in.

"Besides," he says, "everyone else bailed. Isabel's stuck doing this alone."

I frown but keep walking. Sure, it's not ideal, but Isabel volunteered for the job, right? Still, the image of her sitting alone surrounded by papers won't leave my mind. Normally, she'd be the first one out the door after the last bell, but today is different. It bugs me more than I'd admit, even to myself.

"Fine," I mutter, trying not to sound too eager. "But don't expect me to be out here all night."

Ryan claps me on the back, grinning like he's won something. "Ah, that's the spirit! Jake, mark this down: historic moment; Daniel shows empathy!"

As we near the court, I hear the familiar squeak of sneakers and distant shouts from the last few players. But what really catches my attention is the sight of Isabel sitting cross-legged with a mountain of papers, her clipboard in hand, scribbling notes. And standing next to her, way too close for comfort, is Lucas.

Of all people, it had to be Lucas.

I feel my stomach twist, a weird sensation I don't like. Lucas isn't exactly the kind of guy you want around anyone, least of all Isabel. He has a reputation, and none of it is good.

"What's with the stink-eye?" Ryan asks, clearly noticing my expression.

"Nothing," I reply too quickly. It isn't nothing. Seeing Lucas hovering near Isabel, talking her ear off while she barely pays attention, makes me uneasy. I can't quite explain it, but I don't like it.

Ryan shrugs. "That's just Lucas being Lucas," he says, as if that explains everything. "Probably trying to get her to do his laundry or something."

Jake mutters under his breath, "Or worse."

My jaw clenches involuntarily. Why is it bothering me so much? Isabel can handle herself. She's tough; tougher than most people give her credit for. But Lucas being there, leaning in too close, just doesn't sit right with me.

"Well, we're not gonna leave her stuck with that guy all night," I say before I even realize the words have left my mouth. The sudden firmness in my voice surprises me.

Ryan looks over at me, eyebrows raised. "Whoa, calm down, cowboy. You almost sound...protective."

I shoot him a glare, but he just laughs it off. "Come on, let's go save her from Lucas before he ropes her into whatever shady things he's into."