Lines We Blur

Chapter 14

True to his belief, Miles took matters into his own hands. After consulting Alex and making sure he was comfortable with it, Miles crafted a statement to share on his Instagram. He was deliberate with every word, wanting to address the situation without adding fuel to the fire. Miles's message was brief but powerful, cutting through the noise with clarity and purpose. The statement read:
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Miles’ Instagram Statement:

"I've witnessed as people have speculated and jumped to conclusions about my relation to @Alex_Hayes. It’s clear many are investing too much time and energy into something that isn’t their business. What I have with Alex is ours, and ours alone, and I ask that our privacy be respected. There are far better ways to spend our time and attention than obsessing over others’ relationships or intentions. Let’s be mindful about respecting personal boundaries and focusing on what really matters. Thanks to those who support us in a positive way."

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When the statement went live, it was like a breath of fresh air. He didn’t offer explanations or apologies; instead, he put his foot down, demanding respect and setting clear boundaries.

As Alex scrolled through the supportive comments following the post, he was awestruck by how well Miles had handled the situation. The message was resonating with many, who praised Miles for his maturity and tact. Even those who had previously been caught up in the drama seemed to quiet down, as if Miles’s words had shifted the narrative in a single stroke.

Even at school, the atmosphere was noticeably different. The whispers and stares had diminished, replaced by a new respect for Miles—and by extension, for Alex. Even their teachers subtly showed approval, perhaps appreciating Miles’ reminder of the importance of privacy.

After the bell rang, Alex packed up his books, hoping to make it to lunch on time. But just as he was heading for the door, Ms. Evans, his math teacher, called him over.

“Alexander, could I have a quick word?” she asked, a look of genuine concern in her eyes.

He nodded, already bracing himself for what he figured would be another lecture about his slipping grades. It wasn’t that he didn’t care about math; he tried his best. But with everything that had been happening lately—social media storms, rumors, and all the drama with Miles—it had been harder than usual to focus.

Ms. Evans gestured for him to sit. “I’ve noticed your math grades have dropped,” she began gently, “and I know you’re capable of better. It’s been a tough few weeks for you, so I’m not surprised your grades have slipped. But as you know, it's your senior year and lots of college are strict when it comes to grades, and if your grades don’t improve, you might end up ineligible.”

Alex swallowed hard, feeling the pressure sink in. Math had never been his strong suit, and hearing Ms. Evans mention his eligibility was like a punch to the gut. She must have seen his worry because her expression softened.

“I want to give you a chance, Alexander,” she continued. “I’m offering you a make-up test. If you score high enough, it’ll help boost your average. But there’s a condition—you’ll need to get some extra help. I’d like you to work with one of the advanced math students.”

He nodded, feeling relief flood in. “I’ll do it, Ms. Evans. Whatever it takes.”

Ms. Evans smiled, looking pleased with his determination. “Good. I’ll connect you with a tutor after lunch. You’ve got this. You’re a hard worker, and I believe you can do it.”

After a quick thank-you, he bolted out of the classroom and headed toward the cafeteria, still processing everything. He wasn’t thrilled about tutoring, but he’d do whatever it took to pull his grades back up. As he walked into the cafeteria, he paused, momentarily surprised by the scene in front of him.

At their usual table, Alex’s friends and Miles’s friends had combined two tables to create one big gathering. And there, right in the center, was Miles, laughing and chatting easily with both groups.

Alex made his way over, still a bit taken aback. “Hey, guys,” he greeted, trying not to sound too winded from the rush over.

Miles looked up, his face lighting up when he saw Alex. “There you are! We thought you’d gotten lost or something.”

“Ms. Evans held me back,” Alex explained, taking a seat. “Math stuff.”

“Uh-oh,” Lily chimed in, grinning. “Is she on you about your grades again?”

Alex rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help but smile a little. “Yeah, she’s giving me a second chance, but I need a tutor from the advanced class.”

“You’ve got this, dude,” said Mark, clapping Alex on the shoulder. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll start enjoying math.”

Alex snorted. “Not likely.”

“Hey, if you need extra help, I could ask my sister. She’s a math whiz,” one of Miles’s friends offered.

“Appreciate it, but I think Ms. Evans has someone lined up,” Alex replied, glancing at Miles. “Just hope they’re patient. Math isn’t exactly my best subject.”

Miles chuckled. “It’s not about being perfect; it’s about putting in the effort. You’ve been through a lot, but you’ll bounce back.”

Alex looked around, suddenly noticing how comfortable everyone seemed together. Miles was blending in easily with his friends, laughing at their jokes, even chiming in on stories. He realized how natural it felt—how much he enjoyed having Miles close, sharing moments with their friends like this.

“So, did I miss anything while I was in with Ms. Evans?” Alex asked, eager to steer the conversation away from math.

“Just some very questionable jokes from Eric,” Lily teased, throwing a playful look at Miles’s friend, who rolled his eyes in mock offense.

“Oh, come on! That joke was gold,” Eric protested. “I mean, who doesn’t appreciate a little pun humor?”

Miles laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, maybe leave the comedy to someone else, Eric.”

Everyone joined in on the laughter, and for a moment, the weight of grades, rumors, and social media disappeared. Alex let himself relax, grateful to be surrounded by friends who made him feel like everything might just turn out okay.

As the lunch period started to wind down, Miles turned to Alex, a serious look on his face. “Hey, so…are you good? I mean, with everything going on?”

Alex hesitated, glancing around the table. “Yeah, I mean…I’m managing. It’s been a lot, but…” he paused, looking at the group around him, “having everyone here, It helps.”

Miles nodded, his expression softening. “Good. And you know I’ve got your back, right?”

“Yeah,” Alex replied, smiling. “I know.”

As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, they all stood up, gathering their things. Alex couldn’t shake the feeling that things were slowly shifting for him, and maybe, with Miles and his friends around, he’d find a way through whatever challenges came next.