𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒 | SPINOFF

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

AVERY
RAVEN

I was healing—only physically. That meant I was back at school, and honestly, it was horrible. Astor made it a little more bearable; he was always checking up on me between classes, and my friends tried to stay close, but I just couldn't focus. My mind was still tangled in everything that had happened.

It was our last class with Mr. Lincoln before the weekend, and as the bell rang, I sighed in relief. I couldn't help but notice how many times Mr. Lincoln and I had locked eyes during class. His gaze lingered longer than it should have, and I felt a strange mix of comfort and embarrassment. Everyone stood up to leave, and my friends filtered out before I could follow them. Just as I reached the door, a rough hand wrapped around my shoulder, causing me to gasp at the sudden touch. I turned to find it was Mr. Lincoln.

"Oh, hi!" I mumbled, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Avery," he said, concern etched on his face. "Where were you this past week? Why didn't you come to school? Are you okay?" His questions tumbled out, a mix of worry and curiosity.

"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile. It felt too easy to say, but the truth was far more complicated. I hadn't been fine. I had barely been able to pull myself together. The events of the past few weeks weighed heavily on me, and I didn't want to drag him into it. He was my teacher. That's all.

Mr. Lincoln studied my face for a moment, as if trying to see whether I was telling the truth. "You don't look fine," he said gently, his brow furrowing. "You can talk to me, you know. I'm here if you need anything."

"I appreciate it," I said, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. "I just... I needed some time."

"Everyone needs time sometimes," he replied, his voice soothing. "But don't isolate yourself. You have people who care about you."

"I know," I whispered, feeling a lump form in my throat. "It's just hard to be back. And am I seeing some care from my Teacher... Olala." I giggled.

His eyes darkened, he smirked. "Don't joke like that."

"Okay," I smiled.

With that, he gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze before letting go. There was something comforting in his concern, something that made me feel a little less alone. I just wished I could accept it.

____

I sprinted across the grass, my chest tight as I tried to catch my breath. The field stretched out before me, bustling with the noise of excited spectators, and a flash of guilt washed over me. How had I forgotten that Astor was playing today? I could practically hear his voice in my head, teasing me for being a "horrible girlfriend." But as I scanned the bleachers, my eyes landed on Marcella and Liliana, already in position, waving their arms and shouting with everything they had. They were fully immersed in the game, their energy infectious as they cheered for Jaxon and Alessio.

My smile faltered when I realized who Jaxon and Alessio's team was playing against—Astor's team. It felt strange, like being caught in some loyalty tug-of-war. I wanted to support my boyfriend, of course, but I couldn't deny how incredible Jaxon and Alessio were on the field. Football was just a side hobby for them, yet they moved like pros, weaving through players with an ease that made them seem almost untouchable. I knew Astor didn't stand much of a chance against them, but that didn't matter. He was my boyfriend, and I was here to cheer him on.

As I settled beside Marcella and Liliana, they exchanged a glance before turning to me with big, pleading eyes. "Cheer for our boys, honey!" Liliana said, pouting in that adorable, exaggerated way she knew I couldn't resist.