The Girl Next Door

16. Operation Skip Class: The Great Escape

Thursday morning was as predictable as ever. Matt pressed the horn of his car just loud enough to let the whole neighborhood know he was there. I scarfed down half the breakfast Mom had made before grabbing my bag and rushing out the door.

As always, Geoff was in the passenger seat, twisting around to say something as I slid into the back. Blaine sat beside me, staring out the window, silent as ever unless something caught his interest. The usual.

Matt hadn't even driven a block when we saw Astrid walking down the sidewalk, her red hoodie and headphones unmistakable. She moved with that casual, unbothered stride that always seemed to catch people's attention without her even trying.

Matt, because he's Matt, slowed the car and tapped the horn twice, his eyebrows raised at me in the rearview mirror.

"Morning, Astrid," Geoff called out through the open window, grinning.

Astrid looked over, pulling her headphones down, and gave a small wave. Matt pulled the car up beside her, his grin widening. "Want a ride?"

She paused, considering it for a moment. Before she could answer, I leaned forward, the words tumbling out. "Yeah, hop in. We've got room."

At that, all three of them turned to look at me, their expressions a mix of amusement and mischief. Geoff's grin stretched wider. Blaine raised an eyebrow. Matt's smirk was practically dripping with "I told you so."

Astrid shrugged, giving a small smile as she opened the door and slid in next to me. "Thanks."

"No problem," I said, trying to sound as casual as possible. I could feel the heat creeping up the back of my neck, especially with Matt stealing glances at me in the mirror.

"So, Astrid," Geoff started, twisting around again, "what's the verdict on Alex's ride? Cool enough for you?"

Astrid raised an eyebrow, her smirk subtle but deadly. "It's alright. Could use less commentary, though."

"Oh, I like her," Blaine muttered, finally breaking his silence.

The car erupted in laughter, and I groaned, sinking a little lower in my seat. "You guys are unbelievable."

Astrid leaned back, her grin faint but undeniably there. "Do they always tease you this much?"

"Only every waking moment," I said, shooting a glare at Geoff, who shrugged innocently.

Matt chuckled, glancing at Astrid in the mirror. "Welcome to the chaos. You're stuck with us now."

"I can handle it," she said, crossing her arms, her tone cool and collected.

I glanced at her, trying not to smile too much. She looked completely at ease, like she belonged here. Meanwhile, the guys were all exchanging knowing looks, their grins saying everything they didn't need to say out loud.

And for once, I didn't mind.

Astrid let out a sigh as we pulled into the school parking lot. It wasn't one of those subtle sighs either—it was the kind that made it clear she was done with the routine. I glanced at her, but she was already staring out the window, looking like she wanted to be anywhere else.

Geoff, ever the instigator, noticed immediately. "You know," he said, twisting in his seat to look back at her, "there's one way to break the monotony."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "Yeah? What's that?"

"Cut classes," Geoff said with a grin, as if it was the most obvious solution in the world.

I immediately tensed. "Cut classes? Are you serious?"

"Dead serious," Geoff said, leaning back in his seat, looking way too pleased with himself. "Live a little, Alex."