A Rift Between Us

Chapter 48 - Subtle Signals

He snatched the paper from her hand, his eyes scanning the squiggly handwriting. Most of the themes were there, though some were missing.

She's got the majority here. I'm not gonna let her push me around. Not anymore.

"It's fine as it is."

He dusted the sheet aside, causing it to sway back towards Keiko. A brisk wind shook the paper, her hand pressing it down swiftly.

"I know you're lying, nerd. Your notebook is literally full of themes."

Alfie's elbow edged forward, his shoulder angling out and obstructing her view as his thoughts whirled chaotically.

So what if I did some revision with Alara earlier? She's not annoying like you is she?

"There's no point in hiding it. I've already seen the page. Show me the notes, right now."

Alfie's body slumped further into the bench. His eyes rolled as he shifted again, turning his back to her entirely.

"Oh my days..." he mumbled.

Parakeets soared above, their shrill chirps hopefully masking the annoyance in his voice. Keiko's hand swooshed across the bench, holding the tip of her pen in her fingers. With a flick of her wrist, she sent the pen striking the centre of Alfie's head. A rough knock echoed through the air. He twisted around, his gaze locking with hers.

"Don't do that again."

He clasped the peak lapels of his blazer and firmly yanked them down. The fabric ironed itself out with a crack. Keiko's eyes narrowed as she studied Alfie's newfound confidence. A flicker of surprise crossed her face before she regained her composure, her hand slamming down on the table.

"That's not how things work!"

A loud huff flowed from Alfie's mouth as he rose and grabbed his belongings.

I'm done here.

Keiko scanned him as he marched away.

Where the hell is he going?

His bag thudded on the grass not far off. Keiko peered as he set himself up on the new bench. Her lips gnarled into a twisted shape. Mr Dodge's eyes squinted as he spotted Keiko. He tapped the Blue Tack against his palm, a silent warning. Keiko ducked her head, her heart pounding as he scanned her direction.

I don't get his problem. Shouldn't he be warming up to me by now? What am I doing wrong?

Her eyes returned to Mr Dodge, ensuring he wasn't looking. She pulled her phone from her handbag, the screen illuminating close to her lap. Her thumbs glided across the rough, cracked surface. She rapidly tapped his name, producing a series of quick thuds against the shattered glass.

Keiko: U better get back here! 11:47

Come on...I just wanna revise with you...

Her head snapped up. She noticed him covertly glance at his phone behind his right leg before it quickly disappeared back into his pocket. Keiko checked her screen. Nothing. She waited a bit longer. Slow connection? No. Her signal bars were full.

Keiko: Hey! Check ur phone! 11:49

She glanced once more. This time, he remained still. Her fist slammed down on her pen, the snap echoing like a broken bone. Fragments of plastic scattered across the bench. She tossed her phone in her handbag like trash.

What's going on?? Why will he revise with Alara but not with me?

Keiko's head tilted back, her vision dominated by a cluster of wispy clouds drifting overhead. Her eyelids fluttered, and her chest constricted as she sensed an intense focus directed at her. Scanning her surroundings, she caught Alara's gaze fixed upon her face. Breaking eye contact, Alara quickly resumed her revision, leaving Keiko confused.

Why the hell was she staring at me?

Her bag buzzed, revealing a new message.