Lovestruck (EDITING)

30: Murder Winks

I don't comment when Jayden takes the seat next to me in chemistry, because who knows who would have sat there if he didn't. It's not like we can't be friends. We have known each other since we were kids, after all.

"Welcome back, students, to another year of school," our teacher, Mr Stewart, says without expression as the class fills with chatty students, "And welcome to chemistry."

The class drags on for what feels like hours as each of us is given several large textbooks and scary course guides for the year. When the bell finally rings for second period I almost run out the door before remembering I have to show Jayden to his next class.

"Where to next?" I ask him, leaning on a locker when we get outside the classroom.

I watch a deep crease form between his eyebrows as he frowns down at his class schedule without responding. He looks confused and I can't help the giggle that escapes my lips at his puzzled expression.

"Having trouble?" I raise an eyebrow at him when he looks up.

"Trouble remembering why I chose to do AP Biology, that's all," he groans and begins to walk away down the hallway with me following closely behind him.

"I'm the one who's supposed to be leading the way, remember?" I remind him, almost having to jog to keep up with his long strides.

"Be my guest," he says, slowing down and gesturing for me to lead.

I frown at him before grabbing his timetable and looking at the class. Science lab 4. I know exactly where it is so I start walking down the hallway, hearing Jayden's footsteps behind me.

"So are you a genius or something?" I decide to ask after reading through his class schedule, as it's the only explanation for him to be taking so many AP classes.

"What?" he seems confused by my question.

"Chemistry, Biology, Calculus, History and Literature," I read from his schedule, "Are you a genius or just crazy?"

"I guess I just want a good shot at getting into whatever college I choose," Jayden explains as we arrive outside his classroom.

"Okay, nerd," I grin at him, handing him back his timetable, "Have fun in biology."

He rolls his eyes at me before walking into his classroom and I can't seem to wipe the grin off my face as I stride down the hallway towards my Spanish class.

***

Spanish goes quickly, as does trigonometry and before I know it, it's lunch and I'm in the cafeteria line by myself. I assume Jayden found his way to third period just fine, because when I walked past his biology class to continue the tour, he had already left. Despite my tendency to push him away, I can't say I'm not disappointed that he's not standing in this line with me. I look around at the sea of loud adolescents and I feel somewhat alone.

I sit alone at a bench and pick at my mac and cheese while pathetically pretending to read through my Spanish textbook. Is this how senior year is going to be?

"Homework already?," I hear his voice and I can't help the way my face lights up.

"Am I that convincing?" I raise an eyebrow playfully as Jayden takes a seat across from me.

"Not really, you've been staring at the same page for too long to be actually reading," he teases.

"Right," I laugh, closing my textbook and eating a fork full of mac and cheese.

I can't help but smile at how easy it is for us to just hang out. It's really not awkward at all. Jayden takes a bite of his sandwich and I laugh quietly at the smudge of mayo he leaves at the corner of his mouth.