The Awakener

Chapter Twelve

"I wish you had Biology with me," Eden sighed to her friend on Monday.

Jessie leaned back in her seat and, in a not-so-quiet voice, said, "Why? You love that stuff. I hate science."

"I like the class. I just wish it wasn't so... awkward," she admitted.

"Huh, awkward?" Jessie asked, hefting her trig book out of her backpack. 

"What are you two banshee's whispering about?" a male voice whispered. Eden turned, already knowing it was Andrew.

I don't know why he likes teasing us so much. She was surprised his face was close, emerald eyes staring back at her.

"Hey, you got your braces off!" His eyes widened further.

She felt herself flush. Yesterday, her mom had taken her to her new orthodontist for a check-up. She'd been thrilled when he decided it was time for the braces to come off. All night she had rubbed her tongue across her teeth.

Even now, she couldn't resist feeling how smooth it felt. It was almost slimy.

"Yeah, got them off yesterday." 

"Nice." He grinned back at her. He didn't hide the fact he was gawking now. She turned away, meeting Jessie's wide grin.

She couldn't help but be aware of Andrew's quick glances throughout class though. Unfortunately for her, Jessie noticed too, and kept shooting her winks. Jessie had many qualities Eden loved, but subtlety was not one of them. Shorter than her, Jessie was as outspoken as her bright red, curly hair. 

Eden peeked in Andrew's direction. As always, he was dressed in expensive clothes with his dark blond hair having that messy look she was sure he'd spent a long time creating. 

"Eden," Mr. Giles voice asked impatiently. She snapped her eyes to the front, terrified she'd been caught unaware.

"Yes?"

"Do you know the cosign of π/4?"

"Ah... square root of 2 over 2," she answered. 

She glanced over; Andrew was gazing at her. Embarrassed, she looked away.

Thankfully, class ended and Jessie moaned about the homework load. "Mr. Giles's a tyrant." 

Something brushed her arm as Andrew muttered, "I'm totally not getting this."  She glanced down, gaping at his hand near her arm. Did he touch me?

"Hey, you get it, don't you? Do you want to help me out?" he asked, grinning.

She eyed him. Wonder if he means copy my homework. "Sure." 

"Great! Can you study after school some time?" He slung his backpack on his shoulder.