As We Fall

Chapter One

April Bradshaw's foot bounced restlessly beneath her desk, tapping out an anxious rhythm that matched the tick of the classroom clock. Her chestnut hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, a few strands brushing against her cheek as she glanced, for what felt like the hundredth time, up at the clock. Two minutes left. Then summer would officially begin.

She glanced out the window, sunlight streaming in, casting a golden glow across the room. It looked so beautiful outside, and all she could think about was how close she was to stepping into that world of freedom. Bonfires, sleepovers, ice cream runs with friends—everything that made her heart race with excitement and anticipation was waiting just beyond that door.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Her biology teacher, Mr. Hartley, was still pacing at the front of the room, talking about something that no one was paying attention to. April's mind had checked out long ago, drifting into daydreams of summer nights under the stars. She bit her lip, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she thought about what she'd do first. Maybe she'd call her best friends and plan something spontaneous. Or maybe she'd just lay in the grass and stare up at the sky, letting the warmth of the season melt away the stress of the year.

Tick.

The bell rang, loud and clear, like the burst of a starting gun.

April shot up, stuffing her books and papers into her backpack with hurried, eager hands. She grinned, a bubbly laugh escaping her as she dodged through the crowd of students, everyone pushing and shoving their way out the door. The air outside was calling to her, sweet and warm, promising her the best three months of her life.

She made it to her locker and fumbled with the lock, her hands shaking from excitement. The locker door swung open, and she shoved everything inside, not caring if her papers were crumpled. She could organize later—right now, all that mattered was getting out of here and into the sunshine.

Just as she swung her locker shut, she felt a familiar presence behind her. A soft giggle escaped her lips, and before she could turn around, gentle hands covered her eyes.

"Guess who?" came the playful voice, low and teasing.

April couldn't help but smile, her heart lifting even more. "I don't know... I give up," she teased back, already knowing who it was.

She spun around, her ponytail whipping behind her, and there he was—Austin. He stood there with that easy grin, his tall frame leaning casually against the lockers like he had all the time in the world. His dark hair was tousled, and his blue eyes sparkled as he looked down at her.

"Hi, Austin," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth. He always made her feel like she was glowing, like his presence alone was enough to calm her excitement, but also stir something deeper inside her.

"Hey, sweet thing," he replied, leaning in with a grin and tapping his cheek. April rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the affection in her expression. She stood on her tiptoes, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek, her heart fluttering as she did.

Their hands found each other, fingers intertwining naturally, and together they walked through the now-emptying school. The noise of students faded behind them, replaced by the distant hum of cars in the parking lot. April looked up at Austin, her eyes soft. She loved how easy things were with him, how safe she felt. He always knew when to tease her and when to be sweet, when to hold her hand or just let her breathe.