A Size Too Big For Him

Chapter 3: Shadows in the Halls

Clara Windly couldn't shake the encounter with Alec Forester. She'd replayed it in her head a dozen times, each memory sharpening the look in his eyes, the gentleness of his touch, and the quiet strength that radiated from him. Alec, the school's infamous bad boy, had stepped in to defend her—a nobody, a newcomer—and for a moment, she'd felt something more than just invisible.

The rest of the week felt like a blur. She spent her time quietly navigating Riverstone's twisting hallways and towering libraries, trying to keep her head down and survive the intense academic schedule. But every so often, she'd catch a glimpse of Alec. He seemed to be everywhere: in the courtyard with a close-knit group of friends, leaning against the wall outside a lecture hall, or passing her in the hallway with a nod that made her stomach flip.

Yet each time their eyes met, a peculiar unease settled over her—a warning she didn't quite understand, like an instinct whispering of hidden dangers.

The week rolled by, and Friday arrived. Clara finished her last lecture of the day and decided to head to the library to start on a mountain of assignments. The late afternoon sun filtered through the library windows, casting a golden glow across rows of well-worn books and quiet, studious faces.

Finding a secluded table, Clara opened her notebook and tried to focus. But soon, her thoughts drifted back to Alec and their strange, charged interactions. She'd read his name in the murmurings of students: "Forester," the one everyone watched but no one truly understood. Rumors filled the air about his rough, mysterious family, the fights he got into, the long nights spent somewhere in the forested hills around Brook Town.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she barely noticed the shadow stretching across her table.

"Clara." Alec's voice cut through her haze.

Clara looked up, startled. Alec stood across from her, his green eyes gleaming in the warm light. He seemed more intense, his usual calm layered with something restless and raw.

"Oh! Hey," Clara stammered, quickly sitting up straighter. "Didn't see you there."

"Mind if I sit?" he asked, though he didn't wait for an answer before sliding into the chair across from her. She noticed, with a touch of embarrassment, that her heart was pounding.

"Sure," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his gaze scanning her face. "You're new here. Must be... overwhelming."

"It is," she admitted, surprised by how easily the words came. "But I'm managing."

"Alone?"

She nodded. "I don't really know anyone here. And I'm kind of... used to it." She felt the weight of his stare, like he could see straight through her. "It's been a big adjustment."

Alec's jaw tightened. "Brook Town can be hard on outsiders."

She nodded, not entirely understanding what he meant but sensing an edge in his voice. He was quiet for a moment, like he was debating something with himself.

"Listen, Clara," he finally said, his tone shifting. "There's a party tonight. It's at the old quarry—half the town usually shows up. Might be good to get out, meet some people."

She blinked. Alec Forester was inviting her out. Her heart raced as she weighed his offer. Did she dare step into his world, knowing so little about him?

"Are... are you sure?" she asked, unsure if he was serious. "I'm not really the 'party' type."

He chuckled. "That's why I'm asking. Just think about it, alright? Be there if you want to."