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."

Then, as quickly as he had come, he rose, his lips pulling into a faint, almost knowing smile. "See you around, Clara."

And with that, he disappeared into the library's shadows, leaving Clara with a decision that tugged at her heart—and her fear.

Night fell over Brook Town, and Clara found herself pacing her small apartment. The invitation lingered in her mind, tempting her with an adventure she hadn't anticipated. She changed into something casual—a black sweater and a pair of jeans that fit snugly—and slipped on her worn sneakers. She felt ridiculous for caring, for wanting to look somewhat presentable, but she shoved the doubts aside.

When she arrived at the quarry, the party was already in full swing. Music blared from speakers, and groups of people huddled around fires, laughing, talking, and dancing. Clara felt her anxiety spike. It had been ages since she'd been around this many people, and the carefree atmosphere only reminded her how out of place she felt.

But then she spotted him.

Alec leaned against an old tree, watching her approach with that same steady gaze. Her nerves faded under the warmth of his look, and she managed a small smile as she made her way over to him.

"You made it," he said, a flicker of satisfaction in his voice.

"I... I almost didn't," she admitted. "But, here I am."

Alec's expression softened. "It's a good thing. Come on."

He led her through the crowd, introducing her to a few familiar faces—people from their classes, friends of his who looked her over with curiosity and acceptance. For the first time since coming to Riverstone, Clara felt a tentative sense of belonging.

But that was short-lived.

A piercing high pitched voice suddenly cut the noise. "Alec!" Clara looked over to see who it was and recognized her immediately. Standing in a group near the bonfire was Heather Martin—the blonde girl from his front seat the first day, who had not been in any of Clara's classes. It was obvious she had caught everyone's attention without effort. Heather's blue eyes sparkled as she waved Alec over, her slender frame wrapped in a stylish outfit that Clara could never pull off.

Alec's attention shifted to Heather with an easy familiarity, his face lighting up with a charm Clara hadn't seen before. He looked back at Clara, offering a quick, apologetic smile. "Hey, just a sec—I'll be right back."

And with that, he slipped away, making his way to Heather and her friends.

Clara stood there, suddenly feeling small and exposed. Alec's presence had made her feel like she belonged, but now, watching him laugh and chat easily with Heather, she couldn't ignore the painful reminder that she was still the outsider here. She forced herself to move toward the fire, blending into the shadows, hoping she'd disappear from everyone's view.

Minutes turned into an hour, and Alec hadn't returned to her side. She kept glancing over, watching as Heather playfully tugged at his sleeve, her laughter loud and bright, her presence demanding attention. Alec seemed happy, effortlessly caught up in the moment, and Clara's heart sank.

The laughter and voices around her became muffled as she shrank further into herself. She tried to convince herself to stay, to be brave and give this place a chance. But every time she looked over, she saw Alec's arm draped around Heather, the two of them whispering and smiling like they shared some secret world that Clara could never be a part of.

By the time another hour had passed, Clara had made up her mind. She'd tried to fit in, to do something bold, but it was clear she didn't belong. She took one last look at Alec and Heather, feeling a pang of disappointment she couldn't quite name, and started heading back up the trail toward her car.

Just as she reached the edge of the crowd, a voice called after her.

"Clara!"

She turned to see Alec jogging up to her, his expression softened with what almost looked like regret. "Hey, you're leaving already?"

Clara forced a small smile. "Yeah. It's late, and I've got a lot of studying to do."

"Oh... well, I'm glad you came out," he said, scratching the back of his neck. "It was cool seeing you here."

"Yeah," she murmured, hoping he wouldn't notice the disappointment in her voice. "Thanks for inviting me."

She turned and started to walk away, leaving Alec behind, his figure fading into the night as the voices and music from the quarry grew distant. As she walked back to her car alone, she promised herself that from now on, she'd be careful with her heart—even if it meant keeping people at a distance.