Need you | Miles Fairchild

2. teaching who?!

I wake up the next morning, and honestly, I can't stop thinking about Miles. I get dressed and do my hair before heading out to find Flora. The two of us end up playing tea parties together.

God, she's so cute. Why can't she be my sister? I think to myself.

"Morning," a voice says from behind me.

I turn around—and there he is. Miles. He smiles, and I feel my face heat up as I smile back.

"Miles!!" Flora squeals.
"Come play tea parties with me and Y/N!" she exclaims, grabbing his arm.

"Okay, okay, let's go," he laughs.

Miles sits down on the picnic blanket beside me, and Flora hands him a cup of her imaginary tea.

"So... do you ride?" he asks.

"What, like horses?" I reply.

"Yeah," he says. "Do you?"

"I used to when I was little," I sigh. "But my horse died, and I haven't ridden since."

"Well, if you'd like, I could teach you tomorrow?" he offers.

"Yeah," I say, smiling. "That would be nice."

"Miles, I'm bored," Flora groans.

"Well, what do you want to do?" he asks, gently tapping her nose.

"Actually, it's time for schoolwork," Kate interrupts.

Ugh. Why does she always ruin the best moments?

"We're busy," I snap, glaring at her.

"Yeah, can't we do school later?" Flora asks.

"Nope. Sorry to spoil the fun, but the quicker we get it done, the quicker you can play," Kate replies.

She grabs Flora's hand and walks past me, shooting me a glare. I glare right back.

Ugh, that bitch, I think.

"Oh—and Y/N?" Kate calls.

"What?" I ask, forcing a smile.

"You'll be teaching Miles," she says, walking away.

OH SHIT. GOD HELP ME. LET'S HOPE I DON'T EMBARRASS MYSELF.

"Sweet," Miles says, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah," I smirk. "This shouldn't be too bad."

"Hey," he says, poking my arm gently. "I'm not that bad."

"Yeah? We'll see," I reply, standing up. "Let's get to work."

We head to his room—far away from Kate, thankfully.

"So..." he begins, "what's the deal with you and your sister?"

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"You don't really get along," he says. "Why's that?"

"It's kind of a long story," I sigh.

"I've got time," he smiles.

"Well... when I was born, my dad left. Kate blames me for it, but really, he just needed a break," I say quietly, staring at the floor.

"It's not your fault," Miles says gently.

"Thanks," I mumble, offering a small smile.

"No worries."

⸻

"Wow," I say.

"What?" he asks.

"You're way smarter than I imagined," I smirk.

"Hey!" he protests, and we both laugh.

"MILES!!" Flora yells.

"Yeah, in my room!" he calls back.

She runs in and plops herself onto my lap.

"Can we play a game?" she asks.

"What kind?" I smile.

"Mums and Dads!"

"Sure—your choice."

"Oh, come on, Miles," we both say, pulling his arm.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming," he laughs.

After playing, we eat and watch a movie. Eventually, I get bored and head to my room. I decide to call Rose—Kate's best friend, but honestly, more like my sister.

"Hello?" she answers.

"Hey, Rose," I sigh.

"Hey girl, what's up?"

"Well, the boy's back from boarding school, so now I have to teach him. Kate's teaching the little girl," I explain.

"Oh wow, that sounds so fun," she says sarcastically.

"Yeah... thrilling," I sigh.

"So," she says, "is he cute?"

"Rose!" I laugh.

"Come on—is he?"

"Well... I guess he's kinda cute," I smirk.

"I knew it! Is he your age?"

"Yeah."

"Oooo, perfect for you then," she teases.

"I've gotta go eat dinner," she says. "Talk tomorrow?"

"Yeah, see you," I reply.

"And remember—let him make the first move!" she shouts before hanging up.

"Yeah, yeah—got it," I mumble.

"So... you think I'm cute, huh?"

I freeze and turn around. Miles is standing in my doorway.

"Miles! You scared me," I say, staring at my feet.

"I walked past and heard you say I was cute," he smirks.

"Well..." I trail off.

"Relax. It's no big deal," he smiles. "Dinner's ready."

"Okay, I'll be right down."

After dinner, I return to my room and grab my favourite book—Tomorrow, When the War Began.

Knock knock.

"Come in," I say.

Miles steps inside.

"Hey."

"Hi," I reply, setting my book aside.

"What're you reading?"

"Tomorrow, When the War Began."

"I've read the whole series," he says.

"Wow, didn't peg you as a reader."

"Turns out I am," he smiles.

He sits beside me, looking straight into my eyes.

"You still want that riding lesson tomorrow?" he asks, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Y-yeah. Of course," I reply.

"Good," he smiles. "I'll see you tomorrow."

He leaves, closing the door behind him.

I turn off the light and curl into bed, my heart racing.

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.