Need you | Miles Fairchild

10. hello school

Today is the day. I'm back at school, and I get to see Miles. Two weeks have passed since we last laid eyes on each other, but it feels like an eternity. Over the last fourteen days, we've written letters nonstop, talked on the phone every single night for hours. I've missed him so much I can hardly think straight.

The only thing I'm worried about is Rebecca Smith. Daughter of the mayor, rich, spoiled, and convinced the world revolves around her. And worst of all? She has a reputation for trying to swoop in on anyone she wants. And I will not let her get Miles. Not now, not ever.

I finish getting ready for school and take a deep breath. I say goodbye to Kate and Rose, giving them both a hug. I hate leaving my sister behind, even though we fight, and Rose—well, I miss her so much. But there's no turning back now.

I step out the door, the crisp morning air hitting my face, and start walking toward the car.

"Y/n!!! You're back!!"

I spin around to see my best friend, Alice, sprinting toward me with that big, beaming smile she always has.

"Alice!!!" I shout, running toward her.

"I missed you so much!" she says, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.

"Me too," I laugh, finally pulling back.

We start walking, chatting a mile a minute. The air is crisp and buzzing with the energy of students returning for the term.

"So... what did you think of the teaching thing at the Manor?" Alice asks, bouncing slightly on her heels.

"It was really fun," I say, a smirk tugging at my lips. "And a bonus... the eldest son came home early, so I got to teach him."

"Tell me everything!" she squeals. "Is he our age? Does he like pizza? Is he smart?"

"Woah, calm down there, Alice," I laugh.

"Come on! You have to tell me something!" she insists.

"Okay, okay," I sigh, rolling my eyes playfully. "His name is Miles Fairchild. He's our age—and he's going to be attending our school this term."

Alice squeals, bouncing on her toes. "Oh, me, oh my! Is he... cute?"

"He's taken!!" I shout, throwing my hands up dramatically.

"Woah... actually?" Alice looks disappointed but intrigued.

"Yes, by me," I smile proudly.

"You...? No way. I don't believe you!" she says, stepping back in mock shock.

"Well, will this picture convince you?" I ask, pulling out a photo of Miles and me by the pool. I'm on his back, laughing, kissing his cheek.

Alice leans in to examine it. "Wow... he is cute!" she laughs.

"Hey, he's mine," I say, putting the photo away and smirking.

"I can't wait to meet him in person!" she exclaims.

"I can't wait to see him," I sigh, my heart fluttering at the thought.

"How long has it been since you two saw each other?" Alice asks curiously.

"Two weeks," I reply, shrugging, though my chest tightens at the thought.

"Wow... that's a fair while," she says, shaking her head.

"Yep," I sigh.

"What about Rebecca?" Alice asks, lowering her voice. "What if she finds out?"

I roll my eyes, trying to sound confident. "We'll be fine. But yeah... we need to be careful."

"Very," Alice agrees, linking arms with me as we walk through the bustling school gates, the chatter and laughter of students filling the air.

⸻

Homeroom is... annoying. Not because of the class itself, but because I don't have Alice in my homeroom this term. At least the first period is tolerable.

Then I notice something else: Rebecca and her four little friends are here. My blood boils.

She's the one who could possibly try to steal Miles. No harm done... not yet, I think to myself, tightening my grip on my bag strap.

"Anyway, as I was saying, homeroom is going to be a bit shorter this term..." Mrs. Howard drones on.

I tune out, staring out the window until a certain phrase makes me sit up straight.

"We have a new student joining us today," Mrs. Howard announces.

My heart practically leaps out of my chest.

"Everyone, this is Miles Fairchild," she continues.

I snap my head toward the door, my grin spreading uncontrollably.

"Hey everyone," Miles says awkwardly, stepping inside. His eyes sweep the room and finally land on me. His smile lights up the classroom.

I wave. He waves back. My stomach does a little flip.

"Ah, Miles... it seems you already know Miss Y/n. Go take a seat with her," Mrs. Howard says.

He slides into the seat next to me, still grinning.

"Hey," he says softly.

"Hey," I reply, feeling my cheeks heat up. He reaches out and gently takes my hand.

"Good to see you," he whispers.

"You too," I reply, squeezing his hand.

"Who are they?" he asks, nodding toward Rebecca and her friends, who are whispering to each other, clearly glancing at us.

"That's Rebecca Smith," I whisper back. "Daughter of the mayor. She thinks she owns the school. But don't make friends with the wrong people, okay?"

He glances at her briefly. "Don't worry. She doesn't look very friendly or nice anyway."

We both laugh softly, and I can feel the tension ease a little.

The rest of the day goes surprisingly smoothly. Rebecca and her little posse haven't bothered us yet—but I know it's only a matter of time. I just hope I'm ready for whatever comes next.