LOGINTyler’s POVI’ve concluded, in the past few days, that the little ping from my phone is my favorite sound. Which is why my lips split into a grin the second I get another text from Lila.“How are the twins today?” she asks, even though she was here just yesterday to hang out with them.We’ve been texting nonstop on days when we don’t get to see each other, and I’ve never been happier. Lila has a way of making me feel at peace and quietening the constant cacophony of voices in my head, even though she likes to disagree whenever I tell her.I swivel slightly toward the dining table behind me to see the twins arguing with the new babysitter about math homework. Well, Sophie is arguing. Lucas is busy taking
People have been smiling at me and approaching me all day.It shouldn’t be a big deal; except I’m used to their sneers and mockery instead. Even Cassidy hasn’t said a single mean word to me. If anything, she’s maintained considerable distance between us all day.Being popular overnight is exhausting, especially when I’m followed by a cloud of whispers and curious glances that have only gotten worse everywhere that I go. A few girls standing near the entrance of the cafeteria smile at me as Maya and I make our way in, and that alone makes me feel weird.Maya, on the other hand, looks like she’s enjoying this a little too much. “Okay, this is getting more and more interesting,” she says.Sighing, I look at her. “W
Heads start to turn the minute we pull into the parking lot.Not that I blame them; I should have known better than accepting Tyler’s offer to pick me up at home and drive me to school.I watch as students walking toward the entrance start to slow down, their conversations trailing off when they see me in his car. Some of them immediately whip out their phones, tilting them subtly in our direction like they’re texting. But I know I’ll find pictures and videos of us on the seniors’ forum soon enough.My stomach twists as I remain frozen in my seat while staring at the familiar brick building in front of us. “I should have taken a sick day,” I mutter more to myself.Beside me, Tyler cuts the engine and leans back, completely unbothered b
Lila“Noah, wait!”The door swings shut as I run after him, my heart now pounding for a different reason entirely.“Please, just let me explain,” I call after him, but he doesn’t stop walking. “Noah.”He finally stops when he reaches the end of the hallway, and when he turns to me, the hurt in his eyes is clear as day.I hate myself for putting that look on his face. “It’s not what it looked like,” I say, then shake my head. “I mean it is, but it’s not… I wasn’t…”Noah sighs, looking exhausted all of a sudden. “It’s fine. You don’t owe me an explanation.”
TYLERMy phone starts to ring the second I shut the door to my car. I stare at the screen and scowl at the displayed name before answering.“Hey.”“Tyler.” My father’s deep voice fills the speaker. “I got your message about the diagnosis. We will get a second opinion.”Somehow, he manages to be dismissive and final at the same time. I already knew he’d say exactly this when I texted to tell him what the doctor said yesterday, but it still makes my hackles rise.My fingers curl around the strap of my bag as I head towards the school entrance. “The doctors weren’t just guessing, Dad. They ran tests.”“So? You can move the arm now, can’t you?”I stare down at the arm that had given me a scare just yesterday. It was fully recovered two hours after Lila left the house. “Yes, but…”“The only thing that matters,” Dad starts. “…is that the scouts were at your game yesterday and they noticed you.”Of course, that’s all he cares about.“I was told you played like a beast,” he continues. “You ca
Tyler hasn’t said a word since we left the hospital. Then again, hearing that your arm could suffer permanent damage can’t be easy on anyone.“We’re here,” I announce after pulling into the driveway of his house.He remains in his seat, staring ahead for a while, before nodding. Just when I think he’s going to say something, he simply flexes his fingers, his jaw flexing when they don’t move.“Would you like me to help you inside?”He nods again so I get out first and walk to his side to help him out.“Careful,” I murmur when he finally steps outTo my surprise, he doesn’t pull away when I reach for his good arm. He just leans slightly on me as we walk toward the house.“Your room?” I ask once we’re inside.“I guess,” he replies tiredly.Slowly, I guide him up the stairs, keeping my eyes on him for any slight discomfort. When we reach his room, I push the door open and help him sit on the edge of his bed.Then, I step back, looking around his room awkwardly. “I guess I should…”“I’m so







