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Ch. 21 — Theo’s Other Side

Author: Pauline Maxwell
last update Last Updated: 2025-12-30 21:50:25

Ruby started noticing patterns when she stopped trying not to.

It happened the Thursday after the library discovery, when the weight of the Kingston name still pressed against her chest like a held breath. She lingered after school, pretending to reorganize her locker while students streamed past her in clusters—laughing, shoving, alive in ways she didn’t feel lately.

Theo had said he needed to return a book.

“I’ll walk with you,” Ruby had offered.

He smiled, that same gentle curve that always made him seem harmless. “I’ll catch up. I promised someone I’d meet them.”

Someone.

The word stuck.

Ruby nodded, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and headed out the front doors alone. Halfway down the steps, she glanced back.

Theo wasn’t going to the library.

He was cutting across the parking lot, phone to his ear, shoulders squared, moving with a purpose she hadn’t seen before. He didn’t look like a quiet, brilliant kid hoping to keep his head down.

He looked… focused.

Ruby hesitated, then
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