Se connecterTylerWe got to the parking lot when it seemed like the rest of school had decided to leave at the exact same time.Engines roared from every direction. Some belonging to faulty cars, while others from students who just wanted to show off for some reason.All at the same time.I’d caught Coach throw a look my way after teaching a PE class before lunch. And the guys also hadn’t gotten over the fact that we wouldn’t be playing till the main game, so they’d called for some kind of meeting and decided to meet at some court near the edge of the city to play amongst themselves.I’d ditched the meeting, and that’s how I found myself in the greenhouse, trying to take out a frog, which had eventually hopped out of the window.Sydney.I wasn’t surprised in the slightest that she’d suggest something like that.And I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t noticed what she was talking about.Mostly about Micheal.I mean, I’d been at his house that morning when his mom walked in, barely acknowledged anyone
Sydney“Hi,”Tyler turned immediately, like he’d only half expected someone to be there, and when his eyes met mine, I saw something move through them.“Sydney,” His voice was low as he glanced at the plant. “Hi,”I followed his eyes for a second to the open fly traps in the pot.“What’re you doing?” “Nothing,” He gently pulled off the glove and put it aside, glancing at the plant again. “Nothing. I just…It’s been a while since I was here.”Weird.“Yeah, I guess,” I said lightly, moving to the other side to set down my bag before pulling out the observation log. “I mean, you’ve been really busy with…every other thing.”“Maybe.”I turned towards him, but he was already looking. Staring at me in that way that pooled heat beneath my stomach.I looked away quickly, tucking my hair behind my ear. “You’re excused.”“Let me do it,”“It’s fine.” I said quickly, stepping towards the plant.“I’m serious.”“I can do it.”“But I was here first.”I looked at him. “Also the first time you’ve shown
SydneyThe next day was way easier. Thankfully.I woke up feeling less embarrassed about what had happened at Tyler’s house and actually felt a little enthusiasm about going to school.Yay.Except for the part where Maeve texted me at the last minute to say she wouldn’t be able to come over, so we could get to school together.Something about her mom’s turtle almost escaping its tank.But then, I’d seen her walking into history with Oscar at her side.“Stop judging me, Sydney Walker!” I could practically hear her voice in my head. And I’d pursed my lips, looking down at my book even as she dropped into the chair next to mine.But I could tell she’d been holding her own laugh too. And before I could tell her what I’d seen in the hallway, the teacher walked in.I promise I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop. Or stare like the rest of the people at Lakeview High did.But that morning, I’d watched the car Brooklyn usually took to school pull out before mine because apparently, I’d waited for Maeve
BrooklynI know what you might be thinking.That I’m some obsessed ex. Some lonely, pretty girl who does nothing but stalk her ex and everyone else who’s walked away from her life for no reason at all.Well…I’m more than that, just so you know.And it’s not called stalking if I’m just trying to be sure everyone’s okay.I think.Tracy’s getting better at vlogging, actually building a large following base—not as large as mine. But yeah.And those rumors about her being with Dean? A part of me hoped to God they were just desperate gossip, something people had made up to distract me.The other part…“I don’t give a shit.” Andy, on the other hand, seemed more interested in the physical world.She’d started showing up at school clubs I’d have sworn she’d never be a part of back when she still acknowledged my existence..And that charity event at some retirement home?Performative.She seemed to always have a smile on whenever I saw her. Either that or she was surrounded by people. People I
Sydney“Oh my gosh, yes!” Maeve squealed, eyes wide. “Yes, Sydney!”I stared back at her, startled. “Yes, what?”“This is it!”“This is what?”Instead of answering, she pushed off my bed and stopped in the middle of my room, grinning.“This is where it begins.” She gestured with her hands. “You and Tyler.”Still, I blinked at her. “What are you talking about?”Her smile finally faded. She tilted her, looking at me like the answer was that obvious.“You met his mom.”“Oh my god,” I almost groaned, trying harder to hide my smile. “She caught me snooping through her stuff, Maeve. That was a terrible first impression.”“No,” Maeve folded her arms, taking a step closer to me, her oversized top slipping further down one shoulder. “You were being…aware of your surroundings. Observant. And you found something so impressive you would’ve complimented her if you hadn’t been so startled.”I wouldn’t have.“I took something from the case.” I said instead.“Doesn’t matter.” She clasped her fingers
SydneyTyler paused for half a second, then blinked.“Why would I be?”“Your mom.” I replied. “She didn’t look…particularly thrilled to see me.”His jaw did that thing again, but before I could fully register it, he leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.“She was just just surprised, Sydney.” He said. “I mean, you did open the case.” I tucked my hair behind my ear and looked away. “I was just curious.”That earned a quiet laugh from him. “Okay. But my mom isn’t angry. And I definitely am not in trouble for bringing you to my house.” I met his gaze. “Really?”“Yeah.” He scoffed, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms. “My mom isn’t a monster. She’s just…protective.”I smiled a little.“Right,” My shoulders relaxed slightly, but my fingers found each other again as I tried to avoid his gaze.I failed. Something else creeping to my mind.“So…what about earlier?”Someone shrieked from a distance.Tyler’s expression didn’t change. “What about earlier?”“At the parking lot
Sydney Two days after I had ketchup stuck to my butt, the gossip grew louder. No one whispered anymore or tried to hide their mouth when they spoke, or cared if I was right there. “I still can’t believe she’s Brooklyn Prescott’s sister.” “Yeah, talk about differences. Are you sure they’re
Tyler I didn’t even want to come in the first place. Michael’s parties were always predictable—crowded house, expensive liquor stolen from his parent’s wine cellar, music loud enough to make you go deaf. Same faces, same people in silly costumes, thirsty for some recognition. The only reas
Tyler “Sydney Walker,” I’d repeated all day in my head. And the moment Brooklyn yelled my name, running toward me on the basketball court, and I found out that that curvy genius she hadn’t stopped blabbing about all week was her sister— Everything shifted. I swear I’m not a bully. I’ve neve
“Okay, rule number one,” Maeve said over the noise in the cafeteria. “Don’t challenge Tyler Sinclair in algebra.” I tried my best not to look around. "Why? He was wrong.” Maeve picked up a food tray and stopped in front of me. "I'm not blind, Sydney. And no one else in that class was. We all saw







