Chapter 2: Classroom collisions
1047 Words
Jace Callahan: Detour Before Class
Jace was late. Again.
But when Savannah Monroe pulled you into the girls’ bathroom, you didn’t say no.
“Just five more minutes,” she whispered against his lips, her back pressed against the stall door.
He smirked. “You said that ten minutes ago.”
Her nails traced his jaw. “You have somewhere more important to be?”
Jace should’ve cared. Should’ve at least made an effort to be on time. But when had he ever followed the rules?
Besides, this was what they did—sneaking around, making out, pretending they weren’t toxic as hell.
“I really gotta go,” he muttered, finally pulling away.
Savannah pouted. “Ugh. Fine. Go play student or whatever.”
Jace rolled his eyes and left. By the time he strolled into Mr. Jennings’ history class, it was already halfway through.
---
Lexi Carter: Just My Luck
Lexi was in her usual spot, scribbling in her notebook when the door swung open.
Jace Callahan.
He walked in like he owned the place, running a hand through his already-messy hair. The girls near the window giggled. Someone whispered, “Typical.”
Mr. Jennings sighed heavily but didn’t even bother lecturing him. Instead, he just said, “Nice of you to join us, Callahan. Take a seat.”
Jace didn’t rush. He strolled, scanning the classroom like he was choosing which unfortunate soul would have to put up with him today.
“Since you missed half the lesson, you’ll need to get the notes,” Mr. Jennings added. Then, his eyes landed on Lexi.
Her stomach dropped.
“Carter, you’ll catch him up.”
Lexi’s pen froze mid-word. What?
Jace’s gaze finally shifted to her. A slow, lazy smirk spread across his face as he walked toward her desk.
“Guess we’re partners now, huh?” he drawled, sliding into the empty seat beside her.
Lexi clenched her jaw, already regretting every decision that led to this moment.
She was invisible. She was background noise. She did not interact with guys like Jace Callahan.
And yet, here he was—smelling like cheap cologne and trouble, completely invading her space.
“Hey, uh, Carter?” he said, tapping the edge of her notebook.
“What?” she muttered.
“Hope your handwriting’s not shit.”
Lexi let out a slow breath. This was going to be a long class.
---
Lexi: Just Take the Notes and Leave
Jace wasn’t taking this seriously.
Lexi sat stiffly in her chair, flipping through her notebook, pretending he wasn’t there.
“Alright,” she muttered. “These are the notes. Just copy them down, and we’ll be done.”
Jace leaned back in his chair like he had all the time in the world. “You’re not even gonna explain them to me?”
She shot him a look. “If you showed up on time, you wouldn’t need an explanation.”
He smirked. “Damn, Carter. You always this feisty?”
Lexi rolled her eyes and slid her notebook toward him. “Just copy.”
Jace glanced at the page. “Huh. Your handwriting’s actually decent.”
Lexi clenched her fists. This guy was insufferable.
He twirled her pen between his fingers, then scribbled something at the bottom of the page.
When she glanced down, she saw his sloppy scrawl right next to her notes:
"Do you do homework for people too, or is this a one-time favor?"
Lexi snatched her pen back. “Unbelievable.”
Jace just grinned.
Before Lexi could snap at him, the school intercom crackled to life.
"Students, don’t forget the homecoming pep rally after final period! Let’s show our support for our team and get ready for an amazing season!"
The classroom filled with chatter and excitement. The football team was undefeated last year, and everyone was expecting another perfect season.
Jace barely reacted. He already knew he’d be at the center of attention.
What caught his interest wasn’t the rally—it was the girl next to him.
Lexi Carter.
She was pretty, but not Savannah beautiful.
Savannah was flawless—magazine-cover, head-turning, makes-you-forget-your-own-name beautiful.
Lexi? Different.
Her hair was thick and wild, always tied up like she didn’t care about impressing anyone. She had these big brown eyes that didn’t sparkle when she looked at him—which was new.
And okay, her chest was bigger than Savannah’s. Not that it mattered. Or maybe it did.
But what really caught him off guard? She wasn’t giving him an ounce of attention.
Most girls in this school would’ve been blushing, stammering, stealing glances at him.
Lexi? She looked annoyed. Like she couldn’t wait to be done with him.
Jace tilted his head, watching her.
Huh.
Interesting.
Savannah: Stay in Your Lane, Nobody
When the bell rang, Lexi shot out of her seat.
Jace stretched, completely unbothered. “Man, that was fun. We should do this more often.”
Lexi ignored him, grabbing her books. She was free.
But just as she turned to leave, Savannah Monroe walked in.
And Lexi’s stomach dropped.
Savannah barely glanced at her. She was too busy locking eyes with Jace.
“There you are,” she purred, stepping closer to him. “Skipped first period and left me hanging?”
Jace smirked. “Got caught up in class.”
Savannah finally turned her attention to Lexi. Her gaze swept over her like she was some insignificant obstacle.
“Hope he wasn’t too much trouble,” she said smoothly.
Lexi didn’t miss the undertone. It wasn’t a genuine question—it was a warning.
Lexi hesitated for a second before blurting, “No trouble. We’re done here.”
She grabbed her stuff and tried to walk away, but Savannah stepped into her path.
“Oh, and Carter?” she said, her voice honey-sweet. “Next time, just leave his notes on his desk. You don’t have to waste your time.”
Lexi swallowed.
Savannah’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.
Jace raised a brow, clearly entertained. “Relax, Sav. She was just doing me a favor.”
Savannah tilted her head. “I know.”
Then she turned, looped her arm through Jace’s, and led him away.
Lexi exhaled, heart racing.
Whatever that was, it wasn’t over.
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- Writer
