The morning sun filtered through the tinted windows of Xander’s G-Wagon as they pulled into the Greenwood High parking lot. Claire’s hand rested comfortably in his, their fingers loosely intertwined. It had become their routine now — arriving together, walking the halls hand-in-hand, ignoring the stares that had become background noise. But today, even the familiar comfort of his touch couldn’t fully chase away the unease that had settled in her chest since finding the photo in her locker yesterday.
“You’re quiet again,” Xander observed softly, squeezing her hand as he parked. “Still thinking about the rumors?”
Claire offered a small smile. “A little. It’s fine. I’m getting used to it.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he leaned over and kissed her gently on the forehead, careful of the fa
