AXEL
“All I'm saying is, she didn't sit with us at our usual spot,” Lucas says as we step into class right after break. He waits for a response that doesn't come. “You don't think that's unusual?”
My lips press into a tight grimace. “I don't know, Luke.”
Before my cousin can get out another word, Hayley walks into class, accompanied by Corey. My gaze follows her, like a tide drawn to the moon, all the way till she settles in the chair next to me, forming our familiar quartet.
Lucas beams at her. “Hey, nerd. You left us hanging at the cafeteria.”
Hayley turns to him and flashes a pure, hearty smile. “Hey, dummy.” I notice how she completely ignores the second part of his words. She bends in her chair to drop her bag and her hair falls over the side of her face. It takes every ounce
