ARIA
But before we do anything, the final pair.
“Miss Davenport and Mr. Nate Hayley.”
Miss Morrigan’s calm voice cut through the classroom—sharp, certain, unyielding.
Cassie Davenport’s head snapped up, notebook trembling in her hands. “What?” Her voice cracked. “Nate? Why would you pair me with him?”
A few students stifled snickers, muffled but pointed, and heat crawled up her neck.
Nate sat hunched at the back, a baggy brown hoodie swallowing his frame, sleeves dangling past his hands, mismatched shoes scraping the floor, and jeans frayed as if by a shredder. His hair stuck out at odd angles, some strands curling against his forehead, others standing straight up. He fidgeted constantly, tugging at his sleeves, muttering to himself in quiet bursts, eyes darting nervously. Everyone a
