WHAT HAPPENED LAST SUMMER?

Rules

Theodore’s POV

My mouth hung open. At first, I thought he had started developing feelings for me, until the next words from his mouth landed like a physical blow.

“I hate to share,” he said. “So whoever I am bullying, no one else is allowed to touch. You can have the others in school, but she is exempt.” Everyone smiled as if they had just heard good news.

Poor me, I thought, continuing to pack my books as he walked away with his boys. The three girls glared at me before turning away. I stole a glance at Alex, but his face remained unreadable.

“You’re so lucky. Thank your stars Alex showed up,” Audrey said, kicking one of my books as she bounced off with her crew. Relief washed over me as they left.

Lectures continued, and Alex made sure I sat by his side until class was over. While he didn’t bully me himself, his friends took up the mantle the entire time.

When the closing bell rang, a general announcement summoned the student body. Too exhausted to walk to the main courtyard, I leaned against a nearby wall. The dean announced the start of summer break, prompting a wave of excited cheers. I grabbed my bag and headed to the school’s sports field to relax and study before going to Alex's house.

I sat in a quiet corner, plugged in my earbuds, and opened my biology textbook. Reading without being tormented by those ants was the best feeling in the world. After a few minutes, a familiar cologne grew stronger. I looked up to find Alex standing over me, his hair damp and tousled as if he had just showered.

“Let’s go. You’re riding home with me,” he said.

I hesitated, trying to decipher his motives. “We already agreed on a time. I’ll come over to your place on my own. I don’t need your help.” I shifted my focus back to my book.

He yanked the textbook from my hands, shoved it into my bag, and slung it over his shoulder. My eyes darted to the boys on the field, who had stopped playing to watch us.

“I didn’t ask for your permission,” Alex said. “I said come with me, or I’ll—”

“Fine!” I interrupted before he could finish his threat. “At least let me have my bag.” I stood on tiptoe, struggling to reach his shoulder. My dad was six-foot-four and bulky, but he had taken those genetics with him when he abandoned us. Thinking about him only deepened my resentment.

Alex led the way, and I followed reluctantly. At the front of the school, his driver went to open the door for him, but Alex gestured toward me and opened his own door instead. His behavior was becoming increasingly bizarre. Is he falling for me? I wondered delusionally, despite knowing he wasn't giving off those vibes.

I settled into the car, watching his female admirers glare with rage. A small smile tugged at my lips as the car pulled away. Maybe Alex wasn’t so bad after all.

I turned to him. He was still clutching my bag tightly, seemingly forgetting it wasn't his. “Thanks for helping me back in class,” I said.

“I didn’t help you. I just hated the noise. Don’t get it twisted,” he replied.

I sighed. “At least accept the appreciation without trying to prove a point.”

He looked down at the bag, realized his mistake, and slammed it onto the seat beside me.

“What the—”

“Listen,” Alex cut in. “I brought you with me because I want to get this useless tutoring over with quickly. Stop acting like we're friends. I get enough of that from girls prettier than you. Be quiet for the rest of the drive.”

My shoulders tensed. I wanted to lash out, but exhaustion won.

“Alright, angry bird,” I muttered, leaning my head against the window until I drifted off.

I jolted awake when a soft hand gently adjusted my head. I opened my eyes to see the driver standing beside the open door. We had arrived at Alex’s house, and Alex was already approaching the front entrance.

“Oh, thanks, but I’ve got it,” I told the driver as he reached for my bag. He bowed politely.

I hurried after Alex before the smart lock engaged. “Alex,” I called out. He paused, though he didn't turn around. “You have just thirty minutes as agreed. I have to be somewhere before seven.”

“Why? Do you have a date with your boyfriend?” he mocked.

I scoffed. “I’m just reminding you of our agreement.”

“Try not to break anything—especially your neck,” he said, disappearing into his room and shutting the door behind him.

I didn’t understand his comment until I turned around and took in the grandeur of the living room. Sitting on a plush sofa in the corner, I pulled out a fiction book titled Union Mirage—a novel I had started the day my dad left. The plot made me wonder why so many couples divorce after starting out so in love. My parents used to be affectionate when I was younger, making me believe love was simple, until reality proved otherwise.

By the third chapter, a delicious aroma filled the room. I lowered the book to find Alex sitting on the adjacent couch with a box of mushroom pizza. Another closed box sat in front of me.

“Eat if you want,” he said casually.

I walked over and sat across from him. Opening the box, the steam carried a rich, savory scent. “You didn’t have to, but thanks,” I said, taking a slice. He ignored me.

Once we finished eating, we began the session. To my surprise, he didn't make things difficult. Watching him work through the problems in silence, I was struck by how calm he looked when he wasn't scowling.

“Alex?”

“Hmm?” he grunted without looking up.

“Could we keep these tutoring sessions a secret? Please.”

He raised his head, a smirk curving his lips. “Are you begging me for a favor now?”

“I just don’t want to be targeted by your fan club at school,” I said, turning away before he could notice the heat rising in my cheeks.

“Are you jealous?”

“Of what? I don’t even like you,” I retorted, looking away a second time to hide my flushing face. As much as he irritated me, the thought of girls flocking around him stirred an uncomfortable feeling inside me.

“Well,” Alex said, leaning back. “I’ll keep it a secret—but it depends.”