The Gang Leader's Impostor

CHAPTER SEVEN

Alexander bit the tip of his pen, anxiously waiting for his professor on the other side of the desk. Radley's words at the lockers still echoed in his mind, unsettling him. Radley had said that the rumors about Alexander being some dangerous transfer from New York were spreading like wildfire. Alexander couldn’t shake off the dread. If the rumors were somehow true and there’s an actual gang leader from New York transferring to their school and he’s posing as him, he’d be in deep trouble.

When his professor finally arrived, Alexander followed him to the first class where he would be introduced. The moment the professor entered, the chatter ceased, and all eyes turned to him. The professor began his introduction by mentioning Alexander’s transfer from New York. When he called him in, the room filled with whispers and curious glances.

Alexander felt a wave of nausea but steeled himself, deciding to act confident. He stood in front of the class, head held high, trying to exude an air of assurance. "I'm Alexander Callaghan. I just moved in from New York, although you probably already heard about that."

The whispers grew louder, students turning to each other with raised eyebrows. Alexander scanned the room and spotted Radley, who wore a knowing smirk. Radley’s gaze seemed to challenge him as if he was waiting for Alexander to slip up. Alexander hesitated but quickly decided he wouldn’t let Radley get to him.

The professor cleared his throat, bringing the room back to order. "Alright, everyone, let's settle down. Alexander, you can take a seat next to Radley."

Of course, Alexander thought, his stomach churning. He walked over to the empty seat beside Radley, who was still grinning. Alexander sat down, ignoring the whispers around him. He could feel Radley's eyes on him, but he refused to acknowledge it.

Class began, and Alexander tried to focus on the lecture, but his mind kept drifting back to Radley and the rumors. Every time he glanced sideways, Radley seemed to be watching him, that smirk never leaving his face. It was unnerving.

"Quit staring," Alexander muttered, not looking up from his book.

Radley leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "What’s the matter, Callaghan? Feeling nervous?"

Alexander clenched his jaw. "I’m trying to listen."

Radley didn’t budge. "You’re quite the mystery, you know. The whole school’s buzzing about you. Everyone wants to know more about the mysterious new guy from New York."

"Then, let them buzz," Alexander snapped, his patience wearing thin. "It’s none of their business."

Radley chuckled. "True, but I can’t help being curious. You’re putting on quite a show."

At lunch, Alexander headed to the cafeteria, hoping to find a quiet spot to gather his thoughts. Unfortunately, Radley followed him. Alexander grabbed his tray and found a table at the corner. Radley slid into the seat across from him.

"Hey," Radley said, leaning back casually. "Interesting morning, huh?"

Alexander looked up, trying to maintain his composure. "Yeah, you could say that."

He chuckled. "People are talking, you know. Saying all kinds of things about you. I feel like I’m getting to know you better through them."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "And you? What do you think?"

He shrugged. "I think you're putting on a good show. But people here aren't stupid. They’ll figure you out soon enough."

He leaned forward, locking eyes with Radley. "And what about you? You going to spill my secrets?"

His smirk widened. "Depends. What’s in it for me?"

Alexander clenched his fists under the table. He needed to stay calm. "I don’t have anything to give you."

His eyes gleamed with amusement. "We’ll see about that. I’m sure you’ll come up with something."

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Radley stood up, giving Alexander a mock salute. "See you around, Callaghan."

Alexander watched him walk away, a knot of anger and anxiety tightening in his chest. He had to figure out a way to keep Radley at bay and the rumors under control. He knew that it was too good to be true that no one was messing with him on his first day and everyone seemed to have started avoiding him, fear swimming in their eyes. It was almost a perfect plan. Except for him. He failed to account for him.

But that problem’s for later. For now, he had to survive the rest of the day.

As the afternoon classes dragged on, Alexander found it harder to concentrate. Radley's words haunted him, and he couldn’t shake off the feeling that everyone was watching him, waiting for him to mess up.

When the final bell rang, Alexander packed his things quickly, eager to get out of there. He stepped out into the hallway, only to find Radley leaning against the lockers, waiting for him.

"Walk home together?" Radley suggested, his tone dripping with false friendliness.

Alexander sighed. "Why are you so interested in me?"

Radley shrugged. "Just curious. You’re a mystery, and I like solving puzzles."

Alexander rolled his eyes but didn't argue. Maybe if he humored Radley, he’d leave him alone eventually. They walked out of the school, side by side, catching everyone’s attention. The whole way, Radley kept asking questions, probing into Alexander's past. He just deflected as best as he could, giving vague answers.

When they reached Alexander’s house, Radley paused. "I haven’t mentioned it to you, but nice place," he commented. "See you tomorrow, then?"

Alexander watched him walk away, feeling more exhausted than ever. He went inside, collapsing onto the couch. His mom called from the kitchen, asking about his first day. He gave a noncommittal answer, too drained to explain.

Lying there, Alexander knew he had to come up with a better plan. Radley wasn’t going to back off, and the rumors were only going to get worse. He needed to stay ahead of the game, or everything could fall apart. And that’s even more dangerous than posing as a gang leader from New York.

Alexander pushed himself off the couch and rushed to his room, closing the curtains. But as he was about to turn away from the windows, he had an idea. If Radley was going to be spying on him, he should do the same. After all, he might get valuable information that he could use against him. But when he peered through a small gap in the curtain, he locked eyes with Radley and stumbled back as Radley chuckled.

"You know, if you missed me already, you could just say it. You don't have to watch me get changed," Radley called out, his voice teasing.

Alexander felt his face heat up. He hadn't expected Radley to catch him so easily. He tried to muster some semblance of dignity as he shouted back, "I wasn't watching you! I was just ... checking something."

"Sure you were," Radley replied, still grinning. "You know, Alexander, if you want to know more about me, you could just ask."

Alexander rolled his eyes, trying to hide his embarrassment. "In your dreams, Radley."

He just laughed, clearly enjoying the situation. "Whatever you say, Callaghan. Just remember, I'm always watching."

Alexander pulled the curtains shut with a huff and sat on his bed, feeling flustered. Radley always seemed to get under his skin so easily. And what the hell was that anyway? I’m always watching. Pfft. Is that a threat or something? But one thing is for sure. If he was going to survive this year, he needed to find a way to deal with Radley without losing his cool every time.