Not the Day

Ava. "Everyone, this is Lucas. He'll be joining us fo

small nod. "H

t too deep-just steady. Calm. Confident, b

here's space," the teac

across the room. His pace was easy, like he was used to people watching him. She quickly l

down. Right

ead down and tried to act normal, though something about him tugged at her. It was not just the new-guy curiosity. It fel

eel him glance her way. She ne

things quickly and headed for the door. She m

e said, ste

rries." His mouth pulled

de her chest feel weird. Not in a bad way. Just stra

ked off without sa

, leaning against it like she ha

de her. "You okay? You look like you saw a

ugh. "I'm fine. Ju

r eyes. "Let me

er, but her sil

and tater tots hit them hard. Same menu as always. Ava's stomach

table. He smiled and waved her

t to him. Clo

her. She slid into the seat next to James. Alex sat across

, birthday girl," she said sweetly. "Big

pression flat.

ff her tray. "You look good today," he

nee under the table. "Hey... ar

got hockey. Coach moved pract

odded slowl

appy Birthday." No "Let's h

across the table. One

g, and walked off with two of his teammates.

re, staring

voice. "Okay, no offense, but w

d not

u have taste, and James-he's just... meh. Not trash, but l

l smile. "That's o

ling in her chest

lex's car. She tossed her bag

I get it. First crushes hit hard. But

ass outside the window.

f Ava's house. She did no

need anything-talk, vent, scream-I'm here

"Thanks, Ale

.

bout dinner and promised they'd celebrate on the weeke

cked he

th

ames. Not even a

ile before setting it down. The s

d into jeans and a fitted sweater, swiped on a little

orch light was off. The front yard w

the door.

alled softly,

espo

t against the floor. A hoodie lay on the carpet by the

est ti

pounding. The door to his room was slight

hter. And so

epped

So was James. The

fr

ot see her

rough the air, sharp

ooke

the same smug smile

d there,

e did not cry. She did