10

"I don't want just anyone to hold."

Sawyer

The morning emerged from its frosty slumber. The sun pierced through the clouds, painting the sky in hues of rose and amber. I inhaled the crisp air before entering the school library.

As I opened the door, the scent of aged paper enveloped me. My ears perked at the sound of hushed whispers and the turning of pages. I walked through the aisles of books, dragging my fingers along the aligned spines.

"I didn't think you'd show up."

I never noticed the slow huskiness in his voice until now. Every syllable he spoke was with purpose.

"I could say the same about you."

I turned around. He was leaning against the shelf beside me with his hands tucked into his front pockets. His dirty blonde hair framed his piercing blue eyes. His chiseled features sculpted an air of confidence, as if he was aware of his natural beauty. The long-sleeved gray shirt clung to his silhouette like a second skin. Arrogance danced in his eyes as if he thought of something that amused him.

"You're supposed to be checking out my essay." He said. "Not me."

I'd forgotten why I was here. The captivating literature distracted me.

"Hilarious."

I approached the nearest table to hide my rosy cheeks. His mom asked me to help him out with an essay he was working on. I assumed she did it behind his back, so I never thought he'd show up.

I placed his leather jacket on the table with rosy cheeks.

"Thanks for letting me borrow it."

"Anytime, Ms. Bennet."

Neither of us spoke as he dug around in his backpack before placing stapled pieces of paper on the table. His essay on The Scarlett Letter. As I read through it, I couldn't help but think someone else wrote it. It seemed impossible for someone who's failing to have written it, given how perfectly structured and well-written it was.

"Did you write this?"

His puzzled gaze searched for clarity.

"Of course I did," He said. "I'm top of my class for a reason."

"I thought your mom said you're failing."

"I am, just not in English Lit."

I gnawed on my bottom lip.

"You've lost me."

He sighed.

"Look, I could tell you everything there is to know about molecular genetics or polynomials in depth." He said. "I just choose not to."

"Why?"

"None of that matters to me."

I couldn't fathom what he was trying to say. He could be valedictorian from what he's telling me. Why would you choose not to?

"So, you care about English Lit?"

He nods. Our eyes met, acknowledging a shared significance.

"Tutoring you is pointless, then."

"I would agree." He said. "Although, aren't I supposed to get a treat or something?"

"For what?"

"Well, my essay was phenomenal, wasn't it?"

It seemed his confidence reached more than his personality and appearance, but found its way into his academic capabilities, too.

"It was," I said. "But I told my mom I would tutor you."

"Do you always do what your mom says?"

What is he on?

"I do."

He slouched in his seat and folded his arms across his chest. His demeanor etched defiance.

"Come on, Ms. Bennet." He said. "When was the last time you ever did something fun?"

Never.I would not admit that, though.

"Indulge me," I said. "What's your idea of fun?"

His mouth's curve churned my stomach, as if he was about to recruit me to the dark side.

"I have band practice in an hour." He said. "Come and watch us play. Let your hair loose."

"You're in a band?"

"Why do you sound so surprised?"

Now that I think about it. I'm not.

"Fine," I said. "I'll go, but your band better be good."

The outstretched smile was clear he was happy I'd agreed.

"Trust me, you're about to be our number one fan."

??

I don't know what I expected when Asher told me his buddy, Benjamin, had a makeshift studio in his garage. I thought I might see their equipment surrounded by toolboxes and bicycles tied to the ceiling, maybe even a lawn mower. However, the homemade studio exuded an electric charm. Soundproofed panels surrounded the room. It's an acoustic heaven.

"You're late."

The guy appeared out of nowhere. I couldn't see his face as his tousled dark blonde hair covered it. He pushed it back, allowing me to see the corner of his lips lifted in a mischievous smile. Ink peeked out from underneath the sleeve of his worn My Chemical Romance t-shirt, but I couldn't make out what it was.

"Sawyer, meet Benjamin."

His expressive eyes sparkled with liveliness. His smile was the kind that left a lasting impression.

"So, you're Sawyer." He said. "Pleasure to meet you."

I extended my hand for a shake, but he pulled me into a welcoming embrace.

"Benjamin is a hugger." Asher said. "Where's the rest?"

"We're here."

I looked toward the voice and saw two more guys entering the room. The one who had spoken extended his arms as if he expected everyone to applaud his arrival. His features were a mix of boyish innocence and unfolding maturity. His buzz-cut hair framed his face with a sharp, minimalistic edge.

The other lingered near the door. His gaze remained fixed on the ground beneath him. His mop of untamed hair veiled his face, as if he was using it to hide under. Despite his reserved stance, his sapphire eyes glowed with a gentle kindness.

"That's Liam." Asher said, referring to the timid guy. "And that's Sebastian."

"You're in luck, Sawyer," Sebastian said. "You're the first girl Asher's invited to practice."

Asher made a slashing motion across his neck. I caught it in the corner of my eye. Sebastian's eyes widened.

"That was a joke," Sebastian said. "He's brought tons of girls here before."

"Okay," Asher said, shoving him to the instruments. "That's enough talking for you."

Benjamin situated himself behind the drum set and the rest followed suit. Asher reached for a neon blue guitar and strapped it over his shoulder. He strummed a few chords as if testing the sound before lifting his head.

"Take a seat." he said, jutting his head to the tattered recliner behind me. "Enjoy the show."

Sebastian started the song with an upbeat count-in before a pulsating melody enveloped the room. The trio joined him after a moment of solo playing. Their instrumental melody reached a climax, and Sebastian stepped forward to the microphone.

His voice floated through the air, and I became captivated by the eloquent melody. I fell into a hushed silence as my attention turned to Asher. His fingers were dancing across the strings. Liam amazed me the most, as the siren song had charmed his bashful demeanor.

The last notes reverberated through the homemade studio. I applauded them as goosebumps littered my arms. They were sweaty and fatigued but couldn't wipe the exhilaration away as my reaction delighted them.

"I take it you enjoyed it?" Benjamin asked.

"I loved it."

"You should see us play this weekend." Liam said.

With adrenaline still coursing through his veins, he abandoned all restraint.

"Where?"

"At Elsie's birthday party."

Asher's posture stiffened at the mention of her name. His shoulders squared.

"I wasn't invited."

"So?" Sebastian asked. "You will be our plus one."

Benjamin and Liam nodded in agreement, but Asher remained stoic. I clutched the necklace around my neck, my grandmother's rose necklace, and twirled it around my finger.

"Sounds like fun."

I'd been desperate to make friends, and this seemed like the perfect method. However, unease was still lingering in the air.

??