I wake up with a big, cheery smile on my face. I haven't felt this light in months. Telling Xander the whole story yesterday must have lifted a weight off my shoulders. Sure, I had confided in Amelia before, but with Xander, it felt different—more freeing, more cathartic. Now, I feel like I can finally embrace this part of my past and deal with it like any other facet of my life. I shake myself off, not wanting to delve too deep into heavy thoughts so early in the morning.

I start getting ready, humming a tune that I can't quite place the lyrics to. I keep humming the same melody, glancing at the mirror with a wide smile. As I untangle the knots in my hair, I realize that the song is the one Xander wrote about in his letter. I start mouthing the lyrics, imagining myself in a concert, my comb serving as a makeshift microphone. My smile grows wider and wider until it's stretched from ear to ear.

After completing my "concert" and getting ready, I head downstairs with my backpack slung over my shoulders. I'm pleased to see that I'm still on time. I make myself some cereal, swinging my hips to the rhythm of the song still playing in my head. I eat quickly, eager to get to school early. My mom gives me a quizzical look as she hands me my lunch box. I smile brightly at her.

"Why are you so energetic this morning and all smiley?" she asks.

"No reason. Just happy and had a good night's rest, that's all," I reply, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

I call out to my dad, letting him know I'm ready to leave. He comes out as I put on my shoes. After saying my goodbyes, we head to school. We reach there in five minutes. I wave my dad goodbye, as I always do, and make my way to our classroom. I see Xander already there, writing something, with only a few other students scattered around. Suddenly, I feel a wave of nervousness wash over me.

Shaking off the nerves, I enter the class with a smile. I debate whether or not to greet Xander but decide against it, unsure of his mood. Instead, I head to my seat and take out the needed books, planning to go through my notes as usual.

As I'm opening my book, I hear Xander clear his throat a bit too dramatically. I look up, trying to wipe the smile off my face. I don't want him to know how much he affects me since I'm still not sure if his feelings are genuine. I look at him neutrally and ask, "Yes?"

"Good morning!" he says, his smile bright and infectious. I'm not quite sure how to respond.

"Good morning," I reply, smiling a little. "What are you writing? That too, first thing in the morning?"

"Well, I'm writing yesterday's English lecture notes," he explains. I understand why he couldn't write them.

"Oh, okay," I say, looking down, not wanting to see the pity in his eyes.

He changes the topic, knowing me well. "By the way, I have a few doubts in math. So, Vy, can you help me?"

I jerk my head up at the nickname. Nobody has ever called me anything other than my name or Violet. It's sweet, but I don't let it show on my face.

"Huh? Vy?" I act as if I didn't understand.

He looks flustered, as if he didn't mean to let the name slip. "Uhh... ummm... I-I... Do you mind if I call you Vy?" He looks so cute, all flustered.

"No, I don't mind. It's not like I haven't given you a nickname too. And yes, I will help you with your math doubts," I say with a shy smile. He visibly relaxes. I love math and am the best in the class, so it's no surprise he asked me for help.

Class fills up, and the day progresses as usual. Then, during the fifth lecture, something happens that sends sweet shivers down my spine. Our teacher is absent, so we're free to work on any subject we want. Xander is talking to a guy at his bench, while the guys on my bench are playing some game. I'm engrossed in completing my book, which is due the day after tomorrow.

I don't notice Jason and Asher smirking at me. Suddenly, Jason pushes me lightly, causing me to put my hand on Xander's bench. The push is so sudden that I almost lose my grip, but Xander catches my hand just in time. His touch is warm and comforting. I want to hold his hand back, but I know it would be inappropriate.

I get up, blushing furiously. Xander is smiling at me, then looks over to Jason. "Thanks. I got to hold her hand because of you. You can do it anytime you want when I'm here to catch her," he says, chuckling.

I ask Xander a bit angrily, "Did you ask them to do this?"

He shakes his head. "I didn't know they were going to do that. I'm just saying I enjoyed it, and they are free to do it again when I'm here to catch you."

"Please! I'm not some damsel in distress who you can swoop in to save," I retort.

He gives me a pointed look, and again I feel a push, but this time I catch myself in time. I straighten up, scoffing and smirking at him. Oh God, he's making it hard for me to hide the fact that I have feelings for him. Actually, it's more than just liking him. I think I'm falling for him. I squeal with excitement in my room later, jumping like a tiny bunny. I stop, realizing my mom might hear me. I lay on my bed with the biggest smile, thinking about how I might tell him yes. I squeal one last time and pull the blanket over my head, peeking out when I feel my dad kiss my forehead. I drift into a peaceful slumber, dreaming of Xander.

—————-