Ace of Hearts (FU High 1)

“What’s that grin for?” she asks suspiciously.

“You don’t even want to know.” I wink.

7

Alice

I doodle circles in my notepad waiting for class to be over. Mr. Barker gave out a syllabus for the semester and I was way ahead already. I’ve been a little worried that I could be behind with this being a new school and all. This last year of high school might be easier than I thought it was going to be. There are only a few minutes of class left and I wonder if Owen is going to be waiting for me. He said he would but do I wait for him? I’m sure it will take a few minutes for him to get from his class to mine.

I was disappointed when I realized we don’t have the same last class together. He’s been at my side all day. It has made my day easier and I was starting to feel like a jerk for how I acted when he put his arm around me this morning. I am still leery about how nice he is being to me but I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt. Everything he has done so far seems genuine besides his vow of only friendship between us. I know that was a façade but I am going to go with it. There is no denying our physical attraction to one another but my focus has to stay on my studies. I’m glad he agreed to pretend that we would only remain friends.

That stupid asshole JJ made me feel uneasy. I still can’t believe I punched him right in the dick. He had it coming but he could have tried to hit me back. I think subconsciously I knew Owen wouldn’t let it happen. I also knew I had to stand up for myself. JJ was a reminder of why I don’t date but Owen keeps making me second-guess that rule. He is too handsome and sweet to me for my own good. All day he’s stuck to my side. At lunch he tried to give me all of the food on his plate. He repeatedly asked me if I wanted more of everything.

Throughout the day I’ve gotten to know Owen a little more with each class we have together. We’ve mastered the art of small talk while learning little tidbits about one another. I was surprised to discover that he is new to this school too. The way he interacted with everyone made it seem as if he had been here for years. He has an air about him that demands respect. He is confident without being cocky. I don’t know how he pulls it off but he makes it work.

My eyes drift down to where I’m doodling circles to see I’ve written his name out. “Oh my God,” I mutter to myself, slamming my notebook closed. I did not just do that.

“Hey, you want to partner up?” the girl next to me asks. The same one who took my side this morning. The teacher said we’d need to pick a partner by the end of the week. I was going to feel everyone out and see if I clicked with anyone. I hoped that way it would be easier to pick someone. I learned her name is Melody when the teacher did roll call. She looks artsy with her blonde hair colored in blues, purples and teals. She’s hip without even trying to be. She exudes it. I could never pull that off. “I’m going to be straight with you, I suck at anatomy and physiology but it’s a required class for the college I’m applying to.” This isn’t only anatomy and physiology. It’s AP Anatomy and Physiology II.

She lets out a small laugh. “I’m not selling myself very well as a partner, am I?”

“No.” I laugh with her.

“I work hard. I promise. I’m just not great at the subject.” She gives a small shoulder shrug. Dad always told me you don’t have to be the best at everything you do. It’s not that all successful people are gifted; some just work hard on purpose to succeed. If someone is willing to put in the effort then they are someone worth working with.

“You got yourself a partner.” I hold my hand out. “Alice. Everyone calls me Aly.” I introduce myself, but I’m sure she already knows my name. This is the second class we’ve had together and both had a roll call.

“Melody.” She takes my hand. “Promise I won’t tell Owen you were doodling his name.”

I groan, dropping my head back and making her laugh harder. “I can’t believe I was doing that.”

“Meh. If you’re going to doodle someone’s name, it might as well be someone who has your back.” She gives me another one of those chill shoulder shrugs. “Hell, some guys would have gotten all bent out of shape they didn’t get to stand up for you first. He looked kind of proud that you busted JJ in the nuts.”