Chapter 12
Harper
Liam spent most ofthe night apologizing for Aiden. I understand where he is coming from with his agitation, but it’s done. He knows my answer and I know his. Harping on it will not make things better. It didn’t offend me, and I don’t understand why he’s so mad about it. His brother isn’t allowed to ask me a question? Something just doesn’t seem right, and he’s been acting strange ever since dinner last night. Like he’s just not present, and stuck in his head. Something is bothering him and tonight I will figure out what it is.
I’m almost done with my second cup of coffee, and seven is approaching and another day of school is ahead of me. Today is exam day, which means I’ll mostly spend it in silence and trying to keep students from cheating.
“I’ll see you later.” I give him a kiss, and head out the door.
On the drive, I go over last night, trying to figure out if I said or did something wrong, but nothing is sticking out to me. The only thing I can think of is Aiden. I knew they didn’t get along that well, but the animosity between them is borderline hostile.
I pull into the faculty parking lot, and students are mingling outside the school, waiting for the bell to ring.
“Good morning, Ms. Davis,” Shelby, one of my favorite students, says.
“Ready for that exam today?” I respond.
“I was up until two studying.”
“No need. You’re going to ace it. Believe in yourself. Good luck,” I say, walking past her and into the building.
Tessa catches up to me and walks with me to my classroom. She’s apologizing for last night, even though she did nothing wrong.
“Liam and Aiden... well, they are fickle. Aiden once slept with one of Liam’s girlfriends and so let’s just say he doesn’t trust his girlfriends around him.”
“Like I would ever cheat on Liam with his brother. Surely, he doesn’t actually think I’d do that.”
“No, it’s an insecurity thing. He didn’t think she would do it either. Cut him slack, but seriously, next time you come to dinner it won’t be that eventful and we can all enjoy ourselves without the bickering.”
“I’ll bring two bottles of wine next time,” I reply, laughing as some of my students begin to come in before the bell rings.
“I’ll talk to you later,” Tessa says, strolling out of my classroom.
Surely, he trusts me and knows I would never sleep with his brother. I’m not that kind of girl and I’ve been cheated on before. Why would I ever want to make someone else feel that hurt? Could it just be that? Or is something else bothering him too?
The bell rings, letting the students know they are now tardy for class, and they start filing into the classroom, with nothing but pencils.
“Glad you all came prepared. Let’s see who studied last night,” I say, walking around handing each of them their test. “And don’t try to cheat. The questions are numbered differently on each test. So, looking at someone else’s paper isn’t going to help you.”
I make my way back to my desk, and take the time to pull out my phone to draft a text to Liam.
Me: Listen, you have nothing to worry about with me and Aiden. I would never cheat on you. I’m not your ex. Is that really what is bothering you so much? Do you not trust me?
I hit send and set it back on my desk.
Waiting for the period to be over, I find myself daydreaming about what my life will be like if Liam and I work out. Tessa will be my actual family. She would be a best friend and a sister. I smile at the thought of marrying Liam someday, having the perfect house, and children running around playing in the backyard.
The bell rings.
“Alright, pencils down. We will see which ones of you studied. Place your test in the box on your way out.”
Students file out of my classroom, and I’m trying to decide if I want to stay and grade some exams tonight or just wait and do it all tomorrow. It would work out better if I did half tonight. So, I take the exams out of the box, and begin grading. Next thing I know, it’s already six. My phone vibrates on my desk.
Tessa: Remember to cut him some slack. He really likes you girl. Don’t let this ruin that.
Me: There may be more to it than just his ex. I’m starting to think he is keeping something from me. It all started when the topic of kids came up.
I grab my stuff and head to my car. The rest can be graded tomorrow. The school doors close behind me, and for a moment it’s silent except for the sounds of crickets chirping in the distance. The sound of my heels against the pavement as I rush to my car, get inside, and lock the doors behind me. It’s eerie at night. I start the engine and take off towards home.