Page 8 of Jump on Three

I returned to the library. It wasn’t the same without Delilah by my side, but it was quiet. Not silent, but no one was singing show tunes.

I got through a few pages of my textbook, scribbling notes and trying to absorb the information. Delilah had shown me how to properly take notes. Before, I’d written down every other word—inefficient and hard to study from. She’d taught me a better way.

She could be here right now if she hadn’t fucked it up.

Or if I hadn’t, I guessed.

Sitting back in my chair, I sighed and checked the time, waggling my pen between my fingers.

A girl entered my field of vision, and it only took a glance for me to recognize Evelyn Kastanos. It was her thick, wavy, ebony hair trailing down her back and over her shoulders. Her petite, delicate frame, dreamy eyes, soft cheeks, strong profile…

She marched instead of walking, her loafers slapping the ground with each step. At the last moment, before she passed me, her head turned, and her deep-brown eyes, surrounded by curled, midnight lashes, swept over mine. They paused somewhere near my eyebrows then flicked down to mine and away. In the brief moment of connection, I nodded to her, and she pulled up straighter, clutched the straps of her backpack, and hurried from the library.

This girl…I did not understand her. She was beautiful, but she did not seem to care. She swam, studied, listened to music, spoke softly to her sister, and ignored the world.

A plaid skirt hanging from narrow hips blocked my view of the retreating enigma. I let my eyes travel up the body, unsurprised to see it belonged to Veronica Shipley. She had a habit of finding me wherever I went. The library was like shooting fish in a barrel for her—an easy kill.

She perched on the edge of my table. “Hi, Ivan. I haven’t seen you around in a while.”

“I have been busy.”

Her white-tipped fingernail dragged over the pages of my book. “I see that. Do you have a test in chemistry?”

“Yes, it’s why I’m studying.”

She leaned in farther, almost reclining on her side on top of the table. “I could help. I’m a natural at chemistry.” She purred “chemistry” like she was saying “sex.” It was most likely what she’d meant, and although she was an attractive girl, I wasn’t interested. She reeked of desperation, and I did not like how she treated others. The sneer on her lips was almost permanent.

“No. I do better on my own.”

She huffed. “That isn’t true. You always studied with Delilah.” Her nails tapped my book. “Though, I guess I get it. There was nothing about her to distract you. Me, on the other hand…”

I raised my brows. “Yes, it is true Delilah never laid herself across my books, begging for my attention. This is extremely distracting, but I don’t think in the way you want it to be.”

Her face reddened, and she went stiff for a moment, then she giggled and swatted my shoulder. “Oh, Ivan. You’re so funny. You had me there for a second. I almost believed you.”

This was much, much worse than show tunes. At least Freddie was aware he was annoying. Veronica believed she was charming or sexy. That her attention was wanted, it was the opposite.

“You should have.” I closed my book and pushed back from the table, hooking my messenger bag on my arm. “You can have the table since you’ve made yourself comfortable. I’m going to find somewhere quiet.”

On my search for a spot away from others, Clarice Chin waved like we were best friends, and Layla Abdo began walking in my direction. I swiveled around, going the other way, and ducked inside the first door I came across.

Silence.

Complete and total silence.

It was a small study room. Desk, chair, armchair, a lock on the door, a window with a view of trees. How had I not found this place before? It was perfect.

I took a seat at the desk and opened my book.

This was definitely going to be my new spot.

Chapter Four

Evelyn

My toes curled over the edge.

Jump. Just jump.

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