Chapter Five: Detention
RILEY'S POV
It had been a week since I started at my new school. Except for the first day, I hadn't seen anyone from the Silver family around. Cleo got back last Saturday—two days ago—and Luka's family coincidencely moved to our neighborhood on Thursday.
Cleo decided to continue attending the same college but refused to live in campus 'cause it's just a thirty minutes drive from here', which I'm sure is because of luka, so Mum and Dad bought her a car.
Mum had to take a loan for it, on the condition that Cleo would finally start acting responsible.
I'd gotten used to my new school and made a few friends. Bianca hadn't bothered me much since then, and today felt like a fresh start—a new day, a new week.
I slipped into a dark blue shirt, a baby-blue mini skirt, and white sneakers, tying a blue bow to finish the look.
I liked blue. It was one of my favorite colors.
Downstairs, I found Cleo fighting for her life with a sandwich.
I laughed as I walked over. "What are you doing?"
She glared at me, which only made me laugh harder.
I missed my sister.
"Can you please make me a sandwich?" she asked, hissing slightly, clearly annoyed by her failed attempt.
I made one for her—and one for myself.
"Where is the stupid coffee, for God's sake?" I muttered, searching through the kitchen.
I'd been looking for it for almost fifteen minutes, and it was really starting to piss me off.
For some reason, I didn't want to leave without having coffee.
"Oh my God, Riley, are you still searching for coffee?" Cleo said, already dressed properly as she dragged me away from the kitchen.
"Let me go! And aren't you late for college?"
"So are you—which is why I'll be dropping you off at school."
She grabbed my backpack and tossed my half-eaten sandwich into the trash. I frowned.
"Why are you suddenly so responsible?" I asked.
She shrugged. "I guess it's because I have a car now."
She opened the back door and closed it once I got in.
The ride to school was quiet—except for her mocking me and me frowning in response.
She stopped in front of the school. I stepped out.
"Be a good little girl, Riley," she said, blowing me a kiss, fully aware it would annoy me.
I rolled my eyes and walked into the hallway when someone suddenly slapped my side.
"Ouch!"
I turned to see Harleen grinning. "Hey, Lily."
"What was that for?"
"I was trying to get your attention."
"Well, I don't remember my attention boarding a plane."
"Geez, what got you so pissed? You're usually calm."
Lack of coffee.
She looked slightly concerned. "Don't worry, it's nothing."
English class was where things went wrong.
I walked in and froze. Xander was sitting in my seat, his head resting on the desk.
I just stood there, staring.
Suddenly, his head snapped up, and our eyes locked.
I walked over awkwardly. "Can you please stand up?" I asked as politely as I could.
He only raised an eyebrow.
Just then, the teacher entered. "Good morning, everyone. Please take your seats and bring out your notes."
The class responded with lazy grunts, and my impatience grew.
"Please stand up," I whispered through clenched teeth.
He smirked.
"Miss Grayson, I said take a seat," the teacher warned.
"Get up, Alexander," I whisper-yelled, surprised by where the sudden confidence came from.
"Take another seat."
Is he crazy?
"Miss Grayson, I won't repeat myself."
"Alexander, please get up," I begged.
"Both of you—detention after school!" the teacher yelled.
His smirk just widened.
Did he just get me my first detention on purpose?
After class ended, I packed my things and rushed out—only to collide with someone.
It was Ben, one of Xander's friends.
"Hey. Riley, right?"
"Yeah—"
Before I could finish, Harleen appeared.
"Hey, Lily! What happened?"
I'd gotten used to the nickname.
"Who said something happened?"
"Your face."
I had to sit right next to Xander, although I avoided eye contact the entire time. It was so awkward… especially since it felt like he was staring at me."
"It looked like you—
"I'm sure it looks fine," I cut her off, brushing it aside.
School finally ended. As I walked out of my last class, I saw Amber smiling at me.
"Hey, Amber."
"Hey, Riley." Our friendship had actually grown over the week.
"Where's Harleen?"
"Somewhere with Ben."
"Are they dating?"
"I don't know. Are you heading home?"
"Unfortunately, no. I got detention."
She gave me a suspicious look, then smiled and patted my shoulder before walking away.
Author's note
Thank you for reading 🤍
Your support, comments, and votes mean a lot to me. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
See you in the next one ✨
— Author 💫