Chapter 23

Asher

"Evangeline Whitlock. Present?" She raises her arm, looking unsure. Professor Henley's beady eyes lock onto her. "Ah. Class, this is Evangeline Whitlock. Our new student."

All eyes land on her. Evangeline gives them a little wave. "Hi."

She's a shy person who doesn't draw attention to herself, so she's probably freaking out, with the stares of the whole classroom pinned on her. I squeeze her hand, the one I'm still holding.

Evie smiles that half smile I constantly obsess over. So fucking cute.

Prof turns back to the blackboard and begins giving the class a brief introduction to this year's syllabus for all our subjects. English, Science, Math, History, Geography, Literature. There are a couple of others too, but non-academic based, like Art, Gym and Music.

"Prof Henley isn't that bad, despite his weird demeanour," I lean over to whisper in my sister's ear. She's wearing silver four leaf clover studs today. She nods and smiles at me as her pen continues to move across the paper of her notebook.

-

Evangeline

The first three periods pass by in a flash. Asher tells me it is Lunch Break. I follow him to the cafeteria and queue up for food. I don't see my other stepbrothers, so I'm assuming they're with their own friends.

I get beef stew with potatoes and carrots, while Asher takes a burger and fries. He brings me to a table where we sit and talk. A few kids come over to introduce themselves. I smile and respond politely. They seem okay. As the last girl leaves with a promise to talk soon, someone comes up behind me and sets their hands on my shoulders. "Boo."

I giggle and turn to throw my arms around Max. "Hi!" I squeal, then cover my mouth, not having meant to react like that. It's only been three hours since I last saw them!

"Aw, did you forget about us?" Chris places a hand over his breast in mock hurt. I roll my eyes playfully and lean over to hug him and Lucas.

They make themselves comfortable at the table. "How were lessons?" Max asks. I pick at a chunk of potato. "Good! Asher and I made it in time for class." He and I share a knowing grin.

Conversation flows for a little while more. Ten minutes till lessons start. We all stand to leave.

"Have you decided on which club to join?" I take out the list of Peachtree's clubs which Lucas compiled for me and show it to them. Asher raises a brow and looks me up and down skeptically. "Track?"