Tangled Threads

Chapter 4:

The school hallway buzzed with end-of-day chatter, lockers clanging and laughter echoing. Millie walked alongside Liz, her best companion in this new world of high school.

"Millie," Liz reminded her, "don't forget—we're going shopping tomorrow."

Millie's face lit up. "Forget? Not a chance! It's going to be so much fun. I can't wait!"

Then, her eyes wandered a few steps ahead to a familiar figure. Alex sat at his desk, scribbling something onto a piece of paper. His handwriting struck a chord in her memory—it looked familiar. She tilted her head slightly, curiosity getting the better of her.

"Hey, Alex," she said cautiously, "what are you doing tomorrow?"

Without lifting his head, Alex responded sharply. "Can you not talk to me? You're irritating."

Millie's eyebrows shot up. "I was just making conversation, since, you know—we're in the same class."

"I'm not interested," he said flatly.

She let out a scoff. "Wow. Rude. I just wanted to know where I can find that song you played the other day."

"I'm not giving it to you," Alex muttered.

"Come on, don't be like that. I really liked it too. Please?"

Alex turned toward her, his face blank but eyes cold. "Stop talking. And stop standing so close to me."

Liz, who'd been watching the whole scene unfold, finally stepped in. "What is happening here? Do you two… like each other or something?"

"Hell no!" Millie and Alex said at once.

Alex ran a hand through his hair and muttered, "Quit bothering me. People will get the wrong idea." With that, he slung his bag over his shoulder and walked off without another glance.

"Yikes," Millie mumbled.

Just then, Jack strolled over with his usual carefree grin. "Hey, guys! So, what's the plan for tomorrow?"

Millie waved him off. "It's a girl's day. You're not invited."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "But I just saw you asking Alexander what he's doing tomorrow…"

Liz giggled. "He's the exception to the rules."

Millie blinked. "Wait—what rules? She's just joking. It's just the two of us going shopping. I only asked Alex because I needed something from him."

Jack smirked. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say."

Meanwhile, in Ted's classroom…

Their teacher stood at the front, his expression serious. "We need to prepare for finals before the holidays. This will count for your exam. If you're in sports and get less than a C minus, you won't be eligible to continue. I want better effort this time."

Kyle let out a dramatic groan. "Oh no, how are we gonna survive this?"

Ted, calm as ever, replied, "We'll just have to study more."

"But what about practice?" Kyle frowned. "Coach won't like that. Hey—what about that girl Rachel? She's smart, right?"

Ted stiffened. "Why her?"

"She's like Millie's sister or something. You could totally ask her for help. Come on, let's go."

Ted inwardly sighed. I'm always so chill around her, and this idiot's about to ruin everything. "I'll talk to her," he said, hoping to end the conversation.

"Thanks, man. Let me know what she says."

Of course, Ted had no intention of asking Rachel anything.

After school…

"Hey, we never exchanged phone numbers," Liz said as they walked toward the school entrance. "Let's do it so we can text tomorrow."

"Right! But… I don't have a phone yet," Millie admitted sheepishly. "Just give me your number. I'll find a way to contact you."

Liz scribbled her number onto a small piece of paper and handed it over. "Here you go! Gotta run—see you tomorrow!"

As she left, Millie looked down at the paper in her hand. Guess I'll stop by a store and finally get that phone…

At the front gates…

Liz's mother sat waiting in her car, tapping the steering wheel impatiently. As Liz climbed in, she barely looked at her.

"I waited two extra minutes. This is becoming a habit," her mother said coldly. "You're here to study, not to make friends. Remember that."

"Yes, Mom. I'm sorry."

"All I do is for your own good. You're capable of great things. We're transferring to a new academy—one known for excellence. They produce the best students."

Liz forced a smile. "Nice… I can't wait."

But her enthusiasm was hollow, a mask she'd worn far too often.

Later, at Ted's house…

Ted sat on his bed, textbooks open but his mind spiralling.

"This stuff is insane. Just when I think I get it, I don't," he muttered, pushing the books away.

He headed downstairs, grabbed his wallet and headed out for a quick break. At the convenience store, he grabbed an energy drink and a bag of chips, his thoughts still on school… until a familiar voice caught his ear.

"I'll take this cake and a drink," Rachel said to the cashier.

Ted blinked. Rachel?

Without thinking, he stepped forward. "I'll pay for those too."

She turned, surprised. "You don't have to—you're just a student."

He gave a confident grin. "Doesn't change the fact that I'm still a man. Gotta help the ladies, right?"

Rachel raised an eyebrow, then smirked. "Well, in that case, I'll add some ice cream to your tab."

"Wait, wait—how much is it?" Ted laughed. "Just one more. My allowance has a limit, you know."

They both laughed—genuinely, like old friends who'd known each other forever.

Outside, across the street…

Millie walked home, the fresh air cooling her face. As she passed the convenience store, she glanced at the window—and stopped.

Inside, she saw Ted and Rachel laughing, close, comfortable.

Something tugged at her chest.

She placed a hand over her heart. "…Am I jealous?"