Chapter 94

Vanguard High School, Class C.
By the end of the morning, Charlotte’s head was pounding. When the bell rang, she leaned against the cold wall, rubbing her temples, a hint of chill in her eyes. This only happened when she hadn’t slept well, but she could have sworn she got a full night’s rest. Maybe it was because she’d skipped her medication.
She frowned, looking up just in time to spot Andrew and Parrish strolling in, both still in their basketball jerseys.
Andrew was messing with the cap on his water bottle, about to take a drink. Then he caught Charlotte looking at him, or rather, at the water in his hand.
He glanced from her to the bottle, suddenly feeling nervous for no reason at all.
After a few seconds, he asked, “Charlotte, do you want some water?”
Charlotte didn’t hesitate. She reached out her hand. “I’ll give it back later.”
Parrish’s mouth twitched. The way she said it, it sounded more like she was robbing them than borrowing water.
Andrew felt something was off, but he quickly unscrewed the cap and handed her the bottle.
Charlotte took it, turned away, and took a couple of small sips. From behind, they couldn’t see her face, just the way her black hair fell over her shoulders like a smooth waterfall, shifting as she tilted her head. The breeze caught a few strands, making it look almost unreal.
Andrew couldn’t help but stare, completely distracted.
The cool water washed away some of the irritation in Charlotte’s mind. She set the bottle on the desk, holding it between two fingers, then looked at Andrew and nodded. “Thanks,” she murmured, her voice low. Then she walked right past him.
He started to say, “No pro-” but she was already gone.
As soon as she left, the air in the classroom seemed to lighten. Parrish took a deep breath and started fanning himself with a book. “Dammevery time I see Charlotte, get the chills. She like a walking ghost.”
Three years at this school, and no one had ever rattled him like that. Charlotte was the first.
“But for real, Andrew, it’s one thing if I’m scared. You’re supposed to be the school’s top badass. Why are you so jumpy around her?”
Andrew hooked a chair with his foot, dropped into it, and stretched his
long legs over the desk. “Jumpy?
I’m scared
Me? You seriously think or he
of a girl?” Other
Other than Anthony, be
wasn’t afraid of anyone.
Parrish clicked his tongue, then suddenly had an idea. He jumped up and shouted, “Charlotte!”
The second he heard her name, Andrew jumped to his feet too, his face turning pale.
When he realized the doorway was empty, his expression went cold.
Parrish burst out laughing, slapping the desk. “Andrew, you’re sweating. Just hearing her name freaks you out and you still want to pretend you’re not scared?”
Andrew caught on and swung at him. “Parrish, you’re dead meat today.”
Outside the restroom, Charlotte bent
over the sink, washing her hands
slowly under the running water. Sunlight slipped through the leaves, casting soft patterns on her pale,
slender hands and making them
look almost unreal. But her eyes stayed cold and distant, not a hint of warmth in them.
Nearby, two girls were washing their hands too. They couldn’t help but sneak glances at Charlotte. Her pale, delicate hands, the elegant line of her neck, her small chin, her perfect nose…