Mateo's Pov

It looks like today really is the worst fucking day possible. I keep messing up when I'm around her and we're only in 2nd block.

After she ran off to the bathroom I wanted to go after her. To tell her that I'm sorry for being such a screw up and that it's just in my blood, but the me who apologized for every little thing is dead.

Keeping him there will be hard, especially now that she's back, but I know if I stay out of the way, the expected "bump in" won't happen.

Smiling at the thought, I lower my head pulling my hoodie over my forehead further, a habit I've picked up, and continue walking around the halls. I take my schedule out, but I'm stopped by someone calling me and I turn around with a freightened look.

"Mr. Williams, Mr. Williams, may I speak with you really quickly?" A middle aged lady asks with black rimmed glasses and straightened blonde hair

I hurriedly look around the halls to see if anyone else heard. To my surprise, no one has as they're all busy finding their next classes and chatting with other students.

I blow out a breath of relief before nodding slowly, and she looks at me weirdly, but doesn't question it.

"Okay, so I was assigned to look over your past academic records, and I am impressed by how much you surpassed your grade level in past years. The principle specifically asked if you'd like to take college courses, so you'd have a better chance of earning scholarships. Are you up for it?" She beams and my eyes widen taking in the sudden information

"Umm, yes ma'am. Will I need a new schedule?" I ask in a leveled tone trying hard to contain my confusion

"Yes and I already have it for you. Your next class is Astrology II, on the opposite side of the school," She tells me before extending the piece of paper I didn't realize she was holding, to me

"Oh, um, thank you," I mutter nodding taking my new schedule and walking away

I momentarily scan over it and smile once I see Astrology. I've always had a tiny interest in it, but never had the motive to study it compared to business.

Walking through the door brings me back to reality, and I take an empty seat in the middle of the room taking off my backpack. More students start filing in the room my mood shifts once I see Elizabeth. Her expression is still heated once she looks my way, but I roll my eyes ignoring her.

I'll talk to her later.

Soon after, students stop coming in and I sense the bomb ticking, but suddenly I see a silhouette come towards the door. I feel my body raise to the edge of my seat, and when I see her, a conflicted emotion spirals through me.

She on the other hand looks starstruck while standing in the doorway and I soon realize I'm being captivated in her soft doe like eyes.

Abruptly, the blaring sound of the bell lures us out of our closeted fantasies, and a smirk grows on my lips.

"Ms. Clark, welcome. Please take a seat beside Mateo," The teacher states after clearing her throat to get her attention

She visibly has a change in attitude, but walks beside my seat nonetheless and I smile in response. Once she sits, the teacher looks at us and gives us a welcoming speech, and I prepare myself for the earload that's proned to come.

••••••

"Times up students! Put your pencils down and I will call you by your last names to pick up your papers," Our teacher, Ms. Knickles calls out to the class

Putting my pencil down and looking beside me I see Emma reading Romeo & Juliet.

A classic.

Her nose is scrunched while she flips the pages and my insides melt knowing she hasn't been corrupted. She's too pure and innocent, and I would love for her to keep it. Unlike me, she has too much to offer, with her being the schools "Golden Girl" after all. But I also don't enjoy the idea of her having all of the spotlight in the school.

"Umm, staring is a little bit much..." I hear a sudden delicate voice mumble and I notice we're both now looking at each other

Shivers run through me knowing she caught me, but I smirk noticing how her voice wavered slightly.

"Well I wouldn't have to stare if you weren't so attractive," I reply and the tip of her ears burn red with the rest of her face

"Th- thank you..." She whispers and I wonder if she usually takes compliments

Slightly sensing her discomfort, I clear my throat and look towards her paper.

"How long have you been finished with the test?" I ask and she looks down at it

"Uh, honestly I don't know. But it was easy so not long," She replies swiftly bringing a piece of hair behind her ear

"Ahh, I see. You're an astrology lover," I reply chuckling looking straight ahead

She laughs softly and I feel the spark grow larger, transferring into a flame and a small smile creeps against my lips in response. All my uncertainty and worry evaporates realizing the sound is my new favorite, something I didn't think was possible.

It's a hushed vibration so light, almost quiet, and it almost gave me hope that she finally broke me out of the spell. The spell I was desperately clawing to be free from.

The spell I've been bounded in since he died.