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“Fine.” He said. “We can study today after school.”

I smiled, pleased that he’d come to his senses.

“Perfect. See you in the library after school.”

??

I sat at the table scattered with textbooks and notes, my brow furrowed in concentration as I thought of a challenging equation for Asher to solve. We’d been here for over an hour, and I had yet to ask him something he didn’t know the answer to. Asher, reluctant to be there, sat opposite me, his posture relaxed but attentive as he gave me his undivided attention.

“Did you do something different to your hair?” He asked, distracting me from the equation.

“No?”

He placed his pointer finger on his chin as if trying to play a game of spot the difference. His eyes widened as if he realized what it was.

“It’s your birthday tomorrow.”

My eyes widened in surprise. Who told him?

“How did you find out?”

“My mom.” He grinned, leaning further over the table, and looked around as if he was about to share a secret. “You don’t seem too excited about it.”

“It’s just another day.”

“Well, then you’re going to hate tomorrow.”

I’m the one to lean forward this time, my curiosity piqued by his statement.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He pressed his lips together; the corners twitching, as if struggling to contain his usual arrogant grin.

“I’ve already said too much.”

I tilted my head back as he rose from his seat, needing to know what he was implying. He faked a yawn and looked at the time on his phone.

“That was exhausting.” He said. “I’m done for the day.”

“Asher,” I said, rising from my seat. “Don’t avoid the question.”

He stood tall, with his chin held high, projecting an air of arrogance.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Elizabeth.” He said with a wink before strutting out of the library.

??

29

“I have loved you all along.”

Far Away, Nickelback

Asher

The rhythmic beats of Simple Plan filled my room, with the bass thumping against the walls as I lay on my bed. Lost in the song, I didn’t notice the heavy footsteps approaching until my door swung open and my father’s head loomed in the doorway.

“Others are living in this house.”