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“Come on, Sawyer,” I said. “We’re all going to the same place.”

The tension drained from her at my words, pleased that she wouldn’t have to walk all the way there. She scooted in beside her brother. I attempted to put her at ease by offering a welcoming smile, but Asher’s gaze on her ruined it.

“Hello again, Ms. Bennet.”

She tugged a strand of oak locks behind her ear.

“It’s Sawyer.”

The intensity in her voice surprised me. It’s as if she was trying to show Asher that his attempts at intimidation failed. He seemed delighted by her response as his smile widened.

“Ms. Bennet suits you more.”

“You say it like you know me.”

His lip twitched.

“I think I’ve got a pretty good idea.”

“Then I guess I have one of you, too.”

His laugh was dry. He turned back around, and I copied his moves, sneaking a glimpse of her in the rear-view mirror. She folded her arms across her chest and stared out the window.

Mine and Noah’s voices filled the drive as we attempted to ease the tension by having a brief conversation, but neither of our siblings seemed to be in the mood.

Before I even turned off the ignition, Asher was bolting out of the door, becoming one with the sizeable crowd in the parking lot. I rolled my eyes at his overdramatic self.

“This place is smaller than I imagined.” Noah said, sliding his backpack over his left shoulder.

I’d never pictured it to be small, but if you compared it to the schools in the cities, then this must look like an ant’s nest.

“Welcome to Marshtown High.”

I extended my hands like a tour guide, gesturing to the rustic building. The walls were surprisingly sturdy despite carrying generations of students through their time.

Noah and Sawyer were looking at it as if they’d stumbled into an alternate universe.

“I like it.” She said. “Not too many people.”

I smiled at her words. She seemed to appreciate the break from crowded cities. She had a notebook clutched firmly against her chest.

“You should check out the library,” I said. “I think you’ll love it.”

My words brought on a gentle, upturned smile.

“I’ll check it out.”

She reached into my car for her bag before flinging it over her shoulder.

“Need help to find your way?”

“I’ll manage.”

I watched in awe as she brushed past people to get through to the entrance. Noah patted my back.

“You can show me around.”

I nodded my head and glanced in the direction I last saw Sawyer, before motioning him to follow me.