Page 49 of Theodore

"Oh, there's Kyle now. He must be at this house too. Always nice to have a bit of eye candy." Vix snickered as the others joined in.

I turned my head slowly, almost as though I had no option but to look.

Leaning against a wall as he gazed at his phone, was Kyle.

His dark blonde hair was in its usual style of a messy quiff, shaved on the sides and long on top. He wore a black leather jacket over a skin-tight white t-shirt and denim pants, with converse trainers.

Kyle lifted his eyes to meet mine, as though someone had told him I was staring at him. His eyes narrowed as his mouth opened and closed before lifting a hand in acknowledgment.

Mara frowned, turning to look at me as Vix jabbed me in the ribs.

"Kyle is waving at you. Wave back. Oh, myGod."

I blinked, aware we had locked eye contact for longer than necessary, and I turned back to Vix.

"No, thanks. Is there another way we could go?" I turned away, walking blindly in the opposite direction as I heard the girls running after me.

"Wait! Do you know him?" demanded Vix, as I tried to breathe normally.

"He's my ex," I blurted out as her eyes widened.

"Nofuckingway."

21

HANNAH

Iwas exhausted.

I'd spent the day on the high ropes before taking part in a netball game. I'd avoided Kyle so far, and I'd enjoyed spending time with the girls.

Mara was coming over to ours to get ready tonight, and Vix had promised her a makeover.

It was a huge cookout, and of course, the rebels of the schools had joined forces, with whispers of spiked punch and shots.

I came out of the shower to the sound of my phone ringing, when I saw it was Theo, video calling me.

"Hey, you," I said as I saw him come into focus on the screen, his dark curls escaping from the grey hoody as he gazed at me.

"Oh,hellno. The shower? Take that towel off a tad, move the camera down..."

"Theo. I miss you." I pouted.

Theo sighed. "I fucking hate not being there with you. I'm sorry."

I pulled open the door, steam billowing out before me.

Theo frowned, looking around the room curiously.

Vix stared in disbelief. "Is thatTheo?"

"Yeah." I laughed, perching on my bed.

"What y'all doing tonight?” Theo asked with a yawn, sinking onto his bed.

I studied him as Mara walked over, sitting beside me with a timid smile.

"We're going to a party," Mara whispered.