Chapter 4: Unexpected Alliances
The next morning, Anna dreaded the walk to Crestwood High, though she told herself she had nothing to fear. She had survived three years of ridicule and whispers; one glance from Jordan Blake shouldn't change that.
Yet, as she stepped into the hallway, the whispers began almost immediately. "Did you see her with him yesterday?" someone hissed. "She's totally obsessed."
Another group giggled behind her. "He probably just felt sorry for her."
Anna kept her gaze forward, trying to pretend she didn't hear them. But her heart beat faster than usual. She had spent so long feeling invisible that any attention, even if unwanted, was disorienting.
When she reached her locker, a surprise awaited her. Jordan Blake was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching her like he owned the hallway. She froze, unsure whether to greet him or run.
"Morning," he said casually, as if the world around them didn't exist.
Anna blinked. "Morning." Her voice was quieter than she intended.
"You're in my history class, right?" he asked, stepping closer. "We have that assignment coming up..."
Anna frowned slightly, unsure where this was going. "Yes, the one about the Industrial Revolution."
"Right," he said with a grin. "We should probably work on it together. I mean, it'll save us both time."
Anna's heart jumped. Work with him? Jordan Blake? The notorious troublemaker of Crestwood High, offering to partner with her? She wasn't sure whether to be terrified or flattered.
"I... I suppose that's fine," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "But we'll need to meet after school."
He smirked. "After school it is. Don't be late."
As the day dragged on, Anna couldn't focus. Every glance, every whisper, every passing shadow seemed to revolve around the fact that she was now, inexplicably, tied to Jordan Blake. The hallways felt narrower, the classrooms brighter, and the cafeteria louder. Every student seemed to sense the small alliance forming between the school's most notorious boy and the girl everyone loved to hate.
During lunch, a group of girls approached her, blocking her path.
"So... you're actually going to work with him?" one asked, eyes narrowed. "Seriously? Do you know what kind of guy he is?"
"I know he's a classmate," Anna replied evenly, holding her tray steady. "That's all I need to know."
Another snorted. "You're insane. He'll use you, embarrass you, and leave you looking stupid. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Anna nodded, remaining calm. The words stung, but she refused to let them control her. She had survived much worse than their insults.
When the bell finally rang, she found Jordan waiting by the school gate, leaning lazily against the railing.
"Ready to get started?" he asked with a smirk.
She nodded. "Lead the way."
He led her to the library, a quiet corner tucked away from prying eyes. For the first time all day, Anna felt relief. No whispers, no stares—just Jordan and her, surrounded by books and the faint smell of old paper.
"Okay," he said, pulling out his notebook. "We need a plan. I say we split the research. You handle the Industrial Revolution's impact on workers, and I'll take the technological advances. Then we meet tomorrow to combine our notes."
Anna was impressed. Not only was he organized, but he also seemed genuinely interested in getting a good grade. She nodded, scribbling down her notes, occasionally stealing glances at him. The corner of his mouth twitched into a grin whenever he noticed her watching.
"You're really good at this," he said casually, pointing at her detailed notes. "I mean, I didn't think you'd be this... thorough."
Anna felt her cheeks heat up. "Thanks," she murmured. "I like to do my work properly."
He leaned back in his chair, watching her with an intensity that made her heart skip. "I can tell. Most people here just care about looking cool or being noticed. You... you're different. It's... refreshing."
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of notes, discussions, and the quiet companionship that neither of them expected. When they finally left the library, Jordan walked with her to the school gate.
"Same time tomorrow?" he asked, pushing his hands into his pockets.
Anna nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Same time."
As she walked home, she realized that the fear and anxiety that usually weighed her down had lessened, replaced by something thrilling and confusing. She didn't fully understand it yet, but one thing was certain—Jordan Blake had become more than just a distraction. He was a presence that challenged her, intrigued her, and perhaps, for the first time, made her feel seen.
And deep down, Anna wondered if this was the start of something much bigger than a simple school assignment.