Page 58 of Fallout

I nod. “I’m fine.”

He nudges me toward the classroom. “Good. Let’s go inside so you’ll stop drooling over your soulmate.”

I shoot him an annoying look, but I allow him to lead me into the room. We take our usual spot at the back of the room. I notice groups of people talking excitedly to one another. Their thoughts are exceptionally loud today.

I rub a hand at my temples, hoping to ward off the oncoming headache.

“Are you okay?” Will asks.

I shoot him a glare. “You asked that five seconds ago.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t look this pale five seconds ago.”

“It’s fine. I’m okay.” I wave a hand at him.

As the teacher begins class, the voices lower to a dull roar. That is when I can finally understand what everybody is thinking about.

…new student…

…so hot…

…wonder if…

He probably…

…where?…

…cute…

My head spins and I can’t focus at all on the lesson, but I am able to stay upright at my desk.

I just need to make it through two classes. Then, I can be with Parker. He’ll help block the noise.

I breathe through my nose and slowly exhale.

A piece of paper lands on my desk.

Are you sure you’re all right?

My hand shakes as I reply.

No, but I’ll be okay.

Will frowns as he reads the words, but he doesn’t push me. And when Parker doesn’t come barreling into the room, I relax.

The new guy is so cute. I hope the beautiful clique doesn’t adopt him like they did Henley.

I wonder if he has a girlfriend.

There is a new student? How did I miss that? Then again, how would I know? It’s not like I ever talk to anybody outside the pack. Not that it matters—whoever the new student is, they’re human. Like Parker always says, humans aren’t in the same world as us.

When the bell rings to signify the end of class, Will and I head to second period together. He keeps one hand on my lower back, but before we can walk into class, he tugs me to a stop.

“Your nose is bleeding.” Will’s entire body tenses up.

I reach into my backpack and grab a tissue, putting it to my nose. “Sorry.”

He rolls his eyes. “Don’t apologize for things you can’t control.”