Chapter 15:
The summer sun was already warm on Millie's skin as she stepped outside, adjusting the brim of her cute red-and-white hat. Her dress swayed softly with each step, and a faint gloss caught the light on her lips.
She froze.
"Oh my God, you almost scared me!" she gasped.
Alex stood leaning by the doorframe, hands stuffed in his pockets. Without looking at her, he spoke in his usual calm drawl.
"Only people doing something bad get scared when they're caught. You didn't… tell your family about the incident, did you?"
His words slowed as he turned his head—then stopped altogether.
For a moment, his breath caught.
The sunlight seemed to frame her face perfectly, catching the gleam of her fruit-shaped earrings.
"I'll tell them," Millie said, shifting nervously under his stare. "After the outing. Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face? I did actually make an effort today, you know."
Alex blinked hard, realizing he'd been staring too long. He tugged his cap low over his face to hide the creeping blush on his cheeks.
"No… you're fine," he muttered. "Let's just go before I regret it. You've got everything, right?"
Millie smiled brightly and tapped her backpack. "All packed. To the station! I'm so excited—I can't wait!"
At the Station
Pamela spun in a small circle on the platform, too giddy to stand still.
"I'm so excited I came earlier than everyone! I even texted Al to check. What do I do while waiting?"
"Maybe try waiting quietly?" a dry voice answered.
She turned.
Eliot leaned against the railing, hands stuffed in his pockets.
"And you are…?" she asked, feigning a blank look.
"Eliot Rich. Your classmate. The most handsome guy in school?"
"Ah right, I totally forgot. My bad." Pamela turned away, muttering under her breath, This one's full of himself.
Soon the others began trickling in—including Meg, the shy girl who had hit Millie with the ball in gym class.
"I hope it's okay I came too…" Meg murmured.
Pamela beamed. "Of course! It's summer, Meggy—have fun! It's not like you killed her or something."
Meg nodded timidly, her cheeks warm. She adored Pamela, though she'd never dare admit it.
"Now, where's my Al and Millie?" Pamela scanned the crowd.
Through the station's bustle, Alex and Millie arrived side by side, walking closer than usual to avoid the crush of people.
"You okay with the crowds?" Alex asked.
"Of course. Nothing to worry about," Millie said softly.
"Stay close anyway," he added.
"Al!" Pamela's voice rang out as she jumped up and down, waving. "We're here!"
Alex sighed. "She's so loud… it's embarrassing."
As they joined the group, Millie's cheerful smile masked the sinking feeling in her chest. There he goes, she thought. Now I'll have to share him with everyone again…
Flashback: The Gym Incident
The memory flickered back unbidden.
When the ball had slammed into her temple, everything had gone black. She'd woken later to find Alex's face hovering over hers, his voice tight with concern.
"Millie? Can you hear me? Look at me."
"Don't… don't tell anyone," she whispered, grabbing his arm as he prepared to call for help.
"Are you kidding? You fainted."
"I'm fine," she insisted.
"You don't look fine." He pressed his hand to her forehead.
"I passed out… out of fear."
Alex froze.
"You what?"
She ducked her head, cheeks burning. "I got scared when the ball came flying. I think I passed out even before it hit me."
Alex turned away, shoulders shaking as he tried to hold back a laugh. "You were just scared? Oh God—sorry—I can't—" He burst into laughter.
"Stop making fun of me!" Millie huffed.
But her irritation softened as she watched him laugh. His face lit up in a way she hadn't seen in years.
I hope I'm the only one who gets to see this smile, she thought, the words slipping out before she could stop them.
Alex froze, embarrassed. He placed a hand gently over her face.
"Don't… don't say things like that."
"Please, don't tell anyone," she whispered. "If you do, I'll be stuck in the hospital all summer. I just want to be… out here, for once. To see things for myself."
Alex's gaze softened.
"You're impossible," he said quietly.
"Can I ask you something?" she asked suddenly, her voice softer than she intended.
Alex looked up, brow raised. "What is it?"
Millie hesitated, her fingers tightening around the fabric. "The new girl… the blonde one who's always with you."
Alex blinked. "Oh, you mean Pam?"
The name—Pam—slipped off his tongue so casually it made her chest tighten. Millie lowered her gaze to her lap, her courage faltering, but the question was already on her lips.
For a moment, there was silence. His eyes softened as he watched her fidget, her face half-hidden by her hair. He leaned back slightly, then spoke.
"She's my childhood friend. Remember those summer trips my family used to take?"
Millie nodded faintly.
"We stayed at her parents' inn in the countryside. That's how I know her."
Millie's shoulders sagged as disappointment seeped through her like watercolors bleeding across a page. Childhood friend. That sounded special. Untouchable.
Before she could think of a reply, Alex reached out, his palm warm as he rested it lightly on her head. Gently, he tilted her face up to meet his.
"Hey," he said with a small, playful smirk. "Friends. Nothing more, nothing less. Don't get the wrong idea."
And just like that, he pulled away and strode out of the room, leaving her blinking in surprise.
Millie clutched her flushed cheeks, her heart thudding like a drum.
What… What was that?!