Chapter 84
The little scene out on the field definitely put Charlotte in a mood. When she walked into the classroom, her face was so cold that everyone fell silent. Curious eyes followed her, but nobody dared say a word.
Andrew had been relaxing in his seat, snacking on some bread. The second he spotted Charlotte, he straightened up. He opened his mouth to greet her, but she just tossed her backpack into her desk, turned her back, and slumped over the table.
Parrish leaned in, whispering to Andrew, “Charlotte looks super upset today. You think she’s stressing about failing and getting kicked out?”
Andrew pulled a face. That had to be it. Who else would make a crazy bet to go from barely passing to second in the whole grade? She was still too young, too reckless.
“Charlotte he called softly.
She didn’t budge. Andrew frowned, reaching out to tug at the coat she was hugging. “Hey
Charlotte suddenly lifted her head and clutched the coat tighter, eyes icy and sharp, almost dangerous. For a second, it looked like she wanted to tear him apart. Then she saw who it was and let out a slow breath, her gaze still cold as she muttered, “What do you want?”
Andrew got spooked. He shoved his bread toward her, voice timid. “Uh… want some breakfast?”
She gave him a look and turned away. “No thanks. I already ate.” Her tone was quiet, almost bored.
“Oh.” Andrew scratched his head, set the bread aside, and couldn’t help sneaking another glance at her. “Don’t worry. With me around, Bald Lee won’t dare kick you out.” He paused, then thought to himself, Actually, it’s really because of my brother.
Charlotte started folding her coat neatly and placed it on the empty chair beside her. She raised her chin and shot Andrew a look, her eyes glinting with mischief. “With your grades, does your brother even have the guts to show up at school?”
Andrew was left speechless. Brutal. Parrish cracked up, laughing so hard he nearly fell out of his chair. He’d never seen Andrew get roasted so badly, especially by a girl.
After lunch, Charlotte lounged at her desk, taking tiny sips of milk with a straw.
Parrish watched her, puzzled. “Charlotte, didn’t you say you hate milk?”
Charlotte blinked at him, completely serious. “I didn’t like it before. Now I do.” That was it? Just like that?
Andrew overheard and quickly pulled out a carton of milk, sliding it next to her. “You like milk now? Here, take this one too.”
Charlotte paused, straw still in her
mouth, then turned to look at Andrew. “Actually, I changed,
mind. I don’t like it. I anymore
Andrew just stared at her, lost for words.
Charlotte handed the milk back,
voice calm. “You drink it.” Then she grabbed her coat, folded it, and
rested her chin on top, curling up like asleepy kitten content
Looking at her gentle face, Andrew felt like maybe she wasn’t as cold as everyone thought.
He tried again. “Charlotte, you—”
But before he could finish, a shy voice piped up from the doorway. “Charlotte… can I come in?”
Charlotte lifted her eyes and saw Shirley standing there, arms full of papers, smiling hopefully.
Oh right. Her tutor. If Shirley hadn’t shown up, she would’ve completely forgotten about that exam.
“Come in,” Charlotte called.
She put her coat back in its spot, her movements careful and gentle. Andrew noticed the way she handled it, almost like it was precious He couldn’t help but stare at the black coat. It was just a jacket, nothing special. So why did she treat it like it meant the world to her?