radicalducati Chapter 194
Chapter 194
The late afternoon sun bathed Crestwood Academy’s courtyard in golden light as Avery spotted Shawn leaning against a tree, his leather jacket slung casually over his shoulder. He was scrolling through his phone, oblivious to the curious stares of passing students.
Avery’s steps quickened, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. She had had enough of his cryptic comments and unrelenting attention. As she approached, Shawn looked up, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
“Well, if it isn’t the star of Crestwood,” he said smoothly, slipping his phone into his pocket.
“Cut the act, Shawn,” Avery said sharply, crossing her arms. “Why are you so interested in me? You’ve been staring, sitting at my table, and dropping all these hints about knowing me. What’s your deal?”
Shawn raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her outburst. “Straight to the point. I like that.”
“Don’t change the subject,” Avery snapped. “Why are you here? And don’t say it’s a coincidence, because I’m not buying it.”
Shawn sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “Alright, you got me. I’ll be honest, but you might not like what you hear.”
Avery’s gaze hardened. “Try me.”
Shawn took a step closer, lowering his voice. “I transferred here after hearing about you. Your transformation. The accident, the hospital stay, everything.”
Avery’s breath caught in her throat. “What?”
“News like that spreads,” Shawn said with a shrug. “Especially in schools like this. Everyone loves a good story about someone who goes from being invisible to unforgettable. But when I saw you, it wasn’t just about your looks. It’s your resilience, Avery. Most people would’ve broken under what you went through, but you didn’t. You came back stronger. I admire that.”
Avery blinked, caught off guard by his candor. She didn’t know whether to feel flattered or unnerved.
“So, what?” she asked cautiously. “You just decided to show up at Crestwood because you were curious about me?”
“Something like that,” Shawn admitted, his green eyes locked on hers. “But now that I’m here, I can see there’s more to you than the rumors. A lot more.”
Meanwhile, Ryan Hayes was pacing the locker room, his frustration mounting. Every time he tried to talk to Avery, she either brushed him off or looked at him like he was the last person she wanted to see. I mean he was her bully, so maybe that’s why.
“Why is this so hard?” Ryan muttered to himself, kicking a stray ball across the room.
Blake, lounging on a bench nearby, chuckled. “Maybe because you haven’t actually apologized? You know, like, sincerely?”
“I’ve tried!” Ryan protested. “Every time I open my mouth, she shuts me down.”
“Maybe because you’re doing it wrong,” Blake said, smirking. “Here’s a tip: stop making it about you. If you really want her to forgive you, show her you’ve changed. Words aren’t enough.”
Ryan scowled but didn’t respond. Deep down, he knew Blake was right. But change wasn’t something that came easily to him, and he had no idea where to start.
Later that day, he spotted Avery in the hallway, talking to Shawn. His stomach twisted as he watched them, Shawn leaning in slightly, his expression intent. Whatever they were talking about, it was serious.
Back in the courtyard, Avery’s curiosity got the better of her. “If you admire me so much, then why do you keep throwing digs at Ryan? What does he have to do with any of this?”
Shawn’s jaw tightened, and his playful demeanor faded. “Because he’s part of the problem,” he said quietly. “He was the reason you were out for four months.”
“Yes, he was my bully not yours.”
“I don’t like seeing people bully my soulmate.”
Avery was stunned.
Later that evening, as Avery opened her locker to grab her books, a folded piece of paper fell out. She frowned, glancing around the hallway, but it was empty.
Unfolding the note, her stomach twisted at the familiar handwriting.
Meet me after school tomorrow. We need to talk.
The note was signed: Shawn.