Chapter 15: Rumors and Revelations

Coincidentally, the next day the PE assistant showed up with a bruised, swollen face.

The whole class buzzed with gossip. I pretended not to notice, but I saw Ryan’s eyes crinkle above his mask.

"It couldn't have been anyone at school. Other than Jason, no one here could pin me down and beat me. If I find out who did it, I'll kill him."

He stomped around, nursing his pride as much as his face. Some kids tried to comfort him, but most just rolled their eyes.

Another boy interrupted impatiently. "Enough about you, listen to this. I just passed by the teachers' lounge and heard the grade counselor say that the son of some big-shot CEO is in our senior year. He came back from abroad, speaks three languages, already has early admission. Hey, who do you think it is?"

He waved a crumpled flyer for a Harvard prep program, as if that proved anything.

As I listened, I happened to look up and meet Ryan's clear, cool gaze.

He was smiling, but there was something secretive in his eyes.

He pointed to a multiple-choice question on his test paper, smiling warmly.

His pencil hovered over the bubble. “Em, can you help me with this one?”