**OLIVER WEST**
Another week of school. I sighed as I walked through the hallway, my backpack feeling heavier than usual. The week was just starting, but I was already exhausted.
Another week of school, and I'm already weak. The rhyme popped into my head, and for a brief moment I wondered if I had some hidden poetic talent.
Right, because a lazy student with little hopes of getting into college and getting possibly separated from my boyfriend is what my future needs right now. The thought sobered me instantly.
"What's wrong?" Kieran's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.
"It's nothing," I replied too quickly. I could feel his eyes on me, studying my face with that intensity that made me feel like he could see straight through to my soul. I tried to force a smile, but it felt wobbly and fake even to me.
