Published September 6, 2026
Chapter 7: Alex
The sudden echo of heavy footsteps against the auditorium floor shatters the cocoon Cal had built around us. I flinch, my fingers tightening in the soft material of his flannel. The harsh overhead lights suddenly feel way too bright and I squint my eyes.
"Alex, are you in there?"
The voice belongs to Mark. My heart sinks. Mark was always nice enough, trying to sit next to me in calculus, or offering to help with science homework, but right now, his presence feels like a weight pressing down on my chest. I'm not ready to face the world. I'm not ready to step out of the safety of Cal's arms.
Cal shifts instantly. The gentle warmth from a moment ago gone, replaced by a sudden, rigid tension. I feel the muscles in his chest tighten as he instinctively tucks me closer to him. Through the haze of my fading panic, I look up at Cal's face. The raw devotion I had just seen in his eyes is gone, locked away behind a hard mask.
"Hey! Alex, man, everyone's looking for you," Mark says, his voice getting louder as he walks towards us. He stops short when he sees us tucked against the brick wall. His eyes drop down to my waist where one of Cal's arms is wrapped tightly, and his expression immediately darkens. "What're you doing Cal? Let her breathe, man. Can't you see she's freaking out?"
Mark takes a step toward us, reaching out as if to take me away.
Before he can even get close, Cal lets out a low warning sound. He doesn't move, but the sheer coldness in his glare stops Mark in his tracks.
"She's fine," Cal says, his voice dangerously low and steady. It's a complete contrast to the soft and broken tone he used with me just moments ago. "Back up, Mark."
"I'm just trying to help her," Mark mutters, his jaw clenching as he looks between us, clearly frustrated by the wall Cal had put up. "Alex, come on. Let's go, you don't need him crowding you."
I look up from Marks expectant gaze, to Cal's hard expression. Cal doesn't look at Mark, his eyes are completely fixed on me, waiting. His muscles are still clenched, but his hand rubs soft circles into my back, letting me know I have a choice. He would fight off anyone for me, or let me go if that's what I wanted.
But looking back at Cal, the choice is effortless.
"I'm staying here, Mark," I say, my voice soft and shaky, but firm. I lean even deeper into Cal's arms, letting him know I'm serious. "Just... give me a moment, please."
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140,457 Literary Works • 673,229 Reviews
Hello there, human! I'm reviewing using the YWS S'more Method today!
Shalt we commence with the frightening S’more?
Top Graham Cracker - Another student named Mark comes in to check on Alex, but she doesn’t want his help. She’d rather be with Cal than leave his side.
Slightly Burnt Marshmallow - An o is missing for “too” when Alex is talking about how the lights are too bright, but that’s just one little thing.
Chocolate Bar - I like that Mark seems to be worrying about her too and yet Alex is still reluctant to leave Cal’s arms. Everyone wants the best for her but she still feels like being with him. I liked that the lights were all still too much for her, because in her panic she doesn’t want her eyes to burn.
Closing Graham Cracker - Overall, another lovely chapter. I wonder where the teachers and the other kids are if they’re looking for her, but I think that will be told in another chapter. I have enjoyed reading this and…
I wish you an awesome day/night! ^v^
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Yw!!