Veiled Affections

Chapter 5

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Copyright © 2024 Cassey9

Sunlight filtered in through partially drawn blinds, casting stripes of light and shadow over the room. Piper relished in the warmth she felt as she sat by the window enjoying one of her favorite subjects. Her chestnut hair cascaded down her back, a stark contrast to the white sweater she wore.

Beakers and flasks were neatly arranged on countertops, filled with various solutions awaiting experimentation. The pristine whiteboard at the front of the room bore chemical equations and diagrams, and Piper quietly copied the work on her book ignoring Natasha insistent murmurs.

Mrs. Charity stood at the head of the class, her crisp voice cutting through the chatter. "Class, please pay attention. We're discussing chemical reactions, and I expect full participation."

Piper diligent as ever, straightened in her seat, taking the announcement seriously.Her notebook lay open before her as her pen scribbled notes across the lined pages. Piper's chestnut hair cascaded down her back, a stark contrast to the white sweater she wore.

"Keep it down," Piper murmured to Natasha, her friend, seated beside her.

She leaned toward Piper, whispering excitedly about the party they planned to attend later in the week, "It's going to be epic, Piper! You have to come!"

"I'll try my best, Natasha. But you know I have that paper to finish for extra credit," Piper glanced up from her work, a warm smile crossing her face.

"Ms. Dennison, do you have anything to share with the class?" the teacher's sharp rebuttal cut through their conversation.

Natasha, fell silent, realizing that her teacher had caught her in the act of talking. She had been animatedly discussing the party details, and Piper had only been an eager listener.

Piper couldn't help but smile, both amused and sorry for her friend.

Natasha stood up, her head bowed as she address the teacher. The chemistry teacher, was not one to take disruptions lightly. "No, Mrs. Charity. I'm sorry," Natasha uttered.

"Next time I catch you talking in my class, it will be detention for you, young lady," Mrs. Charity delivered the stern warning.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Natasha uttered quickly, her face flushed with embarrassment. She sunk into her seat, determined to avoid further trouble.

"Told you," Piper whispered as she too returned her focus to her notes.

The minutes that followed were filled with silence, but from the corner of her eye, Piper observed Natasha fidgeting and repeatedly glancing up at the clock, as if counting each passing second.

Finally, the longed-for sound of the bell signaled the end of the lesson, and the classroom came alive. The chairs scraped against the linoleum floor as students hurriedly packed their belongings. Excited chatter filled the air as lunch break was what followed next.

"Chemistry class seemed to drag on for forever," Natasha uttered once they were out and in the hallway. "I'm starving."

"Me too," Piper groaned in unison.

Piper and Natasha, joined the stream of students spilling into the cafeteria, the two eager to sate their hunger. The cafeteria, was a lively hub and a sight to behold. Round, cluttered tables with multicolored chairs dotted the open space. Colorful posters adorned the walls, promoting clubs, sports events, and inspirational quotes.

The aroma of various foods wafted through the air, a miasma of different scents mingling and enticing the students. Pizza, burgers, and sandwiches were popular choices, but the cafeteria also offered a selection of healthier options like salads and fruit cups.

Piper and Natasha moved to the front of the lines. The student before them stepping aside as the got to the front of the line without putting up a fuss.

Natasha leaned closer to Piper, her voice tinged with excitement, "I heard you and Kurt kissed."

"We did," Piper, with a false grin, acknowledged her friend.

Natasha couldn't contain her enthusiasm. "When should we expect you two to be an item? You'll definitely be the 'it' couple!"

"Yeah right," Piper chuckled, appreciating Natasha's excitement.Piper, with a gentle grin, acknowledged her friend. "Like you and Rayland haven't taken that title already."

As if summoned by her words, Rayland, Natasha's boyfriend, made an appearance. Piper smiled as Natasha pushed past her and gleefully leaped into his arms, embracing him. Rayland was tall and athletic guy with a charming smile, held his girlfriend close.

Kurt, who'd come with Rayland moved to Piper's side.

"How was class, Piper," he asked, a warm smile gracing his face. Kurt casually draped an arm around her shoulder as they both moved forward picking their trays.

"Let's go eat, guys," Natasha uttered far too excited for Piper's liking.

~~~~~~~~~

"Finally," Piper muttered as she stepped through the double doors. Tall wooden shelves lined with books stretched from wall to wall, creating narrow aisles filled with countless titles greeted her. Piper stood at the entrance, a subtle smile gracing her face as she took in the serene atmosphere. She loved the library, a place of solace and exploration, where she could immerse herself in the world of books and escape the chaos of school and home life.

Piper made her way to the literature aisle. Her gaze scanning the shelves for a particular book. The soft rustling of pages turning, whispered conversations, and the occasional hushed laughter filled the air, creating a backdrop of studious activity. As she slowly walked about, Piper's gaze suddenly fell upon a familiar figure seated at the furthest corner of the aisle. A warm feeling welled up inside her as she spotted Mitchell Wilder. Piper's smile widened as she observed her friend engrossed in her work, the afternoon light illuminating her features. With a silent nod to herself, Piper continued her search, finding the book she was looking for in no time.

Armed with the book in her hands, Piper retraced her steps. She approached the corner where Mitch sat and took a seat on the floor next to her. "Hey," Piper greeted softly, her voice filled with warmth.

Mitch closed the book she'd been reading and looked at Piper, her eyes bright with curiosity. "Fancy seeing you here."

A hint of a smile played on Piper's lips as she gently teased, "Funny. If you've forgotten, I'm always here. Since I...I...since that." Piper couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence. Her back injury had abruptly ended her cheerleading days, and the library had become her refuge. Filling up on her time.

"How's your back? Any better?" Mitch, understanding the sensitivity of the topic, cautiously whispered the question.

Piper sighed and replied in a low, dejected voice, "Good. Sometimes it's painful, but other times I can manage. The medicine helps too."

"You'll be fine Piper," Mitch assured in a soft voice.

Piper nodded her head, unwilling to fall into the melancholy her injury brought about, "And soccer? How's the team doing?"

Mitch's eyes lit up as she talked about her favorite sport. "Good. I just hope this year we'll progress to the nationals."

"You will. You play so well, Wilder."

Mitch groaned at Piper's continued use of her last name. "There you go again with the Wilder thing. You can call me Mitch, like everyone else," Mitch couldn't help but playfully chide her friend.

Piper giggled as Mitch's fingers jabbed her torso in a tickling fashion, "Mitchel stop... Wilder.... Wilder I'm serious," Piper uttered through her laughter as she tried to move away but their confined space didn't allow for much movement.

Mitch eventually let up when Piper's melodic laughter grew louder. Mr. Hirch, the librarian wouldn't be too pleased if he walked in on them making such a loud ruckus.

"What are you doing?" Piper, still in a cheerful mood, asked.

"Just some biology," Mitch answered, reopening her book.

"Want me to help?" Piper made the offer.

Mitch nodded and whispered a thank you as they both began to answer the remaining questions. They worked together in silence, with Piper pointing out and gently directing Mitch through the questions seamlessly. Once they had tackled the final questions, they decided to revisit the ones Mitch had been working on previously.

"That was fast," Mitch voiced her thoughts first.

Piper agreed with a nod then playfully added, "Those questions were easy peasy."

"Says the brainiac," Mitch laughed softly.

"I'm not a nerd. I'm just smart," Piper defended herself with a smile.

Mitch laughed again, clearly enjoying the banter, "Spoken like a true nerd."

Piper's eyes started to droop as exhaustion caught up with her. She unconsciously rested her head on Mitch's shoulder. The gesture, though unexpected, felt right, as if she had been doing so for a lifetime.

Mitch noticed Piper's drowsiness and decided softly ask, "Do you want to go?"

"No. Let's stay here. Can I nap, just for a few minutes? Please, Wilder," Piper, her eyes half-closed, murmured sleepily at Mitch.

Mitch nodded in agreement. She pulled out her phone to check her schedule. Her free period followed, and then she had her final class of the day, which happened to be biology. Since Piper had helped clear her work, she was more than willing to stay by her friend's side as she napped, the library offering a peaceful retreat from the demands of school life.