Veiled Affections

Chapter 8

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Copyright © 2024 Cassey9

Mitch stared at the chemical equation sprawled across the page, her mind a whirlwind of confusion. No matter how hard she tried to grasp it, the symbols and formulas seemed to elude her understanding. Frustration lingered in the crease of Mitch's brows as she desperately attempted to make sense of the puzzle before her.

"God damnit," Mitch heavily sighed as she dropped her head onto the table.

The subtle thud caught Liz's attention and she turned to her friend, concern etched onto her features.

"Are... are you doing okay?" Liz voiced in worry.

Mitch simply shook her head, feeling the weight of her struggles with Chemistry. She needed to get at least a C+ in her next test. Chemistry, was Mitch's least favorite subject, and the constant attention from her teacher only added to her distress. The hovering and relentless badgering about her grades had become an unwelcome routine. Mitch closed her eyes, attempting an internal analysis of the best way to improve this particular. However, the conclusion was glaringly simple: she needed to study. No. To study harder.

Raising her head, Mitch noticed Liz's intense gaze fixed upon her, a mix of concern and hesitation lurking in her tutor's eyes. "What? What's wrong, Liz?"

Liz quickly averted her gaze, dodging the direct eye contact. "Nothing," she replied swiftly, her tone slightly evasive. "Where are you stuck? I can help you, Mitch."

"We're friends, Liz. You can talk to me."

"I... I don't want to offend you, Mitch," Liz whispered meekly. Among the various cliques in school, Mitch had always been the most approachable of the popular kids. Kind, reasonable and very mature.

Mitch chuckled at her tutor's words. Liz's gentle demeanor couldn't possibly pose any offense. Setting her highlighter aside, Mitch turned her full attention to Liz.

"Now, I really want to know, Liz."

"Are... are you and... and Piper together? Like... like together... together?" Liz's words stumbled out, revealing the burning curiosity that had been eating away at her. What she'd seen in the hallway between Piper and Mitch, was something surreal.

"Huh?"

"Are you dating?"

"No," Mitch quickly responded. She was completely baffled by Liz's unexpected question.

"But I saw... I saw you two..."

"We are not together, Liz," Mitch reiterated, her voice turning firm and ice cold.

"Okay then. I'm sorry, Mitch," Liz murmured apologetically.

"It's okay," Mitch replied, managing a smile despite her surprise. Liz's question had caught her off guard. Why would Liz think that? "Let's just continue, Liz." Mitch tried to redirect the conversation back to their study session, aiming to steer clear of further inquiries about her personal life when it came to Piper. Her feelings for the green eyed were complicated and something she wasn't ready to untangle yet. Not when her brother was still in the picture.

Liz's eyes softened, understanding Mitch's apprehension. "Okay, but don't push yourself too hard. I'm always here to help you break down some concepts."

"Thanks, Liz. I just need to focus and put in the effort."

Liz nodded in encouragement, recognizing Mitch's determination. "You've got this, Mitch. Just take it step by step."

"There you are, Mitch!"

Mitch's focus faltered as the familiar voices resonated across the room. She looked up from her books, meeting the sight of her friends entering the room.

"Time to go!" Hope's voice echoed excitement as she and Keilah approached the table where they sat.

"Already?" Mitch inquired as she started closing her books and gathering her stuff.

"Yep! Time for practice," Hope confirmed, standing by Mitch. "We don't want to make the coach angry."

"You're right," Mitch murmured as she swiftly stowed her books and stationery into her bag. She turned to Liz, offering a grateful smile. "Thank you Liz, and see you around."

Liz nodded, observing the trio walk away. She immediately went still when Hope glanced back at her, her gaze piercing, before she vanished through the door with her teammates. With them gone, Liz finally released a held breath.

"We still have to win the away game this Saturday," Hope murmured, her arm wrapping around her friends' back.

"Hi guys. Mitch."

Mitch froze as the trio came to a halt. "Hey," she murmured her greeting after her friends. Mitch's eyes darted everywhere but at Piper. Despite her attempts to avert her gaze, Mitch couldn't help but notice how stunning Piper looked in the cheer uniform. The outfit boasted a striking combination of white and green hues, with the name 'Hawk' boldly written across the top. The colors perfectly complemented Piper's eyes, accentuating their captivating allure.

"Are you okay, Wilder?"

"Yes," Mitch answered, her gaze deliberately avoiding Piper's direct stare.

"Let's hang out today. I'll be around. I've helping Nat with the routine," Piper rumbled out her proposal feeling awkward from the silence hovering.

"No. Maybe another time," Mitch declined, striding past Piper, her focus fixated ahead.

"Bye, Piper," Hope bid farewell.

"See you around," Keilah added on, her tone slightly awkward followed after her teammates.

"Well, that was awkward," Hope remarked softly.

"Tell me about it," Keilah murmured as she reached the two. "What's wrong Mitch. Did you two argue?"

"No."

"Damn. That was cold, Mitch," Hope commented softly. "Even for you."

Mitch paused by the locker room doors. "Do you two think... think that Piper and I are close? Like too close?"

"What do you mean?"

"Never mind. Let's just go guys."

Mitch pushed the door and walked in the weight of her actions resting heavily on her shoulders. The chatter in the room pushed to the background as her conversation with Piper came to the forefront of her mind. Mitch grappled with her inner conflict, lost in a whirlwind of unresolved emotions.