Underneath It All

Ava Sinclair had one rule for her senior year "stay invisible".

At Westbridge Academy, disappearing wasn't as hard as people thought. It was easy when you didn't belong or when you weren't rich or famous or one of the people who ruled the school. And after what happened last year, she had no intention of standing out again.

She adjusted the strap of her backpack, keeping her head low as she weaved through the marble hallways. Around her, clusters of students laughed and whispered, perfectly polished and untouchable. Girls in designer heels compared summer vacations in Monaco, while boys in pressed blazers talked about the cars their parents had gifted them.

None of it had anything to do with her. And that's how she wanted it.

As she slipped into her AP English class, the hum of conversation faded. She scanned the room, spotting the only person she trusted in this school.

Grace Taylor.

Ava slid into the seat beside her, exhaling in relief. Grace had been her anchor ever since... everything. Unlike the other girls, Grace didn't care about social hierarchies. Her focus was music, not gossip, and she was the only person who hadn't turned on Ava after Madison's betrayal.

"You barely made it," Grace whispered, flipping one of her sleek braids over her shoulder.

"The bus was late again," Ava murmured, pulling out her notebook.

Grace gave her a sympathetic smile. "Still no word on the car?"

Ava shook her head. With her father still recovering from the accident, money was tight. Too tight for things like car repairs new clothes or anything that the students at Westbridge took for granted.

At least she had her scholarship for now.

Grace leaned closer. "I heard Mr. Reynolds is assigning partners for the senior project today."

Ava stiffened. Group work. She hated it. Too many people in this school saw "partners" as an excuse to let her do all the work while they coasted by.

As if summoned by her thoughts, the classroom door swung open and in strolled Caleb Hayes.

The room shifted when he entered, like the air itself bent around him. West bridge's golden boy. Tall, effortlessly handsome, and draped in casual arrogance. With dark hair that always seemed perfectly messy and sharp blue eyes that missed nothing, he carried himself as if the world owed him something.

And in a way, it did.

His father owned half the city. People moved out of his way without question, and the rules rarely applied to someone like him. Ava had never spoken to him directly-people like him didn't notice people like her-and she planned to keep it that way.

"Still the king of the castle," Grace muttered, rolling her eyes.

Ava smothered a smile as Caleb dropped into the seat near the back, flanked by his closest friends. His voice, low and careless, filtered across the room as he laughed at something one of them said. His world was easy, and it would always stay that way.

A world completely separate from hers.

---

"Alright, settle down," Mr. Reynolds said, stepping to the front of the room. He adjusted his glasses and held up a stack of folders. "Your senior project will account for fifty percent of your grade. You'll work in pairs-partners I've chosen for you."

Ava tensed, her stomach twisting into knots.

Please, anyone but-

"Caleb Hayes and Ava Sinclair," Mr. Reynolds announced.

Her heart dropped. Of course.

A quiet ripple of amusement swept through the room. Caleb's friends snickered softly, and Ava's pulse pounded in her ears. This was exactly the kind of attention she'd spent months avoiding.

Grace shot her a sympathetic glance. "Ouch. Good luck surviving that."

---

Ava bolted out of the classroom the moment the bell rang. She just wanted to escape. She could already hear the whispers.

"Why would he be stuck with her?"

"What does she even have to offer?"

She pressed her books against her chest and hurried down the hallway. She didn't care what anyone thought-Caleb Hayes wasn't her problem. She would do the project, stay quiet, and finish the year unnoticed.

At least, that was the plan.

"You're quick, Tutor Girl."

Ava froze mid-step. She knew that voice.

Slowly, she turned around to find Caleb leaning against the lockers, hands shoved in his pockets. Up close, he was even more frustrating-he had the kind of face people noticed, and he knew it. But there was an edge to his smile-like he was waiting for the world to amuse him.

"I'm not your tutor," she said quietly, gripping her books tighter.

His smile widened. "Technically, you kind of are. And since you care about grades..." He gestured vaguely. "You'll want to keep up."

Ava swallowed her irritation. "We'll meet after school. The library."

"You're serious?" Caleb tilted his head like he couldn't believe she was giving him rules. "And what if I'm busy?"

"Then you fail," Ava said flatly. "And I'm not doing your work for you."

For a moment, Caleb just looked at her-like she was some puzzle he couldn't quite figure out. Most girls at Westbridge fell over themselves to get his attention. Ava wasn't one of them.

Finally, he shrugged. "Fine, Tutor Girl. Library at four."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away-leaving Ava standing there, her heart thudding in her chest.

---

"You told him off?" Grace asked, eyes wide, as they walked toward the library after lunch.

Ava sighed. "Not exactly. I just want to get this over with."

Grace nudged her playfully. "Still. I'm impressed. Most people wouldn't dare stand up to Caleb Hayes."

Ava shook her head. She wasn't brave-she was just tired. Tired of people like him thinking they could do whatever they wanted.

When they reached the library doors, Grace hesitated. "Want me to stay?"

Ava forced a small smile. "I've got this. But thanks."

Grace squeezed her arm before heading toward the music wing, leaving Ava to face the storm alone.

---

When Caleb showed up-ten minutes late-he didn't bother apologizing.

"Hope you didn't miss me," he drawled, dropping into the seat across from her.

Ava ignored the warmth crawling up her neck. "Let's get started."

As she opened her notebook, she made a silent promise.

No matter what Caleb Hayes thought-she wasn't going to be another girl caught in his world.

Ava regretted this already.

She should've known Caleb Hayes wouldn't take their project seriously. It was 4:15 PM, and he still hadn't shown up. She sat in the farthest corner of the library, fingers twitching against her pen as she glanced toward the door for the fifth time.

I should've never agreed to this, she thought.

The quiet hum of the library surrounded her-comforting, familiar. Stacks of books rose like walls around her little table, shielding her from the chaos that waited outside. For a few minutes, she let herself breathe. No rumours. No stares. Just quiet.

But, of course, Caleb Hayes wasn't the type to respect boundaries.

At 4:20, the door finally swung open.

Ava didn't need to look up to know it was him. His presence was like a ripple loud, impossible to ignore. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the casual sway of his walk, hands stuffed into his pockets like he had nowhere better to be.

"You're late," she said quietly as he slid into the seat across from her.

Caleb shrugged, his usual lazy smile in place. "Traffic."

Ava gave him a flat look. "You have a driver."

He tilted his head like her comment amused him. "Smart and observant. This will be fun."

Fun. Right. Ava clenched her pen tighter. "I already outlined the project," she said, pushing a notebook toward him. "We need to pick a topic, divide the work, and-"

"You work fast, Tutor Girl," Caleb interrupted, flipping the notebook open with one hand. "Do you ever take a break?"

Ava didn't rise to the bait. "I don't have time to waste."

Caleb leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly against the table. "Why do you care so much? You're already at the top of the class."

Because she couldn't afford to lose her scholarship. Because this school-no matter how much it drained her was her only ticket to a better life. But she wasn't about to explain that to him.

"I care because I'm not failing because of you," she said sharply.

For a moment, something flickered in Caleb's eyes interest, maybe. Or curiosity. Then he grinned. "Relax. I'm smarter than I look."

Ava huffed quietly. "That wouldn't take much."

Caleb laughed under his breath. "Feisty."

Ava rolled her eyes, flipping through her notes. "We need a topic. Something serious-Mr. Reynolds expects research, not just opinions."

Caleb scanned the page, frowning. "Social inequality? Mental health stigmas? Don't you have anything... less depressing?"

"This isn't a joke," she snapped.

His smile faded slightly, and for the first time, Ava wondered if there was more behind it-something heavier hiding beneath his carefree front.

But it wasn't her problem. And she didn't want to know.

"Just pick something," she said, her voice softer but still firm.

Caleb tapped his pen against the table before settling on a topic. "How about the pressure of perfection?"

Ava blinked. She hadn't expected that. "Why?"

Caleb's expression shifted-just for a second. "Let's just say... I know a little something about it."

For once, Ava didn't have a comeback.

---

By the time they finished dividing the work, the library was almost empty. Ava packed her things carefully, trying to ignore the heavy silence that had settled between them.

"You know," Caleb said suddenly, breaking the quiet, "you don't have to hate me."

Ava froze mid motion. "I don't hate you," she said quietly. "I just don't trust you."

His smile returned sharp, teasing. "Fair enough."

Before she could reply, the library door swung open, and Isabella Monroe swept in like she owned the place.

Of course.

Perfect hair, a designer bag, and a smile so practiced it could cut glass Isabella was the kind of girl who belonged next to Caleb. They had history. Everyone knew it.

"Caleb," she cooed, completely ignoring Ava. "I've been looking for you."

Ava felt a strange twist in her stomach but shoved it aside. Not your business. Not your world.

Caleb leaned back lazily. "I'm busy, Isabella."

Her smile didn't waver. "Busy? Since when do you study?" Her gaze finally flicked toward Ava, her lips curling into a smirk. "Cute. Is she your new charity case?"

Ava's stomach tightened, but she refused to flinch.

"Isabella," Caleb warned, his voice colder.

Ava grabbed her bag and stood up. "I'm done here," she said, keeping her voice steady. "I'll email you the next section."

Before either of them could say another word, she walked away-ignoring the burning weight of Caleb's gaze on her back.

---

"Why are you still doing this project with him?" Grace asked the next day, frowning as they walked toward the cafeteria.

"I don't have a choice," Ava said, pulling her hoodie sleeves over her hands. "And it's fine. I can handle it."

Grace sighed. "You know Isabella's not going to let this go, right? She still thinks Caleb is hers."

Ava shook her head. "I don't care about Caleb Hayes or his girlfriend drama. I'm just doing the work."

But the truth was... he was starting to get under her skin.

And that was dangerous.

---

Later that afternoon, Ava was sorting through her notes in the library when a quiet voice startled her.

"Need a hand?"

She looked up to find Noah Bennett standing across from her. Unlike Caleb, Noah didn't walk around like he owned the place. He was quieter, kinder-a star athlete without the arrogance. And he'd always been nice to her, even when most of the school wasn't.

"I'm fine," Ava said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Noah slid into the chair across from her anyway. "You're working with Caleb, right?"

Ava sighed. "Unfortunately."

A small smile tugged at Noah's lips. "You know... he's not as bad as people think."

Ava raised an eyebrow. "I'll believe that when I see it."

He laughed softly, leaning back in his chair. "Fair. But if he gives you a hard time, let me know."

Ava blinked, caught off guard by the warmth in his voice. "Thanks."

And for the first time in a long while, she wondered if there were still people worth trusting.

---

As the week dragged on, Ava did what she did best she stayed quiet, focused, and avoided attention. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling that her world was shifting.

And it all started with Caleb Hayes.

Ava didn't have time for distractions especially not Caleb Hayes.

But apparently, fate didn't care.

By the time Friday rolled around, she had balanced five tutoring sessions, three late shifts at Page & Quill, and a mountain of homework that seemed impossible to finish. She was exhausted. All she wanted was to disappear into her books and survive the semester.

Unfortunately, Caleb Hayes made everything harder.

"You're late," she said quietly when he finally strolled into the library, ten minutes past their scheduled meeting.

Caleb dropped into the seat across from her, stretching his arms over his head as though the entire world existed for his comfort. "Relax, Tutor Girl. I'm here, aren't I?"

Ava gritted her teeth, fighting the urge to snap back. She couldn't afford to lose her patience-not when her grade depended on this project.

"You missed the outline review," she said, flipping through her notebook. "If you'd shown up on time, you'd know we're supposed to present a proposal next week."

Caleb didn't seem fazed. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm as he smirked at her. "You talk like I'm not going to pass either way."

Ava sighed. "Not if you keep slacking off."

He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Is this what you do for fun? Stress over school and bark orders?"

For a moment, Ava froze. The words hit harder than they should have because once-before Madison ruined everything-she hadn't always been like this. There had been a time when she laughed more easily when the weight of responsibility didn't press so hard against her chest.

But that girl didn't exist anymore.

"I work," Ava said, her voice softer. "Not that you'd understand."

Caleb's teasing expression faltered for a split second before he recovered, a mask of indifference sliding back into place. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ava hesitated, regretting the slip of her tongue. She didn't want to explain herself to Caleb Hayes or anyone.

"Nothing," she muttered, turning the page. "Let's just focus on the project."

---

Ava barely made it to Page & Quill on time that evening. The tiny bookstore smelled like old paper and vanilla candles comforting, unlike the chaos of Westbridge. She tied her apron around her waist, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she clocked in.

Her manager, Mrs. Harper, smiled warmly from behind the counter. "Rough day?"

"You could say that," Ava said, forcing a smile.

For the next few hours, she lost herself in the quiet routine stacking shelves, ringing up orders, and breathing in the peacefulness that work provided. Here, she wasn't "the scholarship girl" or "the girl Madison ruined." She was just Ava.

But of course, the universe wouldn't let her have peace.

The bell above the door chimed, and Ava froze when Caleb Hayes strolled inside.

What was he doing here?

He wasn't alone. His best friend, Noah Bennett, trailed behind him, chatting easily as they moved through the shelves. While Caleb looked as effortlessly cool as ever-black jeans and, an expensive leather jacket Noah had a softer energy. He was calm, grounded, and, unlike Caleb, didn't carry himself like he owned the world.

Ava ducked behind the counter, hoping they wouldn't see her.

"Is this where you hide when you're not lecturing me?"

Too late.

Caleb leaned against the counter, a crooked smile on his face. Ava straightened her posture, refusing to let him see that he'd caught her off guard.

"Do you always follow people, or is it just me?" she asked coolly.

Caleb chuckled, the sound warm and low. "Relax, Tutor Girl. Noah dragged me here."

"It's true," Noah said, stepping closer with a kind smile. "I needed a gift for my sister."

Ava let out a quiet breath. So, he wasn't here to torment her-just to help his friend.

"What do you recommend?" Noah asked.

Ava hesitated, surprised by his polite tone. "Depends. What does she like?"

"Fantasy," Noah answered without missing a beat. "She loves anything magical."

Ava softened at that. "Follow me."

As she led Noah toward the fantasy section, she tried to ignore the way Caleb's eyes followed her. She pulled a hardcover from the shelf and handed it to Noah. "This one's a favourite. Beautiful world-building and it has a strong female lead."

Noah examined the cover with interest. "Perfect. Thanks, Ava."

Ava blinked at the sound of her name. Most people at Westbridge barely acknowledged her existence let alone remembered her name.

"You're welcome," she murmured.

As Noah wandered toward the counter, Caleb lingered behind, watching her with an expression she couldn't quite read.

"You really work here?" he asked as if the idea genuinely puzzled him.

Ava crossed her arms. "Not everyone's life comes with a trust fund, Caleb."

His mouth curved into a faint smirk. "Touché."

"Why do you even care?" Ava asked, hating how defensive she sounded.

For once, Caleb didn't offer a sarcastic reply. Instead, his gaze lingered a little longer before he shrugged. "I don't."

And just like that, the careless version of him returned.

Ava rolled her eyes. "Of course you don't."

Without another word, she turned back toward the counter missing the flicker of something softer that crossed Caleb's face as he watched her walk away.

---

The next week passed in a blur of work, school, and trying to avoid Caleb.

But for some reason, he wouldn't leave her alone.

He was always there-pushing, teasing, watching her when he thought she wouldn't notice. And what bothered Ava most was that... sometimes, he did show up on time. Sometimes, he paid attention.

And those moments were far harder to ignore.

"Why do you think he's bothering you so much?" Grace asked one afternoon, twirling a pen between her fingers.

Ava sighed, pushing her notes aside. "I have no idea. Maybe he's just bored."

Grace tilted her head thoughtfully. "Or maybe he's curious about the one girl who isn't falling all over him."

Ava shook her head. "I'm not playing his games. I don't care about Caleb Hayes or his richboy drama."

Grace arched an eyebrow. "Just be careful. Guys like him... they don't always mean well."

Ava already knew that. She had the scars to prove it.

But no matter how much she tried to avoid him, it was becoming harder to ignore one truth.

Caleb Hayes was starting to get under her skin.