Chapter 13: Shifting Alliances

After that day, things between Ryan and me gradually warmed up. But he was still strange.

He never took off his mask or hat, never answered questions about himself. But he always saved me a seat at lunch and split his snacks with me.

He never took off his mask or hat, and never spoke to anyone except me.

He was a mystery, but a kind one. I felt safe, even when the rest of the class looked at us like we were weird.

My weight also changed. Without noticing, I slimmed down to 141 pounds. Grandma Carol was pleased, saying 126 would be just right.

She started buying me new clothes, all a size smaller, as if that would fix everything.

Surprisingly, the first person at school to notice my weight loss was Jason.

He caught me outside the cafeteria, his eyes scanning me up and down.

That day at noon, I was sitting in the school pavilion, finishing the low-fat beef and rice Grandma had made. I was dragging the lunchbox back to class, feeling hopeless.

My stomach rumbled, but I ignored it. The food tasted like cardboard, but it was all I had.

Suddenly, Jason grabbed my wrist. He frowned, his voice low.

His grip was familiar but unwelcome. I tried to jerk my hand away.

"You're dieting again?"

He sounded almost worried, but I didn’t believe it. Not after everything.

I tried to pull away, listless. "It's none of your business. Jason, let go."

He didn’t listen, just pulled me closer.

Instead, he pulled me toward the cafeteria.

His hand was warm and rough. I remembered when that used to make me feel special.

"If you keep dieting, you'll get low blood sugar. Don't you remember? You planning to faint in the hallway again?"

He was half-mocking, half-scolding. I bristled, annoyed.

So annoying. I was already irritable from the lack of carbs.

If I’d had the energy, I would have screamed.

I warned him one last time. "If you don't let go, I'll bite you."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. He’d always liked a challenge.

After all, I hadn't had pork in a long time.

It was a joke, but my stomach growled for real.

Jason was amused. He let go, lips curling in a smile. "You're really that ungrateful?"

He shook his head, pretending to be wounded. But I could see the glint in his eyes.

I stepped back, looking at him calmly. I slowly said four words: "Putting on a show."

He blinked, not expecting the bite in my voice. For once, I didn’t flinch.

Then turned and strode toward the school building.

I didn’t look back. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.