Between Two Worlds

Chapter 8 | Setting Into Routine

By the end of my first week at West Valley High, I'd settled into something resembling a routine. My classes were challenging but manageable, Emma had introduced me to a group of friends who seemed genuinely interested in my perspective on everything from international politics to South African music, and I was slowly learning to navigate the complex social geography of American high school life.

The Henderson house routine was also becoming familiar. Linda made elaborate breakfasts that put my mother's simple toast and coffee to shame, David dispensed gentle fatherly advice while reading the morning news, and Jake provided running commentary on everyone and everything with the cheerful ruthlessness that seemed to be his trademark.

Madison remained complex. At school, she was polite and sometimes even friendly—we worked well together in chemistry lab, and she'd included me in a few group discussions in AP Literature. But at home, she maintained a careful distance that felt more like a strategic retreat than genuine coldness.

It was Friday morning when things shifted again.

I was getting books out of my locker before first period when Emma appeared beside me, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Okay, you have to come with me to the soccer game tonight," she said without preamble.

"I was already planning to," I said, slightly confused by her intensity. "Madison invited me earlier this week."

"Good, but that's not why I'm excited. Jessica heard from Marcus who heard from someone on the soccer team that Tyler Matthews has been asking about you."

My stomach dropped. "What do you mean, asking about me?"

"Like, what classes you're in, what you think of West Valley, whether you're dating anyone. Innocent stuff, but definitely more than casual curiosity."

I closed my locker more forcefully than necessary. "Emma, he's Madison's boyfriend. Whatever you think you heard, it doesn't matter."

"I know he's Madison's boyfriend. Everyone knows that. But Zara, the way he looks at you in the hallways? That's not how guys look at their girlfriend's houseguests."

"You're imagining things."

"Am I? Because Jessica also said that Tyler seemed distracted during soccer practice yesterday, and when Coach asked what was wrong, he said he was just thinking about 'cultural exchange programs.'"

"That doesn't mean anything."

"It means he's thinking about you enough that it's affecting his game," Emma said bluntly. "Look, I'm not trying to cause drama. I'm just saying you should be aware of the situation."

"What situation? There is no situation."

Emma gave me a look that suggested she wasn't buying my denial. "Just... be careful, okay? Madison Henderson is not someone you want as an enemy, and Tyler Matthews is exactly the kind of guy who could make that happen without even meaning to."

Before I could respond, the warning bell rang, and we had to hurry to first period. But Emma's words followed me through AP Literature, where I found myself hyperaware of Madison's presence and Tyler's absence from my immediate environment.

The awareness only got worse as the day progressed. In chemistry, Madison was more talkative than usual, asking about my weekend plans and whether I was enjoying my American high school experience.

"The soccer game tonight should be fun," she said as we worked on balancing chemical equations. "Tyler's been looking forward to it all week. He says having extra people there cheering will help the team's energy."