RISK

6

"I'd love that."

Well too late.

The first bell rings signaling everyone has a minute to get to class.

Isabella speaks. "Thanks again for walking me in...well more like running me in." She laughs at such a weak joke and Xander smirks at how cute and easily amused his mate is.

"You're welcome." He hands her her backpack that he carried in.

"You really didn't have to do all of this." She says guiltily. She got him all wet and he carried her heavy backpack.

"Anything for you, Iz."

The statement alone is enough to make caterpillars turn into butterflies in her stomach, but to top it off no one's ever called her Iz and she loves the way it sounds coming from Xander's lips.

"I'll see you later." Xander says when she doesn't speak. She can't speak though. For some reason what he said still has her very bashful and she can't think straight. The nickname isn't the only thing that got her, it's also how sweet and genuine he sounded. Like he really cares about her,

"Ok goodnight-I mean bye!"

Xander laughs at her words, and she blushes. He doesn't know what's got her all worked up, but it's adorable nonetheless. Because of her words, he can't help but think about falling asleep next to her body as he lightly kisses her neck and whispers goodnight into her ear.

Before he can say anything, Isabella embarrassingly scurries off to first period. The smile doesn't leave his face as he watches her walk off.

••

Xander's breath stops short when the only person who could affect his breathing, walks into the cafeteria. She removes herself from the spot near the door, and begins walking around, looking around like a lost child. Xander just admires her. Her hair is a little puffy from the humidity of the day but she's still beautiful Isabella. With how big the cafeteria is, it's quite hard to find anyone so he gets up and walks towards her.

"Hi, Isabella." He smiles and she smiles back.

"Hi, Xander." She says, not being able to look into his eyes for too long. She's still embarrassed about this morning. How could she have possibly let the word "goodnight" escape her lips?

"You trying to find someone?" He ask.

"And here I am trying to make it look like I know where I'm going." She laughs a little and Xander smiles even wider. "But yes, I'm looking for Melissa. She's finally making me eat lunch in here. I guess I'm thankful because eating in the art room is extremely boring sometimes."

Her words make him happy because they mean he'll get to sit with her. "Oh I actually sit with Melissa, you can follow me back to the table."

Isabella wants to smack herself. How could she forget that Melissa sits with her brother? She doesn't know if she'll be able to go the whole lunch without making it obvious she's admiring Alexander. But what else can she do?

"Ok," she nods nervously, "Thank you."

Xander leads the way to the table and when they reach, Melissa smiles when she sees Isabella.

"Izzy, you're here! Guys this is Isabella. Izzy, this is Matt and Josh." She introduces the only people who Isabella hasn't met yet. They smile and say hello and she does the same.