Chapter 34: Incentives Are Fun

I started to walk away, feeling as if I won this round and was getting closer, but I didn't make it far. "Wait! Aria! Wait!" Chase called out. I was taken aback but curious. Turning around, I saw him jog up to meet me. I thought this was a good sign. "What's up? Did you have a question about the assignments?" I asked. Did I take his pencil? I patted down my pockets to see if I was carrying anything extra. I looked around, out of habit, to ensure there wasn't a cheerleader holding a knife to my back. I would never trust one of them again, although it would have been nice for any of them to see him being nice to me right now. Then again, maybe I would consider this more cordial than nice. "No, not about that. I wanted to hear more about my incentive," he said. My ears perked up instantly. I had his attention. He didn't look angry, just full of interest, which I loved. "Oh really?' I asked, feigning innocence. I wanted him back, and this had gotten me farther than anything else