Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Keaton glanced over at the seat next to Fiona, currently occupied by a guy, and said, "Hey, bud, slide over and let Tyler sit next to Ms. Fiona."

The guy looked a bit miffed, "Come on, Mr. Thompson, isn't that a bit much? Why should I give up my seat for Tyler?"

"Just do it, no fuss," Keaton replied, sounding a bit impatient.

The guy was reluctant, but he wasn't really upset. He gathered his stuff slowly and moved to another seat, throwing a little wave to Fiona, "Flora, I'm off. Don't miss me too much, okay?"

That seat, coveted by many, was now Tyler's.

"Tyler, go ahead and sit down," Keaton directed.

He had his reasons for this setup. Fiona was the class sweetheart, always considerate and easygoing. Having Tyler next to her meant there'd be no worries about him getting hassled.

Word was that Tyler hadn't been in school since eighth grade due to some family issues. The poor kid had been through enough already.

Tyler nodded, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and took the spot beside Fiona. He placed his backpack on his lap, aware of Fiona's gaze on him, and his lips pressed into a tight line.

Keaton had more to say, but the class bell rang and the teacher walked in, so he left it at that and headed out.

Tyler was new and didn't have any books yet, so Fiona opened hers in the middle of the desk for them to share.

He glanced over at it. The book was spotless, like it had just come out of the wrapper.

"Here's a pen, take some notes for me, will you?" Fiona grinned, handing him a pen, then rested her head on her hand, eyes half-closed like she was ready to doze off, "Keep an eye on the teacher for me, I'm feeling a bit sleepy."

Tyler just sighed inwardly. Ms. Fiona seemed to be more of a laid-back student herself.

He picked up the pen, somewhat resigned, and started jotting down notes for her. When the teacher approached, he even propped his arm up to shield her from view.

The moment class ended, Fiona perked right up, tearing into a bag of potato chips.

Tyler couldn't help but watch her. He'd been thrown into class 19 out of the blue and expected Fiona to question him about it, but she seemed totally chilled, like she had zero interest in prying.

"Feeling hungry? Want some?" Fiona noticed his gaze and pulled out a bag of tomato-flavored chips from

her desk, offering it to him, "This one's my favorite."

"Hey, Flora, that's not fair. I'm starving too, how come you're not sharing with me?" a boy from the back chimed in, sounding a bit jealous.

Nash, leaning against the wall, watched Fiona offer Tyler chips, looking none too pleased.

"Play nice," Fiona shot back, handing the boy another bag of chips.

"Thanks, Flora!" The boy beamed, gave a playful whistle, and then, seeing Nash's frown, quickly added, "Flora, maybe give Nash a pack too? He skipped breakfast and must be starving."

At that, Fiona turned to Nash, "Hungry?"

Nash, caught off guard by her direct gaze, turned his head away with a bit of attitude.

"Guess not," Fiona shrugged, munching on her chips, and turned back around, leaving Nash staring at her back.

Nash's expression turned sour in a flash!