Perfect Autumn

The autumn air in Maple City smelled like cinnamon and possibility as Riley walked through the town square. Golden leaves danced around her expensive boots, and she couldn't stop smiling.

"There she is!" Jake called from across the courtyard, his voice making her heart skip. He jogged over, his soccer cleats clicking on the cobblestones. "Ready for our study date?"

Riley's dark eyes sparkled. "Always ready when it's with you."

They found their usual spot under the big maple tree, books spread between them. But studying was impossible when Jake kept making her laugh with his terrible math jokes.

"You two are disgustingly cute," called Emma from a nearby bench, grinning at them.

"We know," Jake said, throwing his arm around Riley's shoulders.

As Riley leaned into him, she noticed other couples around the square copying their every move. It was like the whole school had caught romance fever.

"Think we started something?" she whispered.

Jake squeezed her hand. "Best trend ever."

The Perfect Storm

Three weeks later, Riley sat in the school cafeteria, picking at her salad. The whole school was still buzzing about her and Jake being the perfect couple. Emma slid into the seat across from her.

"Where's your other half today?" Emma asked, unwrapping her sandwich.

"Soccer practice got moved to the morning," Riley said. "He'll be here soon."

Just then, her phone buzzed with a text from Jake: "At hospital. Broke my leg during practice. Won't be at school for weeks."

Riley's heart dropped. She stared at the message, reading it three times.

"What's wrong?" Emma asked, noticing Riley's face.

Before Riley could answer, Marcus Thompson appeared at their table. The tall senior with messy blond hair had been watching Riley for weeks.

"Hey Riley," he said with a confident smile. "Since Jake's not around, want to sit with me and the guys?"

"Thanks, but I'm fine here," Riley said politely.

Marcus leaned closer. "Come on, don't be shy."

Two more boys approached—Tyler and Brad from her grade. They surrounded her table, all wearing the same hopeful expressions.

"We heard Jake's going to be gone for a while," Tyler said.

Riley felt trapped.