The Alien Within

Chapter 12: Jealousy and Rivalry!

Yet another school day arrived, Tessa's day had been anything but normal since her stellar performance at the quiz competition.

She had become the talk of the school, not just for her intellect but also her growing reputation as a track star. People looked at her differently now—like she was a superhero in disguise.

She often felt like a celebrity of some sort.

Yet, as much as the attention made her cheeks burn with shyness, there was something else that made her heart race—two things, actually. One was James.

Ever since his confession, things between them had changed. His texts kept coming, full of sweetness and charm, pulling Tessa closer to him in ways she hadn't anticipated.

And then there was Adrian, the new boy whose blue eyes and distinct scent—fire—had Tessa on high alert. Another Kaelrian was here, but why?

I am supposed to feel happy that at least I'm not alone on earth anymore...

Adrian's arrival created ripples, but not just because of Tessa's suspicions. He had, in a matter of days, managed to steal the attention of nearly every girl in school.

His quiet demeanor, sharp features, and piercing blue eyes made him a subject of intrigue. But while he captured the gaze of many, his eyes seemed to linger on Tessa more than anyone else, something James noticed all too well.

Initially, Adrian wanted to play it cool, so as not to expose himself or Tessa as a Kaelrian, but when he discovered how ignorant everybody was, he threw that thought far into the horizon.

---

The bell rang, signaling the end of class, and as the students filed out of the room, Adrian remained seated, his gaze following Tessa's every movement. She felt it. She knew he was watching her. She also knew that James, who was leaning against the door, noticed it too.

"Hey, Tessa!" James called, trying to sound casual as she made her way over to him. He flashed his signature grin, the kind that always made Tessa feel warm inside. "You wanna walk to lunch together?"

"Sure," Tessa replied, smiling back. She found James's presence comforting, especially in moments like this, when her mind was tangled in confusion.

Ever since his confession, things between them had been shifting—slowly, but surely.

As they walked, James kept a close distance, his arm brushing against hers now and then, like he was staking some kind of claim. They chatted about random things—homework, the next track meet, anything to keep the conversation light. But all the while, Tessa could feel the weight of Adrian's gaze burning into her back.

When they reached the lunchroom, James's eyes narrowed. Adrian was already there, leaning against the far wall, his eyes locked onto Tessa like she was the only person in the room. And just like that, the tension in the air shifted.

Adrian pushed off the wall, walking over with slow, deliberate steps. The closer he got, the more Tessa could smell it—that distinct Kaelrian scent of fire. Her instincts screamed at her, warning her to be cautious. Yet, there was a strange allure to him, something she couldn't quite place.

"Tessa," Adrian said, his voice cool and collected. "You dropped this." He held out a pen she hadn't realized she lost. His eyes flickered with something unreadable as he handed it to her.

"Thanks," Tessa said, trying to keep her voice steady as she took it. But before she could say anything else, James stepped forward, positioning himself between her and Adrian.

"She's got everything she needs, man," James said, his tone sharp, almost possessive. "No need to go out of your way."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Just being helpful."

"Yeah, well, she doesn't need your help." James crossed his arms, his stance firm, radiating a silent challenge.

Tessa's eyes widened. She could feel the tension growing between the two boys, their masculinity practically clashing in the air like a storm about to break. It was as if they were sizing each other up in some kind of unspoken competition, each one trying to assert dominance.

"Alright, alright," Tessa said, stepping in between them, her voice filled with exasperation. "What is this, some kind of showdown? I'm not a prize to be won, you know."

James shot her an apologetic look but didn't move. Adrian, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by the situation. His eyes remained locked on hers, as if he knew something no one else did.

"You should be careful, Tessa," Adrian said softly, his tone laced with something that sounded almost like concern. "Not everyone here is who they seem."

Her heart skipped a beat. Was he talking about himself? Or was he warning her about something—or someone—else?

Before she could respond, Adrian turned and walked away, leaving James standing there with a look that could kill. He was seething.

"What is his problem?" James muttered under his breath, glaring after Adrian.

Tessa shook her head, her mind a whirlpool of confusion. "I don't know... but he's not just a normal kid, James."

James frowned, turning to look at her. "What do you mean?"

She hesitated, unsure how much to tell him. James didn't know about her true identity—about being a Kaelrian. Although his father had his suspicions, but they weren't valid enough to make him believe. How could he? He was human. But Adrian wasn't, and that made things more complicated.

"It's just a feeling," she said, trying to downplay it. "Something about him is... different."

James looked at her, his expression softening as he reached out and took her hand. The gesture was unexpected, and it made her heart do a little flip.

"Whatever it is, I'm here for you," he said quietly, squeezing her hand. "I don't trust that guy. But if he's bothering you, just let me know, and I'll handle it."

Tessa smiled, her cheeks warming at his protectiveness. James had always been there for her, even when she hadn't realized how much he cared. And now, with Adrian's presence stirring things up, she found herself leaning on him more than ever.

---

The days that followed were a blur of emotions and growing tension. Adrian kept his distance, but his presence was always felt. Every time he passed Tessa in the hallway or glanced her way during class, James's jaw would tighten, and Tessa would feel that familiar knot of confusion twist in her chest.

It wasn't just James who was affected. The entire school seemed to be buzzing with whispers about Adrian and Tessa. Some girls teased her about having "two boys fighting over her," while others, mostly Adrian's admirers, shot her envious glares. But what bothered her most was how she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on beneath the surface.

---

One afternoon, as Tessa was leaving the track after practice, she saw Adrian sitting on a bench by the field, his blue eyes fixed on the horizon. She hesitated, part of her wanting to avoid him altogether, but something drew her closer.

"You don't seem like the track type," she said, walking over to him.

Adrian looked up, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm not. I just like watching."

Tessa sat down beside him, the silence between them thick with unspoken questions. She didn't know why she was there or what she expected to get out of this conversation, but she needed answers.

"Why are you here, Adrian?" she asked softly, turning to face him. "Really."

Adrian didn't respond right away. He seemed to be weighing his words carefully before he finally spoke. "Same reason as you, I suppose. Trying to blend in. Trying to survive."

Her heart skipped a beat. He knew. He knew she wasn't human. But how?

"I can feel it," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "The way you sense me... I can sense you too."

Tessa swallowed hard, her pulse quickening. This was it. The confirmation she had been waiting for. Adrian wasn't just any new kid. He was Kaelrian, like her. And now, everything had changed.

But before she could say anything, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Another text from James.

"Hey, thinking about you. Can we talk later?"

Tessa stared at the screen, her emotions in turmoil. She was caught between two worlds—one with James, who was sweet and caring, and another with Adrian, who represented a part of her identity she had tried so hard to keep hidden.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the track, Tessa stood up, her mind spinning with questions. She needed time to think, to figure out what all of this meant.

"See you around, Adrian," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Adrian watched her go, his eyes flickering with something she couldn't quite place. But as she walked away, she couldn't help but wonder if her world had just gotten a lot more complicated.