Twilight: Gods among us

As the math class began to wind down, the teacher glanced at the clock and clapped her hands lightly.

"Alright, class, let's wrap it up. Don't forget to finish the worksheet for homework and come prepared tomorrow."

Chairs scraped against the floor as students started packing their belongings. Jaxon reached for his notebook and textbook, sliding them into his bag with practiced efficiency. Just as he stood up to leave, the teacher called his name.

"Jaxon, can I have a word with you before you go?" she asked, her voice cutting through the low hum of student chatter.

At the sound of his name, Bella's head shot up. She glanced around the room, trying to identify the person the teacher was addressing. Her eyes landed on Jaxon as he rose from his seat, and her expression froze in momentary shock. The quiet, confident way he carried himself seemed to draw all attention toward him, and Bella, momentarily distracted, forgot she was supposed to be packing her things.

Jaxon made his way to the teacher's desk, his strides calm and deliberate. Bella's gaze stayed fixed on him, curiosity and something else flickering in her eyes.

"Jaxon, I just wanted to talk to you briefly," the teacher began, her tone kind but firm. "I know you have a lot going on outside of school, and I've heard about your… commitments."

Jaxon raised an eyebrow but said nothing, letting her continue.

"That said," she added with a small smile, "I'd appreciate it if you could try to attend more consistently. I understand your situation, but your presence here does matter, even if you're balancing other responsibilities."

Jaxon nodded slightly, his expression polite. "I'll do my best, Miss Carter. I can't promise anything, but I'll try to make time when I can."

The teacher smiled, clearly satisfied with his response. "That's all I ask. Thank you, Jaxon."

As their conversation wrapped up, Bella was jolted out of her daze by a tap on her shoulder. She turned sharply to see Jasmine smirking at her.

"What, did you fall in love with Jaxon at first sight?" Jasmine teased, her tone light but playful.

Bella's cheeks flushed crimson. "What? No, I—" she stammered, fumbling to pick up her things.

Jasmine chuckled, shaking her head. "Relax, Bella. You wouldn't be the first. But don't get your hopes up. Jaxon's… different. And not exactly approachable."

Bella's hands fumbled with her notebook, which slipped to the floor. She bent to retrieve it, mumbling, "I wasn't—I mean, I didn't…"

Jasmine raised an eyebrow, her teasing grin fading slightly. "Okay, okay, calm down. Geez. Just hurry up; I promised to show you around the school, remember?"

Bella nodded quickly, stuffing her belongings into her bag as Jaxon finished speaking with the teacher. He turned and walked out of the room without a backward glance, his movements smooth and deliberate.

In the hallway, Jaxon made his way to his locker, spinning the dial of the lock with practiced ease. He placed his books inside, his mind already shifting toward the end of the school day. As he closed the locker door, he felt a light touch on his shoulder.

Turning, he found himself face-to-face with Angela Weber. The hallway seemed to fall silent as curious students slowed their steps, stealing glances at the interaction.

"Can I help you?" Jaxon asked, his tone calm but slightly curious.

Angela held out a pen, her expression earnest. "Um, you dropped this," she said softly.

Jaxon raised an eyebrow, patting his pockets. His pen was exactly where it should be. He pulled it out and held it up. "I already have my pen," he said, his voice even. "You must be mistaken, Miss Angela."

Angela's face turned a faint shade of pink, and she quickly pulled her hand back. "Oh, I—I'm so sorry. I must've grabbed it by mistake. I didn't mean to bother you."

Jaxon gave her a small, reassuring smile. "It's no problem," he said smoothly, his tone polite but detached.

Angela nodded quickly and stepped back, her embarrassment evident. She disappeared into the crowd, leaving Jaxon to finish securing his locker. The brief encounter didn't linger in his mind as he turned and walked toward the parking lot.

The day's end brought a cool breeze as students streamed out of the school building. Jaxon reached into his pocket and retrieved his car keys, pressing the button to unlock his sleek black car. The headlights blinked in response, and he approached, pulling his phone from his bag. Leaning against the car for a moment, he dialed a familiar number.

The phone rang twice before a warm, familiar voice answered. "Hey, Love"

"Hey, Leah," Jaxon said, his voice softening slightly. "Just checking in. How's your day going?"

"It's been fine. Yours?" Leah asked.

"Nothing out of the ordinary," Jaxon replied, glancing at the students milling around the parking lot. "Do you remember what I'm supposed to pick up from the store later? I forgot to write it down."

There was a pause as Leah thought. "Yeah, you need milk, eggs, and those snacks Seth likes. Oh, and don't forget the bread this time. You always forget the bread."

Jaxon chuckled lightly. "Got it. Milk, eggs, Seth's snacks, and bread. Anything else?"

"Not that I can think of. Just don't get distracted, okay?"

"I'll try," Jaxon said with a small smile. "Thanks, Leah."

Leah's voice softened. "No problem. Drive safe, okay? Love you."

"Love you too," Jaxon replied before ending the call.

Slipping his phone into the coin compartment, he slid into the driver's seat and shut the door. The quiet hum of the engine filled the cabin as he started the car. Resting his foot on the brake, he released the handbrake and shifted gears.

The parking lot was still bustling with activity as Jaxon pressed the gas pedal, holding it down to let the engine roar. Smoke curled from the tires as the car spun in place, the rubber screeching against the pavement in a perfectly controlled burnout.

Gasps and cheers erupted from the students nearby, some pulling out their phones to capture the scene. After twenty seconds, Jaxon released the brake, the car jerking forward. With a flick of the steering wheel, he executed a smooth drift out of the parking lot, the tires screeching once more as he merged seamlessly onto the street.

The crowd left behind murmured excitedly, many left with the impression of Jaxon's cool, commanding presence. Inside the car, Jaxon drove with practiced ease, the rumble of the engine fading into the background as he focused on the road ahead.