The realization of what the English teacher was doing hit Jayden like a physical blow to the stomach.
By the time he understood why she was so interested in his living arrangements, it was already far too late to backtrack or change his story.
She had already directed her sharp, expectant gaze toward the front of the room, calling on Ethan to provide the definitive truth.
Jayden felt a cold sweat break out across his forehead as he watched Ethan slowly begin to stand up from his chair.
Desperation clawed at Jayden's chest. He couldn't speak out loud without digging his own grave deeper, so he poured all of his frantic energy into his eyes.
He stared at the back of Ethan's head, and then at his profile as the boy turned, silently pleading with him.
His eyes were wide and filled with a silent, desperate prayer: "Please, man, just this once. Just back me up. Tell her I was studying. We're roommates, we're supposed to have each other's backs."
