I'm acutely aware of what I'm about to do. I hesitate, my mouth in an O.

I should've known that Xavier would take advantage.

"Well? I've got homework to do better than you at waiting for me." He adjusts his glasses with his pointer finger.

Does he not know that the antagonizing only bewitches me more?

"Right. See you tomorrow, Ptolemy!" He exclaims with a submissive wave.

I scowl. I have no idea why he insists on an old astronomer for a nickname. 

"Wait! Xavier! I have something to say," I call out. 

"Yes?" He asks with a playful expression.

"I . . ." taking a deep breathe, I continue, "have feelings for you." 

Xavier's mouth flattens into a straight line. Bracing for rejection, I watch his figure approach.

"Do you know why I call you Ptolemy? He had an incorrect theory about the solar system, much like you have an incorrect theory about me."

I shake my head, confused. "What's my theory?"

"You think my life revolves around school. But it actually revolves around you, Danielle. I look forward to showing you up every day." He grabs my hand and squeezes, grinning.

"Well, I guess you could call me Galileo, now," I reply.

"Why?"

"Because now I know what's real."