Episode 4 : That look that lingers

*Episode 4 — Sandra’s POV*

*Title: "The Look That Lingers"*

There was something about the way Alex looked at me.

Not the obvious, cheesy kind of stare that guys usually give—no. His was quieter. Like he was trying not to look, but couldn’t help it. And worse? I was doing the same.

It was driving me crazy.

Joan didn’t notice. Or maybe she didn’t *want* to notice. She was too busy talking about some senior night prep meeting and how we needed matching outfits when the prom season came around.

I nodded, smiled, even threw in a “totally” and “cute!” here and there.

But my thoughts were *not* on glitter or dresses.

They were across the room, leaning on the lockers, laughing at something Henry said. And as if he could feel me watching, Alex turned… and caught my eye.

Again.

We held the gaze for just a second too long.

Then I blinked and looked away—pretending to scroll through my phone while my heart did the stupid *thump-thump-don’t-do-this* dance.

I didn’t come here for this. I came for a fresh start. I came to focus. New school, last year, no complications.

Alex was the definition of complication.Joan and I were close—more like sisters than cousins. She trusted me. So what was I doing entertaining this tension between me and her boyfriend? Okay, *technically* ex-boyfriend. But I didn’t know the full story, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

“Wanna grab ice cream after school?” Joan asked, interrupting my spiral.

“Sure,” I said, grateful for the distraction.

We were walking out of school when Henry jogged up behind us, breathless.

“Yo, you two look like you’re about to audition for a commercial,” he teased, pointing at our outfits.

Joan rolled her eyes. “We just have coordination. It’s not that deep.”

Henry turned to me. “So, new girl. You like pistachio ice cream?”

I raised a brow. “That’s oddly specific.”

“I just need to know where you stand before I get emotionally invested in this friendship.”

I laughed. “I prefer cookies and cream.”

“Excellent choice. You’ve passed the vibe check.”

Joan and Henry kept up the banter, but I noticed something out the corner of my eye—Alex leaning against his car, watching.

Again.