'Turn around, smile and hand over the worksheets.'
"Thanks Liz!"
Elisabeth tilts her head and widens her smile in response and turns back around. William sits to her left. Her smile grows softer when she looks at him. He blushes slightly and turns back to his worksheet. She's grown quite fond of him over the years, regardless of what mother says. He's charming in his own way. She hopes he stays with her. Mother said it would all work out as long as she does exactly what she said to do. They'll remain friends, she and Will. They have to. They've been friends for 12 years at this point. He's become part of her life.
Elisabeth scans her own sheet to distract herself from her thoughts. She had already practiced quadratic formulas in camp over the summer. Out of the corner of her eye she spys Will struggling with the second formula. She'd help him after a few seconds so he really valued her help. Mother had taught her that trick early on.
She leans in, brushing against him lightly. She takes note of how his eyes briefly flicker down to the point of contact.
"Do you need some help?"