Alex hobbled into his first period math class. He was on crutches due to his fractured ankle. His teacher Mr. Donovan was the only other person in the room. He was organizing papers on his desk. When he saw Alex, his eyes widened.

"Alex Rider! What happened this time?" he asked.

"I fell down a flight of stairs." He lied.

"Oh, that's a shame. I hear the soccer team has been missing their star player." Mr. Donovan said.

"I'll be back on the field sometime next week, if all goes well." Alex replied.

"Wonderful!" Mr. Donovan smiled, "Now about the work you've missed. I have a few worksheets and study guides that might ready you in time for our next exam."

"Alright," Alex nodded.

Mr. Donovan picked up a stack of paper off the top of his desk. He walked over to a desk in the front row by the window.

"The seating arrangements have been changed since you were last here. You sit over here," Mr. Donovan pointed.

Alex went over to the seat and sat down. Other students were filing into class now. Mr. Donovan began to start the class. Alex smiled slightly when he saw one particular person run through the door just as the bell sounded.

Tom Harris jogged over to the desk behind Alex. "What a coincidence that my seat would be next to yours," he said.

"I don't believe in coincidence," Alex smirked.

Tom laughed, "Right. Good point."

Alex opened up his notebook and began to copy down the complicated equation that was written on the smart board. He could feel the curious eyes staring at him. He could hear a few whispers. Alex knew he would be bombarded with questions later. But he was prepared to answer them. Not honestly, of course, he would never tell them the truth. All in all, it was the start of a good day.