Chapter 2: Breakthrough

Layla wasn't sure if her attempts at making Will jealous were really working. And she also wasn't sure if using Warren as her bluff was doing much either. She couldn't figure out his motive in agreeing to this whole mess in the first place. He certainly didn't have anything to gain, and judging by the way his wrists starting smoking whenever she tried to flirt with him in front of Will made her think that possibly he felt the same.

After receiving a particularly nasty burn on her hand, she decided to just stop trying so hard.

She had the feeling that Gwen knew about her crush on Will, if her sneer toward Layla in the hallway earlier this week as any indication. She wondered more than once if Gwen was just using him, but nothing she could think of would answer what she would want from Will of all people.

Sure, his parents were famous, but what exactly did that have to do with Gwen? The fact that she felt Layla was any type of a threat and had resorted to sending her nasty looks all the time just ended up confusing the younger girl even more. Will told everyone how his parents loved Gwen, so as far as Layla could see, the older teen had nothing to worry about.

Will had shown no indication of being jealous or of liking Layla more than a friend, and until he stopped following the pretty senior around like a lovesick puppy, Layla wasn't comfortable enough to divulge her little secret.

Layla never had to deal with a jealous girlfriend before, and she definitely did not like it. The few moments that the two friends could find time to talk, Gwen would appear moments later, dragging him away. For the first time in her life, Layla felt lonely.

She couldn't help the guilt that came along with the feeling, as she had other friends who were just as important to her. It's not that their company wasn't appreciated or lacking or anything, but it just wasn't the same.

For as long as she could remember, she and Will had been almost inseparable. Although she had never before pictured the two of them together in a romantic way until now, she always assumed they would stay close no matter what.

Layla sighed to herself as she paid for her food and walked away from the lunch line.

It wasn't uncommon these days for the quartet to sit at Warren's table. In fact, they had been doing just that for the past week. She wasn't sure, but she was beginning to think he was warming up to them. At least, yesterday after they sat down he remained at the table for at least ten minutes before rolling his eyes and stalking away, which was a great improvement in her opinion.

As usual, Warren was at his table with a book in hand, absorbed in its words. He didn't even glance up as she sat next to him, placing her food tray down. Ethan followed soon after.

"How are you today?" she questioned in a cheery voice.

It was the same question she always asked, and he always had the same answer.

Warren, in response, gave a noncommittal shrug and continued reading. Layla rolled her eyes and smiled at Zach and Magenta as they sat down across from them.

"Did you write your report for 'How to Use Your Powers to Support Your Hero' yet?" Magenta asked the group. Beside her, Warren snorted.

Layla nudged him with an elbow before replying.

"I have it halfway done, what about you?"

Magenta gave her a 'yeah right' look and Zach started rambling about things he was planning to write about, but nobody but Ethan was really listening.

About five minutes into this conversation, Warren looked up from his book and glared.

"Nobody cares, Glowstick."

Layla looked over at him and frowned.

"Be nice and maybe one day we'll be your sidekicks."

She laughed as Ethan looked equally horrified and terrified. Even Warren broke out a reluctant grin.

"Seeing how you'll have to take my orders, it might not be such a bad idea. Maybe I could get you to shut up every once in a while," he joked, winking at her.

Layla stared at him at a loss for words. Magenta gave Layla a significant look after Warren turned back to his book. She pointedly looked at Warren and back to her friend with a raised eyebrow.

Layla shrugged her shoulders, just as surprised, before turning focus back to her lunch.

When their endless chatter got the best of him, Warren stood up, snapping his book shut and grabbing his bag off the floor.

"See you later, nerd," he called out, reaching over to grab a couple of Ethan's friends before skulking off.

Layla sneaked a glance at his retreating form. As she turned back to the group, she caught Magenta's smirk.

"Stop!" she complained, picking up her lettuce wrap and taking a small bite, trying to calm her sudden blush.

Zach looked back and forth between the two girls in confusion.

"What'd I miss?"