Chapter 4The Accidental Upgrade

I followed Lily into her house. Everyone in the living room turned to look at us.

Lily greeted them politely. "Hi Mom, hi Dad." "Sis... you're back?"

I followed her gaze to a woman resting on the sofa, eyes closed. This must be the older sister.

She wore a casual T-shirt and sweatpants. Her skin was a healthy tan, and even relaxed, I could see the definition of muscles under the fabric. She had long legs, sharp features, and an undeniable aura of cool. Lily didn't mention her sister looked like a supermodel.

I stared. I couldn't help it.

Lily tugged on my sleeve. "Mr. Hayes, you're drooling."

"I am not." I coughed awkwardly and whispered, "Just get me the computer."

Lily ran over to the sleeping woman and shook her arm. "Riley! Wake up! Emergency! Big emergency!"

The parents intervened. "Lily, stop it. Riley just got back from a case. She's exhausted." The parents walked over to me, looking confused. "And you are?"

I was confused too. Lily's "parent" added me on social media right after the school year started. They liked all my posts. I post a lot. Selfies, rants, food. There’s no way they wouldn't recognize me. But they looked at me like a total stranger.

I smiled professionally. "Hi, I'm Lily's homeroom teacher, Harper Hayes."

Before the parents could react, the woman on the couch snapped her eyes open. She looked straight at me. Her gaze was sharp, tactical. Police eyes. I quickly looked away to avoid being caught staring.

"Oh! Mr. Hayes! Come in, come in!" The parents ushered me in.

Lily, meanwhile, was ignoring the mission. She was bargaining with her sister. "Tank! Buy me the big Lego tank! Or else..."

Riley Bennett covered her ears, grabbed Lily by the collar of her uniform, and tossed her aside like a sack of potatoes. "I said no tank until you pass Math. Be quiet."

I sat on the sofa. Lily's mom brought me tea. "Mr. Hayes, did Lily get in trouble? She is a handful. If she's bothering you, let us know."

"No, no," I waved my hands. "Lily is great. I actually... bought a computer from Lily. Or rather, from Riley. I'm just here to pick it up."

"Riley? Why are you just standing there? Go get Mr. Hayes his computer."

Riley stood up, frowning slightly. Her eyes—beautiful, almond-shaped—seemed deep in thought. She walked past me without a word, heading to her room.

Lily punched the sofa cushion. "She won't buy it. She's a villain. Riley Bennett is a villain."

I decided to make small talk to break the tension. "Lily is actually a good student. Very talkative. She's already talked three desk-mates into requesting a seat change..."

Before I could finish, a slice of orange was shoved into my mouth. "Mr. Hayes, you talk too much. Eat some fruit. My sister peeled it."

I looked down at the little menace. She was glaring at me.

Lily hopped off the sofa and dragged the expensive laptop onto the coffee table. She opened it. The screen lit up. My face, under the cherry blossom tree, beamed at the whole family.

Lily went "Whoa!" Her parents leaned in. Then looked at the screen. Then at me.

Riley walked out of her bedroom at that exact moment.

Lily made a dramatic 'O' shape with her mouth. "Oh my god, Riley! Why is Mr. Hayes on your wallpaper? That’s so... specific."