Poppy's pov
Colin parker was the most infuriating human I had ever met.
How has someone not read the Lord of the rings? It's a miracle he was able to make it this far in school. Not to mention, he threw my study guide that I spent all night preparing for him. I knew he was mad that I didn't show up, but that was I was caught up preparing the study guide. I didn't even think he'd show. He could have texted me if he was that angry.
Still after today's disaster that was a class, I wanted to march down to Miss Anthony's office and tell her that I was no longer interested. Then I remembered that it was either this or speech and I mellowed down.
I guess I just had to be patient.
It was later in the evening that same day and I was at the annual fundraising event in my community with my dad and mom. My brother, Theodore, was having a sleepover at his friend's house. I stood silently, next to my dad as he talked to a couple about the importance of charity and giving to the less fortunate. The goal of the night was to raise money for the literacy program for the elementary schools in the poor side of town. It was a school night and these events bored me to death, but at least Lucy, Liam and Sarah were coming.
A man about his age came up to stand in front of us. "Dr. Williams, it is so good to see you. It seems like you are always at the hospital these days."
My dad laughed lightly. "Well, even I need a day off occasionally." He turned to me. "Jacob, you remember my daughter, Poppy?"
"Yes, how could I forget? She was just a tiny little thing then. It's quite amazing how they grow so big in such a short time." Jacob gave me a once over and zeroed in on what was in my hand. "Are those cream puffs on your plate?"
I extended the white paper plate to his direction. "Please, have some. They are very delicious."
Jacob looked pleased by my generosity and he took the entire plate. "You are right. They are really good. A giver like her father. You have done a great job raising her."
I kept my smile in place and my dad beamed at the compliment. "We just got very lucky with this one. But as for my son, now that one is the rascal. How are your wife and the newborn doing?"
I guessed that was my cue to leave and let the grownups do their thing. "Hey dad, I'm going to head out for some more snacks. It was nice seeing you Mr. Jacob," I said.
Thankfully, my boyfriend is not hard to find. Liam seemed to be occupied with texting on his phone and he was smiling, not even noting his surroundings. So, I decided to surprise him. I came up behind him and I wrapped my hands around his waist and hugged him tight. He jolts in shocks and puts his phone away, almost immediately.
"Hey babe," he said. "Didn't see you there." His arms came around me and squeezes me even tighter against his back.
"Who were you texting?" I asked.
"Oh, it was just the guys from the team. Coach is working us hard these days. I think I am going to get busier." He looked down at me and smiled in the way that always got my heart skipping. "Where have you been?"
"I was with my dad. he's talking with a friend of his and their conversations bore me to death. Have you seen Sarah?"
"Nope." Liam took my hand and guided it to his side. Just then, we saw Sarah and Lucy who waved at us and we waved back. I heard him mutter, "Speak of the devil."
I pinched him and he winced. "Don't be mean. Why can't you guys just be nice to each other?"
Sarah ran towards us and hugged me. "Hey girl, you look amazing." she said. Her face immediately goes blank when she says, "Good evening, Liam." He nods once in her direction. Lucy smiled at him and waved and he waved back.
I sighed deeply. At this rate, we would be able to live on mars without space suits before Sarah and Liam would be civil towards each other.
Sarah's eyes were locked on something across the room. "Well, well. Look at who showed up."
I followed her gaze along and I saw Colin sitting at one of the tables with his dad. I met Mr. Parker a couple of times as I went to school and all I can say is I don't know how Colin came from him. Even though Colin looked like the younger version of him, Mr. Parker was definitely much nicer.
"Isn't that the guy we saw at the beach on Sunday? Your neighbor?" Liam asked.
"Yeah, he is." I bit the inside of my cheek because I already know where this is going and I have it confirmed when Sarah tugged my arm and said, "Let's go say hi."
"How about we don't say hi?" I suggested.
"Is that guy bothering you Poppy?" Liam asked.
"Don't be ridiculous," Sarah looked all too excited and gave me a mocking scowl. "Lighten up, Poppy. We'll be friendly."
"Yeah, I didn't know you guys still disliked each other even though you are tutoring him. After spending a lot of time together after school, I thought you would be friendly by now." Lucy said and I give her the 'what the fuck was that?' face. I still hadn't told Liam that I was tutoring Colin. Well, it is not like Lucy knew that. I just didn't want him to think I was keeping secret.
"You are tutoring him?" Liam furrowed his brows together. "And you didn't tell me?"
"It's not like you tell her everything that goes on in your life." Sarah whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear and I slapped her hand lightly.
"We just started today," I said. "Miss Anthony asked for help and I didn't think it was such a big deal."
"Yeah, there's nothing for you to worry about Liam," Lucy said. "Right Poppy?"
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Lighten up, you guys." Her fingers wrapped around my own as we continued moving towards Colin's table.
Colin's dad saw us the moment we approached the table and a warm smile lighted up his face. "Poppy how are you?"
Colin immediately raised his head up as soon as he heard my name and shoulders got tensed. "Good evening, Mr. Parker. I am fine, thank you. These are my friends- Liam, Lucy and Sarah," I said, pointing to each of them respectively.
"Nice to meet you all. I am Colin's dad, Mr. Parker," he said, with his smile still in place.
"Are you having a nice time, Mr. Parker? I heard Liam ask as he moved forward to reach in front of Colin and shake Mr. Parker's hand. Unfortunately, his elbow bumped Colin's water glass right into his lap.
Colin hissed and jumped to his feet and ice cubes fell from his lap to the floor. Lucy snorted out a laugh and she quickly silenced herself when she saw my face. Liam ducks his head sheepishly. "I'm sorry man. It was an accident."
"Like hell it was. What the hell was that for?" Colin growls. Several people were looking at us to see what the commotion was about.
"Colin! That's enough." Mr. Parker whispered to his son. "Why don't you clean yourself up in the bathroom ok son?"
Colin jaw hardened. His eyes met mine as I cross my arms over my chest. "It was an accident, Colin. Calm down," I told him.
His face went completely blank, and he walked away towards the bathroom without saying another word.
"Great job Liam," Sarah said sarcastically. "You just had to ruin the night for everyone."
Before I could say anything, Lucy spoke. "Hey, he said it was an accident."
Sarah narrowed her eyes. "That may be true but why are you defending him?"
Lucy blushed and looks down without saying anything.
"Everybody calm down. My son is going to be fine. It was just an accident." Mr. Parker said.
I looked at Liam and I could have sworn I saw him snicker, although it was gone in a flash. He grabbed my hand and tugged me closer to him. I am really sorry about that Mr. Parker. We are going to get some cake. Can we get you guys some? Or anything else? Maybe a drink?
Sarah muttered, "Haven't you done enough already?" and I sighed heavily.
Mr. Parker raises a hand. "That won't be necessary. When Colin comes out of the bathroom, we are going to go home. I have work and he has school tomorrow. I think we have done enough for the night. Thank you for offering though. Good night."
"Good night, Mr. Parker." we all said in unison.