Alex decided not to go out with Deliah the following day after school so he could research the front-page news topic. He was excited to begin, so he asked Sarah to stay behind and work on the article with him. Sarah agreed, although she didn't particularly want to spend time with Alex.
The two found a quiet spot at one of the wooden tables around the school, away from prying eyes. "So, have you researched the topic?" Sarah asked, as she set down her laptop.
Alex nodded and pulled out a few pieces of paper from his bag. "I did some research on the internet. I don't see why we even need to write about this. High school relationships are perfectly okay, otherwise many couples would have to break up now."
Sarah made a face. "Talking about yourself, I guess," she said as she pulled out her notes.
"In fact, I agree with the thesis," Sarah continued. "High school students should not be involved in romantic relationships."
Alex's face twisted in confusion. "What? Why?"
"First of all," Sarah said with a huff, "our primary goal as high school students is to get good grades on the College Entrance Exams so we can get into university. Why distract ourselves from that?"
"But," Alex interrupted. "People have the freedom to love, don't they? I'm sure many people can balance love and studies, and it doesn't necessarily mean you'll have bad grades if you date. It all depends on your own determination."
Sarah frowned. "Sure, but can you honestly say that all high school relationships are worth sacrificing your revision time for? Because I doubt most people really know what love is at this age."
"That's ridiculous!" Alex retorted. "Love doesn't become any clearer or easier to understand with age."
"There are many couples who make it to marriage,"
"But what about the others?" Sarah countered. "How can you be sure that he truly loves you? How can you know that she isn't just interested in your looks or popularity? High school students are often superficial and date just for the sake of it. Are those types of relationships really worth pursuing?"
Alex scowled. "You're underestimating high schoolers. People can tell if someone likes them for real or not!"
"But it's not always easy to tell," Sarah retorted.
"How would I know?" Alex snapped.
The two of them paused, panting and glaring at each other. Sarah eventually broke eye contact, trying to regain her composure. She noticed a few students staring in their direction due to the commotion they were causing. Alex grew red-faced and fidgety, realizing that he had raised his voice at a girl for the first time.
After an uncomfortable silence, Alex scratched his head and said, "So..."
Sarah looked at him with a surprisingly firm gaze. "I stand by my argument," she murmured softly. "What about you? Can you honestly say that you understand what love is and that you truly love your girlfriend? Is it not just a fling?"
Alex couldn't bring himself to answer. He didn't know what love was, and he certainly didn't know if he loved Deliah. He found her attractive, but that was all he knew.
Seeing that he couldn't respond, Sarah sighed and said, "Maybe you don't want to tell me. But we won't get anywhere if we keep arguing. Let's each write half an essay presenting our side of the argument, and then we can combine them for the final article."
She began to gather her papers.
"Make half an essay from your side of the arguments and I'll do mine. We'll combine them for the final article," Sarah said, standing up and walking off. Her steps were oddly quiet in that ease of hers, as if she specially practiced on how to be unnoticeable.
"Damn. That was intense," Alex breathed.
********
"I just hattteeeee him!" Sarah huffed. "He's so annoying!"
Deliah whirled around in surprise, hearing her sister complain about someone for the first time. "Who?"
"This new guy in the Newsletter Committee," Sarah muttered. "He's actually going against my views, you know! This is the first time someone in the committee actually has something to say against me."
Deliah's eyes rounded in interest. "Really?" she giggled. "But Sarah, you're the best journalist they have. Someone has points to refute yours?"
"Apparently." Sarah downed a glass of water. "It was the most intense and exasperating debate ever, even though it didn't last all that long."
Deliah grinned. "Well if it's intense and exasperating, it means that guy's points were valid to some extent so you feel angered," she pointed out. "Someone's your match, Sarah."
Sarah made a face and plopped herself on the couch. "What about you?" she asked her sister. "Why are you home? Shouldn't you be going out with that boyfriend of two days?"
Alex sighed and hugged the pillow. "Alex honey had a meeting yesterday and some commitments today. He's a busy guy," she murmured.
"He doesn't appreciate you enough," Sarah frowned. "Are you sure-"
"Yes, Sarah, I'm sure." Deliah laughed, anticipating her sister's usual paranoia.
"He's just busy. It doesn't mean anything." she shrugged. She turned to face her sister. "But Sarah, I really want him to meet you." Sarah's eyes widened and she pointed to herself. "Me?" she gasped. "Why on earth would you want him to meet me? Don't scare him away, Deliah. You don't want him to know about your introverted sister."
"But I do." Deliah defended. "Alex is a good guy, he won't judge you based on your appearance or personality. I just want to share this sister secret of ours with him. I don't want to keep anything from him." Sarah sighed. "Fine. But don't blame me if he runs away at the sight of me."
"He won't, Sarah!" Deliah laughed. "You're beautiful!"
*Once* Sarah added silently.
*********
To: My Heart♥️????(Note readers: This is what Deliah saved Alex's number with on her phone)
Hello Alex Honey How's your day today? Missed you loads.
From: Deliah(Note readers: This is what Alex saved Deliah's number with on his phone)
Alex groaned and sent a text back. He didn't know what to say. I missed you too? LIE. The day was awful without you. LIE.
To: Deliah
It was fine. A little frustrating because of this argument I had with one of the other members in this group I'm part of. I'm a little surprised though. She's usually so reserved, but she has such strong opinions. I wonder what's on her mind.
From: My Heart ❤️????
Deliah promptly replied:
To: My Heart ♥️????
You sound just like my sister, Alex Honey! Haha. You must be exhausted. I won't hold you up from your slumber. Will you spend time with me tomorrow as you promised?
From: Deliah
Alex sighed.
To: Deliah
Yeah, of course. Goodnight.
From: My Heart♥️????