For a few days, Alex and Sarah ignored each other when they crossed paths in class. Sarah made an effort to act as though Alex wasn't Deliah's boyfriend, and Alex tried to forget that she was Deliah's sister.
Alex fulfilled his typical "boyfriend duties" by escorting Deliah home every day, but they hadn't been on a date yet. Deliah didn't seem to mind the limited time they spent together.
Although he believed that Deliah didn't require his assistance with her schoolwork since she had a brainiac for a sister, Alex still took the time to help her. He continued to do so because the Aerospace boys thought it was thoughtful and Deliah appreciated it.
The days passed until Saturday arrived. Deliah was relaxing on the couch in the living room while Sarah was preparing to go out.
When I say "go out," I mean that Deliah would dress casually in an oversized pullover, jeans, and a messy bun, which is unusual because Deliah is usually the one who plans outings while Sarah stays at home. After gathering her things, Sarah sat next to Deliah and looked at her. Deliah raised her eyebrows, briefly taking her attention away from the TV program.
"Are you okay with it?" Sarah asked hesitantly.
Deliah giggled. "Of course, I'm fine. Actually, I'm happy you two are doing this," she said, sitting up and holding her sister's hand. "I want both of you to get along well. I really hope you do."
Sarah smiled, feeling comforted. "The best I can hope for with that guy is a civil conversation, trust me," she snorted. "And even that seems like a long-term goal right now."
Deliah smiled and shook her head. "Whatever. As long as you and him can get along someday, I don't want my sister and my boyfriend to be at loggerheads with one another."
The doorbell rang at that instant and Mrs Johnson poked her head out of the kitchen.
"He's here?" she asked.
She quickly dried her hands on her apron and darted to the door before any of her daughters could move a muscle. She flung the door open and startled the very shocked Alex standing outside.
She mused inwardly, thinking how strange it was that the first time her younger daughter's boyfriend met her, he was here to pick up her elder daughter instead.
"Uh.." Alex swallowed. "Hello, Mrs Johnson?"
"Hello, Mr handsome," Mrs Johnson smiled cheerfully.
Deliah pulled her mother away from the view, and she blushed at the sight of Alex. He looked just so handsome even in his casual shirt and slacks. He didn't look like he spent a lot of time accessorizing, but he always looked breathtakingly good-looking.
"Hello there, Alex honey," Deliah greeted him with a smile.
Alex responded with a smile. "Hey," he replied. He looked behind them and saw Sarah's messy bun from over Mrs. Johnson's shoulder. "I need to pick up Sarah Johnson for-"
"I already know," Deliah interrupted, pushing Sarah forward. Sarah pouted and shot Alex a look that expressed her feelings about spending time with him.
"This is kind of awkward," Alex muttered while rubbing the back of his head. "So, since Sarah's ready, should we go?"
Deliah and Mrs. Johnson nodded and waved. "Go ahead!" Deliah said. "Bring her back in one piece and don't argue too much!"
Sarah huffed at her sister, considering telling her that she could have a polite conversation with Alex even though she disliked him. Alex pulled her towards the car. "We'll never leave if you keep talking," he whispered. "Do me a favor, let's make this as less awkward as possible."
Sarah entered the luxury car with a sigh, and Alex bid farewell to Deliah and Mrs Johnson with a smile before taking the driver's seat and driving away.
Sarah adjusted her papers and bit her lip. "Did you take the time to read up on the organization we're visiting, Alex James?"
Alex gave her an incredulous look. "Of course I did. Who do you think I am?" he snorted. "PETA, right? People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. I know."
Sarah pursed her lips. "Good. I'll be the one asking most of the questions, and you can take notes. Just be careful not to provoke the director there, she doesn't really like men."
Alex scratched his head, wondering how Sarah knew this, and was about to ask when she suddenly screamed. "Mr. Alex James, please keep both of your hands on the steering wheel while driving!"
Alex laughed and glanced at her. "Why? Are you scared?" He raised both his hands since they were on a straight section of the road.
"ALEX JAMES!!"
*********
Alex and Sarah arrived at the PETA center, which didn't appear to be very spacious or sophisticated. However, Alex's initial impression of the place shifted when he saw the receptionist at the desk, who was smiling brightly.
"Hey Sarah!" the girl greeted. "You're back! A bit earlier this week?" Alex was taken aback and looked at Sarah for an explanation, but she ignored his puzzled expression and smiled back.
"Yes, I'm here to interview Director Anderson. She agreed to the interview, so can we go in?" "Of course." The receptionist grinned. "I'll let her know. Please wait a moment."
After a while, she returned and guided both Sarah and Alex to the director's office. It was somewhat shabby, and there was a faint smell in the room due to the number of animals that passed through it. "Director Anderson!" Sarah exclaimed happily. The woman spun around in her chair and smiled widely. "You're here! My best volunteer ever."
Alex watched curiously as Sarah appeared to volunteer there every weekend. *I just didn't expect that* he observed silently.
The two females laughed and talked for a while before Director Anderson finally noticed Alex. "Oh wow, I'm so sorry! I can't believe I missed you!" she chuckled, elbowing Sarah. "Fine man you've got right here," she teased. "I told you you'd be able to find someone who loves you for who you are unlike-"
"Director," Sarah cut off. "He's not my boyfriend. He's a student in the newsletter committee, a classmate of mine. He's currently dating Deliah."
"Oh," Director Anderson looked surprised and embarrassed. "I'm sorry."
Alex shook his head. "It's okay. I'm Alex James. You can call me Alex," he offered a handshake. "Nice to meet you."
"Same," Director Anderson chirped. Alex vaguely wondered how a woman of her age had that much energy.
"Although I'd say I'd prefer you as Sarah's boyfriend rather than -"
"Director!"
"-Deliah. Do know how much this silly girl has given up for her sister to date." Director Anderson spoke casually and smiled. "But since it's your first visit, shall I give you a tour before the interview? You can also take some pictures of the animals."
"Sure." Sarah pulled out a camera from her bag while Alex scratched his head. He hadn't even considered that.
They followed Director Anderson as she presented different breeds of dogs and cats that were all abandoned by their owners at some point in their lives.
"Remember not to feed them anything, okay?" Sarah whispered. "Especially chocolate. If I catch you going near the cages with a chocolate bar like a kid, just like the last time, I'll-"
"I know," Alex chuckled in amusement. "I had a Golden Retriever before, you know."
Sarah Johnson expressed interest.
"Really? How old is he?"
"Had Sarah Johnson, 'had'. He had already passed away." Alex stuffed his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "He died when I was ten, of old age and not because of any illness."
"I'm sorry," Sarah blurted out. Alex raised his eyebrows and pretended to press something on his arm. She looked at him, confused.
"That's all there is to it," Alex nodded. "I've recorded in my memory that Sarah Johnson apologized to me." He grinned.
Sarah scoffed and punched his arm hard. "Just remember, Sarah Johnson may be a wallflower, but she has nothing against violence towards Alex James."
She walked away, leaving Alex with an amused smile on his face. "That girl can really pack a punch," he muttered, while massaging his arm.
*******
Director Anderson had to attend to another visitor at PETA, so she left Sarah and Alex together to bath an injured kitten. She trusted Sarah to help with the task, as she wouldn't have let just anyone do it. The kitten had hurt its paw and had a large bandage wrapped around it, which they couldn't get wet to prevent infections. Sarah picked up the kitten carefully and placed it in a shallow bowl of water, making sure to keep the bandaged paw above the water.
"Alex James could you please help me hold the paw?" She asked him.
Alex noticed how gently Sarah held the kitten and was impressed by her caring nature. She handed him the paw and watched as he held it firmly but not too strongly. Sarah then lathered her hands with the special soap and rubbed the kitten's tummy with a gentle touch.
The little cat emitted a gentle meow that Alex was certain would have been a moan if it were human. Sarah caressed behind the kitten's ears, and it let out another lengthy meow. "Do you like it, Fluffy?" Sarah whispered, using the cat's given name. Alex grinned subconsciously. "I believe she enjoys it," he murmured. Sarah nodded and smiled, and continued showering the feline with affection.
Alex observed for a little while longer before his eyes wandered up Sarah's slender arms to her face. He observed her peaceful expression as she groomed the cat. He grinned to himself. *Perhaps I misjudged you, Sarah Johnson. You're not as unpleasant to be around as I thought.*