Laila's POV...
I carefully put all my notebooks in my bag before heading out of the library.
It's been two weeks since I found out about my grandma's death. Though it's still a bit sad when I think of it, I chose too focus more on my studies since my exams are coming up soon.
I made my way to the living room to see Kareem seated on the sofa. His legs crossed as he scrolled through his phone. Once he noticed my presence, he got up and stuffed his phone in his pocket before turning to face me.
"Let's get going". He said before walking towards the front door. I breathed a sigh before also walking out through the front door.
The both of us stepped into the separate cars just before the driver started the car. Once the car started moving, I looked out the window and watched as Kareem's car also began exiting the driveway and becoming smaller as the distance between the two cars grew. I continued staring out the window even after the car droven down a different lane . I thought back to the first day I met him. Everything seemed so normal that day...until the accident, until I met him. It's like everything's just been bringing us closer to one another...or maybe I'm just being delusional.
I looked away from the window once I realised I was smiling.
...
...another example of a hormone produced by the hypothalamus is..." I watched as Professor Matthew paused to look at his watch. " Okay, that's all for today". He said as he turned to face the class. "Remember, the project is due tomorrow, and, note down this assignment, write a fact sheet on the remaining three hormones I didn't mention. It must include it's stimulants and what would happen if it's undertaken. To be submitted, this Friday". He said just as the other students began packing their things. I took some time to note down the assignment before I also began stuffing my handbag.
I made my way outside the classroom once I was done and began making my way outside. Fortunately, this was my last lecture for the day.
I slowly made my way to a free bench outside, laying my things down beside me, before throwing my head back with my eyes closed or a minute, allowing my thoughts to probably blend in with the cool wind while I waited for Joanne.
I opened my eyes after what seemed like forever to be met with an upside down figure of which seemed to be... Jason?
I threw my head back up and rubbed my neck where it grew sore.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you". He said with a smirk as he sat next to me on the bench. I glanced at him. He wore a white shirt with a black jacket on top with a pair of black jeans. I wondered why he was here since Joanne's lecture ends in about an hour.
"You came pretty early to pick up Joanne". I said shifting a bit away from him as I looked down at the grass.
"Well, I have somewhere to be at that time, so I just decided to come now, drop her off once she's done with her class and then go to where I want to go". He said staring at me with a cheeky grin. I didn't believe his little excuse but chose not to comment on it.
I pulled my phone out from my handbag and failed Kareem's number.
*ringing... *ringing. ..
No response.
I was about to call again when I felt someone moved my handbag from where it was placed and then someone's presence beside me. I flinched and immediately glanced towards the person who was no other than Jason.
"Why are you so scared? I don't bite". He said before chuckling. I flashed an awkward smile before diverting my attention back to my phone. I wondered why the driver hasn't arrived yet, but then again, would it really be right to call him up now ? What if he's busy in a meeting or something and I just keep disturbing him?
"Hey, don't be so cold towards me, we can talk, I mean, there's still a couple more minutes till Joanne's done for the day". I glanced at my watch, he was right, but the thing was, I didn't want to spend another forty minutes seated next to him.
"Hey, is something wrong? Or am I the problem here?" He said, his expression changing to what seemed like concern.
"Oh no, it's just that I'm, waiting for my ride home". Now I was starting to feel a bit bad for judging him without getting to know him well first, but no matter how much I want to defend him, I still can't shake off the uncomfortable feeling I felt at the pit of my stomach whenever I was around him.
"Oh, if that's the problem, then I can drop you off". He suggested, my head spun around to face him instantly.
"No, it's fine, you don't have to bother yourself". A scene of what happened the last time he'd dropped me off, played in my head. I remembered how angry Kareem was, and if I remember properly, that had to be the first time I'd seen Kareem angry, hopefully will be the last.
"No, really, I've dropped you before, haven't I?"
"No, it's fine, I'm pretty sure my driver would be here soon". I said awkwardly.
"Okay, if you're insisting", he said as he glanced at my direction while I continued staring at the grass, when suddenly, I felt someone's hand clasp with mine. I froze in my spot . "You know, if you want we could go to the local cafe and-"
*Honk*
I instantly sprung up to my feet at the sound of a car horn. "That's my ride". I said, cutting Jason short.
"What?"
"Bye". Was all I said as I grabbed my things and rushed towards the car.
Fortunately, it was Kareem's car , but when I saw the person seated at the front seat, I froze.
"Get in". Was what I heard him say and I immediately obliged, but one thought that was bothering me was, why would Kareem come to pick me up?