School started to look more like a competition of who could win Nicholas over. Girls wore pretty and flirtatious clothes just to get his attention. Some even wore make-up. The boys didn't really like him as they thought that he would steal their girlfriends. Sarah wasn't bothered about the drama. She was picking books from her locker for the next class when Nicholas walked to her.
" Hey. How's it going?" He greeted her.
"Going well, Nicholas."
"I told you before. Call me Nick. We're friends now."
"Right. Nick." She corrected herself. "So, how do you find this school?"
"Awesome. Everyone is just so friendly here."
Of course, they are. Sarah rolled her eyes internally. Who wouldn't be friendly to a rich guy?
He wore a white jacket on a blue shirt and blue designer jeans. His white sneakers looked really new, compared to her old shoes. No wonder guys didn't like him. He could steal their girlfriends.
Just then, Amanda, the school's Queen Bee, walked past them. She looked extra flirtatious today. She wore a pink jacket on a white crop top and a pink skirt that reached above her knees. She giggled as she waved at Nick, batting her eyelashes at him.
Sarah glared at her. Queen Bee looks more like Flirty Bee today.
Nick didn't seem to mind it as he waved back at her and kept looking at her as she walked away.
"So, what period do you have?" Sarah asked, pulling Nick out of his trance.
"Oh, um, the same as yours." He stuttered. "Who was that girl?"
Sarah rolled her eyes. "The Queen Bee of the school. Be careful, though. She changes boys like she changes clothes."
Nick laughed. "Are you serious?"
"I am serious. Now, come on. We don't want to be late."
They left the locker and went to their class. They spotted Charlotte there already and joined her. Classes went smoothly and soon, it was closing time. Sarah was already leaving the school compound when she saw a girl giggling. She was talking to someone. Sarah moved a bit closer and saw that it was Nick. Nick sighted Sarah and bidded the girl goodbye. She left and Nick walked towards Sarah.
"Fancy seeing you here." He said.
"Me too." Sarah glanced at the girl's direction. "Who was that you were talking to?" She asked.
"Oh, that girl? Her name is Jenny. I met her out here and we started talking." He explained.
"Oh, okay. So, are we walking home together?"
"Nah. My driver is picking me up."
Sarah mentally face palmed herself.
Of course, he has a driver. He's rich.
"But, we can still go home together." Nick added. "Maybe, I can drop you off at your place."
Really?! "Oh, you don't have to." Sarah said.
"Please, let me do it." He insisted.
"Alright."
The driver showed up moments later in a white Porsche. Sarah's eyes widened.
"Whoa! Someone pinch me." Sarah thought outwardly. And Nick did.
Ow! Sarah held her right arm. "What was that for?"
"You said someone should pinch you."
"Oh, right". Sarah stood embarrassed.
"Come on. Let's go." Nick ushered her to the car. They both stayed in the back seat.
"So, where do you live?" Nick asked.
"Brownton Neighborhood."
"Driver, Brownton Neighborhood." He ordered.
"Yes sir." The driver answered and headed in that direction. They were in total silence throughout the ride. Soon, they reached her small house. Sarah carried her bag and got out of the car.
"Thanks." She told him.
"You're welcome. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah. See you tomorrow." And he drove off.
Sarah watched the car leave. Her mom opened the door as she walked in.
"Darling. Who was that?" Her mom asked.
"Just a friend, mom."
Her mom was not convinced. "A friend? Besides Charlotte."
"Mom!" Sarah yelled as she ran upstairs.
Her mom laughed. "Okay, okay. Take a shower. Dinner is almost ready."
Sarah dropped her bag on the floor. She exhaled as she took out her indoor clothes. She came out of her room and joined her mom in the kitchen. Mrs Andrews looked really tired. Her hair was tied in a messy bun and she hadn't changed out of her work clothes.
"I won't be home till tomorrow evening." Sarah knew what she wanted to say.
"I know, mom. I can take care of myself."
Her mom kissed her forehead. "Thank you, dear. Now, dinner is ready."
They sat down to eat spaghetti and tomato sauce. Few minutes later, it was time for her mom to leave for her shift and Sarah was home alone. She wanted to watch TV but decided to read her books instead. Just then, her phone beeped. There was a message from Nick.
Hi. Hope I'm not bothering you?
Sarah replied. No, you're not. I wasn't even busy.
Cool. I was wondering if I could pick you up tomorrow. I notice that you are always late.
Yeah. It takes ages to find a bus. But you don't have to. I don't want to stress you or anything.
It's okay. You're not stressing me. It was nice having someone to ride with me.
Sarah smiled sheepishly. And something in her head clicked.
Hey, Nick.
Yeah? Nick answered.
How did you get my number? I never gave it to you and you never asked.
There was no response, for a while.
I asked Charlotte.
I see.
Tomorrow then?
Sure. Tomorrow it is.
She smiled. She could only wait.