Tomorrow came rather quickly for Sarah. She felt excited as she combed her hair, which she rarely did since she was always late. She wore a purple shirt and brown leggings. She ran downstairs with her bag over her shoulder. Her mom wasn't around to make breakfast, so she warmed up the leftover spaghetti. As she was eating, she heard a sound.
BEEP! BEEP!
Nick was here.
She finished up quickly and ran outside. She locked the door and walked towards the car. She spotted Nick in the car. He wore sunglasses and the sunlight made his hair shine.
"Good morning, Nick." She greeted him with a bright smile.
"Morning to you too. You came out early." Nick said.
"Yeah. I didn't want to be late and I didn't want to make you late. So, here I am."
Nick smiled and Sarah got into the car. The ride to school was silent. Sarah thought of making a conversation. But what was she supposed to talk about? Maybe his hair? Or his million dollar clothes?
"So," She began. "What's it like, being the rich kid in a not-in-your-league school?" Why do I ask the most awkward questions?
"Nothing much." He shrugged. "Just that being the only rich kid means that you are better than them or at least, that's what the boys in school say. And you get a lot of attention from people and teachers."
"I know, right?" She agreed. Being rich did have its advantages.
"But they are just around for the money. I mean, money brings friends." He said with a half smile.
"But I'm your friend. I will still be your friend, without the money. You are a really nice guy and cool to be with."
Nick smiled. "Thanks."
They finally reached school and for the first time in Sarah's life, she came early. When she and Nick came out of the car, all eyes were on them, especially on Sarah. They were surprised to see her at this time. Even when they got inside the school, their eyes were staring at them. The girls didn't look happy as they glared daggers at Sarah but she didn't mind them. They went to their classroom where Charlotte was standing in front of the door. As soon as Charlotte saw them together, she walked up to them.
"Hey, girl. You came early today." Then, she looked at Nick. "With him?"
"Oh, yeah. Yeah, I did. We came here together. He has a car. A white Porsche. Amazing, right?" Sarah rambled.
Charlotte arched her eyebrow. "Right. Anyway, it's good you came early for a change."
Sarah smiled. Yeah, it was good.
They entered the classroom and settled down. Soon, the bell rang and it was time for the first period. Classes went on and then, it was lunch break. Charlotte and Sarah were in the cafeteria when they heard some girls whisper about Sarah.
"Why was she even with him?" The first girl asked.
"I heard she came to school this morning in Nick's car." The second said,
"No way!" The first girl exclaimed. "How come? She's just a loser."
"I know. Why did he help her?"
"I think she seduced him in some way." The third girl said.
"Sarah? Seduce? Tell me a better joke." The second girl laughed.
Sarah felt embarrassed and wished the ground could just swallow her. Charlotte, however, had heard enough.
"Um, excuse me. Girls." Charlotte called out. "I see you have nothing to do other than gossip about people who aren't your business."
"Mind your business, Charlotte. We are not talking about you." The first girl said.
"No. But you are talking about my friend and she's right here. So, make like a rubber ball and bounce out of here." Charlotte back talked.
"You always defend that loser." The second girl said and they left.
Charlotte turned to look at Sarah.
"You didn't have to." Sarah whispered.
"You have to start defending yourself, Sarah. I'm not saying I'm doing you a favor but I won't be here all the time to help you. Stop tolerating those bullies." Charlotte scolded.
"I'm sorry. I just don't know how to."
Charlotte sighed. "Forget them. I have a free period next. You?"
"Free period also. Do you want to go to our special spot?" Sarah suggested.
"Yeah." Charlotte agreed. "Good idea. Anywhere away from those brats."
They finished lunch and headed to their spot. When they got there, they heard someone swinging. As they got closer, they saw that it was… Nick?
"Nick? What are you doing here? How did you find this place?" Sarah asked, surprised.
"Uh, I was strolling around, nothing to do. And I just wandered here, I guess." Nick said.
"Well, it's good you're here. This is actually me and Sarah's special spot." Charlotte said.
"Which you have found. But it's still special." Sarah said.
"How come no one ever comes here? It's actually kind of nice." Nick asked.
"No one bothers about this place. It's quiet and peaceful. You can enjoy it too." Charlotte replied.
And once again, Sarah was left out of the conversation. Not that it bothered her. She never knew what to say.
Time flew by and it was time for another class. They left the spot and went for their classes. As they were going, a girl stopped them.
"Hi, Nick. Can I talk to you real quick, please?"
"Um, sure." Nick said. He turned to the girls. "I'll catch up."
"Okay." Charlotte replied and they left.
What is every girls' problem? Sarah thought. But she didn't have time to think about it. Classes first. She didn't see Nick when the class started and wondered where he could be. Soon, it was closing time.
Sarah was outside when she again spotted Nick talking to someone. It was the same girl that had stopped them. She was laughing. Nick saw Sarah just as the girl left and headed towards her.
"Hey, Sarah." He greeted her.
"Hi, Nick. Fancy seeing you here. You were supposed to be in class but here you are."
"Yeah. I was caught with something."
"Like?" Sarah asked.
"Like… it's nothing. Nothing." Nick said.
Sarah decided not to ask too many questions. She was about leaving when Nick stopped her.
"Wait. We can go home together."
Again?! "That's really nice of you but…"
"Please. We are friends, remember?" He reminded her.
Sarah exhaled. "Fine. Since you're insisting."
They waited for a few minutes till the car showed up. It was a red SUV.
Damn!
They entered the car and the driver took them home, first dropping Sarah at her house.
Sarah came out of the car and closed the door.
"Thanks. Again."
"We should go to school together. It sucks being the only one in the car." Nick proposed.
Sarah thought about the people that stared at them when they arrived at school.
"I don't want to stress you in any way."
"You are not stressing me. I think this is what friends do. And we…"
"Are friends. I know." Sarah finished his sentence.
Nick laughed. "Good. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah."
The car drove off as Sarah waved goodbye. She entered her house and saw that it was quiet. Her mom wasn't back from her shift yet. She went upstairs to her room and threw her bag on the floor. She laid down on her bed as she thought about everything.
Today was crazy.
And tomorrow might be crazier.