Shorts

Part 3

"I can't promise anything since I do need to see a friend in the hospital, but I'll try and make it. If not, then another time. I promise." I charmed her with my smile.

The two of us hugged before she left for her class. I smiled to myself and entered the building to find Kaia or Emma. It didn't take long to find her at a table. Her table allowed for her to perfectly look outside the building. Kaia made no acknowledgement of me until I sat down. She looked up and gave me a small smile. It was clearly forced, so I assume she saw me outside. The Kaia, I knew, had a jealousy problem.

"Sorry for running late. I got a little distracted."

"I could see." She muttered, thinking I didn't hear. "How are you?" She asked at a normal volume.

"Hmm... I'd prefer not to do any work." Kaia shot me a small smile.

Kaia and I spent the next half hour working in complete silence. She acted like she was intensely focused, but I noticed her subtle glances my way. I acted like I didn't see her and continued designing the avatar to be something that Kaia would hate. I smiled and turned my computer to face her. I held in my snicker at seeing the look of disgust briefly cross her face.

"Well... that's... unique." She tilted her head. "Mind incorporating colors that aren't pastel?"

"You don't like my color choices?" I feigned disappointment.

"No, that's not it! It's just... the boys may not be-"

"I think Josh will be down with it."

"Because he's gay?" She snorted, making me crack a smile.

"I wasn't going there, but..." I trailed off, causing her to laugh. "How are you doing on the homework? It's kicking my ass."

"I'm doing alright on it... if you need help, I'd be down to help you."

"Thanks!" I then remembered what Ollie said and clapped her on the arm. I had to hold in my distress at seeing her wince. "Sorry, didn't mean to hit you that hard."

"Don't worry, it's just a bruise." She looked back at her computer screen.

"Did you make it to the TA yesterday to ask about the issue we were having?" I began typing.

"Ya, I saw him." Kaia continued typing.

"And he was able to help?"

"I had another issue that was... sort of alleviated." She slyly smiled.

Our conversation was cut short when the boys arrived. Howard tried and failed at flirting with Kaia and I. Josh tried redirecting his attention back to the project, but Howard settled for complimenting Kaia.

"So Emma, there's this great new sushi place. Want to go with me?" Howard cockily asked.

"I can't because I have a date with this homework. It's incredibly hard." I knew she was lying since Kaia was a prodigy with a computer. How do you think she managed to hack into national security systems?

"Oh, we can reschedule and-"

"I'm into girls, Howard." She responded, causing Peter to choke on his water. "I'm gay."

"Same!" Josh high fived her.

"I didn't know you were gay." Howard addressed Josh.

"Did the rainbow pins not give it away?" I sarcastically spoke.

"Well, Lily are you-"

"No, just no." I declined. "I'm waiting until marriage to date." Kaia hid her smile. "Maybe Peter would be-"