"Friendship is not about who you've known from the longest or who you hang out with, it's about who walked into your life, said 'Hey, I'm here for you' and proved it. My friends proved it."
Everyone has secrets and Julie has one that has been eating...
"I'm just saying we better be on our guards anyway," he said raising his hands in surrender and going back to his pasta.
"Let's talk about something else. Just the simple thought of Micah and his new friends gives me headaches. How's Laura?" I asked with an innocent voice but wiggling my eyebrows.
Noah nearly choked on his pasta and I couldn't help but snort. He looked down at his tray, trying to hide his embarrassment only to be betrayed by the red flushing his cheeks.
"What do you mean? She's fine I guess."
"Don't play dumb with me. You know what they say, people who blush easily are the most honest, so spill the beans and entertain me." I laughed.
"I never heard that. How about you? Received any more secret love notes?"
I started receiving notes about a week ago. They were small cards filled with beautifully handwritten short poems. Sometimes there was only a phrase in it, wishing me a good day. I did find one in my locker yesterday, but I wasn't going to let him escape my curiosity.
"Don't change the subject."
He told me there was nothing to say, but as soon as he finished his sentence, I knew he was upset with something. I pressed him and he explained that he talked to her a bit before class but then Trisha came and well, like always, took over the conversation.
Every time he spoke about Laura his eyes shinned and made me smile. He's been in love with her for years now, but never managed the courage to tell her. She was a nice girl, the complete opposite of Trisha. They were so different that I never understood how they were friends in the first place.
"I think it's time for you to confess your feelings. I mean, like you said, we never know, they might be planning the perfect crime and you don't want to die with regrets."
"What if she doesn't like me?"
"What if she does?"
He simply stared at me with a withering look.
"What?! I'm just saying... Besides even if she doesn't like you it's always a good thing, at least you'll be able to move forward."
"It'll be embarrassing."
"And then it'll pass! You've had the biggest crush on her for two years, I think it is time to act upon it. And to be honest I'm getting tired of seeing you gawk every time she crosses your field of vision. It's like watching a really boring movie." He gave me a death glare.
"This is our last year of school. After this, we'll move on with our lives and look back at the last few years as simple memories. Just follow the great master Shia and JUST DO IT. You have nothing to lose." I added, trying to convince him.
Laura would be a great match for him. They're both sweet, cute, and nice. "Except maybe your pride," I joked, as it was impossible for me not to seize every opportunity, I had to tease him.
We kept talking about the subject, more like, I kept pushing him to confess to Laura for the rest of the lunch and he kept telling me he wished Nick and Tyler had got me. When that got boring, I finally spoke about the most recent note I got, and Noah said we had to make a plan to find the guy sending these.
"Sure, but maybe we should respect his wish to be anonymous. Maybe he's not a he but a she who doesn't feel comfortable enough to come out."
"Then why send notes? If he or she didn't want to be discovered, they would keep their crush a complete secret. Maybe they're just shy."
"Like you are with Laura?" I grinned while Noah let out a deep sigh.
"You seriously drain me up with that."
After that, I walked to my final class without feeling the need to look over my shoulder. I took my place and waited for the lesson to begin by listening to the music blasting out of my ear pods and doodling on my notebook.
Despite the appearance of its pages, filled with sketches and doodles, I loved history. I really enjoyed knowing more about our past, and like someone, probably famous, once said: those who do not remember the errors of the past are condemned to repeat them.
The bell signaled the start of the lesson and a few minutes later someone entered the room. Like everyone else I looked up to see who dared to be late to Mrs. Sanders's class. And like everyone else, I couldn't help but gawk at the sight; but unlike the others, it wasn't for his handsome face and styled silky dark hair. And it was definitely not for his beautiful eyes, but for the cold stare, they were giving me.
I gulped as I saw him handle a piece of paper to the teacher.
"Very well, you can sit in whatever place available Mr. Belisario."
He transferred to this class?!
He walked towards me without taking his eyes from me. The way he looked at me was intense and, well, menacing. I gulped again and held my breath as he got close to the free spot at my table.
I closed my eyes waiting for a movement next to me, but it didn't come. I opened my eyes and realize that he had decided to sit at the table next to mine. Relief overcame me even though it didn't change anything. The reality was that he was still close to me. Too close for my liking.
'There's no escape. You were right! Nick transferred to my class. Save yourself, it's too late for me,' I quickly texted Noah before fixing the whiteboard and counting down the time I had left to live.
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