Secrets, Lies, and Deception

Chapter 16: The Suspicions

The week came by faster than expected. It's already Friday, and everyone is just really busy with homework and activities that eventually lead up to our exams. Somehow, the girls got worried too with their grades. I bet that they received an earful from their parents.

Nate attended school on Monday. I thought to avoid him whenever I met him in school, but luckily, we haven't bumped into one another lately. The atmosphere became more awkward than before between us.

It's almost lunchtime, and we're currently having our Biology class now. We are at the school garden mesmerizing at all the plants that are present here. We are tackling plant cells and stuff since Botany is a branch of Biology. I'm amazed by the students who keep the plants really healthy here in the garden. It takes so much effort! If I was given a plant, I think it would die on me on the third day. That's how irresponsible I can be.

"Okay. Trivia Question. Whoever could answer will have five extra points on the exams," the teacher said.

Everyone was gasping and excited to answer the question. Five points are no easy feat to gain especially if it's extra points. This could just be the only thing that could pull the score to passing.

"Here's the question: What is the process by which the microspores of a seed plant are transferred to another compatible plant of the same type?"

I raised my hand and answered immediately, "Pollination." I turned my head around when I heard another person answer, and it was Nate.

"Wow! I'm amazed you know the answer Ms. Harper. I've noticed you've been actively participating in our classes lately. Is this you turning a new leaf this year?" the teacher said, taking an interest in my unusual behavior.

"Probably," I said.

The teacher laughed at my answer. The girls looked at me and back at Nate, but Valerie looked straight at me with an eyebrow raised. I looked away. I suddenly felt intimidated by her.

"Well, since Mr. Cooper and Ms. Harper answered at the same time, both of you will get the extra points," the teacher said.

I did not show my happy self for gaining extra points in front of everyone. In my mind, I was jumping and smiling because I got it. It really pays off to study in advance. This will now be my assurance for my Biology test.

The bell rang, and our teacher dismissed the class. Valerie grabbed me by the arm and interlocked our arms together. "Let's date," she said. I was caught by surprise, and she dragged me out of the garden, leaving Kate and Jane behind.

Valerie brought me to our favorite cafe near the school. We used to hang out a lot in this place back in the day. We love it here because of the fresh coffee beans we could smell and the aesthetically-pleasing interior it has. It's a small cafe but loaded with food, desserts, and of course coffee.

"On me. What do you want?" Valerie said. We're both by the counter. She didn't even bother to look at me when she asked. She was just staring at the menu board in front of her.

I feel a bit uneasy. She's not usually like this. Why did she bring me here? Did she find out that I've been working in a different cafe in another town? I bit my lip, overthinking the possible reasons why she was blunt about having a date one-on-one.

"Lu, what's yours?" she asked again. I definitely could hear tension and irritation right there.

"Oh! Sorry. Hmm, mochaccino cold and chicken parmesan pasta," I said.

She repeated my order to the staff. The staff punched in our order and gave us a device that will buzz if our order is already available by the counter.