Woke

27.)

Kiara:

"I can't believe we have a damn game on the first day back to school." I grumbled, climbing into Chris' car.

"Good morning to you too." He leaned over in an attempt to press a kiss on my cheek, but I turned my head just in time for our lips to connect.

Winter break had been nothing less than amazing. Chris and I spent a good chunk of time together at one another's houses or going out on proper dates. We spent so much time together, that we had to come up with a system to ensure we weren't neglecting ourselves or our other priorities. Our parents hosted small meal parties to get to know one another more, and I was super glad to say that my mom seemed to genuinely like Chris' parents and vice versa. I confided in my mom on my love for Chris, and she'd been nothing but supportive. It felt like a dream.

"Ugh, sorry." I ran a tired hand over my face as he pulled out of my driveway. "My body's already not used to waking up this early. How are you?"

"I'm pretty good. And I figured you'd be tired, so I ordered ahead on the Starbucks app. You get a grande white chocolate mocha with a shot of vanilla and whip cream, right?"

My heart swelled. Chris had only ever heard my Starbucks order maybe once or twice. "That's perfect. Thank you, babe. Did you get to say goodbye to your parents this morning?"

"Oddly enough, yes." Chris answered. "Mom even packed me lunch. I feel like they're trying to make up for lost time."

We pulled up to Starbucks. Chris quickly got out, asking me to stay in the car to keep it heated. He came out in a few short minutes, handing me my coffee as well as a blueberry scone.

"You're such a gem." I hummed, sipping the delicious drink.

He smiled cheekily. "I know." 

As he left the parking lot, I gave him an excited smile. "Are you ready for tonight?"

"I hope so." He answered. "It's gonna be a good ass game. Coach Hughes has me lined up to guard Shawn Henry."

"Shawn Henry?" I rose an eyebrow, knowing the name. "Isn't he ranked the like 4th best high school shooting guard in the state?"

"Yeah... he's no joke. Eric is trying to convince Coach to switch us, claiming I'm gonna choke."

I snorted. "Chris, don't listen to Eric. He's an idiot. You've got this. Don't get in your head. You're just as good as this Shawn guy. I believe in you."

"That's all I needed to hear." I smiled at the way he visibly relaxed due to my encouraging words.

"Are you all packed to stay with Devon for the week, while your parents are away?"

"Yeah. After I drop you off tonight, I'm gonna grab my bag and head over there."

"Are you excited?" I asked.

He pondered for a second. "Honestly...? Yeah, I am. I think it'll be fun and nice to get the hell away from feeling alone in that big ass house."

"I couldn't agree more."

We finally reached the school parking lot. There was a weird air amongst the students, as some hurried to excitedly greet friends they hadn't gotten to see the entire break and show off their Christmas gifts while others tried blinking the sleep out of their eyes and glaring at anybody that dared try and talk to them.

Chris and I grabbed our book bags from the back of his car, before walking inside the building.

"Welcome back Miss Washington, Mr. Marks." Principal Karr smiled at us. "Good luck tonight."