February Love

Chapter Two

Hark and I exchanged glances every day for a week after Sarah's birthday. I had told Sarah about everything that happened and she, as expected, concluded that there has to be something between us.

"I am not interested in him. He has already grown to be a high school sweetheart in first two weeks of school and every girl is all over him, including Nina. Besides, you know I have no time"

"From what I know, he is genuinely interested in you. I see you exchanging smiles all the time. And it won't kill you to go out once in a while."

"Well, he is not a stranger and he helped me that day. I am just being nice."

"Yeah, sure."

I was genuinely not interested in going out on a date with anyone. Since the beginning of the semester, the only thing on my mind is to take admission in Harvard University and I don't have any time whatsoever.

"What are you girls talking about?" Did I forget to mention my best friend is dating Sam, the most popular boy of our school? They just make so much sense together.

"I see a growing spark between Emma and Hark."

"Emma? I thought you were not ready to date."

"I am not and there is no spark. Everything is normal and I have a class. You both should think about studying too."

I was walking to class when I ran into Hark.

Just perfect.

"Hi."

"Hey"

"You take history?"

"I do."

"Since when?"

"I am offended." He said playfully. "You might be the only girl who has not noticed me in class."

"Then I suppose you are doing something wrong."

I smirked all the way to my seat.

Every day after school, I drive to the old person's home outside the city. Not many people know that I volunteer there, except Sarah and Sam. Sam has also been our friend since 6th grade. Sarah and he grew to be darlings and I still remained a nerd in the eyes of everyone.

I like to drive outside the city. The farther I go, the noise fades and with it my anxieties fade too. I roll down the windows and feel the cool breeze. Every thought in my mind becomes less important and the only thing that I think about is the color of the sky and the never ending rush of breeze. I have been volunteering ever since I learnt how to drive because I need an escape every day from my noisy life and also, my friends at the old persons' home give me the best life advices I can ever receive.

"Did you bring cupcakes?"

"No Jared, you are not allowed to eat sugar every day."

"Give her a break Jared. Come here Emma, I have gossip for you." Donnie is one of the oldest people in the home. She left her house when she was 75 because she did not want her son to abandon her. She is a real gossip. Nothing in the home can escape her ear, not a single day's happening.

"Jared is cranky because his son did not come to visit again. Poor man. You tell me what happened at school today?"

"It was a normal day, just like every other day. I also ran into Hark."

"The cute boy from Sarah's party? Did you ask him out yet?"

"No. Why does everyone keep asking that? I told you Donnie I don't have time to date."

"Oh come on! I know you are smitten by him."

"No I am not."

"Look at yourself in the mirror when you talk about him. You practically turn into a tomato."

"No I don't. Why don't you quit finding me a match and tell me the gossip?"

It is always dark by the time I drive back home. I was driving through Nina's neighborhood when I noticed Hark sitting on his front porch. I did not stop to say hi, instead I slowed down just enough to study him. He was sitting with his legs crossed, with 'The Giver' in his hand and a cup of coffee beside him. I almost forgot the boy with loose uniform and ragged shoes when I saw him tugged in that cozy blanket. It was as if I was looking at the same boy I had dropped home that night and not the popular boy from school. He turned when he saw my car drive by but before he could say anything, I drove around the corner still picturing the calm on his face.