The Smile That Made Me Smile

Chapter Six

I wanted to hang out with Kim, like genuinely hanging out with her. The bet was never called off, but I don't really care. I hung out and talked to her, like Erza said. The only problem is knowing Erza and his way of deals. If it isn't going his way, he'll tell you to back out. I was petrified of him telling me that. I didn't hang with my group this morning. I walked past them, and they all gave me a stare as I walked by, except Garrett.

I went into Baptista's and saw Kim sitting at her desk. I walked up to her, anxiety rising. I don't know why I was nervous.

I sat down next to her and noticed what she was drawing. It looked like something she had been working on for a while now.

She noticed me staring and was quite embarrassed. I don't even think she noticed I sat next to her at first. She must've been really into that drawing. My nervousness somehow allowed me to have a conversation.

I pushed the nervousness down and asked, "So, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the mall today after school. None of my friends are going, so it would just be me and you, if you're okay with that?

She gave me a puzzled look when I asked her that. It was a very awkward 15 seconds of silence, but I don't know if that's because she can't talk or because of my question.

She started writing in her notebook again with a smile on her face.

I'd like to as long as your friends aren't there. There's actually an ice cream parlor I've been wanting to check out, if you want to go there.

I was actually happy that she said yes. I mean, I was expecting her to say yes anyway but I don't know why I was so happy about it.

With a booming smile on my face, I said, "Well of course. I'd love to get ice cream. It's hot out today anyway.", I added, "Maybe if you want, there's a photo booth if you want to take some photos there."

Her smile got a little bit bigger after I made that suggestion. It made me smile, too. After that, Mrs. Baptista gave me a look and motioned her finger to come over to her. I looked at Kim and she seemed a little confused.

Whatever it was, I walked over there, not knowing what to expect from Mrs. Baptista. She motioned me to sit at the desk next to hers.

She took a deep breath and said, "Listen, I'm not going to tolerate you being near Kim. She doesn't deserve that little bet you've got going on with Erza. I honestly was not expecting you to stoop that low, Noah. How I found out about it, I can't answer, same thing for any of your other teachers, especially Velotta. But, if you're really genuine about being around Kim, you can tell me now and we can forget everything I've said."

I didn't know what to say. There was a lot going through my head. I didn't even think about Velotta. That's why he was yelling at Mateo on Monday. Someone in our group ratted out me and Erza. It couldn't have been Kim, she's been too sweet to me recently for that, and for that matter, I don't think Garret could've done that either.

"I've enjoyed being around Kim recently, honest truth." I quietly said.

Mrs. Baptista gave me a quiet nod and motioned her hand to shoo me away. I was quite worried about Kim, my friend, more than I was worried about myself. I don't know what my group could do to her. I walked back to Kim with worry.
She took notice and started writing at a fast pace.

Hey, you look worried. Is everything okay? What happened? she wrote.

I just gave her a smile and said, "Everything is okay. Just a little bit of stuff going through my head."

The bell rang. Over the sound, I asked Kim, "Hey, do you want to walk with me to Mr. Gudaitis, y'know since we have him together?"

She gave me a smile and nodded. I got up and walked over to the door and waited for her. She was packing up her stuff and I noticed Wyatt kept giving me a look, not a look of anger, more a look of worry. I hadn't seen him ever give me that look, knowing Wyatt and all.

I brushed it off and walked with Kim to Mr. Gudaitis. While it was silent the whole time, I took a little bit of comfort in it with everything going on right now. I sat next to Kim and waited for the end of day, just happy to hang out with someone new.