It Started With Hello

Chap. 3

Blake arrived at the elementary school a few minutes ago, now parked in the lot, leaning against his car and smoking a cigarette. The bell had already rung, signaling the end of after-school classes. Kids streamed out of the building to their waiting parents. Some of the adults gave him strange looks, as if they’d never seen someone smoking before. He just wanted to finish his cigarette before heading inside.

He had hoped Alex would have simply run out to meet him. But apparently, that wasn’t happening. He tossed the still-lit cigarette to the ground, stomping it out, before shoving his hands into his front pockets and making his way inside. He passed by a group of gossiping mothers on his way in. They looked him up and down as he walked past.

He was aware he was attractive, and to some, he might look in his twenties, but these women were being too much, openly eyeing him. One met his eyes and waved shyly. He didn't return it and kept walking. One of the women whispered to the others, "If I was in my twenties again, or a little younger..."

Fed up with their behavior, he stopped. He glared over at them. "You still wouldn't have a chance," he stated, his voice flat. The woman's face turned bright red as her so-called friends softly laughed behind their hands. He rolled his eyes. "Keep your eyes on your kids, not me," he said smoothly, a hint of amusement in his tone that made some of them swoon.

He continued walking down the hallway, trying to remember Alex’s classroom number. Making his way to the classroom, he peered in the door window. He saw Alex packing up his backpack with the help of an older girl who looked about Blake’s age. The brown-skinned girl noticed him, said something to Alex, then walked over to the door, opening it slightly. She looked up at him from under long, thick lashes. "Um, hello, can I help you?"

Blake's eyes scanned her outfit. She was wearing their high school uniform: an oversized sweatshirt with the white tiger mascot on the front, a knee-length plaid skirt. Her hair was pulled back in a slick ponytail with bangs and a white headband. It was obvious she went to his school, but he'd never seen her before. As he watched her, she fidgeted with the end of her sleeve, watching him back. He might not know who she was, but she definitely knew who he was.

He was Blake, the school loner. They had never talked before, or anything, but she had seen him around and had a few classes with him. He was hard to miss with those deep, beautiful eyes. He was even more handsome up close. His mouth was moving to reply to her question, but she wasn't even paying attention, lost in her thoughts.

Snapping out of her trance, she blushed before meeting his eyes. "Um, pardon?"
He grinned slightly, finding the girl's reaction amusing, before pushing his hair out of his eyes. "I'm Alex's brother. I'm picking him up today." She played with her fingers. Of course Alex would be his brother. They looked just alike, but Alex’s eyes were more blue than green, and his hair was shoulder-length, while Blake’s hair came past his eyes, about nose-length.

She opened the door wider as Alex walked up behind them "Hey, Blake! You're getting me today, huh?" Blake simply nodded. Alex looked up at Emma, smiling and waving his little hand. "Bye, Miss Pear!" She smiled sweetly at him. He was so adorable. "Goodbye, honey! See you in a few days."

Blake looked at her, giving her a nod with a soft, "Later." Then he took Alex’s small hand, and they made their way towards the school’s front door.
"She's nice, right, Lake? I really like her, and she smells like strawberries!" Blake let out a small laugh at his brother's comment as they stepped outside towards his black Mustang.

He opened the back door for Alex.
"Do you have a crush or something, kid?" Blake chuckled at Alex’s red face as he climbed into the backseat without a word. "Keep your head in the books, kid. Girls are trouble," he said to Alex before climbing into the driver's seat.

"Whatever. Can we go to Sonic on the way home? I'm starving," Alex complained, rubbing his stomach. Blake shrugged, not really minding. He knew Alex never ate that nasty lunch food. "Sure, kid. Just don't tell Mom and Dad, deal?" Alex smiled, giving him a thumbs up. Blake returned the smile.

As Alex looked out the window, he saw Emma zip up her coat, her backpack over her shoulder, as she walked down the sidewalk. "Hey, Lake, can we give Miss Pear a ride? Wouldn't that be so nice?" Blake looked out his side mirror at the girl slowly making her way. He looked back at Alex, raising an eyebrow. As he slides on his shades "And why would I do that?"

Alex pouted, crossing his arms as if it was an obvious thing Blake should just do. "Because Mom always says if someone needs help, you should help them! Plus, it's the nice thing to do."
Blake sucked his teeth, thinking it over. He smiled. "You're just saying all this because you're in looove with her." Blake laughed as Alex continued to deny reality. "Fine." Blake pulled the car into drive, slowly pulling up beside her. She continued walking, then looked over at the car, slightly scared. He rolled down the window, looking over at her. "Need a ride?" he said with a slight smile, making her bite her lip.