Beyond The Crash

CHAPTER 26 | [A STRANGE NEW FRIEND <PT IV>]

Nicky rested next to the table, two tables from her desk, where she slumped on her seat, letting out a sigh of relief. She turned to him.
"Why are you at school this early?" She randomly asked.

He raised a brow at her. "Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?"

She shrugged. "Guess I got excited?" She let out an awkward chuckle.

He nodded, eyes slightly wide, stunned. "For an orientation?"
She shrugged, smiling. "You?"

"I usually come early to school," he shrugged with a smile.

She sat up straight, now this time she was stunned. "By this time?"
He chuckled.
"Why?"

"No reason in particular," he paused. "You can say I like coming early."

"Eager to learn?"
They both paused and stared at each other before chuckling. This felt... normal. Like he was back to the person she met before. She liked it... yet wanted to see that different she saw early. It's not like she doesn't notice the change. He just... has a way of giving this persona that when he switches up, it's like a different person.
Now, why would that be? She wondered.

She caught him staring. He didn't look away immediately.
"Everything okay?"

He raised his hand and pointed at his hair. "Your hair... it's different..." he cleared his throat. "I've only seen you let it down and not styled," he smiled... his usual smile.

"Ah–" she touched her hair. All she did was pack her hair up with a clip.
"Guess I must look different."

"No, it's... pretty." He said, then smiled.

She let out an awkward chuckle and looked away.
Why is today so... today?

"By the way, what you said earlier–"

"Nicky, you left your bag at my place–" Axel paused upon entering the classroom. His eyes darted from Nicky to Lilley and back to Nicky. His brows furrowed as he turned on the lights.

Nicky and Lilley winced at the bright light.
"Sorry, I can be so forgetful at times," Nicky said, steading his footing.

Axel glanced back at Lilley, giving her a slight nod. She smiled back at him, and then her gaze shifted to Nicky.
What was he about to say?

Axel walked over to Nicky and handed him his bag.
"Only you two were here?" He said, voice low to Nicky.

Nicky nodded. "We just came in." He gave a cheeky smile.
Axel raised a brow, and for a moment, Lilley thought they just spoke telepathically as Axel turned, the side of his lips moving up a bit.
I guess Dina was right after all– where is she anyway?

Axel glanced at Lilley, "Let's head to the auditorium."
He immediately looked away when they locked eyes.
What the heck? She blinked a couple of times.

They all left the class and made their way to the auditorium. Lilley noticed how more students were in the school now, especially in the hall. As they entered, her eyes unconsciously scanned the room, looking for the guy she'd met earlier, but she couldn't see him, not with the flood of student coming in and out.

After she sat, did she realise that she was sitting between Axel and Nicky and for the first, she noticed people, girls especially staring back at her. She remembered what Artemis had said about her being one of the most popular new kids in school. She didn't know if she should be happy or fearful of her life. As much as she knows, these girls could start bullying her or something.
Nope, not in this world or ever! I have so many things to take care of, and jealousy isn't on the list! She crossed her arms, her eyes glinting with a different kind of fiery.