Darkson High

1.4

Nikky spotted Mr. Sullman's car parked in front of the school and picked up her pace, her shoes tapping rhythmically against the pavement.

Her heart fluttered with a mix of anticipation and nerves as she saw Kendra standing outside, her usual calm demeanor slightly frayed as she chatted with her dad. Kendra's shoulders were tense, her back ramrod straight, a telltale sign she was trying to keep it together.

"Kendra, remember, Harvard or Yale. No distractions this year, okay?" Mr. Sullman said, his tone hovering between encouragement and a firm command. His eyes bore into his daughter's, his expectations heavy in the air.

"Yes, Dad. I got it," Kendra replied, her voice steady but edged with a hint of exasperation. She nodded dutifully, but her fingers fiddled with the strap of her bag, betraying her frustration.

"And stay out of trouble with Nikkita," he added, glancing at his watch as if he had somewhere more important to be.

Kendra's sigh was soft but filled with the weight of a thousand similar conversations. Before she could muster a response, Mr. Sullman spotted Nikky approaching.

His stern expression softened into a polite smile. "Ah, there's Nikkita. Good morning!" he called out, his tone lightening.

"Good morning, Mr. Sullman!" Nikky replied warmly, her face breaking into a bright smile as she gave him a quick wave. She could feel his eyes on her, scrutinizing her every move, and she made sure to project a confident, friendly front.

Mr. Sullman nodded approvingly, as if satisfied with the brief exchange. He turned back to Kendra, his expression slipping back into its usual seriousness.

"Alright, girls. Be good and focus on your studies," he said, his words carrying the same weight of expectation that always hung around him.

Without waiting for a response, he got into his car and drove off, leaving Kendra and Nikky standing on the sidewalk.

As soon as he was out of sight, Kendra's rigid posture relaxed. She rolled her eyes, her lips finally curling into a small, relieved smile.

Nikky seized the opportunity to tease, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't worry, Mr. Sullman. I'll keep Kendra in line," she called out in the direction of the departing car, her voice tinged with playful sarcasm.

Mr. Sullman chuckled, a rare sound, and gave a final wave as his car disappeared down the street. The moment he was gone, the tension that had been simmering in Kendra's shoulders melted away.

She turned to Nikky, and the two friends shared a knowing look—a silent communication that only they understood. In the next breath, they burst into excited giggles, the stress of the morning already beginning to dissipate.

"Kendra! I've missed you so much!" Nikky exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her friend in a tight hug, squeezing out all the pent-up emotions of a long summer apart.

"I missed you too, Nikky!" Kendra replied, hugging her back just as fiercely. There was a warmth in her voice that spoke of genuine affection, a softness that was usually hidden beneath her cool, composed exterior.

Nikky stepped back, her eyes scanning Kendra from head to toe, taking in her appearance with a wide grin.

Kendra looked every bit the studious yet effortlessly stylish girl she'd always been—her long, curly dark hair neatly tied back, and her outfit a perfect blend of simple and chic.

Nikky felt a rush of affection; Kendra was always her calm amidst the chaos, her rock when everything else was turbulent.

"I can't believe we're finally seniors!" Nikky said, her voice bubbling with excitement. She bounced on her toes slightly, unable to contain the energy coursing through her.