Bad boy

Chapter three: Late night

AMELIA

After class, I was finally heading home, scrolling aimlessly through Instagram, lost in random posts and memes. Out of nowhere, my phone buzzed with a message notification from Olivia. Wait outside, she said. So, I wandered over to the front gate of the college and stood there, glancing around while waiting.

Just then, a car rolled up and stopped right in front of me. I almost ignored it, but the window slid down, revealing Aaron, casually waving at me. His smile caught me off guard. Aaron. Mr. Smooth and popular himself. I took a deep breath and walked over to his car, trying to play it cool.

"Hey!" he greeted me, his voice warm. "Why are you standing here? Waiting for your bus?"

Before I could respond, he added with a grin, "Lemme give you a ride!" His offer was so unexpected that I momentarily froze, remembering our girls brief conversations. He seemed so different, almost...genuine.

"Uh... no, thank you," I replied, trying not to sound rude. "I'm waiting for my friend, so I'll go with her." I forced a polite smile, hoping he didn't take it the wrong way.

He chuckled, seemingly unbothered. "Alright, then. Next time!" He paused and asked, "How are you, by the way?"

"I'm good, thanks," I replied. "How's Popo? Is he still hanging out at the café?"

"Oh, yeah! Actually, I'm heading there to pick him up now," he said with a grin. "Well, see you around, then. Bye!" With a casual wave, he drove off.

The moment he disappeared down the street, Olivia finally arrived, grinning mischievously. She immediately started wiggling her eyebrows at me. "Ohhhh, girl, who was that? I've never seen you smile like fool before!"

"Oh, stop it," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "It was just Aaron."

She gasped dramatically, clapping her hands. "What did he want? Spill the tea, girl!"

I shrugged. "He just offered to drop me home, but I said no."

"What?! Why would you say no? You should've gone with him! Do you know how many girls would kill for that chance?"

I gave her a deadpan look. "Ms. Olivia, let me remind you that you were the one who told me to wait here."

Her face went blank for a second before she burst into laughter. "Oh yeah, I kinda forgot about that."

I shook my head at her silliness, but then she suddenly grew serious. "Ami! Great news! You know how you need a part-time job? Well, my cousin knows a place nearby looking for someone. Isn't that awesome?"

My jaw dropped, and I jumped up, throwing my arms around her. "Oh my god, Ole! Are you serious? Tell me everything!"

She laughed, trying to calm me down. "Yes, yes, it's a café nearby, and they need help! Plus, I'm company you too, so you won't be alone!"

I squealed in excitement, dragging her in the direction I thought the café was. "Come on, let's go right now!"

"Uh, Ami? It's the other way," she chuckled, pointing in the opposite direction.

We finally arrived, and the café was even cuter than I'd imagined. The place smelled heavenly, a mix of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee. We were accepted on the spot after a quick chat with the manager. I couldn't believe it—my first job! I was going to tell my mom the moment I got home.

Olivia and I practically skipped out of the café, we started jumping with excitement, acting like two crazy witches.Finally, after what felt like our hundredth playful argument, Olivia agreed to walk me home.