The Principal

Chapter 13

Saturday evening arrives, and I’m dressed in my best for the night out. The spring air is cooler than I expected, but my oversized sweater dress with thigh-high boots is the perfect outfit. The sweater falls loosely over my body, but it’s just short enough to reveal the smooth skin of my legs between the hem and my boots. It’s effortlessly stylish but still feels cozy enough for the cool evening ahead. I tug on the sleeves of the sweater and feel a small flutter of excitement as Lucas pulls up to my house. He looks just as good as last night—sharp, casual, with a crisp jacket over his shirt and well-fitted jeans. He’s got that boy-next-door charm, the kind that makes you want to lean in closer.

“You look great,” Lucas says, offering me a smile as I slide into the passenger seat of his car. His eyes linger for a moment, making me feel a little self-conscious, but I know it’s just because he’s as excited as I am.

“Thanks,” I reply, feeling my cheeks warm. “You look good, too.”

We meet up with my girlfriends at the diner, and after a quick round of hugs and greetings, we head inside. The atmosphere is casual, the soft hum of chatter and clinking silverware in the background, but there’s a sense of excitement in the air. It’s a nice escape from school and the chaos of everyday life.

As we walk in, I immediately spot Mr. Smith and his wife, Emily, seated at a booth. They’re deep in conversation, but as they catch sight of us, Mr. Smith stands and greets us with that signature confident smile. I can’t help but feel a flutter of nerves.

“April, Lucas, great to see you both,” Mr. Smith says with a friendly tone, though his gaze lingers just a little longer on me. I can’t help but notice it, but I quickly turn my attention to Emily as she rises from her seat.

“This is my wife, Emily,” Mr. Smith continues, his hand resting lightly on Emily’s back as he gestures to her.

“Hi, Emily, it’s so nice to meet you,” I say, offering a warm smile. Emily returns it, her expression bright and welcoming as she steps forward to shake my hand.

“It’s lovely to meet you, April. I’ve heard so much about you,” Emily says, her voice warm. She gives me a genuine smile, which helps ease the slight tension I’d felt earlier.

I nod, trying to relax. “Nice to meet you too.”

Lucas stays close to me, still with his arm around my waist. His protective hold is comforting, but I notice it more when I feel Mr. Smith’s eyes linger on us. Lucas gives Emily a polite smile but doesn’t say much, letting me take the lead in the conversation.

Mr. Smith’s gaze flicks to my friends, who are standing behind me. “And these are April’s friends,” he says smoothly, motioning toward them. “This is Cathine, Bri, and Jessie.”

Each of my friends waves and smiles, and Emily gives them all a polite nod. “It’s wonderful to meet all of you,” she says smiling warmly.

Lucas steps a little closer to me, his arm still around my waist, and I can feel him watching Mr. Smith’s every move, though he doesn’t say anything. I glance at my friends, who seem equally at ease, and we all exchange small smiles as the conversation continues.

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The night continues, and I try to keep my focus on Lucas. I’m aware of the way Mr. Smith’s eyes linger on me, though. Every time I glance in his direction, he’s watching, his gaze fixed on me with too much intensity. I shift uncomfortably in my seat but do my best to ignore the feeling.

Lucas, however, seems to be noticing the same thing.