Tough Love

Have I Changed?

Chapter 1

I began my walk to the bus stop, alone as per usual. When I got there, my best friend, Layla, was her usual energized self.

"Hey, Layla. You seem happy." I said to her as I got closer to the stop.

"Hey, Nicole, Did you see the new guy?" She asked me.

I looked behind my shoulder.

"No, silly. Behind me. Don't make it obvious that you're looking at him." She said, nodding her head backwards, as I glanced in that direction.

"Wow he is handsome." I said, looking back at Layla smiling.

He was so beautiful. He's skin, looked moisturized, his complex was outstanding. He's cheek bones fitted his face perfectly. I couldn't help myself from second glancing at him.

"Jesus. I said not to make it obvious." Layla said, in a sarcastic tone as she rolled her eyes.

"You see something you like?" Layla asked, as she chuckled with a smirk on her face.

"Haha. Very funny." I said, with my hands on my hips.

"Yes." I added as I went over to greet him.

"Hey, I'm Nicole. I haven't seen you around our school before. I take it your new here?" I said, smiling.

His eyes were like beautiful orbes.

The more I looked into his eyes the hotter my face got.

"Yeah. My mom had to move." He said, motioning with his hands.

"Oh. Well, if you want I can be help you around the school? I know this place like the back of my hand." I stated.

"That would be really nice. Oh, and my name is Louis. Nice to meet you, Nicole." He said as he looked into my eyes with his green eyes.

"Haha, you too. If you want, you can sit with me on the bus." I said.

"Well, what about your friend?" Louis said, pointing back at Layla.

"Oh. She can sit with one of her other friends." I said.

"Okay. I guess I'll sit with you." Louis said, smiling.

He had such a warm vibe. He was such a welcoming person.

"Well, see you in the bus, Louis." I said as I began to walk back to Layla.

"Change in plans. Layla, I need you to sit with Danny or someone. I invited Louis to sit with me." I said quickly as the bus approached the first bus stop.

"What?! Nicole... Is a guy more important then me now?" She said with disbelief on her face.

"In this instance, yes." I said, as I began walking to the bus as it approached us and squealed to a stop.

I hopped in the bus and went all the way to the back. I plopped down on my seat and waited for Louis. I saw Layla get on, as she plopped down in Danny's seat, looking back at me.

"Sorry." I mouthed to her.

I saw Louis get on the bus.

"You want the inside it outside." I asked him, standing up in the aisle.

"I don't care." He said, smiling.

"Okay. I'll sit on the inside." I said, sitting down, and scooting towards the window.

"Okay." Louis said, sitting down on the outside.

He was practically on the edge.

"You can scoot over otherwise your gonna fall into the aisle. Don't worry, I don't bite." I said, smiling at Louis.

He scooted over. I smiled at him and looked out the window.

"Nicole." I heard someone say. I turned and it was Louis.

"Huh?" I said nonchalantly.

"You're a really sweet person for helping me out. I guess. I just wanted to say thank you." He said, as he patted the top of my hand.

I could feel my face get warm and my palms got sweaty. I looked up at him and said, "You're welcome."

Louis was smirking at me. He rested his hand on my hand again. Even though I don't really know him, I have a feeling for him. I don't know what kind though.

The ride wasn't a long one. It was kind of a silent one though. Louis broke the silence.

"Did that make you feel uncomfortable?" Louis asked.

"What do you mean, Lou?" I turned my head towards him.

"Me touching your hands..." He said.

"Of course not. It was just different." I said as I smiled faintly.

"Oh. Okay. Just trying to make sure I wasn't creeping you out or anything." Louis said.

The bus reached the school. And kids started to get off.

"You still gonna help me?" Louis asked. His hands were in the seat in front of him.

"Of course, silly." I said, standing up.

Louis got up and backed up so I could get off the bus first. I smiled at him,got off, and waited for him. He finally got off and we began to walk. The bell rang for home room.

"Come on. You have Mrs. Marshall?" I asked walking towards her room.

"Yeah. Who do you have?" He asked, looking down at me.

"Marshall." I said, as I stopped at her door. I opened the door to the classroom. Everyone was starring.

"Just as I thought." Louis said, looking down at the ground.