planter

Anika

It had been 10 minutes and counting... I glanced back and forth between the path leading to the boys dorm and the stairs. Hurry up Eve.

The boys rounded the corner engrossed in some conversation and my prayers started as I stared brows drawn at the stairs.

Evie came running down the stairs just in time to follow me out the doors panting hard.

I smiled brightly at Jack blushing when he smiled back. God he is so cute!

"Hey Anika, Evie," Jack said as he and Samuel came to a stop in front of us, "This is Sam."

Sam held out his hand awkwardly in Evie's direction making me inwardly cringe.

"Nice to meet you Evie" he said seeming overly stiff.

Evie smiled though it looked a little forced as she reached out to shake his outstretched hand. "Yeah" she managed.

We walked towards the closest restaurant, a drive in, where students tended to gather, making small talk as a group to break the ice.

I was proud to say Eve only threw me a few loud glances in the 6 minutes it took to arrive.

Jack held the door for me as we walked into the restaurant seating of the drive in. We ordered our food and found a booth by the window. I took the window seat and to my disappointment Evie slid in beside me before Jack got the chance.

Once the boys had sat I leaned into Eve's arm. "So Sam, Eve likes to paint what is it you do for fun?" I had been hoping to start a conversation but Sam's muttered, "uh not much" was really killing the vibe. I pressed my lips together and looked at Jack who shrugged in response. This was not going to plan. But if Evie didn't want it then I wouldn't keep trying to help.

"So Jack how has your telepathy training been going? Can you read my thoughts yet?"

The corner of his mouth kicked up, "No need to with you. Your expressions say it all Ani. Blushing at the nickname and comment I turned my face from view. "And how about for you? The fire singe anyone recently?"

That had me turning back fast "no! I mean not in a bit."

"Ah so like a week then?" He smirked mercilessly.

I was about to reply when our order was called and I opted to push Evie out of the seat to go get the food instead.

The second we were out of earshot she turned to me, "please help Anika. I want to go home" I frowned realizing how torturous this must be for her.

"Ok fine." I touched her arm reassuringly before picking up the tray with our burgers. "I'll figure out something."

"Thank you love you" she breathed out.

"Of course E."

We went back to the table and sat down. I cleared my throat in preparation and went for it.

"Ok that's it." I addressed both Evie and Samuel "No more awkward silence. If you can't find something to talk about feel free to leave" Sam looked mortified while Jack looked a little shocked.

"Ok count me out" Evie got up grabbing her burger and practically ran out the door.

"Hey Sam if you wanna head out early that's all good with me, sorry it's not gone great" Jack sheepishly added.

Sam left without another word.

Turning to Jack I smiled guiltily "sorry..?"

He returned my gaze and smiled "I'm sorry I recommended they come at all."

My smile turned easy at that.