Strangers, Friends and All the In Between

Chapter 11

I pull into the parking lot of the school, waiting until Sam steps off before leaning the bike against its stand. I step off, removing my helmet from my head and looking up to the two eyes already staring at me. I put my helmet on the back of the seat on the bike, strapping it in. Once that's done, I walk around the side of my bike to the chick waiting for me who had already placed the spare helmet within its rightful place inside the bag. I grab Sam's bag, interlocking our fingers as we stand there.

"So, first day back at school since we've been together...you ready?" I ask her, looking into Sam's eyes. She pauses a moment before answering.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Sam asks as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Well, you're gonna get a ton of shit for being my girlfriend. If anyone does anything to you, come and tell me right away and I will stop it," I request of her in a serious tone.

"Of course, Aaron. And I'm fine with going through anything if it means continuing being with you."

"You're so sweet, Sam." I pause for a moment, looking towards the building in front of us. "Well then, let's go."

We walk into the building, hands still laced together. Immediately, we catch the attention of everyone within the gymnasium which is normal for me, seeing as most of the girls here tend to be all over me. I notice the glares from the other girls towards Sam. At that sight, I put my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to me in a protective manner.

Sam and I walk to our first period class. We step into the room and Ryan looks over and sees the two of us still in the position as before. So much emotion ran through her face in an instant. She walks over to us with a questioning look to us.

"Hey, love," I start, dropping my arm from Sam and give Ryan a hug.

"Hey. What's, uh, going on here?" Ryan asks, looking at Sam and I as I wrap my arm around Sam's waist. I smile at the question, thinking about the answer to her question.

"Well...it is what it looks like. I asked Sam to be my girlfriend," I state simply. Ryan's face softens then turns into a huge smile.

"I knew it!" Ryan exclaims. "Ya know, I thought you guys would make a cute couple from the time you two started hanging out. I had a feeling about you two." Ryan nudges me in the ribs as I roll my eyes and Sam lays her head onto my shoulder.

"Uh huh. Sure ya did," I rebut.

"I did!" Ryan defends. I laugh as Sam and I walk over to our seats for the class. Ryan follows us over and sits behind me. "I really did," she prods further.

"Alright, alright. I believe you. Now, please let's drop it while we're in class," I request of her. I see her nod from my peripherals. The teacher walks into the room and begins the class.

I hear the bell ring, realising that I had been doodling the entirety of the class and didn't hear anything that the teacher said. I pack up my supplies back into my book bag. I stand up and walk out of the classroom. At the moment I get out of the door, I feel an arm around one of my arms. I turn and look at Sam who gives me a confused look.

"What's wrong?" I ask her, lifting her chin up slightly.

"You were leaving without me. Don't couples do things like walk out with each other?" she asks, matter-of-factly. I laugh at her question.

"Yeah, I suppose. I've not been in a relationship in so long. I suppose I lost my manners," I slide my hand down her arm until it reaches her hand where I intertwine our fingers. We walk down the hallway hand in hand. Our gesture was met with wandering eyes and obvious whispers by the onlookers. I look through my peripherals and see Sam smirking at all the attention. She then moves my arm around her shoulders and pulls herself closer to me. "You're really enjoying all of this aren't you?"