First Love (David & Liza)

Chapter 9

I take a burger and some fries and sit on a table in the back of the cafeteria. I take a bite and just because I have nothing better to do, I look around the room, scanning the hundreds of unfamiliar faces. How come after so many years of school I don't know anybody? Does that mean that I'm a repulsive person? Or maybe I'm just antisocial? I frown at the word. No, it simply means that I'm too shy to start a normal conversation with a random person. I take another bite. 

Being alone all day totally sucks.

"Liza, where is Gabbie? And why is she not returning my texts? Did I do something wrong? Did she tell you something?" Zane's babbling pulls me away from my weird thoughts as he suddenly sits on the chair before me, making me look at him with utter confusion and almost choking on my burger.

"Gosh, slow down, Zane! And "Hello" to you too!" I manage to reply, covering my mouth with one hand, so I don't spit on him. "She is staying home today, because she is sick. And she is probably sleeping, that's why she hasn't return your texts. Now chill and let me eat my lunch in peace and quiet! Please and thank you!" I give him a small smile, batting my eyelashes before I take another bite.

"Oh! OOOH!" Zane exclaims as the realization hits him. "I'm sorry for the interrogation, Liza." He smiles back apologetically. "Do you think I should go visit her?"

"Sounds perfectly good to me. Maybe you can buy her something cheesy like a "Get better" card, flowers or a stuffed animal. She's going to like the gesture." I suggest and he nods in agreement, but then there's something mischiveous in his eyes.

"Do you mean like a red rose?" He emphasizes on the last two words, a big grin appearing on his slightly stubbled face. I loudly gasp, covering my mouth. How does he know? But then if Zane knows that means everyone else knows too. I'm going to kill David!

"Don't push my buttons, dude! I may be a small, shy girl, but you really don't want to mess with me! Now, go!" I give him a threatening glare, my index finger pointing to his chest and he puts his hands up in defense.

"Calm down, baby! I was just joking!" He says and stands up, still grinning. "By the way, David is waiting for you, so you better hurry up with those fries." I frown at him as he takes one from my plate, pops it up into his mouth and walks away.

Exactly 4 minutes later I'm already done with my lunch and quickly make my way towards the parking lot. My eyes frantically search for that one particular person. And when I see him, my lips strech in the widest and happiest smile. David is lazily leaning onto the passenger door of his car with his earplugs on, looking down at something on his phone. His back is turned to me and he can't notice me staring so creepily at him. Huge mistake, dude! This gives me the perfect opportunity to scare him. I give myself a mental high five for the idea. I sneak as quietly as possible behind him, so he won't see me. But when I reach my hands to the both sides of his body to tickle him, he suddenly turns around, catching me on the crime scene. Ok, I wasn't expecting this sudden turn of events! 

We end up face to face, so close to each other that our noses are almost touching. His eyes widen in surprise for a brief second, then he immediately smiles. Then he does something that almost knocks the breath out of my lungs, making me freeze once again. He runs his fingers through my hair without breaking eye contact with me. I can't feel my limbs, I can't move at all, but I surely can feel the heat rising from the back of my neck towards my face and I'm sure that in a few seconds my cheeks will be blushing like crazy. His hand slowly slides down then around my waist as he places the other one on my cheek. The simple contact of his skin on mine makes my body unvoluntary shiver, completely clouding my mind. He removes his gaze form my eyes down to my lips, his rapid breathing fanning my face. Finally, I understood what those girls at school were talking about this morning.

"Dang it, David!" I manage to say, trying hard to think straight. "I was going to scare you so good! Why did you turn around?" I say, taking a step back and freeing myself from his warm embrace. I don't think this strategy is working though, because he still has that spark in his eyes. He shakes his head a little like he wants to chase away a bad thought then opens the car door and smiles at me again.

"Your carriage is waiting for you, my princess. And so am I." He gives me a hand to help me get in the car then shuts the door. I watch him go around the car, that smile never leaving his lips. 

Ok, what exactly happened a few moments ago? Why did he do those things? He touched my hair, held me closer to him. And why is he always making these sweet little comments? Do they mean something more or he is just joking around? Is that how flirting looks like? So many questions, not a single I can give an answer of. Actually, there is one thing I know for sure. I really, really need help with boys and thankfully, the only person who, in my opinion, is an expert happens also to be my best friend. Yeah, Gabbie would know what to do!

"Earth to Liza, Earth to Liza! Do you copy?" I hear David's voice and I realize that we are almost out of the parking lot. What is wrong with me today?

"Yeah?" When I look at him he bursts out laughing. "What?" I raise an questioning eyebrow.

"Why are you always making me repeat myself? I asked you if you're tired and want to go home?" He says, laughing again. An idea flashes through my brain, making me chuckle at it. It's time for some answers and I'm going to get them. No matter what.

"Maybe I don't. Would you like to help me for a second time today?" Even before I finish the question he's already nodding. "Great! Do you have your camera with you?" I giggle when he nods too quickly again.

"Yes, it's on the backseat. Do you need it for a project or something?" He glances at me for a moment before shifting his gaze back on the road. But that's enough for me to see the excitement in his eyes and I'll be a liar if I say I'don't feel the same way.

"Just drive!"