Between You and Me

~~13~~

I pause just outside the classroom and let out a long sigh.  I just finished my last midterm exam.  I only had three, but one of them was math and had caused quite the major headache while studying.  Luckily I had Shilo to be my study buddy. 

I had been so focused on school that I basically blocked everyone out of my life, including my mom.  I knew she didn't mind though, she would rather I block her out if it meant my grades stayed the same or improved.  And they did improve.  My French mark had been bumped up a few points only by passing my exam with 82%.

Now I could relax.  I could work a little more and save up for school.  Really though, I'm only saving right now to send in applications to a bunch of different schools.  Each application itself is worth a pretty penny, which is nothing but a pain for me.  How am I supposed to start planning my future if I don't know what I want or where to go?

"Hey you."

I look up from my panicky thoughts and see just who I needed to see: Oliver.  He's leaning against the wall just outside his classroom.

"Hey, Olly." I smile up at him once I reach his side, "You just get done?"
"Yep.  I don't wanna brag or anything, but I totally aced it." he playfully flips his long hair off to one side.

I barely get a laugh out when the door across the hall opens and a teacher pops her head out, glaring at us.

"Shit, sorry Mrs. Lance.  C'mon Sage, I'll drive you home."

Her face softens and she closes the door, extra careful not to make any noise. 

On our way out, I can tell he wants to tell me something.  Once we pass through the doorway into the sun, I grab his arm and pull him to a stop, "What do you need to get off your chest?"
"I've narrowed my school choices for next year." He looks down at me hesitantly.
"You're going to accept a scholarship aren't you?" I smile softly, already knowing the answer "That's good news, Olly."
"Yes, I decided I'm going to give the football option a try." He steps closer, "But I want your opinion on which school to pick.  You have an unbiased point of view."
I chuckle slightly, "Of course, I can do that."

He nods his head once and slowly takes my hand, leading me to his car. He opens the passenger side door and I slide in. I wipe my hands on my jeans while he comes around the other side. He starts the car and heads off, glancing at me before gently linking our hands and resting them on the centre console. 

I know we've become closer the last few weeks.  We haven't done anything more than occasionally hold hands though. I think he knows to take this slowly,  after all we'll be separated come the end of the school year. 

We pull into a long driveway and I peer at him, confused.  This definitely isn't my house.

"I figured we could look at schools for you while we talk about my options." He explains shyly.

I'm not sure how I'll be without him, to be honest.  He's more concerned about where I'll go next year than I am. 

I nod once and get out of the car once he parks.  Looking up at the home and seeing two cars already parked, I know I'll be meeting his parents a lot sooner than I had hoped. 

"I know we aren't official yet but I wanted to do this at home so I didn't have to transfer any webpages or information from the library computers." He faces me head on, with concern in his eyes.
"It's okay, you don't have to explain, I get it. I'm just not too keen on spending any time with them. I'm not dressed to meet the royalty of this town, Oliver."
He nods quickly, "You look beautiful. We'll introduce you and then head up to my room."
I smile and wink suggestively, "Oh really? Your bedroom huh?"