The Grand Canyon

Chapter Two

A/N>> > This is what Nikki looks like!

Brrrriiiiing!
I quickly grabbed my stuff and ran out the door. Nikole's class was in Hall 1 downstairs and I wanted to be there by the time she walked out. I was running so fast I barely saw this short sophomore walking across the hall.
"Hey! What the hell!" he yelled.
"Sorry!" I shouted over my shoulder.
Hall 1 was swarming with students by the time I got there. It was hard to find Nikole when people kept saying hi to me. Finally, her classroom door was in view and I could see her standing there. She was wearing a pink-ish shirt and a white skirt with some red things on it. She was thin and tall with long hair. She spotted me and smiled. Man, I really liked her smile.
"Hey, sorry I kept you waiting. Lots of people to push through," I said, breathless.
"No, it's okay," she laughed. "Why do you sound like you just ran the mile?"
"Oh, no reason." I tried to regain my breathing. "So you ready for lunch?"
"Yeah. Let me just swing by my locker. I don't wanna carry these books right now," she gestered towards her bag.
"Okay."
We walked towards the lockers silently. She walked confidently- I noticed- like she was a queen, but not in an arrogant way... just sure of herself. It was pretty hot.
I cleared my throat. "So, how were your classes? Make any friends yet?"
"The classes are okay, I guess. I mean, I don't particularly enjoy listening to an adult drone on about boring subjects." She paused, then said, "I did make a friend, though. Or at least I think I did."
"Who?" I really hoped it wasn't a guy.
"Samantha something. I forget, but she was nice."
"Oh. I don't think I know her," I said, relieved. Nikole found her locker and opened it.
"Well, I liked her." She put her books in her locker and pushed it shut. "So, I'm starved."
I laughed and said," Me, too. Let's get some food."

  

"You don't eat in here, do you?"
"God, no. The cafeteria is way to crowded. My friends and I eat outside by our tree. Come on, I'll show you." I led Nikole outside to this huge sycamore tree by the bleachers. We started sitting there freshman year when we got kicked out of our table by some jerk. After a while, we didn't mind because it became our spot.
"Yo, Luke!" Noah waved at me. Everyone was there already.
I glanced at Nikole. "You ready to meet my friends?"
"Of course," she replied and I nodded.
We sat down on the cool grass. Noah was already halfway done with his food. "Hey, guys. This is Nikole Smith. She's new so I'm showing her around."
"Well, ain't that sweet of you," said Sophia, biting into an apple. She looked at Nikole and smiled. "Hi, I'm Sophia. This is my boyfriend, Noah. And that's Rosalie and Camila. "
"Nice to meet you all."
"Rosie's my sister," I added, unsure of what to say. I started eating my food.
Rosalie gave Nikole a long look and took a bite of her slice of pizza. "Where you from?"
"Rhode Island."
"What'd you do there?" asked Camila.
"I did a bit of cheerleading and drama. I love acting," Nikole smiled. She ate her pizza.
"Oh, I love drama!" exclaimed Rosalie, mouth full. "We're also having cheerleading try outs in two Fridays after school if you're interested."
"I would love to! Thanks."
"So, Nikole," said Noah, "we're all gonna hang out at my house after school. Wanna come?"
"Oh, sure. I wouldn't be intruding, right?"
"Nah, you're fine. I wouldn't have invited you if you were," laughed Noah.
Everyone was laughing and talking. My friends seemed to like her, which was good. I glanced at Rosie and she gave me a look that meant she was already planning something. I glared at her. She smirked.
Brrrriiinng!
"Ugh! I just wanna go home already," whined Sophia.
"Just a few more hours, babe. Then we'll be free." Noah helped her up and kissed her forehead. She smiled and turned to the rest of us.
"Well, it was nice meeting you, Nikki. Is it cool if I call you 'Nikki'?" She asked and Nikole nodded. "Cool. See you tonight, guys!"
She and Noah walked off together. Rosie and Camila stood, talking about the latest gossip. I nudged my sister and said, "Don't be late today. I'm not waiting for you. I'm going home with or without you."
She rolled her eyes. "I won't, I promise."
"You better."
"Yeah, yeah. See you two later." She and Camila smiled at Nikole and waved goodbye.
I helped Nikole with her tray and she stood. We walked slowly back to the building.
"They were nice," she said.
"Yeah, they're pretty cool. Are you going to come with us? To Noah's?" I asked. I secretly hoped she'd say yes.
"Depends. Can you pick me up?" She gave me a sheepish grin.
"Yeah of course."
"Then yes, I'll come."
I chuckled and threw the trash away. "What's your next class?"
Nikole reached into her bag and looked at her schedule. "Um, oh, English with Daub. Room 327F."
"Oh, good luck." I snickered. "Daub's the worst English teacher ever! She makes you do four page papers on just about anything."
"Wow, thanks. Now I'm miserable about this class and I haven't even started it yet!" She playfully pushed me. I looked at her and smiled. She caught me looking and I looked away. "Gimme your hand."
"What?" I questioned.
"Your hand." She pulled out a black pen. "You can't pick me up if you don't know my address... or my home number, for that matter."
"Oh, yeah. Duh." I opened my palm and she took my hand, writing down gently. I looked at her neat handwriting.
2134 S. Metro Ave          (278)431-5066
"Call before you pick me up so I can get ready, okay?"
"Sure." I stopped walking. "Well, here's you class."
"Thanks for walking me," she replied. "I'll see you tonight."
"Bye," I grinned. And with that, she disappeared through the door. The second bell rang and I ran to my next class.