Not So Different

Chapter 5

Chapter 5: talking over coffee 

After contemplating my choices for the rest of the school day, I decided that there would be no harm done if I went with Ray. I mean, he didn't demand me to go, he just didn't wait for an answer. I'd say that's an improvement from the usual treatment I got from my friends.

Besides, it wasn't like I had anything planned after school that day. Daniel and I had a date tomorrow, but today it was going to be just me with Netflix and my favourite bear, Coco to cuddle with. In other words, I'm lonely and I could use the attention.

When the last bell rang out, I grabbed my bag from the floor and casually strolled out the door, stopping at my locker to remove the books that I didn't need for homework. When I was done, I made my way to the parking lot.

I didn't know what Ray meant when he said parking lot. Do I stand in the middle of the place and wait for him while cars swerve around me? That would certainly catch his attention. Or do I stand by the door and wait for him to come out. That definitely beats looking around for his car, given that I didn't even know what model he drives.

Deciding on the safer and less idiotic and most importantly logical option, I waited for him by the entrance. Students were spilling out the doors like a packet drink overflowing when being squeezed, and I just stood by the side watching them.

My eyes dazed and I lost my focus, now just staring but nothing was entering my brain. And that's why I got startled when someone grabbed my wrist.

Regaining my composure, I looked up at the figure and smiled, "hey, you."

Daniel stood with one hand in his pocket and the other holding mine. There was a light in his eyes and I couldn't help but smile. "Hey beautiful. What are you doing waiting out here, do you need a ride?"

I shook my head. "Nope, I drove. I'm actually waiting for someone, he should be here soon."

"He?"

"Yeah, Ray. The transfer? You should know him."

"Where are you going with him," he said, and if I wasn't mistaken, I could detect a hint of spite in that sentence, as well as jealously.

I shrugged, mentally aching to know where we were going too. "No idea, he disappeared before I could ask him." I looked over his shoulder and saw someone waving their hand to signal me, and I excused myself. "Look, there he is," I leaned up to kiss Daniel on the cheek, "bye! I'll call you later!" and with a wink, I ran off.

By the time I reached where Ray was, I was panting and leaning on my knees, trying to catch my breath. Why did I run, why did I think I had the stamina to perform such an atrocious activity; my body wasn't built for this kind of torture.

Ray chuckled, shaking his head. "You know, I don't think lover boy is too keen on you coming with me," he observed, looking back at where I ran from, where Daniel still stood glaring at him.

I waved it off, "I told him where we were going. He doesn't mind," I turned back and blew him a kiss to prove that he was okay with this, but he continued glaring at Ray. I shrugged, "see, he's fine."

"Bitch I think not," he coughed. "Sorry. Maybe we shouldn't go."

"What! No way. I waited too long for you to back out," I rejected the idea completely. "Come on, lead the way. I'll follow you in my car."

He tsked. "Bad idea," he said. "That place is a nightmare for parking. I'll bring you back here later so you can collect your car. Before nightfall," he quickly added when he saw the uneasiness on my face.