Forgotten Mentionables

cHaPtEr 11

My hug from Kevin had my chest radiating with warmth.

NOT BECAUSE HE WAS CUTE!!!

...Well he is, but, ...whatever.

The idea alone of me giving someone a hug and not having a full on panic attack had me glowing. I basically skipped into the cafeteria towards Raja. "Well are you going to tell me why you're beaming or do I have to guess?"

Knowing that she probably wouldn't get it right I practically squealed at her "Guess!!" Everything in me felt alive.

Raja looked at me deeply. It felt like her hazel eyes were grilling me soul for information.

"You met someone new?"

"Nope."

"You found out they have garlic knots for lunch?"

"Really? That sounds yummy, but no." I giggled

This is way too much fun. I'm used to Raja knowing my emotions inside and out, so her not being right for once added to my excitement. Raja opened her mouth to speak again, but Zahvii, Luke, Ashton, Carla, James, and Rizzo mobbed the table.

"Hey shortstack"

"Hey Aer, Raja"

"Hola"

"Sup"

They all greeted. Still glowing, I smiled brightly at all of them.

"Woah, what's got you so cheery? I haven't seen you smile this much since you filled Ashton's locker tot he brim with pennies." Zahvii joked as he sat down.

Rizzo giggled and planted herself in his lap. The rest of the gang followed suit and sat around the table. James sat next to Raja, who tucked herself in his side. Ashton sat next to Carla who was next to Zhavii and Rizzo. Luke sat in between James and I.

I hadn't noticed before, but he was grinning and staring at me. I tried my best to pretend like I didn't see him staring, but his gaze was so intense I felt it on the back of my neck.Thankfully Ashton pulled all attention to him when he turned to me and said in fake despair, "That wasn't fair Aer. It took me two freaking days to get all of those pennies out. But the joke was on you because I brought it to the bank and they said it was $74.96". The whole table rumbled with laughter.

"Luke you should have been there! Ashton's face was priceless." Carla wheezes.

Laughing as well Luke said, "I can only imagine the trouble Aeriodianne gets herself into. As long as don't pull any pranks on me I think I can manage."He looked directly into my eyes when he said it making my heart palpitate.

"I've been meaning to ask you, how do you two know each other. Mama B. mentioned Luke's dad earlier and I just thought..." Raja trailed off.

I shifted in my seat. I didn't know how to answer this question. Should I say he was my roommate or even my new brother or something. Though it would be kind of weird to think my brother is hot.

"We are.." I started. "childhood friends" Luke finished.

I glanced at him and he glanced at me. We both looked at Raja who still looked confused."Then why did Mama B. bring you here this morning?" she questioned further.

"Oh!" Luke jumped in, "it's because there is....errm...difficulties back home in London so I'm staying with Aeriodianne and Mrs. Bouhadana for my last years of high school of high school."

He explained it so smoothly I almost didn't notice he skipped a huge portion of the story.Carla slammed her hands on the table frightening everyone. "I knew you were European!" she practically yelled. She was always the loud one. Her tight blonde curls moved with her head as she laughed to herself. She was also half insane...