Always Love You

Chapter 18

Cassidy found a text message later in the morning saying that Gerald is sick and therefore he won't be able to make it to the mall. Cassidy felt disappointed after reading it, but she made her mind because after all, you don't ask someone to make you get sick.

Cassidy decided to call Luke and find out whether he is free so that they can finish their project as fast as possible since it's a burden to them.

Cassidy dialled Luke's number and waited for a reply. It only took one ring for the person, whoever to answer the phone.

“Hey Cass! What's up?” asked Luke straight away after checking the ID of the caller.

“Hi Luke!” replied Cassidy surprised as she did not expect Luke to save her number.

“No tummy problems I suppose,” said Luke, remembering how Cassidy teased him about the fact that he could cook in a friendly way.

“Oh yeah! You're right about that,” replied Cassidy and smiled even though she knew that Luke can't see it.

“So, any particular reason for calling me?” asked Luke out of curiosity as Cassidy never calls without a reason.

“Are you free today?” asked Cassidy, trying to make sure that she doesn't sound desperate to find out what he is doing.

“Yeah. Why? What's the plan?” asked Luke curiously.

“Wanna do the project today? You know, plan it,” said Cassidy.

“Sure. Meet me at Villa Caffe,” replied Luke and cut the line so that he could get ready soon and start off the project.

Cassidy quickly got dressed and packed her bag. She quickly headed out the house so that Greg won't spot her leaving the house. Then she took the route she normally takes when she goes to school as Villa Caffe is only one meter away from school.

“Hi!” said Cassidy as she saw Luke entering the Caffe before her.

“Hi! Wow, you're fast girl!” exclaimed Luke surprised.

“Why did you say that?” asked Cassidy curiously while entering in.

“You know, all the girls in High School have a reputation for being late. Now, we have an exception I guess.” replied Luke and smiled at her.

“Really! Why is that?” asked Cassidy curiously.

Cassidy's previous school was not like this. Girls were always punctual, but boys were never punctual, which of course excludes the nerds in their school.

“Even for something little like this they have to put their makeup and lipstick on.” replied Luke and sighed.

Both Luke and Cassidy walked near to an empty table and kept their bags. Afterwards, they straight away headed to order something to eat and drink.

“So, what are you going to order?” asked Luke still trying to figure out what to order.

“Can I have a potato and onion bun, a prawn quiche and a slice of blueberry cheesecake, please?” said Cassidy to the cashier.

“Anything to drink, madam?” asked the cashier after punching the order to the machine.

“Do you'll have strawberry smoothie?” asked Cassidy as she was bored to read the list of cold beverages.

“Yes, madam.” replied the cashier.

“Then I will have strawberry smoothie without ice. It tastes best without ice.” said Cassidy to the cashier.

“Okay, madam. Please take your seat.” said the cashier.

“Umm... I will have a potato and fish bun and a slice of pizza. And to drink, I will have a vanilla coffee.” said Luke.

“Please be seated, sir. We will bring the order to your table.” said the cashier batting her eyelashes at Luke.

“So, what are we going to do? I was thinking about a billing system or maybe a payroll system.” said Cassidy.

“Wow!” exclaimed Luke looking surprised.

“What?” asked Cassidy looking confused.

“You read my mind. I was thinking about a billing system.” replied Luke.

“Wow! So then we'll make a billing system.” replied Cassidy.

“Great! I already made a rough sketch. Check this out!” said Luke and handed over some papers.

Cassidy ordered the papers while making faces in approval or for wow or sometimes not bad.

“Why did you write an algorithm?” asked Cassidy curiously.

“It's a basic problem solving method.” replied Luke surprised at Cassidy's question.

“I know that.” replied Cassidy, sounding a bit disappointed as if she was not expecting that answer, but something else.

“Then what?” asked Luke confused.

“You could have used a flow chart instead of an algorithm. It's really simple and easy. It also saves time, you know.” said Cassidy.

“Well, I felt kind of bored. Had nothing to do at home. Besides, you know, you have to draw circles and rectangles and all sorts of shapes. I don't like drawing those things. It's really boring.” said Luke with hand gestures.

Their conversation stopped from that point as the waitress brought  the food and served them.

“You're eating like a man. Unbelievable!” said Luke literally staring at Cassidy's plate.

“Why? What's wrong with the food?” asked Cassidy curiously.

“You know, it's one or two girls who eat like you. You don't care about fat and all.” replied Luke.

“So?” asked Cassidy.

“It's good to have a friend who eats like that. Especially girl. I don't have to diet too, then. I'm glad that I met you.” replied Luke.

Silence passed between them as they concentrated on the food as well as their project. Both of them tested codes in their laptops while eating.

“So, umm... Cassidy.” said Luke, making Cassidy to look away from her laptop screen.

“Yes!” said Cassidy, looking at Luke.

“Can you... umm... Can you come with me to the prom? I don't have a date.” said Luke while fetching an answer from Cassidy's eyes.

“Oh! Wish you asked me yesterday. I just said yes to Gerald. Never thought that another guy would ask me to go to prom with them.” replied Cassidy.

“Oh, it's okay.” said Luke, but looking down at the plate.

“I really would like to go, but...” trailed off Cassidy.

“It's okay.” replied Luke.

Few seconds past and Luke looked finally looked at Cassidy's face.

“What's wrong?” asked Luke after seeing the blank face of Cassidy as if she has seen a ghost.