Unapologetically In Love

(4)

I slam my locker shut only to spot Cassie and Lela smirking at me. Gathering my books in one hand, I lean against the locker sighing. Both of them didn't hear back about how my night was with Diego. Plus, Lela is dying to know how I liked Moana.

"Hey guys," I say, hoping their teasing smiles go away soon.

"You, girl, have a lot of explaining to do," Cassie explains casually.

"Did you like it? Isn't Moana just amazing? The songs were great, although the details were amazing too! Ooh did Diego take you out after? Oh-" Lela rants on.

"The movie was good," I start walking towards class, "Diego was annoying, but took me to a diner."

"Aw." Cassie and Lela sigh dreamily.

" I told you before, I don't like him," I push myself off the locker.

Cassie whines, "Why not? Are you just afraid?"

As I walk away, I turn around a give her a look.

"Hey, it's okay, Clover, we understand. With your father, plus your ex and everything else," Lela puts a hand on my shoulder before walking away. "We'll see you later."

I take a deep breath before walking away towards Biology. With everything I've been through, still going through, why can't they just learn that I'm hurting? That I just have trouble trusting people and that I'm not ready to let someone in to learn my past and present.

Cassie just doesn't understand as much as Lela. Lela and I both had bad relationships, family problems, and are quiet and reserved. She's my friend and I lover her, but Cassie just lives through her life like it's a game. Picking up boys and dropping them off with a flick of her finger.

Walking into biology, I decide to ignore all the thoughts and comments about my friends and sit down to focus on class. I put my books on the table and open a new page in my notebook. All of a sudden, a big slam from the next seat over brings my head up in surprise.

"Why hello Lucky Charms," Diego says, plopping down right next to me.

I let out a huge groan in response.

"Is someone having a bad day?" He rests his head on his hand that's now sticking up from his elbow propped up.

"Yeah because you showed up," I reply.

"Now that's not really nice," Diego pouts. "After everything I did for you this weekend."

I sarcastically smile, "All you did, was take me to see Moana to help with the English project."

"I also took you to a nice dinner." He points out.

"So what? I got a free dinner." I turn towards the front.

"You see, it's called being a gentleman," Diego flirts.

"Okay class, read chapter thirty-five in your books." Mrs. Warner says. "Take notes too!"

"You want to work together?" My annoying English partner asks.

"I feel we need new rules, Diego."

"What? Are you the new Dua Lipa? What happened to Lucky Charms?"

"Ugh, your so annoying." I open my book.

"Why thanks," He replies.

"Excuse me, but I'm gonna do my work now." I take out a pen and start doing my work.

"Ask if you need help," Diego informs me.

I just ignore him and start to read about biology. I don't understand how or why Diego chooses to annoy me. All I want is for him to worry about himself.

"By the way, I don't remember you having this class," I say turning the next page in my book.

"I had to move my schedule around," He quietly replies.

"Why?" I ask curiously.

"Does it matter?" Diego snaps.

I look up and turn to see his expression is dark and not his usual light self. Finn, from across the room, glances at us. I stare at Diego until he shakes his head and stares at his notebook.

Silence fills the class and I quickly go back to my work.

Slowly, the hour passes by and the bell rings. Lucky for me, Diego had been quiet and allowed me to finish both my in class work and homework. Now we have English, which sucks because we have a substitute. Our teacher, Mr. Roberts, is probably sick or had something to do. Diego and I will probably have to work on the project.

Grabbing my materials, I put them in my bag and stand up. Diego is, surprisingly, not talking as we walk to English. I'm surprised he's even walking with me as we usually meet each other there.

We walk into English and take our seats. The substitute fills us in and tells us to do our projects. Students quickly get to work and I turn towards Diego.

"Look, I'm sorry if I upset you. Let's just work on our project." I question him.

He nods, "Yeah. Let's do the fun fact page today."

"Good idea," I smile. "You go first."

"What do your parents do?"

The first question he asks hits me hard. Not one time, during a Q&A type thing, has anyone brought up that type of question. Maybe it's because they already know the answer.

"Um, my mom's a nurse at the local hospital," I start off.

"And your dad?" Diego asks.

I swallow and take a deep breath before spilling out a hard topic. "My dad's in the army."

I look away from Diego's piercing green eyes and look over to where Lela and Finn are. As I hear Diego take a breath in, I watch as the two partners talk and laugh as they work on their own project.

"Clover, I'm so-"

"Don't," I cut him off. "I don't need your pity."

"I wasn't going to give you any." I look up at him.

Diego looks sincere and concerned as I read his expression. Usually, people give me pity when I talk about my dad. I guess maybe Diego understands what I go through.

"My dad was in the army growing up. He just got out of it and is now working at the mall," He explains. "So I know what it feels like."

I nod. "I understand."

"Okay, so you ask me a question Lucky Charms." Diego smiles.

"What's your favorite place to visit?" I laugh slightly to release the tension.

"Hawaii." He answers immediately.

"You've been to Hawaii?" I ask, shockingly.

"Yeah because my mom has family there and my dad's business." He replies.

"What's it like?" I ask another question, too engaged to stop.

Diego laughs and looks at me with a smile. "It's beautiful. I'll have to take you one day."
We both smile and I feel that things are starting to change. That maybe, after all, Diego isn't that annoying.

            '~'

Hey guys!
I hope you like the short, but meaningful chapter! You found out about Clover and Diego's dad.
Please vote, comment and share the word!
Thanks!
Madi :)