"Well this is weird."

The next morning came in oddly different. Ever since we entered the school entrance, I've been getting unusual greetings  from people I know and I don't know.

"Yeah, I'm feeling it."

They were simple "hi's", "hello's", "how are you's". Some even attempted a long chat. Some commented on the shirt I'm wearing. My shoes. My bag. Even my hair color and length.

"You okay there Alex?"

"I bet she is, but this whole thing's kinda creepy don't you guys think?"

"Yeah, what caused  the sudden shift?"

"They're all acting strange."

"Hell yeah they are! I mean-HELLO?! I dye my hair almost every time but they appreciated Alex's boring brown! Look at me! I'm a blonde-Blonde baby. Blonde! Notice me peeps! I'll die my hair red the next time!"

"Shut up Penny, everyone's looking!"

"Who cares?! I'm pissed! Alex say something! Tell them why I'm pissed!"

"You're always pissed Penny. It's  your middle name."

"Ugh! Whatever. They're all fake!"

I kept silent while I listened to them talk. I have no idea what's happening. What caused those students to suddenly become extra friendly. I mean, they're not usually like that. They were never like that. Ever since I stepped foot in this school no one-other than Jade, Penny and Chloe gave me a second glance, much less converse with me on purpose. No one did. Not since...

Daniel. I thought.

Their sudden change of character must be because of what happened yesterday.

I should've seen this coming.

There'd be no other reason for these people to approach you like it's  something  that happens everyday Alex.

Sighing, I proceeded into the room turning and responding to every greeting. Walking to the far back of the room, I chose the spot close to the window so I could breathe some fresh air.

Class started and things went smoothly. The four of us headed to the cafe and Jade and Penny met some new friends along the way-who began asking me random questions-then later began asking details about Daniel and of the event that happened in the cafe yesterday-which I politely declined to answer-and now they're talking about fashion-to which I can't relate so I turned to Chloe who seem to be spending an extended amount of time already watching her turned off phone.

"You okay Chlo?" I asked gently scooting closer to where she's seated. She angled her chin to look at me nodding in the process. Her eyes look sullen. Even her smile looked strained.

"What is it?" I prodded. She looked like she debated internally for a moment. Probably weighing the cons and pros of telling me what's bothering her. Then she sighed, shoulders slumping as her eyes zoned into her phone looking like she's in deep thought.

"Jackson."

Oh.

Her ex-boyfriend.

For three long years their relationship lasted. I'm not really an expert in almost everything-especially in love. But to me, Jackson seems like a decent guy. Chloe never explained why they broke up that night so it really is difficult to judge. But as her friend, I was there. On some parts of their journey together. I saw how happy she was when she's with him.

"What about him?" Anyone with working eyes can easily see that Chloe still loves him. I guess that's just how it works. When you love, it doesn't instantly stop or end. Even if your relationship did.

"He wants us to talk."

"And what did you say?"

"I don't  know Alex. I want to, but what I saw that night. With Sophie, I-I don't think I can face him without getting mad."

"Then maybe you should ask him. Find out why he did it. Find out why it happened."

"It's not that easy."

"What is?"

Tears formed in her eyes that her brows knitted. The redness on the tip of her nose and cheeks. Her quivering lips. Something inside me ache seeing her hurt. It's as if she's been holding all her emotions since yesterday and last night, we never got the chance to talk about it.

"I feel betrayed! I trust him. I trusted him but he-he broke it. He broke my trust!" She sobbed looking like she couldn't even stop the emotions from coming out.

"It's fine Chlo, give yourself time. Don't go if you feel like you're not ready." I soothed tapping her shoulder.

"What's wrong with Chloe?"

The two went closer to Chloe asking her what's wrong. I even wondered where their new-found friend went only to find out they left because Penny got pissed. Turns out-well according to Penny; they're only after Daniel-infos. At first they pretended to be interested in knowing Penny and Jade's  fashion style and cosmetic-preference but then they started asking about Daniel.

"Those fake barbies kept on asking me about Daniel. I got bloody pissed-DO I LOOK LIKE I'M GOOGLE?! I BET EVEN GOOGLE DOESN'T KNOW HIS BACKGROUND-GO ASK HIS MOTHER DUMBHEADS!"

"Try to tone down Penny. We're  in the cafe." Jade tried to shush her when several heads turned our way clearly hearing Penny's voluble yammer.

"I don't care! I'm pissed!"

"You're always pissed. Can't you talk quietly for once?"

"Who talks quietly when they're pissed genius!"

"Argh! You're hopeless!"

"And you're...helpless."

"Whatever. Can't we comfort Chloe without arguing? Please?"

"No one's arguing with you Jade. You lack the brains for that."

"Are you saying I'm stupid?"

"See? You're still asking me for confirmation!"

"No. I'm giving you the chance to take it back!"

Scratching the line of my brow  I watched the two banter.

Great. Now how am I going to stop these two.

It was minutes later after lunch that everyone calmed down including Chloe. I received a text message from one of the establishments I applied in online, and I felt elated upon seeing the text that I fled the moment my last class ended. It's an opportunity for me and I wouldn't waste it. I need money to support me and the house as well. It's a restaurant only a few minutes away from school that's why I ran my way there the moment the bell signaled the end of the class-but not after saying goodbye to my friends.

Panting, I stopped by one of the tables outside shaded with cute sunny umbrellas large enough to cover the entire table set. The trees accordingly lined close by added the restaurant's summer vibe that I felt refreshed moments after I sat on one of the chairs.

"And what would your order be Ms. Beautiful?" A male voice suddenly spoke out of nowhere that I halted hand-combing my hair in hopes of appearing decent when I get inside.

"If in any case you're wondering-asking even-YES, I'm on the menu but the promo's only available for you to order." He cracked. His bright aura's making you feel like he's really approachable and friendly. I laughed instantly feeling his fun character.

"Oh no. I'm not a costumer. I'm actually here to apply." I replied, standing up and fixing  my backpack. His blue eyes widened a bit before his mouth formed an O-shape.

"Y-You're Alex?" He asked looking quite confused.

"Yes?"

"Woah! I thought you're a dude! No offense, but I was really expecting a male applicant. Good thing you told me."

He. That means.

"You're the manager?"

"No. I'm the owner." He clarified.

"Let's talk inside Ms. ...Torrens right?" I nodded.

He gestured for me to follow him so I did.

He looks so young. He looks like he's just about my age.

"It's a pleasure meeting you Alex. I'm  Ian. Ian Carson." We shook hands and we began talking. He introduced me to his employees. I told him that I'm a student and he agreed to let me work less than the required time standard on weekdays but I'll be working full-time on weekends. He told me he won't be around consistently since he's also a  student like me. I listened to their rules and regulations mentally taking notes of everything.

I had fun talking and listening to Ian talk. He's humour's really fun. Even his employees seem to be comfortable around him. He introduced me to Easton and Brayden. They're the ones assigned to do deliveries and they're funny like Ian too.

"If one of these two bothers you Alex, come and find me. I'll be more than happy to get rid of them for you." He joked earning a few laughs from us and a few listening costumers.

"You can't do that Ian, you're attached to us-You basically can't live without us!"

"Says who?"

"Says you."

"That, wasn't me talking."

I decided to help serving, taking orders and cleaning the tables when  costumers started filling in. I had so much fun and I quickly coped with the ways of the restaurant. By dusk, I was pleased with today's event.

I feel like I managed to accomplish something big. Pleased with what happened earlier, a small smile flitted my lips as I neared the house with a car parked outside the gate.

Funny, the neighbors don't usually park their cars on my turf. The car doesn't look familiar though, maybe it's one of the Harrison's guest again. They usually have one. But today's not Sunday. I wonder who could the owner be? It kind of hard to see who's inside since it's dark already and the light from the nearby post isn't giving that much.

Just as I was a few steps away from the gate, the car door opened and what I saw made me stop walking.

Scratch that. It's not a what. It's a who.

Daniel.

Why is he-

Oh my-

My chest hammered erratically when I remembered something.

"Basketball practice. Be there."

"You agreed. I'll be expecting tomorrow."

He didn't come here because I forgot right?

Why does he look mad?

He's not  mad just because I didn't show up right?

I mean-

"Georgina."

Fudge! He's calling me by my first name. Does that mean he's mad?

"D-Daniel. You're here." I badly want to smack my forehead hard.

Of course he is!

I should apologize. I said yes after all.

"I'm sorry if I didn't..come. I uh.. went somewhere else." I muttered my voice getting barely audible every passing second.

"Where?"

Huh?

Is he asking me where I went?

Of course dummy,  what else could where mean?

I lifted my hand pointed my index finger behind me.

"Allison's" I told him the restaurant's name. It's pretty popular so he might easily get it. I felt a little nervous  when his face turned dark when I mentioned the restaurant's name.

"With whom?" His deep voice might sound sexy but I swear I gulp because it sounded a bit frightening as well that I had the urge to step back.

"No one. I applied for a job. I'm  really sorry if I didn't come. So uh, how was practice?" I asked, hoping to ease the thickening atmosphere. His eyes studied me for a moment until his features relaxed  then he nodded afterwards.

I saw him massage  his nape when he responded "fine". He must be tired. I saw his worn-out look when stretched his neck a bit maybe intending to ease the soreness.

"Do you want to come in for a bit?" I invited walking towards the gate and unlocking it. I thought of offering him a cup of coffee but then I remembered  I don't have any. Maybe he'd take hot chocolate instead?

Turning around to see if he would or wouldn't, I meet his gaze. I waited a beat when he did nothing but stare at me. I was about to say something when he stepped out of his car, locked it and then started walking towards where I stood.

It's hot chocolate on a cup then. I thought, gesturing for him to come in first.

"Make yourself comfortable, I'll go get you something to drink." I gestured the couch for him to occupy while I set my bag down. He silently took a seat leaning his upper body on the furniture. His large frame almost took all the space.

Geez, he's really big.

I went to the kitchen to prepare. I saw how his eyes roamed the living room. For a wealthy guy like him, the house might be a bit cozy.

I wouldn't say it's small because honestly it's not. It's just not that big. Not the kind that would impress anyone with eyes. But to me it's more homey. More cozy. More comfy.

Dad especially bought this house. For us. It might not be the most expensive assets he owned but to me, it's  the most valuable one.

I went back to the living room only to find Daniel sprawled on where he's currently seated. He had his incredibly long legs past the edge of the sofa while he used his arm as a pillow and the other peacefully laid on his stomach.

Is he asleep?

I carefully placed the mug on the table and went close to where he's lying. I inspected  his relaxed features and debated on what to do.

Should I wake him?

But he's resting. He's  tired from practice.

But if I don't wake him up, he might head home late.

Sighing, I decided to give him a few minutes to sleep. I'll wake him up later.

So I stood up and headed back to the kitchen to cook. I'll invite him to dinner too. He must be hungry.

While preparing dinner, I decided to multi-task. I took my stuffs on the counter and began working on the different subject assignments since I won't have enough time to do it during day-time starting tomorrow because I'll be working at Allison's.

I was in the middle of stirring the soup and  proofreading when Daniel came in.

I think he spent more than fifteen minutes of nap because I too had to boil the meat to extract it's natural juice and to soften the chopped meats.

"What are you making?" He asked inching closer. I smiled when I saw him lightly sniffed the air before swallowing. He somehow reminded me of dad. He used to do that a lot whenever mom's cooking in the kitchen. And then he'd comment on how delicious it smelled till he would  whine and complain how hungry the smell is making him.

I ladled some soup and then blew enough for it to cool a bit.

"Come taste." I turned holding the ladle in my hand. He hesitated for a moment before he stooped down to take a sip. My brows arch, expecting for a response or any comment to which he nodded and said that it's good.

"It's  dad's recipe. He taught me this years ago." I told him, turning the stove off.

I anticipated dinner would be thick with tension considering I noticed how brief he was in giving responses. He's not much of a talker and he usually just looks at you like all active activities are only actively existing and happening inside his head.

At least that's what I think.

Never did I thought I'd enjoy watching him eat. His way of eating is so formal it honestly amazed me. If it's any dinner with my friends, we would  definitely talk so loud, clank our utensils, and the table would be a mess.

But Daniel, he looked like his table manner's intrinsic. Like he's born with it since he started using the spoon.

I had no idea how long I've been ogling him but my senses seem to have returned the moment I heard the glass of water's clunk.

Done already?

I blinked only to see his eyes fixated in on me.

Caught.

I saw how he studied me for a moment before his eyes travelled down to my untouched plate.

"Why aren't you touching your food?"

Glancing down, I thought of coming up with a logical response. One that won't sound creepy and scary at the same time.

I can't tell him I forgot to eat because I was busy staring.

Gulping, I began to tuck some food into my mouth. Chewing slowly  and unable to  meet the intense gaze of the guy seated in front of me.

"Do you live alone?" Right, he must be wondering. I nodded answering him.

"Where are your parents?"

"Gone."

"Gone. You mean.."

I took a drink from the glass before meeting his gaze.

"They're gone." I finalized. My father's dead and my mom-well she left. No one knows I'm  partly related to Sophie because when her mom found out my mom and his husband had an affair she was so enraged that she almost did something serious. I can't have my father's surname because his legal wife won't allow it so I remained being a Torrens. Not a Caldwell.

I assisted Daniel on his way outside.

"What time is your class tomorrow?"

"Eight. Why?"

We both stopped when we reached outside the gate and he turned to face me.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow."

"No. I can go there by myself." It's  too much already. Besides, the school's only a few minutes away. Now I'm starting to wond killed er how he got here. How he knew where I live.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow."

"Don't be stubborn Daniel. I said it's fine."

"I'll pick you up tomorrow."

I huffed in response irked by his obstinate character.

"I said it's fine Daniel. Go home. It's late."

"I'll pick you up tomorrow."

Argh! This guy is impossible.

"Fine! Now go." A look of satisfaction crossed his face when I conceded. He took a step closer. Quite close that I have to look up to his height to meet his analyzing stare. One that he does a lot.

"Will you be alright?" That broke a smile out of my face.

"I'm not seven Daniel."

"No. Just a few inches taller."

"Hey! I'm not small!" I argued. My height's not a problem. It never was. He's just-

"No. Just undersized." I tiptoed trying to match his towering height. I barely reached his neck.

"That's only because you're so tall Andrews! I'm  average."

"No. You're not."

Giving the height contest up, I pushed him to his car forcefully. He didn't move an inch though, long slender fingers gently clasped my wrist taking it with his own when he placed his hands down.

"Be with me tomorrow after class." The way he said it made my insides stop. He sounded so serious  and so  gentle, I swallowed audibly. One that I'm certain he heard. The rising turmoil within me wreaked havoc in all parts of my body that I had the sudden urge to claw his piercing eyes and waddle my out somewhere far and away from him.

"I have work after class." I whispered, feeling thankful when my brain managed to remember one significant matter.

"I'll wait till you finish your shift then."

"Daniel, it's going to be late when I'm done."

"I don't care, I'll wait."

"Are you always so stubborn?" I teased.

"Only in selected circumstances."

"Is selected the new always now?

"I suppose it is, when it comes to you." I laughed. I really did. I didn't know Daniel had it in him.

"Quite the charmer are we Mr. Andrews."

"Trust me Ms. Torrens, that's not me being charming."

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A/N: HELLO! I hope all of you guys are doing okay. Let me know what you guys have in mind, and feel free to leave any comment.

Stay safe!💜