DINNER

Friday, the 23rd of February

Samantha steps in front of us before we can escape to our final class for the week. Percy's grip tightens on his backpack while I hold onto my laughter.

"Can you please change his mind about the carnival? I think the auction would be the best thing at the carnival. We would raise so much money for the school."

"Why can't you pick something else?"

"Please asks, I've already put so much planning into the booth and the cheerleaders are so excited for it." Samantha's eyes shimmer with hope.

"I can ask, but don't expect a different answer."

"Thank you, Percy."

Percy steps around Samantha and I chase after him. He drapes his arm over my shoulders and we wander to the classroom.

"Uncle Noah won't change his mind."

"Perhaps I can change his mind."

"Aren't you worried about Jarrod buying your date?"

"Samantha wouldn't let that happen. If we do something else, I'm afraid she'll ask us to do something crazy, like when we had to hand cut all those snowflakes. I just want to have fun."

Percy opens the door to the woodwork classroom and I step inside. Some students are already working on their projects when we arrive. We place our bags to the side and Noah waves me into the office.

"Good luck." Percy smiles.

I wander into the office and sweetly smile. When Noah doesn't return the smile, I plonk into the computer chair and frown.

"What's wrong?"

"We need to speak about your grades."

"I have something else to discuss."

"What is it?"

"Samantha really wants those carnival plans approved and so do I. We'll make so much money at that booth and I won't have to waste the night doing something else."

"I can't slide her plans through without all the faculty agreeing on it. Due to some concerns, I don't think her idea will be approved."

"Is that because you brought up certain concerns?"

Noah doesn't say anything which confirms my suspicions.

"Samantha would never allow that considering everything that's happened so far."

"I don't trust anyone when it comes to your safety."

"Please reconsider for me?"

"If those plans are approved, Samantha has asked me to build a stage for the booth."

"Perhaps I could help you build it for extra credit? Would I pass your class then?"

"Theoretically, this could work."

"Seems like it's meant to be." I smile.

Noah shakes his head while I poke his stomach.

"Did I mention I love you?"

"Not today."

"I love you, Noah."

"Are you coming to mine tonight?"

"Tomorrow? Percy mentioned hanging out with the others."

"Okay." He nods.

I kiss his cheek and wander back to the classroom.

* * * * *

Samantha and Jarrod join the dinner table and I withhold the urge to groan. Jarrod's eyes meet mine and my stomach churns. Percy slides me closer to his side and shoots him a glare. She rummages through her purse and hands him some money.

"Buy some drinks for the table."

Jarrod fiddles with the money before walking to the bar. Sometimes I really hate the fact the legal drinking age is twenty-one, because I could use a drink or three to help me through dinner.

"Jarrod insisted and I didn't know how to say no." She frowns.

"Why'd you tell him you were going out?" Percy comments.

"He overheard me speaking to my mother about it."

"We're just having dinner, it'll be fine."

Jarrod returns with jugs of mocktails which looks delicious. Percy and I order a ton of side plates to share which shocks Samantha.

"I'm heading to the bathroom," I whisper to Percy.

"I'll keep an eye on him." He subtly nods to Jarrod.

"Thank you."

Jarrod watches me stand up, but Percy is quick to capture his attention.

"Besides stalking my girlfriend, what courses are you studying in college?"

Jarrod freezes and I withhold my laughter until I'm out of earshot. I weave through the tables until I hear that familiar laughter. I swing around and discover Noah lounged in a booth with Robert and Oliver. I grab a menu and hide behind it.

I take a deep breath and discard the menus once I'm in the bathroom. Leaving the bathroom is another issue. Noah and Oliver are by the bar collecting their drinks. I hide behind another menu and move closer to the bar.

The pair walk past and I sigh with relief. I look up and the bartender frowns.

"Are you okay?"

"Could I have two strawberry mocktails?"

"Sure." He nods.

I hold the menu in a way to shield me from Noah's table. Somebody peers around the menu and frowns.

"Are you okay? Because it looks like you're hiding from someone."

"Don't worry about me." I laugh.

"I'm Jayden."

"Charlie."

The bartender places the drinks on the bench and I place the menu down. I hand pay for the drinks and smile at Jayden.

"I should return to my friends."

"Would you like some company? I'm on the second booth with the three others." I peer over his shoulder and smile. He's another friend of Noah's.

"Thank you for the invitation, but I should go."

Jayden waves as I take the drinks back to the table. I slide the drink in front of Percy and he smiles. Our food is already on the table and he's started eating.

"I was about to come looking for you."

"Sorry about that."

I pile some food on my plate with the hope we can leave quickly. I don't want to risk Samantha discovering Noah and his friends.