Nicole's POV

I slammed my locker shut after placing all my books in my bag. School was finally over and I couldn't wait to go home and bury my nose in a good book.

"So what are you doing when you head home?" Lilac questioned as she approached me with Mia by her side, "I have a party to attend."

"On the first day?" I asked. Lilac shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm going to take a nap once I get home," The strawberry blonde said, "but I'll have to wait for a while because I have cheerleading practice." Mia was already wearing her cheerleading uniform. A dark navy blue long sleeved short dress that says Harvdale High in front of it. "So what are you going to do for the science project?"

That literally skipped my mind and I don't think Wes or Max is going to take this seriously. I groaned, "I honestly don't know. I can just work on it by myself and give them some of the credit, even though they wouldn't do anything."

Lilac was about to say something when someone else beat her to it, "There will be no need for that." I turned around to face Max, "I'll help on the science project, I already have a couple of ideas."

"What about Wes?" I questioned as my eyes wondered around looking for the ash-blonde haired teen.

"I don't think he'll be of any help." Max admitted as he opened his bag and searched through it, "He has a party to attend. Three for that matter."

The bell rang indicating that school was over and extra-curricular activities could begin. Some students stayed back while the rest went home.

"See you tomorrow guys." Lilac waved as she walked out of the school building. We waved back.

"I better get to cheerleading practice." Mia said as she headed towards the school's gymnasium.

I brought out my phone from my bag and texted my dad telling him that I'll be late because I have a school project to work on. He texted back immediately saying that it was okay but I shouldn't come back too late.

"Shall we head to the library?" Max asked with a princely bow. I rolled my eyes as I turned around and flitted to the library, "Hey! Wait up!" I heard him yell.

We opened the doors to the library and walked in quietly. It was a typical library with huge shelves of books on different subjects. A lot of comfortable chairs and long rows of tables. The librarian, Mrs. Haley is a kind woman in her late 40s. For a librarian, Mrs. Haley talks a lot. I should know because I always volunteer to help out in the library so she always talks about her kids and married life. She always tell me that her son, Carl, is my age and is a nice boy but I always leave her with the same answer.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Haley." I greeted as I tried to walk to a table quickly.

"Oh, hello Nicole." She said which made me stop in my tracks and turn to her, "How are you doing today?"

"I'm okay. I just wanted to do some research for a science project."

"Science." She mumbled as she propped her elbow on the table she was sitting on, "You know my son, Carl loves science. He wants to be a scientist."

"I thought you said he wanted to be an artist?" I arched an eyebrow.

"He's always confused." She states, "Today he wants to be a scientist, tomorrow a lawyer. Very indecisive but a kind boy. Are you sure you don't want to go out with him?"

I turned back and walked towards the science aisle, "You know I'm not ready to date anyone, but when I am I'll tell you."

I started going through a couple of books when Max leaned on the bookshelf with his shoulder, "So," he started, "Carl, huh?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You know, Carl. She's obviously trying to hook you up with him." He stated as he watched me flip through books. I ignored his teasing and continued searching, "C'mon give the guy a chance."

"You haven't even met him." I said with a bored expression.

"And who says you have?" He contradicted.

"Who says I haven't?" I shot back with a smile as he kept quiet, not really knowing what to say next. I win. I haven't actually met Carl but he seems like a nice person from Mrs Haley's description of him. "Found it." I muttered as I grabbed the giant science book and walked to an empty table. Max followed me quietly as I plopped down on the chair and he sat across me.

There was a bit of silence between us as we both read through different science related textbooks and encyclopedias. I was reading a very interesting article about forces and motion when I felt someone's hot breath on my neck.

I jumped a little when my dark brown eyes met with Max's coffee brown ones. "What the hell is wrong with you?" I whisper-yelled as he sat down beside me with a satisfied smile.

"Did I scare you?" He queried as I gave him a Of course you did look, "You were so engrossed in your book that I decided to check out what you were reading."

"Have you found anything? Anything at all?" I asked with a frown.

Max adjusted his black rimmed glasses as he spoke, "Like I said before, I already have an idea in mind."

"Well, let me hear it genius." I jabbered as he frowned a bit when I said the word genius. He's eyes were glued to the table. It seemed like he was thinking about something, "Are you alright?"

He smiled a bit and nodded, "Yeah." Then there was the silence again.

"So," I said trying to break the silence, "your idea on the project?"

"I was thinking that we could make a volcano?"

"Too easy. I can assure you that three groups are going to make the exact same thing." I contradicted.

"So go big or go home?" He arched an eyebrow as I nodded, "Okay. What about..." The vibration of his phone made him stop mid-sentence. He glanced at his phone and quickly picked it up. He placed his phone on his ear while I pulled my attention back to the book I was reading. "Hello...yeah I know.... sorry it slipped my mind....I'll be there in five minutes...okay... bye." Max hung up the phone and quickly picked up his things.

"Is everything alright?" I queried as I helped him pack his stuff.

"Yeah. I just forgot I had something to do." He jabbered. I grabbed my stuff, "Where are you going?"

"Well, I can't stay here all alone. Besides, I work better in the comfort of my home." I stated as I quickly placed the book back on the shelf. Max and I walked out of the library quickly, trying to avoid Mrs. Haley's conversation. Luckily, she wasn't in her usual post. Maybe she went to rearrange the books or something.

We flitted out of the library and walked towards the school's exit in silence, only the shuffling of our feet could be heard.

"We can work on the project some other time." Max said as he got into his blue Mitsubishi while I stared at him, "Want a ride?"

"No thank you." I said with a smile as he frowned at this.

"Why not?" He questioned.

"My house is like 25 minutes away and you seem to be in a rush. I don't want to inconvenience you." I said politely. He smiled warmly and ran his hands through his dark auburn hair.

"No wonder you're called Nice Nicole. Always thinking of others." Max stated as he slammed the door of the driver's seat shut and waved goodbye. I waved back and rubbed my forearm as I felt the cold chilly air. It gave me goosebumps.

Why didn't I let him give me a lift? I thought to myself as I walked down the sidewalk looking for a cab. But there was none in sight. I rubbed my palms together trying to give myself heat.

All of a sudden, I felt a tiny drop of water run down my nose. Then it turned to more drops, then it was a full blown thunderstorm. I looked around for possible shelter but there was none. My clothes were getting soaked and I could barely see where I was going. I continued walking trying to get to the store that was a few blocks away. I only managed to see it because of it's bright neon sign.

A flash of light was illuminated on the road and I turned around to see a black car behind me. It was moving slowly...like it was following me. I tried to see who it was but the glass was tinted. Besides, the headlights weren't helping either.

I walked a bit faster but the car also moved faster. Who the heck is this guy? It doesn't look like anybody's car I know. Why is he following me? Maybe it's Freya looking for trouble as usual. But that's not Freya's car.

I halted in my tracks and waited for the car to stop. It stopped in front of me and the glass rolled down revealing someone I wasn't expecting.

"Wes?!" I yelled because of the rain noises.

"The one and only." He said with a cocky smile.

"Why are you following me?" I questioned with my arms crossed.

"Because I want to help you." He smirked, "Want a ride?"

"No, I don't." He looked shocked at my answer and was about to say something but I continued walking towards the store ahead.

He drove forward as he spoke, " But you're soaking wet and this rain is heavy. You'll catch a cold if you don't get out of the rain soon. Where are you going anyway?"

I halted and said, "I'm going to that store." I pointed at the store that was now three blocks away. Wes burst out laughing while I was struck with confusion. "Why are you laughing?"

"Because that's not a store. That's a bar!" He chuckled. I looked at the bright neon sign and squinted my eyes trying to see it but it was impossible, "So would you rather come with me or go in there?"

I looked at the bar then back at Wes. The rain was still pouring heavily and I was standing there pondering on what to do next.

"Fine," I grumbled in defeat, "I'll get in."

I got into the passenger's seat with a frown. But Wes, he was smiling as if he just won the Olympics. He zoomed off keeping one hand in the steering wheel and using his other hand to switch on the heater. The car filled with warmth as I suddenly felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"I thought you were going to a party." I said as I pulled my afro curly hair into a bun.

"Yeah, I'll go in the evening." Wes said as he continued driving through the streets.

"Do you even know the way to my house?" I queried with an arched eyebrow.

"No, but I assume you're going to tell me." He grinned.

"Of course I'm not going to tell you. I don't want you to stalk me, weirdo." I grumbled as the grin on his face grew wider.

"You want to get us lost?"

I bit my lower lip, "Fine....just drop me off at Roseberry avenue."

He spoke with a satisfied smirk, "You know, lil' lady...."

"Nicole." I interrupted.

"Alright, Nicole, we just met when...today and you're already flirting with me. Don't you think we're rushing things." Wes said as I arched an eyebrow.

"I thought you liked it when girls flirt with you, you already got like 21 girls' phone numbers today." I crossed my arms.

"23 actually." He corrected as he kept his eyes glued to the road. I rolled my eyes, "So...you agree that you were flirting with me?"

I looked back at him, "I...I...I never flirted with you and you know that." I stammered as I looked out the window and frowned, "I should have checking my chances with the bar." I mumbled to myself.

Wes chuckled softly, "I'm just teasing you. It's a joke, don't take it so seriously."

Even though the car was warm, my clothes were still damp. My mom is going to be so mad when I get home. Hopefully, she isn't home yet.

Wes and I sat in silence. He kept his eyes on the road while I looked at the window with a frustrated frown. The heavy rainfall turned to light showers as I stared at houses and shops whiz by. I took a glimpse of him and couldn't help but notice his chiseled features. It was supposed to be a glimpse but it turned to a stare. His jawline was so perfect, his hair.....get it together, Nicole!

"Can you stop staring at me?" Wes chuckled without turning to me. My cheeks reddened with embarrassment because I was caught, "We're here."

I looked out the window and saw the sign saying Roseberry Avenue. The rain seemed to have stopped and the sun was peeking out from behind the clouds. "Thanks for the lift." I said with a small smile.

"No problem." Wes replied. I got out of his car and close the door. I stood on the sidewalk and watched him drive away. When his car was out of sight, I walked down the road till I reached a house with a peach coloured fence. I opened the little gate and walked down the pathway.

My house is a detached house with a peach fence. It has a grey coloured roof and a brick wall. The doors and windows are all white and the garage is at the right hand side of the building.

I searched my bag, looking for the spare key. I found it, unlocked the door and walked in. My mother must be in her room upstairs because that's where she usually is after she lost her job a few weeks ago.

"Lucille? Is that you?" I heard her say with her French accent as I knocked on her door.

I opened the door gently and saw her typing on her laptop which was on the desk, "Yes, I'm back from school."

My mother is French. She has light white skin, light brown hair and hazel eyes. She married my dad a long time ago. She always loved telling me how they met each other and how he was her knight in shining armor. She's literally the sweetest and coolest person on earth. Mia and Lilac never let me go to their houses because they're always looking for an excuse to come over and hang out with her. She took us surfing once, it was so much fun. But these days, she seems stressed because she's looking for another job after losing her banking job a few days ago.

My middle name is actually French. Lucille means  Light Bringer so I guess I'm actually Nicole L. Warren but I don't usually use my middle name a lot, only my mom calls me that.

"You father told me that you stayed back late. May I ask why?" She questioned as she got up from her chair and folded her arms across her chest.

"I was studying for a science project that's supposed to be worth 70% of my grade." I replied. She looked at my clothes and noticed they were damp.

"Mon Dieu! What happened to you? Did you fall in a lake?"

"No, it was raining heavily when I was coming back home but I got a lift."

"You got a lift from who? Lilac? Mia?" She arched an eyebrow.

"No...it wasn't from them." I bit my lower lip, "It was from a new guy."

"A new guy?" She asked with excitement, "Tell me all about him."

"Mom!" I slurred as she sat on her bed giggling. She knows I don't usually like it when people do me favors, especially guys. Her phone vibrated in her pocket. She picked it up and stared at it intensely. "Is there something wrong?" I asked with anxiety lacing my voice.

Her hazel eyes met my brown ones as her lips formed a smile. "I got the job!" She said happily as she embraced me.

"That's great." I exclaimed happily as I hugged her back with a wide grin.

"I have to tell your father." She grinned as her fingers moved over her screen.

"I'll be in my room." I walked out of her room and closed the door behind me with a smile. At least, she wouldn't stress about it anymore.

A/N;

Hey guys! That's the end of this chapter. So, Nicole's mother is French. I can actually speak French, I learnt it in Elementary school and a few years of high school. Let's see if I remember;

Apart ceci, tout le monde se comprend bien dans la famille.

Yep, I remember. You'll have to find out what that means...if you aren't French.

Anyways, don't forget to vote and comment below your thoughts on the chapter.

Thanks once again for reading this book, it means a lot to me. Till my next update...

See ya!😋