CHAPTER TWO🥀

A Day later, Emily had left for school, bidding her mother a heartfelt goodbye. As she walked into the school grounds, she couldn't shake the lingering curiosity about Elena's absence the previous day. She slightly shrugged and continued her way to class.

She attended her classes with a mixture of anxiety and focus, preparing herself for Mr. Collins's impending test.

The desk was notably empty beside her, a stark reminder that Elena was not present. Despite her curiosity, Emily chose to concentrate on the test, pushing aside her thoughts of Elena’s absence.

She had been nice to her but she chose not to dwell on possibilities.

After the test, Emily stepped outside into the parking lot, seeking solace in the crisp, fresh air. She settled on a nearby bench, unwrapping the apple and sandwich her mother had lovingly prepared. She took a deep breath, savoring the comforting bite of her lunch, letting her mind wander to thoughts of the day ahead.

Suddenly, a soft yet startling touch broke her reverie. A slender, graceful hand draped over her shoulder, causing Emily to jerk in surprise. Her heart raced as she spun around, bracing herself for the usual tormentors.

Instead, she was met with a pair of strikingly pale green eyes and a warm, reassuring smile.

“Sorry I scared you there,” Elena said with a light giggle, her voice as smooth as silk. “You were just so engrossed in your delicious sandwich.”

Emily blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected presence. She let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, her initial tension easing. “uh…hi.” She said, a hint of relief in her voice.

“Hey. How have you been?” Elena said cheerfully. Emily smiles faintly “I’m okay. I_um…thought you weren’t going to come today, since you weren’t present yesterday”

Elena’s eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she took a seat beside Emily on the bench. “Oh really? Were you worried that your friend didn’t show up?”

Emily’s eyes widened, slightly puzzled, her nervousness evident.  “We’re…friends?” she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Elena’s smile softened, her expression warm and inviting. “Well, I’d certainly like to be,” she replied. “I really appreciated the tour you gave me last time. It was incredibly helpful and I would love to have someone like you around.”

Emily’s heart fluttered, a mixture of hope and skepticism swirling within her. Elena’s genuine tone and friendly demeanor were a stark contrast to the usual interactions Emily was accustomed to.

She nodded slowly, her anxiety giving way to a budding sense of cautious optimism. “I’m glad I could help,” she said, her voice gaining a bit more confidence. “You missed an important test today, may I ask why you came so late?”

Elena’s smile widened as she leaned back on the bench, her posture relaxed yet poised. “Being a model and owning a business isn’t as easy going as it sounds. It takes up most of my time and when I was done, I didn’t really care about the class, I just thought I’d come find you and see how you’re doing. It’s always nice to have someone interesting to talk to, don’t you think?”

Emily nodded, feeling a flicker of warmth at Elena’s words. She took another bite of her sandwich, glancing sideways at Elena. “Yeah, it is,” she agreed. “I guess we could… hang out a bit.”

As the two girls chatted, Emily found herself slowly opening up, the initial nerves giving way to a more relaxed conversation. Elena’s charm and genuine interest made it easy for Emily to let her guard down, even if just a little. They talked about their classes, shared a few laughs, and Emily felt the heaviness in her chest become slightly lighter.

“Let’s go get some coffee” Elena suggested, stretching her arms. “I could really use an espresso right about now.”

Emily looked up from her apple with a slight frown. “Okay, but I don’t really know any fancy coffee shops around here,” she admitted, glancing at Elena.

Elena stared at her, giving her a playful bemused look. “Not everything’s about status, you know. Come on, there’s a nice little place down the street.”

Emily raised an eyebrow but followed Elena, curious about this “nice little place.” They walked together, their conversation flowing effortlessly. When they arrived at the coffee shop, they stepped inside and were greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of background chatter. The cozy ambiance, with its rustic wooden tables and comfy armchairs, was a stark contrast to the bustling school environment.

They made their way to a small table near the window, settling down comfortably. Emily noticed a few curious glances from other patrons, their eyes lingering on Elena. The attention was palpable, and she couldn’t help but wonder if it was a regular occurrence for her new acquaintance.

Elena caught Emily’s gaze and offered a sheepish smile. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think anyone would recognize me here…but don’t worry as long as I don’t react, It should die down soon, though.”

Emily shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s fine, really. I’ve never been in the center of attention like this before. It’s a little interesting.”

Elena’s smile brightened at Emily’s sincerity, her earlier nervousness fading. “Well, I’m glad you’re taking it in stride.”

When the barista approached, Elena confidently ordered her espresso, her voice carrying the practiced ease of someone accustomed to the finer things. Emily, on the other hand, ordered a hot chocolate, a simple yet comforting choice that seemed to suit her understated style.

As they waited for their drinks, the initial curiosity of the coffee shop patrons began to wane. The atmosphere returned to its usual relaxed state, with the occasional murmur and clink of cups providing a pleasant backdrop to their conversation.

Emily took a moment to observe Elena, noticing the way she carried herself with effortless grace. Despite the attention, Elena seemed genuinely at ease, her friendly demeanor putting Emily more at ease as well.

“So, how do you like the school so far?” Emily asked, stirring her hot chocolate absentmindedly.

Elena sipped her espresso thoughtfully before responding. “It’s different from what I’m used to, but I’m enjoying it. Meeting new people and exploring new places is always exciting.”

Emily nodded, appreciating Elena’s openness. “I’m glad you’re settling in well. If you need any more help with getting around or understanding things, just let me know.”

Elena’s eyes sparkled with gratitude. “I definitely will. Thanks for being so helpful and understanding, Emily.”

Their conversation continued to flow smoothly, the coffee shop’s ambiance providing a perfect backdrop for their newfound friendship. As they enjoyed their drinks and chatted about their interests and experiences, Emily felt a growing sense of comfort and connection with Elena, it really felt amazing to have someone that truly wanted to listen to her and protect her.

A while later, the two girls strolled back onto the school premises, their conversation filled with smiles and laughter. The late morning sun cast a warm glow over the grounds, making everything feel just a bit more vibrant.

Elena held her unfinished espresso in her right hand, gesturing animatedly as she shared stories about her family. “Lucas is such a sweetheart. I’m sure you two would get along,” she said, taking a sip from her cup.

Emily’s face lit up with curiosity. “What about your other brother?” she asked, her tone bright with interest.

Elena’s expression grew thoughtful as she looked ahead. “Well, he—” Her words were cut off by the sudden ringing of her phone. The melody was sharp and distinct, slicing through their conversation. She glanced at the screen and groaned softly. “Speak of the devil,” she muttered with a wry smile.

Turning to Emily, Elena apologized, “I have to take this. I’ll be back in a minute.” Emily nodded understandingly, watching as Elena walked a few steps away to take the call, her voice dropping to a low, hushed tone.

As Elena answered, her demeanor shifted slightly, adopting a tone of polite but firm exasperation. She spoke quickly in Spanish, her words flowing effortlessly. “Sí, lo sé… Se me olvidó,” she said, her voice carrying a mix of mild irritation and amusement.

Emily could only catch bits and pieces of the conversation, the fluidity of Elena’s Spanish hinting at the intensity of the discussion.

She tried not to eavesdrop, she even felt awkward by just standing there with hands constantly rubbing on her blue jeans and her eyes wandering elsewhere , but couldn’t help noticing how Elena’s expression softened slightly as the conversation progressed. There was a warmth in her voice, even as she handled whatever was being asked of her. The contrast between Elena’s earlier carefree demeanor and her current, more serious tone was striking.

After a few more exchanges, Elena ended the call, letting out a small sigh before slipping her phone back into her pocket. She walked back to Emily, her smile returning as if nothing had happened. “Sorry about that. My older brother can be a bit... overbearing sometimes,” she explained with a light chuckle.

Emily smiled back “It’s okay. I get it. older siblings can be like that.” though she didn’t have siblings. Elena nodded.

They made their way into the classroom, where the cool air from the AC provided a welcome relief from the growing heat outside. The hum of the unit filled the space, creating a calm atmosphere as students settled into their seats.

Emily opened her notebook, her brow furrowing slightly as she focused on catching up on notes she had missed the previous night. Elena, seated beside her, was busy with her phone, occasionally glancing at Emily’s notes and offering quiet assistance when needed. Despite her casual demeanor, Elena’s sharp mind was evident. She absorbed information with ease, her intelligence clearly far beyond the interest she showed in their studies which highly impressed Emily.

As the girls quietly worked, a shadow fell across their desk. Emily stiffened, recognizing the presence before she even looked up. Her pulse quickened, and she instinctively lowered her gaze, hoping to avoid eye contact. The guy standing before them was the same one who had offered Elena a seat the day before—a smug grin plastered across his face. His confidence was palpable, his every movement calculated to draw attention.

Elena, still unaware of the intruder, noticed Emily’s sudden discomfort. She raised an eyebrow and leaned closer, her voice laced with concern. "Are you shivering?" she asked softly.

Emily bit her slightly plump lower lip and shook her head, trying to appear calm. "No, it’s just—"

Before she could finish, the guy interrupted, his voice dripping with arrogance. “Hey…it seems we got off on the wrong foot yesterday when you declined my offer. I’m Brad. You know, that would have been worth your while, considering all this.” His tone was condescending as he gestured vaguely at himself, a smirk tugging at his lips. His light blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he raked his fingers through his perfectly styled blonde hair, clearly pleased with himself.

Elena, who had been focused on Emily, barely spared the guy a glance. She tapped her phone screen, dismissing his presence with a flick of her fingers. Her indifference was a stark contrast to his obvious attempts to impress, and it only fueled his need to draw her attention.

Emily’s heart raced as she watched the interaction unfold, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation. She could sense the tension in the air, knowing that the guy wasn’t going to back down easily. Her fingers gripped her pen tightly, and she kept her gaze fixed on her notes, praying that he would just go away.

The guy, undeterred by Elena’s lack of interest, leaned closer, his smirk widening. “Come on, don’t be like that,” he coaxed, his voice lowering to a more intimate tone. “You and I, we could have a lot of fun together. Why waste time with her?” He nodded toward Emily, his words laced with disdain.

Elena’s eyes narrowed, her previous calm slipping away as she finally turned her attention fully to him. Her green eyes locked onto his with a cold, piercing stare that sent a shiver down his spine. The playful spark in her expression vanished, replaced by something much darker and more dangerous.

“You must be confusing me with someone who cares about your pathetic attempts to impress,” Elena said, her voice smooth but carrying an unmistakable edge. “I don’t have time for boys who think they’re the center of the universe.” She leaned back in her chair, her posture relaxed but her eyes still sharp, daring him to continue.

The guy’s confidence faltered under her gaze. His smirk wavered, and for a brief moment, he seemed unsure of what to do. He cleared his throat, trying to recover his composure. “I just thought—”

“Let me save you the trouble,” Elena cut him off, her tone icy. “Whatever you’re selling, I’m not buying. Now, run along before you embarrass yourself any further.”

The guy’s face flushed with anger and embarrassment. He glanced at Emily, who remained silent, her eyes still glued to her notes. With a final huff, he turned and walked away, his shoulders stiff with frustration.

Elena watched him leave, then turned back to Emily with a soft smile. “Some people just don’t know when to quit,” she said lightly, as if nothing had happened.

Emily let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her shoulders relaxing. “Thanks,” she murmured, grateful for Elena’s intervention.

The tension in the classroom slowly dissipated as the guy retreated, his failed attempt at impressing Elena leaving him humiliated. Some students snickered at his embarrassment, while others stared in awe at Elena’s straightforward rejection because even the most popular girls couldn’t resist Brad…their respect for her rising.

Elena remained unbothered, as if she had simply swatted away a fly.

After spending some time in class with no sign of the teacher, the bell finally rang, signaling the start of lunch break. The students packed up their things, eager to leave the dull classroom for the livelier atmosphere of the cafeteria.

Emily and Elena made their way to the huge cafeteria, where the buzz of conversation filled the air. The scent of various foods wafted through the room, making Emily’s mouth water.

Though she had eaten earlier, the thought of the cafeteria’s sauced chicken and crisp fries made her stomach growl in anticipation. She didn’t indulge in junk food often, but this was an exception. The cafeteria’s chicken and fries were a treat she allowed herself once, and she had saved up just enough to enjoy it today. It would be only the second time she’d tasted it, but to her, it was worth every penny.

Elena, on the other hand, wasn’t particularly hungry, but she was curious about the food Emily had mentioned the day before. She decided she’d try the mashed potatoes and salad, intrigued by what the cafeteria had to offer.

As they entered the cafeteria, Emily scanned the room, noticing the different groups of students clustered around tables. She felt a familiar twinge of anxiety, knowing that many of these students didn’t think much of her. But having Elena by her side gave her a strange sense of security. Elena’s presence was like a shield, deflecting the stares and whispers that usually made Emily uncomfortable.

They joined the line to order food, with some students offering Elena opportunities to cut in line which she gracefully declined, the clatter of trays and the murmur of voices surrounding them.

Emily’s eyes lit up when she spotted the sauced chicken and fries on display, the golden-brown fries crispy and tempting. She could already taste the savory sauce coating the chicken, the perfect blend of spices that made her forget, just for a moment, about the world around her.

Elena noticed Emily’s excitement and smiled. “You really like the food here, huh?” she remarked casually.

Emily blushed slightly, embarrassed by how obvious her excitement was. “Yeah, well, their chicken and fries are really good. It’s a treat for me,” she admitted.

Elena nodded, her expression thoughtful as she picked up a tray. “I’ll take your word for it. I’m curious to see if their mashed potatoes and salad live up to the hype.”

When they reached the front of the line, Emily ordered her beloved chicken and fries, her heart skipping a beat as the cafeteria worker placed the steaming plate on her tray. Elena, true to her word, ordered the mashed potatoes and salad, adding a small cup of fruit on the side.

They found a table near the back of the cafeteria, away from the loudest groups, and sat down. Emily took a deep breath, savoring the aroma of her food before taking her first bite. The chicken was just as delicious as she remembered, the sauce rich and flavorful, the fries perfectly crisp. She couldn’t help but smile, feeling a small burst of happiness at this simple pleasure.

Elena took a bite of her mashed potatoes, her expression thoughtful as she chewed. “Not bad,” she said after a moment. “Could use a bit more seasoning, but it’s pretty decent for cafeteria food.”

Emily laughed softly. “Yeah, it’s not gourmet, but it’s good enough for me.”

They continued eating, the conversation flowing easily between them. Emily felt more at ease with Elena than she had with anyone in a long time. There was something about her straightforwardness and confidence that made Emily feel comfortable, like she didn’t have to pretend to be someone she wasn’t.

As they chatted, Emily noticed a few students casting glances their way, some with curiosity, others with envy. She realized that sitting with someone as popular and confident as Elena was drawing more attention, but for once, it didn’t bother her. She felt like she belonged, if only for a little while.

The day had flown by, and as the final bell rang, signaling the end of classes, students flooded the halls, eager to head home while others head to their dorm. Emily and Elena packed their things, and as they walked out of the school building, the sun had dipped slightly in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the parking lot.

As they approached Elena’s sleek white car, Elena turned to Emily with a smile. “How about I give you a ride home?” she offered, her green eyes shining with genuine warmth.

Emily’s heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with anxiety. She didn’t want Elena, with her wealth and status, to see where she lived. Her small, modest home was worlds away from the luxurious surroundings Elena was undoubtedly accustomed to. The thought of Elena’s eyes on her worn out furniture, her small, cramped living room. it made her chest tighten with embarrassment.

“No, it’s fine,” Emily replied quickly, trying to keep her tone light. “My place isn’t that far away, and I don’t want to trouble you at all.”

Elena tilted her head slightly, her gaze narrowing as she studied Emily. “I’m offering, and I’m expecting a yes. I haven’t been around here much, and besides, it would be nice to get to know my precious friend better.”

The word “precious” struck a chord in Emily, melting some of the anxiety in her chest. Precious friend. The warmth in those words filled her with a strange comfort. She smiled, but her worry didn’t fully dissipate. How could she explain to Elena that her friend lived in a humble house, far from a middle class status, not to talk about the opulence Elena was used to?

Emily’s fingers tightened around the handle of her backpack as she hesitated. Before she could find a way to decline again, Elena’s eyes lit up with realization. “Wait…are you embarrassed?” she asked, her tone softening as she noticed the flush on Emily’s face.

Emily stammered, her cheeks burning. “I… it’s not—”

Elena rolled her eyes playfully, a small smile tugging at her lips as she shook her head. “Hey, it’s fine, really. I completely understand.”

Emily let out a sigh of relief, her tension easing. She smiled gratefully. “Thanks for unders—”

“Now let’s go.” Elena said with a determined tone. She was already walking toward her car before she could finish.

Emily tensed again, her heart pounding. “What?”

Elena opened the passenger door with a sigh, her expression a mix of amusement and determination. “Let’s go to your house, Emily. I want to spend some time with my friend outside of school more often.”

Emily’s face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and resignation. She realized Elena wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Slowly, she climbed into the car, the plush leather seat beneath her a stark contrast to the old fabric of the bus she usually took home sometimes. The interior was immaculate, with sleek lines, polished wood, and the faint scent of expensive leather.

The door closed with a soft click, sealing Emily in an environment that felt worlds away from her own. As the car purred to life, she couldn’t help but marvel at the seamless luxury surrounding her. She had seen cars like this before, but never up close, and certainly never from the inside.

Elena slid into the driver’s seat, her movements graceful and effortless. She glanced at Emily with a reassuring smile as she adjusted the controls, as if sensing the unease still lingering in the air. “Ready?” she asked, her tone light.

Emily nodded hesitantly, she wasn’t sure she was ready for this. The drive home felt surreal, the hum of the engine smooth and quiet as the car glided down the streets. Emily’s mind raced with thoughts of what Elena would think when she saw her home, but there was also a small part of her that was glad. For the first time in a long while, she felt what it was like to be treated as someone special.

As they drove, Emily pointed out directions, her voice soft as she guided Elena through the streets. The city’s towering buildings slowly gave way to smaller, more modest homes. The closer they got to Emily’s neighborhood, the more her anxiety returned, gnawing at her with every turn.

Finally, they arrived. Emily’s home was a small, weathered house nestled between two larger ones. The paint was peeling slightly, and the yard was neat though old, but it was home. Elena parked the car at the curb, and for a moment, there was silence.

Emily’s heart pounded as she braced herself for Elena’s reaction. But when she turned to look at her, Elena’s expression was calm, her eyes warm and understanding. There was no judgment, no hint of the disdain Emily had feared.

Elena smiled gently. “Thanks for letting me see your place, Emily. I’m really looking forward to spending more time with you.”

Emily felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She smiled back, her heart swelling with gratitude.

As Emily stepped out of Elena’s car, she noticed Elena glancing at her phone. A brief look of panic crossed Elena’s face. “Sh*t, I’m late,” she muttered under her breath. Quickly turning to Emily, she offered an apologetic smile. “I have to go, I’m sorry I can’t come inside. Maybe another time?”

Emily waved off her concern with a small smile. “It’s okay, really. Whenever you’re less busy.”

Elena nodded gratefully and was about to start the car when she hesitated, turning back to Emily with a thoughtful expression. “This is a bit last-minute, but I was invited to a party at a club. Normally, I don’t accept those invitations, but I figured if you’d come with me, along with some of my friends, I’d go. It could be a good chance for you to experience a nice party and have some real fun.”

Emily’s heart skipped a beat, her wariness immediately surfacing. Parties and social gatherings weren’t her thing, not after the bullying and taunts she had endured in the past. The thought of stepping into that world again made her uneasy. But before she could voice her concerns, Elena gently interrupted her thoughts.

“You don’t have to answer right now,” Elena said with a playful smile. “Give it some time to consider. It’s in two days, on Saturday, so there won’t be any classes or tests to worry about. You can text me what your answer is”

Emily pursed her lips, her mind torn between reluctance and curiosity. Finally, she nodded. “Okay, I’ll think about it.”

“Thanks,” Elena replied warmly. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Take care.” With that, she zoomed off, the sleek car disappearing down the street.

Emily stood there for a moment, watching the car until it was out of sight. A soft smile spread across her face as she reflected on the day. It had been a pleasant, almost surreal experience, something she hadn’t felt in a very long time.

With a lightness in her step, Emily walked inside her house, eager to tell her mother about the wonderful day she’d had. .

To be continued….

….Authoress Cass🤍