CHAPTER SEVEN

"Okay, that's all for today. I'm hoping that you will do your project as partners well. See you all next week. Have a great weekend." Our English teacher told us once the bell started to ring. Wow, it's already the weekend, my first week passed just like that and I can't believe that I actually survived. 

I looked at my partner who's sitting beside me. There he is with all of his glory, Steve Hayes the Secret Swiftie, smiling sheepishly at me. 

I huffed and started putting my books in my bag, "Wipe the smile off of your face, Steve. I won't be doing all the work. You better participate in this project or else I'm going to have a grand reveal in this school that Steve Hayes' real name is Stevie the Swiftie." I told him in whisper-but-stern tone and as I turned to him, he gives me an amused look. 

"You know, I'll be honest, I don't like the idea of the grand reveal but seeing you like this – bossy – amazes me." He told me as I stand up. "Woah, woah. Wait for me, Ellie." I ignored him and continued walking out of the classroom.

"Just text me your address. I'll go to your house tomorrow. Let's do our project at your house." Steve said and I stopped from walking. "What?!" I snapped at him.

"What?" He shrugged at me.

"You can't go to my house! Tha-that's.. Y-you c-can't!" I stuttered and I can feel my cheeks getting hot. I cleared my throat, "Look I already got us a table in the library, we can do and finish it there. Come on, let's go!"

"Uh, sorry, I can't." He said while rubbing the back of his neck. "Remember the other day when I was late for the training? Yeah, my coach's gonna beat my ass if I'm late again." As I was about to say something to him, my phone started vibrating. I checked who it was, it was my mom.

I picked up the call, "Hey, mom."

"Hey, darling. We're on our way now to pick you up."  I can see in my peripheral vision that Steve is eavesdropping. I turned to him, "Uhm, mom. I have this project that is due on Monday, I have to finish this with my partn––Hey!" My phone was taken away from me. I tried reaching my phone from him but I can't, thanks to our height difference and his hands blocking my face. I glared at him as I huffed in annoyance and defeat. I crossed my arms while listening to him.

"Hello, Mrs. Hernandez? Hi. Uhm, this is Steven Hayes. I'm Ellie's classmate, first friend," I rolled my eyes with his introduction, "...and I'm her partner in our English project. You see, ma'am, as much as I want to finish our project today, I have our Basketball training today. Not that I don't give importance in my academics, it's just that, I can't afford to be late again or else my coach will beat me to death. I mean, it would be an honor to be late again by the same reason which is your daughter," I slapped his arms because of what he just said but he just smiled, this jerk. "...yes, ma'am. I was late the other day because as her first friend and school's student body president, I had to make sure your daughter was fine while waiting for Mr. Hernandez to pick her up." I looked at him dumbfounded. 

He stopped talking for a while, listening and nodding to whatever my mom is telling him. "Yes, ma'am. That would be amazing Okay, got it. Oh! I know the place, ma'am. Thank you for understanding! Yes, yes. I'll give her back the phone now. Have a nice day," He looked at me with a smirk, "...and see you tomorrow, Mrs. Hernandez." My eyes went wide as he gave me my phone back.

"Mom! Why did you--"

"Ohh, hush. He sounds nice and I was the one who invited him over at our house tomorrow. We're almost there. Come out of the school. Okay? Take care, darling." And then she hung up. I stared at my phone, I can't believe what just happened.

"So… See you tomorrow, Ellie?" I snapped my head at Steve's direction and I just sighed in defeat because I don't want to exhaust myself more. I just nodded and started walking. "Bye, Ellie!" He shouted and I just waved my hand without looking at him as I continue to walk out of the school.

♡

"

How's our school girl's first week?" My dad asked as soon as I entered the car. "Mom, I can't believe you invited Steve over tomorrow." I huffed on my seat.

"He seems nice, honey. Isn't he? I can call him now and cancel tomorrow if you're uncomfortable with him." My mom asked and I can see my dad on the mirror waiting for my answer. 

"Yes, he's nice, guys. It's just that," I sighed, "...it's not that I'm not comfortable with him because I-I'm actually is." I saw my dad's eyebrows raised and my mom trying to suppress her smile. I rolled my eyes. "What I'm uncomfortable and unsure with is, I-I never had anyone over at our house. This is my first time, mom." I explained with a low voice and looked down at my fingers. 

I saw my mom looked at my dad then she turned to me again, "Oh honey, we understand you well. You're a smart young lady, you'll be fine." My mom said as she held my hands. 

"Just like what you youngsters say these days, 'Just go with the flow'." My dad said as he gave me a wink through the mirror. "But he better stay in his lane, or else I won't think twice to chop off his balls."

"Dad!"

"And leave the door unlocked!" My dad demanded for the last time as my mom laughed at him and I just rolled my eyes.