Chapter 5

Drake's POV

"ok team, that's it for today." I said clapping my hands to signal the end of practice. Everyone got out of the pool and headed for the changing rooms but I stayed back in the pool. I really needed to be in top form for the semi-finals which were just two weeks away.

"Seems like the captain needs some more practice time" Rish said as she came to my side of the pool and sat down, dangling her feet in the water. "Seems like it" I replied.

"You know, the team's doing pretty good if you ask me."

"You're totally right but I just feel like I have to put on more effort for the upcoming semi-finals, you know, being team captain and all."

She smiled as she eased into the water and came up to me. As she put her hands on my shoulders, I felt a shiver go down my spine and it had nothing to do with the temperature of the pool right now. I smiled back as I put my arms around her waist. I thought I felt her tense but maybe it was just my imagination. I really liked this position.

"You know" she began, looking into my eyes "I know a lot of swimmers our age and trust me, you're still the best."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"Honestly, I mean every word. You're really good."

"Thanks Rish, you always know what to say."

"Anything for you." she said.

Standing here, holding her in my arms, staring into her beautiful amber eyes, I fought an internal battle: 'should I tell her? Should I not?' finally, I decided on the latter. I've kept my feelings hidden from her all these years, I can go a little longer. I thought to myself.

"You're the best" I said to her.

"Oh I know" she said as she laughed.

Letting go, I splashed water on her. She wasn't expecting it so she gasped. I slowly retreated. Recovering, she looked at me and narrowed her eyes into slits.

"You're so on"

She splashed me as I swam away. She swam after me trying to pull my legs as our laughter rang out.

Rish's POV

I really can't believe I let myself fall for that low life Jack. I should have seen it coming, I thought to myself as I dropped the novel I'd been reading on my bed. I dared not imagine what would have happened if Drake hadn't shown up when he did. Drake; my best friend in the entire world. He's like the sweetest guy ever. Sometimes, I wonder why he doesn't have a girlfriend yet. Whenever I ask him, he's always like it's complicated. My mind went back to that night he saved me from Jack and the look in his eyes when he said 'i'll always be here for you.' I wanted to believe he meant that just as a friend but secretly, a part of me was beginning to wish it was more. He didn't have a girlfriend anyway.

What? I'm a girl ok?

During the years of our friendship, I'd never allowed myself to see him as more than a friend but now, thinking about it, the thought of us dating didn't sound so strange. It'd be so perfect: boyfriend/best friend. I definitely wouldn't think twice if he asked me out. I mean the guy is literally every girl's dream.

Shaking my head, I forced myself back to reality. I didn't want to get any ideas that would make our friendship awkward.

"Rishaw! Dinner!" Mom called from downstairs. It felt so good having her around again after so long.

"Coming!"

Mom had always been a magnificent cook and I always enjoyed her cooking. Now that she was home, some cooking lessons were sure to come along.

*********

As Mr Perez rounded up his class with an assignment on passê compose, Char entered the class. She came and sat in the now empty seat next to me.

"We need to talk."

"Okaaaayyy..." I dragged, raising my left brow at her questioningly.

"It's about Stiles."

"What about him? Is he okay?"

"He's perfectly fine Rish. Remember before the Val's dinner, I said there was this guy I wanted to ask me?"

"Yeah..."

"Well it was him."

"Interesting!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands.

"Keep it down!" She said, trying to shush me.

"Wait, is that a blush rising on your cheeks?" I ask, unable to stop myself from grinning.

"Well, the thing is I kinda maybe like him." she breathed out, suddenly very interested in the non-existent dirt under her nails.

"Oh my peanuts!" I exclaim, jumping out of my seat.

"Hey! not so loud. And...."

"There's more...?" I asked lowering myself back into my seat.

"Yeah, I think maybe he likes me too" she says, still picking at her fingers.

"This is like the best news I've heard all week!" I exclaimed, unable to hide to hide my excitement. "How'd you find out he likes you too?"

"Well, the other day in the library, we were working on something and we kind of had a moment."

"I'm so excited right now." I put in.

"There've been other times too but I didn't want to read any meaning into them, but this one was serious. Like the whole holding my hand, staring into my soul through my eyes kinda thing. It was all I could do not to kiss him right there and then."

"Whoa! Go sis!" I said as we both laughed.

"And that's not all, he invited me to see a movie with him this Saturday night."

"You mean like a date?"

"I hope so."

"That is so sweet. My two friends getting together. So awesome. But how come I didn't notice?"

"Well, let's just say I'm really good at hiding my feelings."

"Yeah, I'll give you that." I said and we both laughed.

"Stiles definitely has a lot of explaining to do."

"I already feel for the poor boy. I know how you can be with your questions." she said nudging me.

"Just looking out for my friend." I said nudging her back.

"So, I'll be coming over to your place Saturday, we've got to get you ready for the big night" I said in a singsong voice.

"Babe, it's just a date."

"Not to me it isn't. It's the start of a beautiful relationship which ends with you two at the altar."

"The altar? Let's not get ahead of ourselves here" she said as we both laughed.

"The universe has spoken sisturr" I said trying to put on a serious face but failing.

"Whatever floats your boat girl." se said as we both stood up to go.

New chapter!!!

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So, Stiles and Char...?

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Chapter 6 coming soon.

-Ope.