Chapter 5

It took me a moment to calm my pounding heart.

For I moment, I did nothing, only filling my lungs with more air than they needed.

When my heart and my thoughts both slowed down to a reasonable pace, I carefully pushed myself off the ground.

I released a slow breath before looking both ways down the Halls.

When I was sure that there was no chance of anyone showing up, I turn back to my locker door that was still hanging wide open and fished my purse from the depths.

I swung the strap over my shoulder then snuck a glance at the clock that was hanging overhead a classroom door a few feet away.

"Shit. late again. Alex is going to kill me."

*******

Alex was leaning against the truck when I arrived in the parking lot, his arms folded over his chest and a frown splayed on his lips.

"what happened? we were supposed to leave 10 minutes ago Ren!"

"I know, I know, I'm sorry... I just--" my voice faltered. should I tell him what happened? I didn't know how he would react... besides it wasn't that big of a deal, right?

"You just what?"

"Nothing. Anyway didn't you see we were already late? Why are we still standing here then? Come on, get a move on it."

"I know what you're doing. you're trying to avoid the topic. What, you think I'm an idiot Ren?"

I opened my mouth.

"Wait no, forget I asked that," Alex spat out before I sound could leave my lips.

I gave him my most innocent smile before crossing over to the other side of the truck and hopping into the passenger side. Alex slid in on the other side and put the keys in the ignition and started the truck.

Alex looked over at me and asked, " you ready?"

I gave him the biggest smile and said with a cheery voice, "nope!"

Alex winked at me then pulled out parking space.

"Well then, let's get going, shall we?"

*******

I had to admit, Zack and Hailey are super-freakin cute together. Like I'd never say that out loud but it's true. It reminds me of 6th grade me when I got my first "crush". Ugh Talk about cringy, but like in a good way. But that is a story for another time...

Hailey's cheeks were flushed a bright pink, and her eyes smiled brightly. Zac on the other hand still looked embarrassed from earlier's incident. When Alex and I arrived, we met up with them outside the small Chinese restaurant. After exchanging quick greetings, we all headed inside. For a bit, we just sat around chatting (well they did anyway).

Eventually, a waiter came by and placed four glasses of water on the table and took our orders. Since I'm a regular, I didn't have to tell the waiter what I wanted. Even though Alex already knew, the other two didn't. So when Hailey asked why I wasn't eating, I reluctantly engaged in social interaction and explained my situation to them. I'd finished a brief explanation of my history with the restaurant when Hailey made a face like she just thought of something. Zac had been sipping his drink when Hailey leaned over to him and whispered something into his ear. I couldn't hear what she had said but Zac choked and water came shooting out of his nose. It was honestly hilarious according to Hailey and me, though Zac didn't seem to agree.

Anyway, other than that, the date seemed to go well for them. I enjoyed watching them together, and in a way, I'm kind of glad that I went with Alex.

We were eating our food in quiet peace when suddenly, Hailey jumped up from her seat.

"Oh, god! Sorry guys, but I just remembered that I gotta go. I have a Chem test next period and I need to talk with the teach before class starts."

Zac choked on his meal.

"Already? Sheesh....," he looked to Alex and I. "Um, thanks so much for agreeing to have lunch with us."

"Yeah, we should totally do it again!" piped in Hailey, who was struggling to put on the sleeves of her jacket. Zac walked over to her and helped her get her arms into the coat.

"I agree, this was great," Zac said before pulling out his wallet and placing $40 on the table. He snuck a glance at Hailey, then leaned in toward Alex and I.

"Really, thanks so much you two. Means a lot!"

He snuck a wink before heading over to the door where Hailey was standing. I watched in silence as they waved and made there way over to Hailey's car. I gave a little sigh before glancing over at Alex, only to find him already looking at me, a smug smile on his face.

"I knew you'd be fine. You even enjoyed it a bit didn't you," he said. Before I could protest, he placed a finger on my lips.

"Nope, I saw that little smile you were trying to hide. Don't even try to deny, hun."

I pouted and grumbled at him. He chuckled.

"Come on, we'd better get going too."

I rolled my eyes and stood up.

"I'll go find Yu then," I said, grabbing the money off the table.