Chapter 9

I stepped out of the toilet some minutes later and stride out of the building and towards the lot that was already half empty. I planned on calling a ride to head back but caught sight of him.

Sid was leaning on what I assume was his car, seemingly amused by what ever he was doing on his phone by the smile etched on his stupid face.

Each step was slow, heat rose up my neck to my face with obvious embarrassment based on the last time we saw each other. Great I have to spend hours with some guy who saw me in my underwear.

Ever since the incident last week I've been trying hard not to bump into him, thus me not really being around the apartment much and hanging out in the library or with Ryan. I really wasn't in the mood for awkward tension on any sorts. This might be an act of over exaggeration but I don't have time to be stressing about the opposite gender when exam's in a few days. plus I'm pretty sure judging by his reputation I won't be surprised if he tried to rub it in my face.

He was now laughing oblivious to his surroundings and the dimples that was bought forth by the act. I rounded the car only to notice someone in front of him, one of his bros and waited for them to finish sharing a joke before the red headed guy left leaving a pat on Sid's shoulder.

Standing in front of him he looked up from his phone and slid it down his pocket to gift me with his undivided attention.

"You've been avoiding me" he stated in accusing manner not even bothering with any pleasentries

"Psh, whaaat noo" I lied avoiding his intense scrutiny. Before any further accusations or questioning, I cut him off. "We should head there together, we don't wanna be late" he hesitated at first then agreed and opened for me to get in. Soon he was at the driver's sit beside means starting the car.

While on the road I got a call. It was Jason. Gosh I forgot to tell him goodbye. Sid glanced at the phone and smoldered.

"Hey Jason, I'm sorry i didn't I tell you I was leaving"

There was some crackling sound before he spoke up "No worries but next time at least send a text, I was kind of waiting for you"

"Are you still there?" I asked worriedly.

"No I just left actually, are you on your way to the shelter?"

"yeah"

"Cool. You called an Uber?" I turned to Sid beside me who is slightly leaning towards me maybe trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.

I cleared my throat hoping to not let my nervousness show "I'm actually going with one of the other volunteers."

The silence was long after that. If not for the his name on the screen of the phone I would have assumed that he hung up.

Suddenly after a few minutes later he answered "Who is he?" He's voice went down a few octaves.

I wasn't even surprised he had guessed that I was with a guy.

"Just a friend I met a few weeks ago."

He released a heavy sigh after another pause.

"Call when you get home tonight safely."

"Yh I will" when we hung up Sid was just parking in an empty space in the parking lot of the mall.

Beach Frond Galleria was the mall available near our school which was about 20 minutes away without traffic. It wasn't that big and wasn't small either with about thirty or more shops available, most of which are quite affordable.

We marched into the mall and tried to locate a map to at least know where we're going. but it turns out Paws and Claws wasn't that hidden. The pet store was just a floor up next to a food court with it's name written in big white letters on a green board.

On the escalator Sid couldn't seem to hold in whatever he wanted to say so he spilled it out.

"Black bra and panties huhh?" The hair on my neck stood as heat washed my face, my breath hitched as I shuffled on the step.

That only amused him more given the way he let out a boisterous laugh.

"What's wrong? thought that I would forget that" I ignored his comment which made him laugh even more.

When he realized I didn't share his amusement he stopped and cleared his throat.

After that the remaining walk to the store was quiet save for the loud chatter of the mall.

We walked in to be greeted by a dark skinned girl with freckles on her face and curly black hair, who couldn't be more than eight years old.

"Umm hi we are here for the volunteer work." She was kneeling on the office chair at the back of the reception with a teen magazine open. She looked up when she heard my voice and eyed me up and down before pointing to the door behind her.

The room just consisted of the reception table and a couple of love seats at the corner near the entrance.

"Animals are in the back, jackets and harmful equipments go in the closet there" then she pointed to the open door on the right wall filled with coats and shoes. "Take of you shoes and put on the Crocs or slides in there" she went back to the magazine.

"Thank you" Sid answered behind me. The intervention of the deep voice made her snap back up to find Sid, she apparently didn't notice him when talking to me.

"Well aren't you handsome" the little girl complemented with confidence that baffled me.

I snickered at the sight of Sid's discomfort as the girls awestruck gaze refused to give attention to anything else. Leaving the two alone ignoring Sid pleadful expression I went into the closet to dispose of my things.

"Why don't you go drop your things" Sid felt relief at the small amount of time away from the girls intensity and took his time with his things.

That's what he gets for making fun of me. "So what's your name?"

She turned back to me "Rashida" She said with more sass than she addressed me with before. Probably thinking that Sid and I are a couple.

"Is he your boyfriend?" She voiced out not bothered by the fact that Sid could possibly hear. wow people my age don't even have the confidence that amounts to hers.

I zeroed in on the said person in the closet still taking his time but stopped just to glare at me to give the answer that would help him.

"Nooo, Oh God noo" I made sure to exaggerate a little "Not at all" the smile on both our faces couldn't be suppressed.

Sid glared at me from his position in the removal of his shoes ostensibly prolonging the process to avoid Rashida's dreamy gape. When he knew he can't stay there forever he came out and hid behind me avoiding the girls face all together.

"If you'll just follow-" she was cut off by a middle aged woman entering from the door at the back. Guessing by her curly afro and dark skin it's safe to assume that this was Rashida's mom.

"Hello. I'm Yvonne, how may we help you today?" Yvonne was short highted and curvaceous probably in here early twenties clad in a black palazzo pants and maroon blouse with a grey sweater on top.

"Hi we're from UCLA-"

"Ohh more volunteers, that's fantastic. How about I show you where everyone is." She opened the door but Rashida stopped her.

"No mom I wanted to show them around" she complained in a whiny voice gave him a cursory glance.

It looked like it didn't go unnoticed to her because she reprimanded her in a hushed tone.

"Baby I'm not about to let you guide them just so you could flirt with the young lady's boyfriend!"

"Sorry to interrupt but we're not dating" if looks could kill I'd be ten feet into the ground. I raised an eyebrow and fling an arm over his back - because I can't reach his shoulders- and thrived in the satisfaction that appeared on the girls face.

"See ma, just friends."

"That still doesn't mean you can make him uncomfortable"

Rashida huffed and pouted pulling out what we can assume was the puppy dog look and pleaded "please ma."

The mother let out an exasperated sighed and flailed her arms in resignation.

"If it doesn't bother you-"

"It won't" I rushed out before Sid answered.

"Okay then I'll stay here while Rashida shows you around"

The small girl jumped in excitement as she ran around the desk to lock arms with Sid behind me.

Yvonne and me let out a laugh at his horror stricken face and Rashida's gleeful one.

"Honey stop that" she turned to address me "When you go inside she'll lead you to where the rest of your fellow students are with the pets and there you'll meet Tommy. She'll explain everything and what you're needed to do." I smiled and thanked her, all purposely ignoring Sid basically shooting daggers at me at the back of my head.

"C'mon." Even with long legs and a strong build Rashida was still able to drag the 6ft4 man forward and fast towards the door leaving me behind. Though before they were out of sight Sid shot me a grimace hoping that I'll intervene. Which I will most definitely not. This is revenge for the jab he he made at me minutes ago, plus the girl looks like she'd pummel me if I tried.

We stole down a small hall leading to a brightly lit room painted in mint green and equipped with cages a few tables and accessories. Cats, dogs, reptiles and aves were locked in hutches and mews.

The room wasn't by any means silent with the noisy animals, some are running about and laying idly in small beds. Most of them young, small and energetic making me wonder why I came here in the first place.

The volunteers were spread out across the rooming either in helping the ones in the cage, chasing the runners or moving stuffs and checking up on the ones that may actually be sick with the sluggish movement.

"There's Tommy." Tommy was a youthful lady who can't be more than a few years older than me with full red hair in a ponytail and different shades of freckles all over her face. She was holding a clipboard talking to some people probably about what they're supposed to do in here judging by the hand gestures and had a lively aura that can be felt miles away.

Rashida jerked on Sid's arm with so much strength that he lurched forward in her tow and stumbled. Me controlling the giggle that is slowly erupting went along to talk to her.