Chapter 6

Just as the bell chimed again, everyone ran out of class. School's over for today. Ariana walked to her locker and stowed away her books. Just as she was about to close it, she got a call from Annie.

"Hey Ari," she spoke on the phone.

"Seriously, you're trying to act innocent after you set me up..."

"Who set you up?"

"Annie, I know you told Jeff that I attended this school."

"I'm sorry I told him, but the guy really likes you, and since I've known you, you've never been serious with a guy..."

"Annie, I don't want to be serious with any guy. I have a lot on my plate right now."

"I'm sorry, I promise it won't happen again."

"I forgive you, but... I'm going to take my revenge."

Annie giggled. "Make sure you give my number to a cute guy in your school."

"Of course, and he's going to have a French accent," Ariana added.

"Qui," Annie laughed.

Ariana closed her locker as she walked out of the locker room. Unbeknownst to Ariana, Casey, Sofia, and Nora saw her leave the school, and they smirked. Looks like those three girls have a new plot.

She arrived at the coffee shop, and to her surprise, Jeff was still there. She scoffed as she walked to the counter. "See, I told you he likes you," Annie whispered with a teasing tone.

"I don't care," Ariana replied firmly.

"Well, go talk to him," Annie pushed Ariana towards Jeff's table.

"Ariana will take your order," Annie giggled and walked back to the counter.

"What will you have this time? Should I get you a cappuccino?" Ariana asked, trying to sound friendly.

"Nah, just a hot coffee. I'm trying to find a partner for the seminar next week," Jeff said, his eyes fixed on his laptop.

"Trust me, those rich kids will never choose you to be their partner. Anyway, good luck," Ariana responded, leaving his table.

"He seems busy," Annie observed.

"Yup, he's trying to find a partner to pair with him for the seminar presentation in school," Ariana explained as she prepared the coffee.

"Do you have a partner?" Annie inquired.

"Nah, I don't care about those presentations because I'll be dropping out of school"

"Wait, what?" Annie asked puzzled.

"Never mind, he's never going to get a partner" Ariana stated.

"You should partner with him..."

"Excuse me?"

"It'll be fun..."

"Had it be you attended my school, you would have been my partner and this would be fun"

"I don't wanna attend that hellhole school of yours, why don't you just give it a try, at least make some friends, loosen up, have fun" Annie encouraged with a smile.

"I'll think about it," Ariana decided and walked back to Jeff, placing his hot coffee on the table.

"Any luck?" she asked, hope shining in her eyes.

"Nope, but I'll keep on trying," Jeff replied.

"Okay," Ariana acknowledged and made her way back to the counter and she sat next to Annie. She is lost in her thoughts, this might be a great opportunity to make a friend. The only friend she has in this world is Annie. It would be nice to have another friend and have fun. But still, she didn't like the idea of being friends with Jeff, she hated the way he looked at her when they first met. She sighed, at least he apologized, she is ready to give it a try. She walked up to Jeff's table and took a seat.

"Have you found anyone?" she asked hopefully.

"Nope," Jeff admitted.

"Jeff, I've been thinking. I don't have a partner. Can we maybe... pair?" Ariana asked, nervously fidgeting with her hands.

"No problem," Jeff agreed with a smile.