28| red

NADIA

"Stay out of trouble," my brother said with a knowing glint in his eye. I rolled my eyes and replied, "Yes, dad," shutting the door to his car and watching as he drove off into the morning sun.

We were speaking again, and things were almost back to normal, except that I was no longer single, and I was slowly but surely getting used to life at Everton High. I was even starting to like it, little by little.

I slipped on my shades, not just because it was still early in the morning, but because the sun was shining brightly and my forehead was already burning.

As I walked towards the school entrance, I couldn't help but notice that someone was staring at me. I always knew when someone was looking my way, no matter where I was or what I was doing. It was like I had a sixth sense for it.

I looked around, my brows furrowing slightly as I adjusted my bag on my shoulder. But then my expression smoothed out as I saw who it was.

Elijah was leaning against the brick wall, looking effortlessly cool in his black jeans and white shirt. He straightened up as he saw me, a slow smile spreading across his face. My heart skipped a beat as he walked towards me, his eyes locked onto mine. I smiled instinctively, feeling my heart flutter in my chest.

"Hi,"

"Hey," he responded, wrapping his hands around my waist, I felt like I was melting into his embrace, my body responding to his touch in ways I couldn't control. "People are watching," I whispered, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.

Elijah just shrugged, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, let's give them something to talk about then," he said, his voice low and husky. And with that, he placed a kiss on my lips, his fingers tilting my chin up towards him. I was tiptoed, my body arching towards his as I let myself get lost in the moment.

We stood there for a few seconds, our lips locked in a sweet embrace. I could feel the eyes of our schoolmates on us, but I didn't care. I was too busy enjoying the feeling of being in Elijah's arms.

When we pulled away, Elijah took my hand in his, his fingers intertwining with mine as we walked into the school. My heart was still racing, but I kept my poker face firmly in place.

I knew that people were staring, whispering, and pointing, but I didn't let it faze me. I had Elijah by my side, and that was all that mattered. We walked down the hallway, our hands clasped together.

We arrived at my locker first, and I slipped out the paper that had my timetable. But then I remembered I had counseling. "Ugh," I said, shutting my locker once I got the book I needed. "I have counseling with Barbara." Elijah raised an eyebrow. "Belimai," I clarified.

"For how long?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement. I shrugged this time. "Up until the Headmaster thinks we're at a good place, which is until never, I suppose."

Just then, Barbara appeared out of nowhere, a bright smile plastered on her face. "Hey partner, ready for our little session?" I blinked, not believing her right now.

There was no way she was not mentally challenged; what else could explain her behavior?

Her eyes flickered between the two of us, a knowing glint in her eye. "I heard you guys are a thing now," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Elijah spoke up, his voice firm. "And?" he said and Barbara chuckled. "Don't hurt her, Elijah; she's a bitch, but she's a good bitch."

Uhm, what?

Nah she needs more therapy than I do.

"You know, I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, but you're still an airhead." I shook my head, exasperated. "Now, if you'll excuse us," I said, walking past her as the bell rang, as if on cue.

Elijah and I parted ways once he dropped me off outside the counseling room, but not before the Headmaster appeared in the hallway, his shoulders back and his chin up, his ginger mustache perfectly groomed. He was walking with a guy I had never seen before - someone I might have crossed paths with, but never really noticed. The guy had a skateboard by his side and was wearing a simple tee and black jeans.

As we approached, I felt the guy's eyes on me, but I paid no attention. The Headmaster spoke up, "Ah, Ms. Evens, I'm glad I found you." He turned to the guy, "This is Nicholas, it's his first day, and this is-" I introduced myself with a small smile, noticing the guy's piercing. "Nadia," I said.

The Headmaster continued, "Ms. Evens would you mind giving him a tour? I have an urgent meeting to attend to." I hesitated, knowing I had counseling, but the Headmaster's eyes seemed to bore into me, as if daring me to refuse. "I have counseling right now," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

The Headmaster's expression changed, as if he had almost forgotten. "Ah, well, I'll let you off today. Ms. Abby wasn't complaining, so I'm guessing it's going fairly well." I couldn't help but feel a surge of relief inside. It was Monday, and the last thing I wanted was another counseling session.

The Headmaster left us, and I turned to Nicholas, who had his brow arched. "What?" I asked, feeling a bit defensive. "Counseling?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement. I sighed, "No, it's not what you think. I'm new here, just like you, and I got into a little fight with this other girl. One thing led to another, and the Headmaster forced us to attend counseling because he thinks it'll help."

We walked out of the hallway, the silence between us palpable. Everyone was in class, so the corridors were empty. Nicholas spoke up, "So, you're a troublemaker then?" I defended myself, "No, people tend to provoke me, and I don't sit back and let them. Besides, a counseling session won't fix anything."

Nicholas raised an eyebrow, "Is that because you don't want anything to be resolved, or-" I cut him off, "Trust me, if you met her, you would understand." I shook my head.

"So, what brings you to Everton High?" He asked and I shrugged, "Honestly, it just happened. I practically grew up as a nomad, so it was a given." He nodded, understanding. "And you?" I asked, turning the question back on him.

"Parents," he replied, his answer brief but valid.

As we walked, I realized we were in a completely different part of the school. The hallways looked unfamiliar, and I knew I should probably stop the tour here. "I don't even know why the Headmaster asked me to show you around, but I hope the mini tour helped," I said, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings. "I'm already getting lost."

Nicholas chuckled, "Let's get lost together then," he suggested, his eyes sparkling with mischief. I blinked. "It doesn't hurt to try new things," he added.

I shook my head, smiling politely. "Ha. I'll have to pass," I said, starting to walk away. "Hopefully, you make a friend because almost everyone here is a pain,"

But then he said, "I already have one,"