Next day Katie avoided everyone, she focused on her classes and tried no to get into trouble. At lunch, she headed to her favorite spot, under a big tree away from everyone. She was determined to stay out of trouble, so she was going to stay away from everyone.

She was reading a book when she heard someone approaching.

- Hi, Katie, right? – a boy called.

- Yeah.- she answered looking up at the boy, he was the same boy she defended the day before.

- I just wanted to thank you, about yesterday….you didn't need to do it and I know you got into trouble with Mr. Greene…

- It's alright. Don't worry.

- Ok, well, I will let you read then…thanks again…

- Ain't nothing. – she watched the boy moving away.- WAIT! You don't have to leave, Carl.

- Really? Sure you don't mind?

- 'course not.

- Cool. – he said happily.- I'm not really good at making friends.

- If you want to make friends, you shouldn't be here.- she said trying to sound like she didn't care.- I'm not popular here.

- I disagree. Everyone seems to know you.

- Maybe…but not for the right reasons.

- How so? – he asked. Katie remain silent.- what is the deal with them anyway?

- They don't like people that are different, and I'm not wealthy as they are, so… - she said.- I guess they don't want poor kids to come to their posh school.

- That's stupid.

- I know that. But if you want to make friends here, you should spend your time with them, not with the poor kid.

- You are assuming that I'm another preppy kid. You don't know me.

- This is a expensive school, and I know that I'm the only grant holder here.

- My granddad was part of the committee and my mum studied here. They always have a spot for former students' kids. My granddad paid for my tuition fees. That's why I'm here.

- So you are wealthy.

- No, my mum is. I live with my dad now. They are divorced.

- Oh…

- Yeah, she run away …so yeah, I'm not another preppy kid. – he added annoyed.

- I'm sorry…I shouldn't have assumed…

- Yeah, you shouldn't have. – he said looking away from her.

- Sorry..

- It's alright. – he said taking a newspaper from her bag.

- Why are you carrying a paper to school? You are weirder than I thought… - she said smiling.

- I need a part-time job…but I can't find anything.

- My dad needs someone to help him at the garage…

- You don't have to do that.

- He needs someone and you need a job. Plus, I don't want to work there anymore.

- Why?

- Too much macho attitude. Too many naked girls on the walls, you know.

- I can imagine. – he smiled at her, and added.- But I don't have any experience fixing cars.

- Doesn't matter. He will teach you. – she grabbed her phone and typed quickly. – he's expecting you this afternoon at 5 pm.

- Really?

- Yeah. You will work today as a try-out. He will pay you, don't worry.

- Thanks! - he said hugging her, which cached her by surprise.- Sorry...I get carried away..

- It's fine. - she offered a small smile blushing lightly.- we should get back to class...come on!


Daryl watched Carl as he was working on the last car. He was inexperienced but he worked hard and that's what exactly what he needed. The last assistant he had, had tons of experience but was just a lazy ass. He checked the clock and realized that it was almost 10. Quite late for an underage kid.

- Carl, that's enough for today. - he yelled across the garage.

- I'm almost done, Mr. Dixon.- Carl answered.

- Leave it.- he answered.- and call me Daryl, Mr. Dixon was my old man.

- Ok...but I will be done in 30 minutes or so Mr. Dix...Daryl.

- Nah, you've done enough. - he handed him a cleaning cloth.- you can finish it tomorrow.

- Really? - he asked surprised.- that's means I'm hired?

- Yeah, kid. You are. - he offered a smile.- Come on, I will give you a ride home. Wanna talk to your parents, about working hours and stuff.

- Sure...- he picked her schoolbag and followed Daryl to his motorcycle.- Whoa...are we going to drive in that?

- Yeah, you afraid or what? - he teased.

- Nah, I'm not afraid. - he said back. - I'm not a child, Daryl.

- Yeah, I can see that. Let's go, then.