Kates POV
My alarm went off waking me from my glorious sleep. I fell out around 10 oclock. I hope Lilly made it back. I moved out of bed and did my usual morning routine. Walking down stars I realised, "oh. I actually have something to look forward to today, someone new to talk to." reaching the bottom step i saw Lilly with her bag and two water bottles in hand.
"Ready?" I asked.
"Yep, lets go" she replied happily, following me to the car.
I hopped in and turned the key, reaching for the knob to turn the heat on. I pulled out and started heading to Dunkin Donuts again. As I drove I broke the silence.
"What time were you home last night?" I asked Lilly. She thought for a moment before answering.
"Around 10 or so," she answered. I hummed.
"Hmm. What did you two do?" I asked. She perked up.
"Actually it was me. Humphrey, Lilly, and Rick" i glanced over, ears shooting up.
"Rick?" I asked.
"Yeah he's a really good friend of mine and Humphreys" I gripped the steering wheel a bit harder. I kind of felt bad for the way I acted yesterday.
"Yeah… he was actually over yesterday" I said, keeping my eyes on the road.
"He was?" she asked.
"Yeah. he's the one that fixed our sink," I responded, thinking of Him again. What I said to Him.
"Why do you look so sad?" Lilly asked me.
"Because when he was over i felt like i was mean to Him, i haven't been in the best mood lately, and he just so happened to catch me at a bad time, i wasn't terrible but i told Him i didnt know who He was" I sighed.
"You don't know Him?" Lilly questioned.
"I've seen Him around a bit, never really had a conversation with the dude, i think i borrowed his pencil one time" i replied thinking. Did I borrow a pencil from him? I think I did but I kept it.
I pulled into the Dunkin Donuts drive thru and ordered my coffee.
"Want anything?" I asked Lilly.
"Hot chocolate?" she answered, shrugging her shoulders. I ordered it and went to the first window to pay. I did so and continued to the second window to wait. "So a pencil is the only thing of Him you can remember?" Lilly asked me.
"I believe so. Mom told me that he's been over before to fix our TV, but I don't even remember our TV being broken '' I answered. Lilly sighed
"Kate he's really nice, and if you feel bad about what you said you should talk to Him, I think it will do you both good" I glanced over to Her.
"good for us how?" I asked. But before Lilly could answer she was interrupted by the worker handing us our drinks. I thanked her and drove off heading to school.
It was silent for a few seconds as we drove. The only sound was the hum of the car, and Lilly sipping at her hot chocolate before instantly regretting it.
"Ow, shit" she said as she burned Her lip. I chuckled before going back to a straight face.
"Good for us how Lilly?" I pestered. She looked over to Me.
"It's obvious that you're feeling lonely, even though you have all the friends you could want, and yet you only stick to three," Lilly answered. I sipped my coffee.
"What does that have to do with Rick?" I asked.
"Clearly you want someone to love, honestly i think you two would make a great couple, i've been hanging out with Rick since freshman year, and he's never once wronged me, i would love to have him in the family" Lilly finished. I scoffed
"you really think my depression comes from a lack of boyfriends?" Lilly rolled Her eyes before responding.
"Come on Kate, when was the last time you felt truly happy?" I took a moment to think.
"Our trip to New York '' I said smiling, remembering our Christmas vacation there, all the lights and festivities, making it one of my most beautiful memories.
"That was a family thing, I mean with friends, or a loved one," Lilly said.
"I honestly don't think I could tell you," I said, pulling into the school parking lot.
"Just try talking to Him, if there's one guy who will make you happy, it's him" Lilly said hopping out of the car.
Walking to my class I saw my friends talking again, this time I just waved and kept walking on.
"He's that good of a guy huh?" I thought. I guess if he's already on good terms with my mom then he must be at least somewhat decent. Either way, I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I waited anxiously for the bell to ring so I could go to the first period. After what seemed like hours the bell rang and I jumped up to go to class. On the way there I found myself thinking once again that I have something to look forward to. I haven't walked this fast to class in years.
I walked in, scanning the room. I spotted him near the back taking out his notebook and pencils. I walked over and took a seat next to HIm.
"Hey Rick," I said feeling anxious. Why do I feel like this? So… nervous. He turned to me and gave me an odd look, before cracking a smile.
"Hey" he said. After a moment of silence I caught myself looking into his bright blue eyes. "My god, they're beautiful" I thought.
"What brings you over here?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well your usual seats open" he said darting his eyes to the chair before looking back at me.
"You want me to leave?" I asked, smiling.
"No no no i'm not saying that, i just… didn't expect you to sit here" he said avoiding eye contact. Is he nervous too?
"Rick, I just wanted to apologize for what I said yesterday," I said to him, giving him a sort of sad look, hoping he would forgive me.
"What is it that you said?" he asked, giving me a confused look. Does he really not recall?
"I said I didn't know you, and I feel like I was kind of… short… with you" I explained. He let out a small laugh.
"Kate you're fine, truth be told i'm just happy you're talking to me" that comment kind of made me feel even worse. Before I could say anything the teacher started talking. Telling us to settle down so he could take attendance.
For the rest of class i sat next to Rick. he didn't say anything to me but I think he wanted to. Not like he could. Teacher wouldnt shut the fuck up. When the bell finally rang I stood up packing my things.
"Hey rick?" I called over to him as I was picking up my books.
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Do you mind if I sit with you in the next class as well?" He looked up to me and smiled.
"Of course you can, and you know what about the class after that, and after that? We can even eat lunch together if you want" he responded in a joking tone. I giggled before responding
"what about after school?" I added playing along. Throwing my bag over my shoulder. He started to walk out and I followed.
"How far are you willing to go?" he asked.
"As much as you'll allow" I said. He laughed.
"yea well… i can't sit with you in periods three, five, and eight" i looked over at Him.
"why not?" I asked.
"You're not in those classes with me," he said. I laughed again feeling like a fool.
"Okay so remind me, we have English and science together, what else?" Rick looked up thinking.
"It's still so early, how about we just see when each class ends," he said.
"Sounds good" I replied walking into class.
During science I sat next to Rick. So far I think I see what Lilly is talking about, but we've only had what? Two conversations? I had to talk to him more. Before I could say anything though the teacher spoke up. For what we were doing we needed partners. I think I know who I was choosing.
"How about it?" I asked Rick. he glanced at me before simply nodding with a small smile on his face. For the assignment we had to look at certain rocks through a microscope and list different characteristics, finding out what type of rock it was. We were given five of them. "Okay what do you want to do? Look at the rocks or write the results?" I asked him. He glanced over at the paper and read our names written on it.
"Okay your writing, because your handwriting is absolutely fucking flawless" he said making me snicker.
Rick grabbed a rock and began looking through the microscope.
"Okay… so I might be a little quiet… because I don't know much about rocks," he said.
"Whatever you need, just let me know," I replied. I pulled out my phone and started to text Lilly.
K. Hey i've been talking to Rick
L. oh yeah? How's it going?
K. not great if i'm being honest. He's nice and all but he's just quiet
L. yeah he's shy. Just keep talking to him
K. well i am but hes not exactly making an effort, just doing work
L. well no shit. You're in class, try talking to him at lunch. I bet you the experience is way different.
K. alright. I'll see. I do like him though
L. awwww
K. stfu you know what i meant
Rick spoke up, breaking me out of my trance.
"Okay these two are igneous, these two are metamorphic, and this one is sedimentary" He said, separating them into three separate spots.
"Your done?" I asked.
"Yeah, and now that that's over we just need to write the labels and then we can talk" he said looking at me. He just wanted a moment of silence so he could get the work done fast. Now I feel bad again. I quickly wrote down the labels and turned to face Rick.
"okay… i think that's everything" i said, sighing happily.
"yes … so we haven't really gotten to know each other yet, tell me about yourself" he said, giving me direct eye contact. Is he actually going to listen? I thought.
"Well… i love horror, i could watch anything horror for days, dont think im a loser but i tend to play games from time to time" i said looking at him shyly after saying that last part.
"Games like video games?" he asked.
"Yes?" I said in a high pitched tone.
"What's wrong with that?" Rick asked me.
"Well nothing i guess, but people always assume i'm not into that type of thing, i guess because girls can't play games, or they're not supposed to" i explained.
"Well I don't see a problem with it, what games do you play?" he asked.
"Um... call of duty, red dead redemption, friday the 13th, battlefield,,," Rick cut me off before i could say more.
"Okay so the exact same shit i play" he said smiling, before taking out a piece of paper and sliding it over to me. "Gamertag?" he asked. I giggled before writing it down.
"I don't play much though" I reminded him before giving it back to him.
"I barely play," he said, putting the paper in his pocket before looking up at me. "What's your system?" he asked me.
"Playstation," I said. He nodded.
"Good," he said.
"So what about you? What type of movies are you into?" I asked Rick.
"horror. I love horror" he told me.
"So we both like the same genre. Nice," I responded.
"This is important though," Rick started. "Which is better? Old horror or new horror?" he asked.
"Hmm i think they both have their ups and downs," I said. I think he liked that answer because he nodded.
"Good answer," he said. wow . Am I actually having a genuine conversation with a guy without him trying to get in my pants? The more I talk to him, the more I like him. We continued talking to each other, getting to know him was my main goal, but he mostly just asked about me. After what felt like five minutes the bell rang. "That time already?" Rick asked.
"I guess" I said
"I don't think we have next period together," Rick told me.
"Awww" I moaned. I really like talking to him.
"Dont worry ill see ya at lunch" he said smiling.
"Can I sit with you?" I asked.
"Actually I was going to go out for lunch, so if you really want you can come with me" Rick offered.
"Sounds great" I said before he left, giving me another smile.
After what felt like hours, lunch time finally came. I walked to the cafeteria excited. I scanned the room looking for Rick. After about ten seconds I found him. He walked over to me with a smile.
"Kate," he called.
"Hey. Are you ready to go?" I asked him. He nodded and started walking to the parking lot. We both signed out before leaving the building. I walked to his truck where I climbed in.
"You cold?" he asked, turning the key.
"No, I'm fine," I said. This truck is really nice and he keeps it clean. It even smells new. He pulled out of the parking lot and glanced at me for a second.
"Where do you want to go?" he asked,
"you're letting me choose?" I asked.
"Yeah" he said quickly. I thought for a moment.
"There's a burger stand not far from here," I suggested.
"Give me directions?" he asked.
"Sure" I said before telling him where to go.
When we got there I hopped out and walked with him up to the small building. A guy poked his head through the window before asking what we wanted.
"What can I get you guys?" he said grinning.
"You first," Rick said. I turned to him and he gestured towards the guy with his eyes. I ordered a burger and a shake. I said getting out my wallet before Rick put his hand out. "I got it," he told me. I asked him if he was sure and he just nodded. He ordered chicken tenders and a coke before paying. As we walked back to the truck I thanked him. "Of course," he said before climbing into his truck.
We sat in the parking lot eating. After a while Rick broke the silence.
"So… did you really not remember me?" he asked. I looked over to him. He was avoiding my eyes.
"Not entirely, i've seen you around but i've never really talked to you" i answered hoping he wouldn't get mad.
"Mind if I ask why you never did?" he questioned. I sighed.
"Well… it wasn't you. I've had my friends and boy friends and most of those relationships never worked out. They just… wanted my body, my… popularity, I didn't ask for what I have, I just got it. I like to work for things and it sucks when all anyone sees you for is a pretty face, they never talk to me, never ask me how i am, and certainly dont buy me fucking burgers" i finished holding up my burger. "I'm just afraid of going through it again, I'm tired of it, '' I continued.
"You're tired of being pretty?" Rick asked
"no i'm tired of the way people look at me, if its a guy they think i'm just hot, and if its a girl they think i'm some type of slut, i've had my boyfriends but none of them ever even kissed me" rick tightened his brow when i said the last part.
"You've never kissed anyone?" he asked me.
"No… I haven't" I said looking at him, feeling a bit sad.
"Well… i'm right there with ya" he said taking a sip of his coke.
"I find that hard to believe," I told him.
"No. i find you hard to believe, you never met a guy that just clicked with you?" I thought for a moment before responding.
"No," I said.
"Any guys you like at the school?" Rick asked me.
"As of right now? No," I answered. "What about you?" I said returning the question.
"One," he said, avoiding eye contact again.
"Do I know her?" I questioned. Rick laughed before starting up the truck.
"Yeah. you do" he said turning the key. "I don't have a chance with her though" he said, turning out of the parking lot, heading back to school.
"Why not? You have the looks and personality for it" I said to him.
"Do i?" he asked. Glancing at me again.
"I think so," I answered, giving him a reassuring smile. I can't believe i just had a good time with a guy, i take back everything i said about him. I was wrong. We sat together for the rest of the day before walking out of the school getting ready to go home. I followed Rick out in hopes of squeezing just a bit more time out of him. Thanks to him I had a really good day for the first time in months.
Ricks POV
wow. today went better than expected. Hopefully it's just as good tomorrow. I enjoyed every second I spent with Kate today. We were walking together talking about how she wishes she had tried talking to me sooner. When we made it outside we walked past a couple arguing. The girl was in her car yelling at him while he was yelling back. "I'd never yell at Kate" I thought. I wonder if there will be a time when I tell her how I feel about her. Probably never. I just managed to gain her friendship and i dont plan on doing anything to fuck it up. On the way to our cars however we were stopped by Garth. I know this guy, he's a typical high school prick.
"Come on Kate you dont talk to me but you talk to this fuck up?" he asked her, gesturing to me.
"Fucks your problem?" I snapped.
"Your my problem" he said, stepping closer to me before Kate pushed him away.
"Seriously Garth, even if you had a chance this wouldn't be the way to go about it" Kate said smirking.
"So that's it huh? You forget about me so that you can date this scrawny piece of shit?" Garth said. I began to say something before Kate cut me off.
"Actually we aren't dating, he's just friendly, and that's why he's a better person than you'll ever be, so keep talking shit Garth. Know your place" she said before turning back to me. "I'll see you tomorrow" she told me before smiling and walking away.
"Bye" I called. Just then the girl who was arguing with her boyfriend got in her car fully before flooring it, speeding down the parking lot striking Kate. She toppled violently over the car before hitting the concrete out cold and bloody.
"NOOO" I screamed as me and Garth started running over to Her, the car stopped fast before the girl got out.
"Oh my god i… I didn't see her" she said, tearing up. I didn't hear her though. I just held Kate close to me as I cried into Her.