.          LUCY

I looked at Cassie from a distance, she is laughing with her new group of friends. Matt says something to her ear and she nods and then kisses him.

"Are you...sure what you say Mandy?" I asked looking back at the girl who is sitting in front of me.

"I told you they were rumors, but who knows, you know Matt" Mandy shrugged before removing a pickle from her burger.

"I really... I don't know, what do you mean?"

"Really?" I nodded in response. "He has reputation to be with a lot of girls, he had girlfriends before but nothing ends well. He's like Harry " I raised an eyebrow. "Ahm or like the old Harry"

"Do you think Cassie knows that?"

"Of course she must know, she has been here almost all her life. She knows what Harry or Matt or any guy has done here, in any case at the end of the day everyone knows, rumors spread like condoms here"

I sighed. "Sometimes Cassie is very naive."

"You say that for what happened with George?"

"Yes, how did you know?"

"Like I told you, rumors spread like condoms," she shrugged. "Everyone knew George was with Regina, except Cassie and you, I guess"

"When she found out about that it was horrible, she was like a zombie, she barely spoke to me and I tried to help her but I really suck at those things," I sighed.

"Anyway she recovered very fast, because it happened on summer"

"You're right, only a few months ago, I know" I nodded.

"We can find out, maybe you could talk to Harry he is friends with Matt..."

"Um, yes, it is a good idea. Mandy I got one more question ... you know who Matt is cheating on Cassie?"

"You won't believe but ... it's Regina"

"Wha-what? This has to be a joke "

"If it is true, I wouldn't be surprised, Regina is a slut, plus Regina and Cassie hate each other. They used to be friends last year before you came here; the thing is they stopped being friends for a stupid guy and that was Jordan. I think Cassie stole it from Regina and... You know the end of the story. "

I opened my mouth in surprise. "I didn't know that ..." I whispered in shock. Cassie had never told me anything about this.

"Really? I thought she was your best friend”

"Well, yes she is but ..." I turned to look at Cassie and then looked down at my plate. "I'm not angry, she has kept secret and I did the same."

"You haven't told her anything about Harry?" I shook my head. "This is not going to end well, Cassie is quite impulsive"

"Like me, but worse"

"Are you going to eat your fries?" Mandy asked.

"No ... you can eat them if you want"

"Don't be like that Lucy, we can find out and then tell the truth to Cassie"

"I know, I know. Today she ...she was drunk, it was horrible, that's not my fri-friend"I said with sadness, I feel like I want to cry.

"Sorry Lucy. Jesus, are you on your period? Please don't cry. "Mandy handed me a napkin. "Do you think he is forcing her?"

"Maybe ... I don't know, Cassie sometimes is easy to manipulate and especially if it's a boy" I wiped a tear.

"Maybe she's just trying to fit in." Mandy said as she looked at Cassie.

"I think the same"

.                                                                             *  *  *  *

I could not think of anything else, I was really worried about my friend. I just didn't want her to get hurt again. Now I know that Cassie has done bad things but I think she has suffered enough and in my opinion she doesn't deserve it. Plus she is not good handling breakups and apparently she likes Matt a LOT, so things could get worse.

After lunch we went straight to class, I didn't see Harry and indeed there was no space in my head for nothing more than Cassie. Harry didn't call; I guess we can talk later.

When classes ended Mandy was waiting outside the classroom. We were in the library studying for an hour and talking and then headed to the gym. Matt plays on the basketball team and apparently he has training today.

The thing is that Mandy heard that he meets Regina after training, for that reason we decided to stay.

We spy the training through the front door, there is a circular small glass we see through there. I spotted Matt playing with the rest of the team and I spot Ryan too, I didn't know he was on the team. He looks so handsome while he's playing, but I avoid those thoughts because I am with Harry now and Ryan was my crush when we were kids.

Somehow I feel bad for not knowing anything about Ryan lately, we resolved things, he apologized for the kiss and now we're friends but things will never be the same, I know it and he knows it. Still I would like to know more about him, I miss him.

"No sign of Regina" I said when the training ended.

"Maybe she just didn't come today," Mandy said and we both walked away before the team left for the front door.

"You're right, we should come next time?" I said.

"Yes, I think it's a good idea"

"I can take you home if you want" Mandy offers when we walk through parking lot.

"Yes, please, I'd appreciate it, I don't have a car"

We walked to her car but before we get there she grabs my hand and pulls me behind a car. Mandy bends down and I almost fell for her very sharp movement.

"What—?"

"I just saw Regina's car and I think she is in" Mandy whispered.

"Let's wait here"

We were about 30 minutes kneeling and hidden until we saw Matt and he left with Regina. We still hadn't any proof but this was something.

"We should follow them, like in the movies!" Mandy jumped and walked to her car.

"No don't thi-think it's a good idea!" I spoke as I followed her.

"Don't be a coward, come on" I decided to accept this time and got into her car.

Mandy started the engine; I buckled the seat belt a little scared by the speed in which she was driving.

"There's her car!" Mandy said. It was a small white car, I think that it's a Toyota Vitz.

From where we were we could see the heads of both, and they weren't near or anything like that. So far everything was normal, maybe just maybe nothing is happening and maybe they were friends...

We followed them through the streets. I was afraid they would notice us but I've never spoken with Regina and Matt has just seen me a few times, I don't think he remember my face.

My cell phone rang in my backpack, I took the phone and almost dropped it when I saw Harry's name in the screen. How can I feel nervous about a phone call?

"Hi Ha-Harry"

"I'm outside your house, can we talk?" He said sharply.

"Harry... I'm not at home now," I replied nervously.

"Where the hell are you?" He asked angry.

"You can talk later to your boyfriend, we don't have time now!" Mandy squeals. "This is getting interesting!"

"I'm doing something right now, I'll call you...ehm, I'll call you later!"

"What!? Lucinda where the hell-? "I hung up the call and turned off the phone.

He'll get angry, I think I'm in trouble, I know, I can feel it.

"Harry will be mad," I whispered looking at my phone.

"You explain everything to him later," Regina's car parked in a house, Mandy drove and parked a few meters away. "I can imagine Harry angry, in a sexual way of course...and oh my god! I swear I could have an orgasm now" Mandy sighed and I frowned at her worlds.

"What are you talking about Mandy?"

"I'm sorry, it's your boyfriend, you are the one who should think of him in a sexual way" Mandy apologized with her hands up like an innocent position.

"Can we con-concentrate on what we're doing?" I inquired and Mandy in the rearview mirror and I peeked my head out the passenger window.

Regina and Matt get off the car, they are not holding hands or anything like that, after that they disappear when they enter the house.

"That's it?! Shit! "Mandy hit the steering wheel and it reminded me of Harry.

 "We have no suspects yet"

"I expected more action" She sighed frustrated.

"Like a...kiss or som-something?" Mandy nodded and dropped her head on the seat.

" "I wasted gasoline in vain, this sucks, let's go?" I nodded in defeat and Mandy started the engine. "Are you going to see Harry now?" She spoke breaking the silence.

"I don't think so," I replied as I turned on my phone. I don't have missed calls. "I don't have the courage to call him, Harry must be mad at me" I sighed.

"You were busy, it was not your fault, I'm sure he'll understand and if he doesn't he is a complete idiot"

.                                                                             *  *  *  *

When I got home there was no sign of Harry, I guess he left.  I'm not really impressed, it would be a miracle if he were still waiting for me.

I said goodbye to Mandy and I went home. Harry didn't call me and neither do I, not for pride but because I was scared to hear him angry.

Nerves were consuming me the other day. Today after lunch I have chemistry classes, which means I'll see Harry and sit with him.

On the way to my first class I came across Marcel. I looked at him but he didn't see me.

That hurts more than I expected. I wonder how much longer we will be like this, perhaps Marcel is just as proud as Harry.

What more can I say? It was a boring day. I spent lunch with Mandy and Ryan joined us. I was very surprised but happy at the same time. He was friendly and chatted with Mandy, she was like flirting with Ryan, I really didn't like that but who am I for think like that?

I searched Harry through the tables and he was with his friends as always. He didn't look for me. At one point he stood up and left with Zayn. I hope to see him in chemistry.

"I thought you'd be with Cassie" Ryan said tapping my shoulder with his.

"She's...she's busy with her new friends" I shrugged.

"Problems between best friends?" I nodded. "Well, at least you have me" he hugged me.

"Me too!" Mandy said throwing a potato chip to Ryan, he smiled and did the same. They only just met today and they have like a lot of confidence...

"You know that our mothers are talking?" Ryan spoke and I looked at him confused.

"What?"

"Yes, I thought the same. Our mothers never spoke, our parents were friends, "I nodded. "But my mother went to the hospital the other time and she recognized your mother after so many years and... you know the end"

"The world is small," I said, and Ryan nodded.

"Both of them just don't know each other until now because they were quite anti-social."

"I know! I thought the same, "he smiled.

"You two look cute together" Mandy told us.

"We were childhood friends" Ryan and I talked at the same time.

"How sweet, I wish I had a childhood friend" She snorted.

"You can't ste-steal him, he is mine," I joked and Mandy glared at me.

"There is Ryan for everybody" he smiles with a shrug.

"Lucinda you shouldn't say such things, now that you have a bo-"

"Look at the time!" I interrupted, almost shouting. "Lunch is al-almost over, we have to go, right Mandy? "I squinted at Mandy and she smiled.

"Okay, I'll stay silent"

"What was that?  Girls code? "Ryan asked raising an eyebrow.

"You'll understand someday," Mandy said, patting the shoulder of my friend.

.                         * * * *

I feel embarrassed when I walked into the classroom. My steps lead me to the last place, sitting there with his arms crossed is Harry. I stumbled when his deep eyes met mine. He hid a smile, biting his lower lip and I sat down beside him.

He didn't speak and I thought about what I could say while the teacher explained the lesson.

"So?" He whispered and I froze for a few seconds.

"Hi Harry" I said as I settled my glasses.

"Where the hell were you yesterday?" He hissed.

"I wa-was busy, I was with Mandy," I muttered.

"Was she more important than me?" He rolled his eyes.

"Ahm, no, is not that, I-I don't know."

"So? What happened that was so fucking important?" He growled.

"I don't know but it seems that Matt is cheating on Cassie!"  I confessed without stuttering, wow, that's new.

"So? Is not a big deal to cheat on ... " Harry trailed off when I glared at him.

"For you it may not be, but for me it's imp-important, she is my friend, I don't want Cassie to get hurt" I talked, resting my back on the seat.

"I didn't mean to say that" He said looking at me.

"It's okay, I-I guess."

"You should have told me" He slips one arm around my shoulder and I sighed, glad to feel his closeness. He sounds more understanding.

"Sorry, I found out yesterday." Harry nodded in response.

I guess that everything is fine between us, we spent the rest of the class like this. I try to concentrate in class but is a bit difficult, his smell has me completely hypnotized and also he didn't stop playing with my hair.

When the class is over we walked together across the aisle, I look at my feet so I can't see that all eyes are on me. Harry didn't seem to care, he walks with his hands in his pockets, humming a song.

"I have to do something," he said when we entered his car. "And I want you to go with me," That was not a question, but I don't care.

"Sure Harry," I muttered and looked away, because to be honest his green eyes were too penetrating today and I feel intimidated.

He turns on the radio and the air conditioning, is a bit cold today so it's a relief to have the air conditioning. I look through the window while I braid my hair.

I turn my gaze to look at Harry for a moment, he hums a song with one hand resting on his chin while he's driving. He's wearing a beanie, covering his curls, and a brown jacket. As always he looks so perfect and I'm a mess, I'm using the sweater I wear as a pajamas sometimes, that level of disaster I am.

I look away when his eyes meet mine. I played with my fingers while Harry parked the car.

"Come on," Harry ordered before getting out his car.

"Why we are in the supermarket?" I asked confused. I got out of the car and Harry approached me.

"Do you promise not to laugh?" He said and I nodded. "I have to grocery shopping" I laugh. "You said you wouldn't laugh!" He frowned but smiled at the same time.

"I'm sor-sorry" I bit my lip. "I didn't expect that," I said as we walked.

"Men also do shopping" Harry crossed his arms.

"How about your friends?" I asked grabbing a cart.

"They do this too, we take turns" He replied, pulling from his pocket a list. "But today we were too lazy and we play rock paper scissors and I lost" He rolled his eyes and I laughed again.

"This is funny ..." I rest one hand on my stomach, feeling the pain from laughing so hard.

"Are you making fun of me Lucinda?" Harry raised an eyebrow, I looked up at him, I bit my lower lip while shook my head. "I think you're doing it" He spoke before gently pulling my braid.

"Harry Auch!" I groan.

He smiled at my reaction and left a packet of noodles into the cart.

"Lucinda, can I tell you something?" Harry said looking at me and I nodded. "I think the braid makes you look sexy" I laughed at his words.

"What's so funny?" His eyes narrowed.

"Because Harry, I'm the op-opposite of that," I shrugged.

"I think you're sexy" He smiled and I could see his dimples. This was a different smile, I swear I melted inside.

I rolled my eyes and I snatched the list of his hands.

"Liar, are you-?" It's so cheesy but Harry interrupted me with a kiss and I can't refuse.

His big hands grab my sweater, he pulls me closer to him and wrapped my waist with his hands. I stood on tiptoe to kiss him better while I slip a hand around his neck.

"You...you interrupted me," I whispered when we pull away.

"I would do it again" He murmured and took the list from my hands. He kissed the tip of my nose and started to walk. "Now come on, you're distracting me and we have a mission!" He jokes and I smile as I follow him with the cart.

I don't know how but I'm walking and breathing after kiss him, and I don't know how I'm doing it because it was amazing and I can't even describe with words.

We walked through the halls and Harry removes items off his list. We stop at the section of fruits and vegetables. I watch the list and I grab a container of strawberries.

"You and your friends eat a lot," I said, leaving a bag of apples in the cart.

"Yes, but you have to keep in mind that we are five guys." Harry says whilst he looks the avocados.

"What are you wa-wainting? you just have to pick"

"I try to choose the perfect one!" He says in a exaggerating tone and I stand next to him.

"Harry?" We heard a female voice and we both turn to meet a woman.

Her hair is dark and she has beautiful eyes. I can't remember but I've seen her somewhere...

"Mom what are you doing here?" Harry frowned.

Mom? ... Oh right! Now I remember, Anne, Harry's mother.

"Well Harry, this is a supermarket, a public place," She replied with a smile and her eyes meet mine. "Lucy how are you?" She smiles and Harry raised an eyebrow at me. I forgot that he doesn't know that once I spoke to his mother.

"I'm fi-fine and you?"

"I'm fine too darling, thank you. I'm surprised to see you here Harry"

"Um, okay" Harry spoke before turning around and focus on the list.

"Ho-how is everything in the bakery?" I asked, trying to make pleasant the uncomfortable atmosphere.

"Everything is great, thank God" Anne nods.

"You owe me money mum and--" Harry said turning to face her.

"We'll talk about that later Harold" His mother cut him off. "I have to ask a question" She said looking at us. "Are you dating?" She smiles and the good mood is back.

Harry and I looked at each other and then to Anne, who is looking forward for an answer. Should I say yes? I guess so. I open my mouth to speak but I don't make any sound, I'm too nervous to answer.

"Yes mom," Harry answered for me.

"What!?" Harry's mother almost screamed. "Oh my god, I'm so happy!" She said and walked over to hug me.

"Ahm, tha-thanks?" I spoke without knowing what to say.

"Finally son" Anne stroked Harry's cheek and he rolled his eyes. "She looks decent and correct, just what you need, much better than Emily"

Wait, what?! Emily?... Who is Emily?!

"Well mom this was nice but we have to go" Harry said and tried to grab my hand but I refused. In my mind still rang the name Emily and all I was feeling...was jealous.

"Okay, I'll stop bothering you but before I go I would like to invite you two to dinner at my house on Friday, what do you think Lucy?"

WHAT!? Going to her house? Oh god, no, no, that doesn't sound like a good idea.

"We can't," Harry replied.

"Why?" Anne pouted. "I want to meet Lucy, we can drink and eat—"

"Lucy doesn't drink" Harry said.

"Well, she can eat and no more excuses Harry." Anne growled and then turned to me. "So what do you say Lucy?"

I wasn't even able to talk right now. What should I say? I want to say no, because I'm not ready for that. I'm not very social; I'm also shy and awkward. I can't understand why she wants to know me, I mean; I'm not an interesting person.

And also I think it's too soon to go to Anne's house. It’s too rushed if I'm being honest. People do that when they are already dating and Harry and I don't have any label. I haven't even told my parents about Harry and I and she is inviting me to her house and—

"Okay, we will go" Harry replied and I pinch my leg until I feel pain because I cannot believe what he has said. I'm about to freak out, why Harry? Why?

"Really? I'm so excited. I'll stop bothering and I'll see you on Friday, bye! "She said with a big smile and then left.

We have been together for less than a week and I can't believe that he has accepted it. I can't go, I can't do it, a family dinner, what have I got myself into?