Rachel's POV

"Rachel, sweetie, you've got to speed up. If you don't want to be late for school." My dad reminded me as he gazed up from the newspaper to give me a what-are-you-waiting-for look.

I bit back a sigh and shook my head a little. Today's the first day back to school after Zachary and I became official. How will I survive school is still a mystery. I wonder if any girls will be throwing me hateful looks. Ha. As if I have any extra time to ponder on these kind of things.

I quickly finish up my bowl of cereal and washed the utensils I have used. Double checking on my bag and went downstairs to wait for Zachary. Zachary said he'll send me to school today. You know so that I wouldn't have to go through all those deadly stares by myself.

After the episode with Ella, both Nicole and Helen stopped calling or texting me. This was going so well right, having my only friends in school cutting off their contacts with me. Honestly, I thought this situation where you wouldn't be friends with one person because your best friend said so, would stop after middle school. It seemed that I was wrong afterall. I thought they were more mature than that.

My phone vibrated, indicating a new text came in.

Zachary : Hey, are you ready? I'm waiting for you outside! :)

I locked my phone and grabbed my bag before bidding my parents goodbye. Zachary was leaning against his car when I came out and brisk walked down the stairs.

A big wide and mischievous grin formed on my face as I gave Zachary a peck on the cheek.

"Morning, sunshine!" Zachary greeted and his hazel eyes was twinkling as he gazed at me adoringly. My cheeks flushed bright pink while Zachary gently stroked it.

"Rachel, I like it when you blush." Zachary commented which made my face turned even redder, when I thought it wasn't possible.

"Yeah, right." I rolled my eyes but felt the corner of my mouth twitched upward into a cheeky smile.

Zachary's brows lifted and his chuckle was deep and warm. He mockingly gave me a bow and helped me open the door. I giggled at his immature actions while saying, "Thank you, sir."

Zachary came into the car with his signature smirk planted on his face. "Ha. Ha. Very funny, Rach."

Silence filled the car as Zachary drove to school. I stole a glance at Zachary and saw that this time, his brows are furrowed. Unconsciously, my brows went down into a frown too. I was tempted to ask Zachary what's bothering him, but I wasn't sure how he'll react. The car came to a stop, in front of the red light.

"Did anyone, especially girls, gave you trouble these few days?" Zachary suddenly questioned me, catching me by surprise.

"Nope. Why did you want to know?"

"Hmm.. I was just making sure." Zachary responded and I couldn't voice out my next question as the lights have turned green.

What's there to make sure, Zach?

The distance between school and my house was actually quite short if we drove there. It was because of the stops buses have to make on the way to school which extended the timing. There was a vacant spot near the general office, Zachary parked the car swiftly into the spot.

Zachary switched off the ignition and turned to his right to face me.

"Are you ready?"

"I was ready before you were born!" I winked at Zachary playfully and he actually gave my cheeks a pinch.

"Hey!" I rubbed my sore cheeks, while trying to look angry.

"Winking is my specialty, Rach."

I suppressed a laugh and thought, as if.

"Stay in here for a moment." Zachary ordered as he unlocked the door.

I watched him run across the car, over to my side. I felt a gushed of wind fanned lightly on my right arm as the door was opened. Zachary stuck out one hand for me to hold when I come out of the car. Real gentleman uh, Zachary.

Without missing a beat, I interlocked my hand with Zachary's. Both of us had a foolish smile on our faces as we gazed at each other. Zachary led the way out of the parking lot towards the main building.

As expected, I could hear whispers flying around us, as soon as we stepped one foot into the school. Some were muttering about what did I do to deserve Zachary. Some were nicer, they looked at us admiringly. This was only the start and I couldn't wait for all these hype to die down. Well, of course everyone would have this reaction when the hottest guy in school is dating a not so hot girl.

Zachary squeezed my hand a little which made me glanced up to him.

"Chin up and smile, Rach. You've done nothing wrong here." Zachary reminded me and my mood improved tremendously. Instantly, I felt a small smile gracing my features and walked hand in hand with Zachary.

Just as we were about to walk into Math class, we bumped into Ella, Nicole and Helen. Woah. This might be the most awkward encounter with Ella, ever. The more afraid you are to meet a person, the more life would bring you two together.

"Hi Zachary, Rachel." Ella greeted us and the way she pronounced my name as if it's poisonous.

I smiled at them and the reaction I got was merely a blank stare. Well, Helen did acknowledge me as she looked at me with kindness shining through her brown eyes.

"Hey, girls." Zachary gave them a polite nod before guiding me into the class.

Zachary led me to a row of empty seats and pulled out the chair for me. I sat down quietly, took out my math materials and waited for our teacher to come in.

I saw the three of them sitting a few rows ahead of us. Ella would pretend to turn to her sides and peek at us every now and then.

If you think whispers are very soft, it's not the case when everyone in your class are whispering.

Jake and Dylan came into the class shushing everybody. Dylan stopped by Helen's table and both of them were whispering into each other's ears.

"Hey Rach, don't take everyone's reactions to heart. Also, Helen wants to meet you during lunch." Dylan informed as he took a seat next to me. I merely nodded my head as I heard Mr Longman cleared his throat, signalling us to settle down.

Author's note :
TGHITS reached 2.1k reads and 140 votes!!! Thank you guys for your continuous support! ❤ I hope y'all can feel my gratitude! :) Hehe! It would be a huge encouragement for me, if you'll vote/comment/share my story! :D

A little dedication to @LineyForever3 ;)
Thanks for your lovely comments and adding my story to your reading list! I really appreciate it!