"Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love."  ~ Mother Theresa

                              • • •

After my Psychology lesson, I had English followed by Health and Social Care  and now I finally have lunch. I am literally starving; my stomach has been rumbling loudly for the whole world to hear and now it's about to be satisfied.

I head towards the direction of the common room, the place where we hang out when I'm suddenly joined by Eliza and Evelyn. Evelyn, being the idiot she is attempts to jump on my back obviously forgetting that she is considerably taller than I. This meant that she fell off immediately and right onto the ground. So much for blending in.

"How many times do you have to do this for you to realise it's never going to work because of our height difference?"

"Until it actually works." States Evelyn.

I roll my eyes at her before looking at Eliza, the most normal friend of mine. "How's your first say been so far El?"

"Nothing special. Same old routine all the time. But I found out that your day has been a hell of a lot more interesting than mine." She says with a massive grin on her face.

"Okay firstly, don't smile like that its super creepy. And secondly, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't act dumb with me! I know there's this mysterious boy that you have wrapped around your little finger."

Wow, news travels fast.

"It's really not like that at all. We're just friends."

All of a sudden, Eliza jumps in front of me blocking my pathway and grabs my shoulders before shaking me.

"Stop. Playing. Around! This is the first guy you've taken an interest in so stop denying your feelings woman!"

I take back everything I said about her being the normal friend.

"Get off me you weirdo. I barely know the guy just relax for a second geez."

"At least give him a chance Kez, I bet he likes you already from what I've heard."

"Move on from this conversation Eliza." I say just before pushing the doors open to the common room.

"Ugh fine... for now."

I just roll my eyes like I always do around my friends.

The common room is nothing special. It's a large space filled with colourful sofas, stools and tables. The room is surrounded by several windows giving it an airy feel as well as a few pillows to make it seem comfier. To the left of the common room is a door that leads to a small kitchen; we're allowed to bring our own microwaveable lunches to make which isn't much but I guess its better than nothing. This space is only open to sixth formers so at least I don't have to deal with the peasants below me.

As I'm about to enter the room, arms are slung around my shoulders. "What are you lovely ladies discussing?"

"Nothing." I quickly respond before anyone else opens their mouth.

Abel looks at me knowingly while I avoid his stare.

I lead everyone to our usual spot where Ana, Rani and Rolando are already occupying. Rolando,being who he is jumps out of his seat and launches himself at me while knocking Abels arms off my shoulders.

"Best friend! I'm so glad you're here. I have an important question to ask. Milk before cereal or cereal before milk?" He asks seriously.

"What kind of question is that? Cereal before milk obviously."

"NO! How could you do this to me Kez." Rolo asks while dropping to his knees. "I thought we were in this together."

I give him a weird look pulling him off the ground. "Stop embarrassing yourself Rolo."

"You're honestly such a loser Rolando." Exclaims Evelyn.

"You cant talk Evelyn you-" They end up arguing so I decide to zone them out and focus on everyone else.

"So, you're the infamous Abel? The guy who captured my friend's attention." States Rani.

Instead of chuckling like he usually would, Abel just smiles.  "And your name is?"

"I'm Rani. The two people still arguing are Evelyn and Rolando. You know Anastasia obviously and this one next to me is Eliza." She introduced.

"Hey". Eliza says.

"Well its lovely to meet you." Abel responds with a heart stopping smile.

"Oh, my ovaries." Rani whispers.

I'm pretty sure Abel hears this though because he blushes. Surprisingly.

I clear my throat before shouting at Evelyn and Rolando to stop arguing and get over here.

"Rolando, Evelyn meet Abel." I say.

Rolando circles Abel slowly assessing him from head to toe before speaking up. "Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. You're the guy in mine and Kez's Psychology class. What brings you to our spot?" Rolo questions.

"Um well I'm new here and a friend of Ana and Keziah so." He replies.

"Right right." Rolando says. "Or you're in love with Kez and want to get in her pants."

"Ow! Keziah what was that for! Geez woman."

Everyone bursts into laughter except for me and Abel who just smiles. He's been doing that a lot lately.

"Ignore him Abel. All he does is talk rubbish."

"Hey! No I'm no-"

A ball is suddenly sent flying in our direction stopping Rolando in the middle of his sentence. Just when I think I'm about to get hit in the face, Abel jumps up and catches the ball smoothly.

"Woah! Nice catch man." Says Raphael as he saunters over.

Raphael. One of our school team's top football players that transferred from Nigeria in year 9. He's a tall dark-skinned guy (way darker than I am, like charcoal dark) with his hair shaved close to his head. Add the constant serious face that he seems to always  have and it makes him one of the most intimidating guys I have ever met. He's also the boy Ana's been crushing on since he moved here. Why she hasn't done anything about it, I have no clue. Anyway-

"Oh it's no big deal. Here's your ball." Abel replies.

"No, you have seriously quick reflexes. Ever played before?"

"In the past yeah."

"Nice, you should try out for the team. I'm Raphael and this is Israel." Says Raph while referring to the guy who joined us.

Israel is a lanky olive skinned guy that's a little on the geeky side. He has long shoulder length hair that's always pulled into a bun and dark uniquely grey eyes. He's part Egyptian which I think is really cool and he seems nice except for the fact that he doesn't really talk much.

"I'll think about it. I'm Abel."

"Cool. So i'll see you around yeah?" Raph says before walking away. Israel just nods at him.

"Now that the introductions are over," Ana starts. "I would like to personally invite you to Bittersweet after school with us Abel."

"What's Bittersweet?" He asks.

"It's a Café/diner/bakery kind of place." Answers Eliza.

While I'm eating my homemade pasta, Abel turns to face me. "Do you want me there with you Brown Eyes?"

Ignoring the knowing looks my friends are given me I stutter in response. "U-um I don't really mind it's up to you."

I avoid staring into his  piercing eyes until he grabs my chin and turns my face to look at his. "But would you like me to come with you?" He asks again.

"Yeah. It would be fun I suppose."

"Then I'll be there."

Abel lets go of my face and picks up his burger before continuing as if nothing just happened. My friends stare at me in shock and once again, Abel has made me speechless.
       
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A/N:
By the way, Rolo is short for Rolando.

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