Hope.

• Chapter 14 •

• Luca •

"Watch where you're going." A shrill voice hissed as Fatima and I collided with them. I looked up to see myself face to face with the devil herself, Mary McCarthy. One of the only girls in our school who enjoy picking on people as much as Jordan does. I hated her with my life.

A few days ago I heard and her group of friends laughing Tyler when he 'accidentally' tripped on Mary's obnoxious foot.

"You did not see us either," Fatima retorted, looking upset at the taller girl's tone.

"And who are you?" She sneered at Fatima causing her to shrink slightly.

"My name is Fatima," she stuttered, trying to sound defiant. Fatima was a lot braver than I was. I would have probably run away in the opposite direction by now. 

"Fatima?" She smirked, before snickering at Fatima who looked confused.

For some odd reason, I felt myself wanting to snap back. And Luca Ramona does not snap back to people like Mary McCarthy.

"Is that a problem, Mother Mary." I snapped, causing her piercing gaze to turn towards me. I shifted my gaze to the ceiling a small smiling playing at the corner of my lips before clasping my hands together. "Oh lord, I'm sorry. That is disgraceful to our Mother,"

"Shut up, fag." She hissed, pushing past us with an ugly scowl. I nearly fell on my face, but it was worth it. Okay, not really. I would probably be getting cornered tomorrow. Oh, Luca, what have you done?

"You are good at that," Fatima said, appreciatively. I couldn't help but feel heat rushing towards my face at the false compliment.

I chuckled awkwardly. "Never done it before," I said, truthfully.

"Well, thank you, Luca," She said, linking her hand in mine as we strode through the hallway. Fatima and I had started getting close over the last few days since Jess wanted to be nowhere near me. It was difficult but I knew she needed time.

Fatima had really improved her English over the past week and I was extremely proud of her. She was constantly trying to make conversation and prodding me to correct her mistakes. I had told her that I probably wasn't the best teacher, since, I went the best at English myself.

"I literally have the biggest headache ever," I heard, a familiar voice groan behind me. I recognized Tyler's grumbling voice immediately.  I couldn't help but turn around and look at Tyler who was walking alongside Iris. Iris looked a lot better than she did for the past few weeks. Her perfect smile was back in her face.

"Hi, Tyler. Hi, Iris. " I greeted, causing Tyler to look at me instead of Iris.

"Hey, Luca." Both of them said in unison. Tyler was smiling brightly at me and a small smile twitched at the corner of my lips. Tyler's bright eyes sparkled, his freckled face was sun-kissed and glowing. I bit my lip nervously, feeling my stomach turning uneasily.

Tyler and I had started talking a little more in school. And since he was always with Iris, both of us ended up making small talk as well.

"Um, Fatima this is Iris and Tyler. Guys this is Fatima," I said, awkwardly introducing them to each other.

Fatima beamed at the pair as she shook their hands. "Hello,"

"Hi," They said, smiling right back at her.

"Which class do you have?" Tyler asked, looking at me with a smile that made my stomach flip again. I felt weird around Tyler and it was bothering me slightly. I didn't really understand what was happening. But I ignored the feeling as always.