Unexpected

• Chapter Eighteen •

"Each new friendship can make you a new person, because it opens up new doors inside of you." ~ Katie DiCamillo

• • •

Knowing that this is our last week of term, I dress as lazily as possible in black leggings with a simple white and black striped top. I've completely lost all motivation and it's definitely showing.

Despite it being the end of October, the weather is unseasonably warm still at 24 degrees. Global warming, I'm telling you.

We're all sitting at the dining table eating breakfast silently when My mum speaks up.

"Do you want to invite a friend over after school today?" She asks.

Omari rolls his eyes. "I've told you before mum, I just don't like most people in my year." He goes to the same school as Marcel and I but he's only in year 9.

"Don't roll your eyes boy. Respect is important in this family." Dad states.

While my dad proceeds to lecture Omari, Nolan attempts to discreetly poor orange juice into Marcels bowl of cereal.

"Nolan, if you don't stop that right now." Says Marcel with obvious frustration.

Nolan blatantly ignores his empty threat and tries even harder by stretching his arm as far as possible. He eventually succeeds and laughs manically when he does. This boy is becoming more and more evil as the day goes by.

I watch in amusement as Marcel shoves Nolan away by placing his palm over his face.

For once, I'm not the one getting lectured or being annoying; it's a miracle.

All of a sudden, I receive a text.

Sexiest man alive: I'm taking you to school today. Be ready in 20.

I don't realise I'm smiling at my phone until my mum comments on it.

"Who are you texting Keziah?" She questions.

"Abel was just telling me he's taking me to school today."

"Hmm." She says before sipping her coffee. "I still want to meet the boy."

"Yes, you will. Eventually."

After eating, I go and grab my white converse and slip them on before putting my hair in a half up, half down kind of look. The red in my braids adds extra colour to my simple black and white outfit.

Abel texts me to let me know he's outside. I yell 'bye' to my family and head out. The first thing I notice is Tristan and Tatiana both waving at me through the car window.

"You're taking them to school today?" I ask as I reach his side of the car.

"Yeah, I hope you don't mind. They've been begging me since last week."

"No that's fine. Actually, can I go and get Nolan? I know he'd love to join them both."

"Sure."

I walk back into the house and grab Nolan by the hand after asking my parents if it was okay.

Just before we reach the car, Nolan takes off at a fast sprint that I didn't know his little legs were capable of. "Trist and Tati!" He yells.

I help strap him in safely and finally jump into the passenger seat next to Abel.

"Hi." I say.

"Hey." He replies.

We both stare at each other for while with me thinking about the kiss we shared this weekend. The fact that he looks so good today really isn't helping matters.