Work in Progress

Chapter 25: First Step

*ELI'S POV*

I woke up extra early today so I decided to take my time getting ready. I did my morning stretches and added another set to my workout (just some simple pushups, tricep dips, and crunches to get my blood pumping and wake up the mind). I took a shower then put on a striped shirt, jeans, sneakers, and cap. I also dumped a hoodie into my bag so I wouldn't forget to bring it. Then I went to the kitchen to make some sandwiches and grabbed a couple of strawberry milk from the fridge. I wasn't sure if Sam eats breakfast early in the morning but I thought maybe we could eat together before class. When I finished, I just sat on the couch waiting for Sam's text telling me she arrived. When I got it, I immediately ran out, not wanting to waste any second.

"Good morning," I say as I got in her car a little flushed.

"Good morning," Sam looks at me with a smile then drives off.

The car ride was quiet but comfortable. It only took us a few minutes to get to school so the parking lot only had a few cars in it. When Sam cut the engine, I turned around and asked her, "Have you had breakfast?"

She shook her head so I brought out the sandwiches and milk, "I thought we could have breakfast together..."

She laughs and says, "I didn't peg you to be this type."

"What type?" I say, laughing along.

"I don't know. The kind that makes breakfast. Actually, I was surprised when you first bought me this," she says, taking the strawberry milk. "I thought you'd drink something dark or whatever."

"Okay, just because I'm brooding doesn't mean I like dark stuff," I laugh. "Aaaand if you're lucky enough, maybe you'll get to try my famous stir fried rice."

"Oh really?" She teases me.

"But the recipe changes every time so you'll have to stick around even if you've tried it."

"I'll try my best."

"And hey! I cooked breakfast for you guys before," I remind her.

"Yeah, but you probably had no choice then. We were a bunch of teenagers waking up from a party."

"True, true."

"I thought the admin didn't want you showing off your tatts?" Sam asks, gesturing at my bare arm. "Or have you decided to go against them?"

"No, I haven't decided to go against them. Yet. I brought a jacket," I tap my bag.

"Well, I think it's useless since half the school probably saw it already."

"Then I'll roll up my sleeves every now and then pretending I forgot about my armfull tattoo." I make her laugh.

We just sat there in her car chatting and eating breakfast together and after a long time I could actually say that I was happy in that moment. We barely made it to our first class forgetting the time. And I couldn't help but smile every now and then earning stares from people. When the bell for lunch signalled, I quickly ran to where Sam's class was hoping to surprise her, which I did.

"Eager to see me much?" She smirks.

"A little, yeah," I put my arm over her shoulder making her blush and some people stare. "Hey, umm... What do Jane and Kate know?" I ask her slowly, knowing that they most likely noticed my sudden radio silence.

"They know we fought and that I hate you."

"Ouch but fair. Hmm.." I take my arm off Sam's shoulder making her pout. "Should I prepare myself?" I ask as we enter the cafeteria and see the two already at a table.

"Honestly, I don't know," she laughs and takes my hand, pulling me towards them.

"Hi," I say sheepishly, scratching my neck. They both look at me surprised. Jane was the first one to speak. "Did you two finally make up?"

"Yeah, umm... sorry about that. I had some issues to deal with."

She narrows her eyes, "Are you going to hurt Sam?

"No! That's the last thing on my mind. We talked and we'll just take things one step at a time. Right?" I say, looking at Sam.

"Righty-yo," she says, not really paying attention to me and taking a bite off an apple.

"Well, I for one am happy that you're finally back!" Kate says, moving to sit beside me and putting her arm around mine.

"Thanks, Kate."

"But I'll be keeping my eye on you," she says, pointing two fingers at her eyes then mine. I laugh, "Yes, that's alright."

Sam coughs, "So we're not yet dating because Eli wants to be mature and wait but we are 'dating'." She draws imaginary quotation marks. I look at her amused.

"Sorry, Kate," I pull my arm from hers. "I'm 'taken'." I draw imaginary quotation marks too making Sam gleam.

A/N: It's only a Monday :)