Chapter 11: CHAPTER TEN

R I O N A

Leonardo?

Was that the same boy I met at the cafe the other day?

I carefully read the list which was pasted on the notice board.

After checking, I decided to stand in the corner to wait for him to come so I could confirm my suspicion.

A tall masculine build stepped after a couple of minutes up to check for his name and although I wasn't able to see him from behind, I guessed it was him when I heard him yell.

After we had a brief conversation, I noticed people staring at us and then it dawned on me that I was standing in the hallway talking to a guy who wasn't ugly, and most likely popular.

Riona finish this up now and leave before people begin to notice you, I said to myself.

"There's no need really for all that physical contact in school, just give me your number and then we will discuss everything," I suggested and then I gave him my phone.

After doing that I basically ran off, one would think I was a criminal or something.

Well technically I am but nobody knows that.

I got to the parking lot and found Thalia leaning against the car while typing something on her phone.

"Lia!" I called out and slowly walked towards the car.

"Rie! What took you so long? School ended almost an hour ago. You never take so long. Did anything happen?" Thalia questioned as we got in the car.

Almost an hour?

"Oh no. I had to check the notice board for an assignment I have,” I explained.

"An assignment? Why's it on the notice board though? Why wasn't it passed around like always?"

"Because Lia, it's a two-person thing and my teacher went the extra mile to pair us up and not only that, but the assignment was passed around to the whole senior year, so I got a partner from another class." I sighed.

"Well the worst that could happen is that you get paired with the girl you almost beat up last week," Thalia joked but I didn't laugh.

"Well no, I didn't get paired with her. I got paired with a guy,” I replied shaking my head in disapproval.

"A guy?" Thalia's eyes sparked interest.

"Yes, a guy, now stop asking me about it." I rolled my eyes.

As soon as I found a parking space, Iris and Cassidy didn't take long before they spotted the car and skipped towards us.

After having dinner, I decided to retire to bed. I brushed my teeth and put on a loose grey shirt.

While I was researching on knives a message came in and it was the remaining money I was meant to have been paid for the last job I completed.

I kept on researching and then a call covered my screen, but it was an unknown number.

Who could this be?

I answered but I didn't say a word because I wanted to be certain who it was first.

"Is that Riona?" A masculine voice asked from the other end of the phone.

"This is she, who is this?" I answered and the other person burst into laughter.

"Riona, it's me Keith! Remember?" He cheerfully asked causing me to let out a sigh.

"What do you want?"

"Your voice sounds so adorable through the phone."

"What do you want?!"

"I wanted to ask you if you'd be available tomorrow after school?"

"What do you want with me after school? I can barely stand you during school hours."

"You're my tutor Remember? You need to start tutoring me."

Shit.

"Why can't I tutor you during one of the free periods we have?"

"I wouldn't be able to concentrate."

"So where do you suggest?"

"A coffee shop? I can buy you a coffee."

No. I don't like public places.

"No. Somewhere else."

"My house?"

Like hell I'd go to your house.

"No."

"Your house then?"

Then he'd meet my family, and I couldn't let them be too exposed to anyone.

"No."

"Okay, you've refused all my suggestions. Why don't you suggest somewhere else?"

I went quiet.

I couldn't go to his house, and I couldn't go to a coffee shop with him. He was physically attractive and would draw attention to our table. I couldn't tutor at school either, people would notice that we were spending time together and futile rumors would erupt, and couldn't bring him home to meet my sisters either.

"Hello?" His voice screamed through my phone.

"My house then," I finally agreed.

Him meeting my sisters was much better because they didn't gossip unless it was with each other.

"So—"

I disconnected the call without waiting for him to finish what he was going to say.

Every single time this boy makes contact with me, that day always turns out bad. Thank God the day was practically over already.

I felt like I was forgetting something, but I couldn't really put my finger on what it was.

I pushed my thoughts to the back of my mind and just went to bed.

L E O N A R D O

All through dinner I was restless and couldn't concentrate on the food I was eating.

What if Riona tried to reach me but because I'm not with my phone, she's unable to?

I should have my dinner as fast as possible so I can handle my phone again.

"Lee, where's your mind?" My mother's feminine voice echoed through the house.

"Yeah Lee! You've been picking your food and you've been wearing a worried expression, what's on your mind?" Leah asked and she placed her hand on mine.

"Oh it's nothing, I'm just worried about school that's all," I lied.

"You've always done exceptionally well in school Lee, you shouldn't let your finals stress you out so much," my mom assured me, and I smiled.

"You know I don't like it when you bring the day's problems to the table. If you have any issues, leave it whenever you're having a meal," my father said.

I was expecting that. My father had never been one to joke with food.

After dinner, I rushed to my room and my phone screen was illuminated.

Maybe that was her.

I rushed over to pick my phone up, but disappointment hit me when the caller ID showed Kara.

Maybe she already called or texted before Kara's call came in. I stared at my screen and waited for the call to end, but another wave of disappointment hit when I didn't see a missed call or text from her.

I would just have to wait a bit more then.