Behind a facade

10.

“Thank you for helping me on that day,” Dakota flashed a gentle smile, after expressing her gratitude.

The person in front of her looked quite dazed as if he is still trying to figure out the situation he is facing at the current moment. Though he appeared to be timid, there was an indefatigable hopefulness around the boy. Hope for a change… Perhaps a wish for a better future… Whatever it was, the aura was infectious indeed.

Dakota herself experienced it for a short time when he offered his help during the previous week. Until he came from nowhere and displayed his willingness to help, Dakota never thought this boy could even communicate with others in that sort of persuasive manner. At that time also he showed a wide range of mixed emotions. He was empathetic, nervous, and scared, yet the courage he had was admirable. It was courage driven by the hopefulness that Dakota found unique.

The boy carefully studied Dakota for a couple of seconds without saying a single word. The sharpness in his amber eyes was hidden behind the spectacles. Unless someone is not paying close attention, no one could recognize how sharp and genuine those pair of eyes are.

“I couldn’t thank you properly at that time,” Dakota stated after a moment of hesitation. It wasn’t hard to tell he is measuring Dakota’s motive for talking with him. Though Dakota hadn't held any intentions, she felt a bit shaken because of Luke's gaze. “You weren’t there when I came back,”

“Ah, don’t mention it,” Luke curved his lips in a hurry. His face reddened, showing that he is embarrassed. It was a sign that he understood he was openly studying Dakota. “I didn't mean to be rude, I was just surprised earlier. You also helped me… us… consider it as returning a favour,”

“Oh…”

“I had to go deal with some journalism club stuff. So, I had to leave that day,” Luke tried to explain.

Journalism club! There weren’t many people in Lakeville High’s journalism club, and they didn't accept everyone to the club. It was well-known information in the school. However, the people who are in the club maintained its reputation well enough to gain recognition not only from the school board but also from everyone in the county. Hence, the competition to get into the journalism club was extremely high. Hearing that Luke is also in the famous journalism club, made Dakota aware she knows very little about the fellows who are the same age as her.

“I got it,” Dakota uttered. She took a few steps forward, planning to head towards the next class. "See you around, Luke,"

Luke suddenly blinked his eyes, showing an enthusiastic expression. He tapped on his forehead, using a finger. “Hold on, Dakota. Can I ask you a question?”

“Yeah sure,”

“Why don’t you join the journalism club, too? I think you suit there,”

Dakota gasped, hearing Luke's suggestion. Where did he come to a conclusion like that? “That’s… well, as you can see I am not the best person for a club like that,"

“Really? I have a good eye when it comes to seeing these things. You know… there is a thing called photojournalism,”

“What?”

“I have seen you taking photos… you live in that moment passionately,” Luke arranged his specs, directing an honest smile. “I am not trying to tell you what to do in your life. Just wanted to say what I felt. Sorry,”

“No...no...It’s fine, “Dakota assured while thinking about Luke's claim. How could he know Dakota into photography? Besides her father, Ryker and Josh no one is aware of her passion for photography. Unless Luke is a good observer, he won't notice personal preferences or hobbies like this.

Now that Dakota thinks about it, Luke's help came in handy during last week's incident because he notice and analyze everything clearly and accordingly. Perhaps this person knows everything happening around the school...

Before the awkward moment passed away Luke’s phone let out an alert sound, informing him that he received a message. Dakota silently thanked whoever texted him, breaking his attention from Dakota. She had this weird thought that if he continued the conversation with Luke, she might have agreed to attend some activities in the journalism club.

As soon as Luke checked his phone, he started nodding while looking around as if he is searching for something. All the colour drained out of his face suddenly. His pale complexion brought a sense of worry to Dakota.

“Luke, are you okay?”

Luke flinched as a response to the question came out of Dakota’s mouth. He gulped. “Yeah… yeah… absolutely fine,”

Dakota could sense he is trying to hide something. His words carried restlessness, and his body was shaking. What is he trying to hide?

Dakota suddenly remembered what might cause him to tremble. Is he still getting bullied by Brian and the gang?

“Okay then,” Dakota sighed, pretending she didn’t notice how nervous he looked at the current moment. From his behaviour, it was obvious that bullying topic is quite sensitive for him. “Let me know if you need any help,”

Luke nodded. “Sure. I’ll see you around Dakota.”

“See you around,”

Unfortunately, Luke wasn't there to hear Dakota's words. He has already walked quite some distance.

…………………………..........................................................................

Evening colours were painted on the sky, designing an eye-catching sight. From afar it looked like a painter's canvas that has thrown different watercolours randomly. Clouds come floating, bringing a lively touch to the sky.

Nature has magical sights that can heal, console or warm the human heart. The effect those natural sights can provide is miracles. They are healthy and powerful at the same time.

“DK, want some? I baked them,”

Dakota took her eyes from the mesmerizing sky and glanced at Emma who is offering some cupcakes. She felt a nostalgic feeling. Her mind was so captivated by the evening sky colours that she unknowingly found peace looking at it.

After the weird conversation Dakota had with Luke, she couldn’t take Luke's words out of her mind. As if those words cast some kind of spell, she starts to evaluate the photos when she has captured in her free time. This weekend evening wasn't much different.

“Thank you, Em,” corners of Dakota’s mouth turned up when she took a cupcake decorated with light pink icing. She closed some folders on the laptop screen that were filled with pictures she has taken. “Are you guys done with Dota two?”

“Not yet,” Josh peeked from the other corner of the table. “It’s impossible. Dude, each match is different,”

“Sorry DK… we didn’t mean to ignore you,” Emma flashed a concerned look. “It’s just… we didn’t notice the time. You know, this is a game of ultimate strategy,”

Dakota surveyed how happy Emma and Josh become whenever they talk about online games. Their similar interests made the atmosphere lively all the time.

“Em… it’s no big deal. I dozed off a bit. So I wasn’t aware of the time either,”

“Thank god. I felt terrible about this, DK,” Emma lamented. “I think it’s time to leave guys,”

Dakota checked her watch. “Emma is right,”

The open cafe they were spending time in has always been a quiet place where fewer people gathered. The cosy vibe and the friendly atmosphere of the cafe were unique to the place. After Emma introduced this place to Josh and Dakota, it eventually became their favourite usual hang-out spot.

This part of the town wasn’t popular among the youth in Lakeville. Hence, they didn’t encounter anyone from the school whenever they visit the cafe. In their minds, they were thankful for that. They could behave freely without any worries. No one was there to judge them or interrupt their free time.

Dakota who collected her belongings waited until her friends collect their stuff. She looked around with a relaxed feeling. There was a comfortable warmth in the evening breeze.

Dakota narrowed her eyes, seeing someone familiar. She rubbed her eyes and checked again, suspecting her own eyesight.

“Anything wrong?” Josh asked, coming near to Dakota. He raised his brows, directing a puzzling glance.

“Isn’t that Brian?”

“I think so,” Josh looked opposite side of the road. He took his time and confirmed Dakota’s words. “Yeah, it’s him,”

“Why? You sound surprised DK,”

“No, Em… the girl with him… “Dakota lowered her voice, stroking her chin.

From where Dakota, Josh and Emma were standing, they couldn’t see the face of the girl, though they could see the side view of Brain who is standing like a pillar.

It was obvious that Brian and the girl who was waiting in front of a house on the opposite side of the road had no idea what is happening around them. They had no idea who was looking at them. More like they didn’t pay attention to their surrounding. They were kissing each other like the world is about to end, and kissing is the only thing that can save them from destruction. It was that intense.

Emma silently observed the two figures who are entering a house. “She is not…”

“Yeah… she is not Tessa. I am sure. This girl has dark hair,” said Dakota, sharing a glance with Emma and Josh. “But who is she?”