Friendship and Romance

"You're not going home yet?" "Nope, I'll wait for you at Phil's cafe, you need to talk with Jen." Lorrel glanced at the students boarding the bus and then back at her friend. A frown appeared on her face when she noticed her expression. Facing her seriously, she lowered her head a little to look into her eyes. "Anna, listen, it's not a problem, just tell her straight up, you know Jen, she won't make it a big deal. Besides, she's the one who insists on focusing on that cyber programming thing. You're not getting in her way, just talk with her to make sure you are on the same page." She tried her best to sound persuasive, her blue eyes full of sincere concern as she looked directly at her friend who remained silent but was now wearing a brighter expression. "Look, I have to go help Phill at the Cafe, come tell us how it goes when you are done with Jennifer. I'm sorry, I'd go with you but you know how Phill gets on Tuesday." "It's okay. Just save something for me, I didn't have breakfast," Anna finally replied with a small worried smile on her face. Lorrel reached for Anna's shoulder, rubbing up and down a few times. "It will be okay, Annaliese," she comforted. Anna nodded smiling but Lorel could tell it was forced. "Okay, umm, I have to go. Text me." Anna watched Lorrel run through the field to the school bus which was almost fully boarded. A genuine smile appeared on her face at the comical sight of her friend trying to keep her backpack in place. A mild wind suddenly blew past ruffling her long plainly brushed hair, sending strands over her face. Huff She blew only to get some strands stuck on her tongue and lips. "Okay Anna, it's just a talk." She fixed her hair and turned around, walking forwards determinedly towards the park. The car park was deserted by this time, it was Tuesday. The only day no one stayed behind to goof around after school closed. Well, there was one exception. "Guys guys listen, it wasn't our fault this time okay, but if it happens again we lose our credibility. I'm not blaming anyone for this, just make sure to fix it." Anna's smile disappeared when she heard the stress in that voice. Jennifer. The most diligent of the girls in their group. In her studies, her dressing, her words, actions, pass time activities, and especially at work, she paid perfect attention to detail. If any of them needed help with something and wanted someone reliable, she was the go-to girl. "Hey Anna," Jennifer offered an exhausted smile through the car window when she saw Anna walking up to her. Anna smiled briefly and offered a wave. Jennifer was on a call with her group so she had to wait a while. Wait . . .she was more than happy to do that. As she waited, her eyes roamed over Jennifer's car which also served as an office. According to Jennifer, she felt safe and at peace here. She could work with focus. The car was old, but it was very neat. The paint had faded, but there wasn't a single scratch on it. Jennifer was very particular about a neat car. That was why she would rather stand than wait in the car and break one of Jennifer's countless rules. Besides, it wasn't that sunny today, odd for Valor City but it was Tuesday, everything was better on Tuesdays. "Finally," Jennifer exclaimed. Anna looked and noticed she'd set the headphones down. Jennifer was also the most simple of the group, it formed an interesting contrast with her meticulous nature. Her hair was beautifully straightened and brushed but they sparked somehow. Anna was sure she used something on it, she just wouldn't tell. There was a small mole on the right side of her face just beside her nose, it made her appear simple-minded and even more beautiful. By her dressing style and the grace she carried herself though, she wasn't a very noteworthy person. "You done?" Anna asked raising her brows. "Yes yes, I need your help with something," Jennifer replied hurriedly opening the car door and rushing to hook an arm around Anna's neck. Overwhelmed by Jennifer's enthusiasm, Anna's brows wrinkled a little. "Uh- okay?" "Here it is. . . '' Jennifer's voice suddenly trailed off, she tilted her head to study Anna's expression. "What's wrong Lizzy?" She asked in concern. She could tell there was something off with her friend. "You first," Anna hurriedly shook her head. ". . . Okay? But if this is about Liam then it's fine." Jennifer felt Anna's body suddenly become rigid as she stopped walking. "You knew?" Anna asked in a low voice, her surprise undisguised. "Nope," Jennifer replied nonchalantly, a playful smile on her lips. Anna looked down to the side, the wrinkle in her brows returning but only for a moment, "Freaking Alex," she muttered in disbelief. "Come on now, don't blame her. You were acting weird around me after that camping trip, I thought the prank went too far. I was worried." "Yeah, but still, she should have let me tell you myself!" Anna was embarrassed and annoyed both at the same time. "Come on Anna, it's not a big deal. It was just a crush, besides, you know I have to see Optimum through before anything else." "I thought you were just saying that." "Since when was I a hypocrite in your eyes?" Jennifer feigned being hurt. "Okay, what is it you need help with?" Anna quickly changed the subject, still annoyed that she had been anxious for nothing. Phil's Cafe The entire place was full at this moment with students and young adults, students from Valor High, and others from all around the small cafe. Unlike one would expect from a gathering of youngsters, the place was surprisingly quiet, everyone's gaze fixed on a really large screen almost covering the whole left wall. Despite how full the cafe was, there was one corner where people were sparse. It was instead occupied by a group of three. Lorrel, with her head full of wavy brown hair resting on the shoulder of a smart-looking boy. His hair was a beautiful ruffled mess and with an intensity in his gaze, he had a mature air around him. The last person, Alex.