Chapter 4: POV Andrea

We finally arrive in the classroom. The day has just started, and I already feel tired.

I look around: the desks are lined up side by side. Sole's is near mine, but she's still absent, and in front of me, Seth and Mark are arguing about video games, a topic that bores me to death.

I rest my head on the desk, covered with notebooks and books, and pick up a pen to write something.

I see my classmates arriving one by one. Some come over to greet me, while I get up from my desk to join others.

Every now and then, my eyes follow Lucas, who is talking to a friend, visibly in a good mood. He's so different from earlier.

"You have a much better connection with Sole than with me," I think. Why did he look so sad? It was almost like he felt inferior to Sole.

I guess something must have happened with his girlfriend. According to Sole, their relationship hit a rough patch over the summer, but now things are calm.

So why did I feel that way? Maybe I should muster the courage and ask him…

The door opens, and a short girl walks in, wearing jeans, a white shirt, and sneakers. Her brown hair is tied up in a bouncy ponytail, and her blue, cat-like eyes are so striking that they immediately catch attention.

She raises her arms to the ceiling and shouts, "Good morning, everyone! I'm back too!"

The class jumps; someone yells, "Are you crazy?!" while I bite back a laugh, thinking her entrance is embarrassing. But she smiles anyway, slightly blushing, greeting everyone cheerfully.

She spots me, walks over with her hand raised, and with an even brighter smile says, "Hi, my love."

My heart skips a beat, happy to see her after so long.

She's Sole, the girl of my dreams.

———

Sole walks over to me, spreading her arms for a warm hug. I wasn't expecting it, but the warmth of the gesture makes me smile.

She pulls back gently and, resting her forehead against mine, says:

"We haven't seen each other in a while… I missed you so much!"

I gently take her hands, so small compared to mine. I press my nose against hers, rubbing it lightly, and softly say:

"I missed you too."

She smiles and moves to sit beside me. She carefully arranges her school supplies, and I can't help but notice how beautiful she is. Sole has been a hip-hop dancer since elementary school, and over time, this passion has become an integral part of her life.

She sits next to me and starts talking.

"So, how was this period for you?"

"At first, I was bored. But then I managed to get through my days. And you?"

"As I wrote in my messages, I had a lot of fun in London. Choosing a place different from the beach was the best decision," she recounts, her happiness growing: "My mom and I are thinking of doing something similar next year, but we'll see what happens."

Her voice is full of enthusiasm, and as she speaks, her joy manages to reach me too.

We continue chatting, laughing as I tell her about my silly summer antics. As always, Sole shakes her head, pretending to scold me, but I know she's enjoying it.

I settle into my chair, waiting for the lesson to start, but my thoughts drift back to Lucas. I wonder if he's still talking with his friends… Why didn't he come over to me, even though he just saw me?

It's a thought that makes me sad.

Ispin the pen between my fingers to shake off the tension when I feel a light touch on my cheek.

I startle for a moment before realizing it's Sole calling me.

She looks at me with curiosity and a hint of concern:

"You look strange, Andrea. Did something happen? Did you fight with Lucas?"

The moment I hear Lucas's name, I tense up.

"I didn't fight with Lucas. My mom insisted I get up this morning, and the fact that she forgets it annoys me a bit," I sigh, hoping Sole didn't notice. The day started off badly, but that doesn't mean I should take it out on Sole. She's always so sweet with me…

I turn to clarify with Sole, but unintentionally, my gaze falls on him.

Damn.

He's staring at me with an intensity that makes my heart race, and once again, I can't control it.

Lucas stares at me with a provocative look. I'm not sure if he had been doing it all along or if our eyes just happened to meet, but I decide not to look away.

We stay like that for a few seconds, until his smug smile widens. He covers his mouth with his hand and barely moves his lips, as if he only wants me to understand what he's saying. A shiver runs down my spine.

I think I've read his lips… but maybe I'm wrong:

"You're really cute when you talk to Sole."

My eyes widen in shock, a knot tightens in my stomach, my cheeks burn, and I struggle to breathe.

Sole's gaze studies me. I feel nervous; it seems like she's waiting for an explanation I don't know how to give. My muscles are tense, my forehead damp with sweat, and my skin tingles with anxiety.

The bell rings. My classmates settle at their desks; I guess the first teacher is about to arrive.

But… I've lost my chance to clarify things with Sole. We all stand up together for the teacher's arrival. I feel Sole tapping my hand lightly with her fingers, looking at me with a reassuring gaze.

"You don't need to worry about these little things. I'm sure your mom was more nervous than you just because you had to go back to school. Don't pay attention to it."

I smile timidly, happy that Sole hasn't noticed my nervousness… but inside, I know it's not her fault.