CHAPTER 6

(Emery's pov)

The final bell of the school day rang, and I joined the throng of students pouring out of the school building. Lost in thought, I trudged towards the school gates, my head down as I mindlessly kicked a pebble along the way. I assumed that Ezra, though friendly with me now, had no reason to wait for me after school. Our newfound friendship, while cherished, might not be enough for Ezra to wait around for me.

However, just as I was about to step out of the school gates and continue my solitary walk home, I heard my name being called. I turned around, my cute confusion evident, to find Ezra standing there with a warm smile on her face. It was a smile that had become increasingly familiar and comforting to me.

Ezra approached me, still smiling, and with genuine curiosity in her eyes, she asked in a shy voice, "Emery, would you like to go and eat lunch with me?"

I stood there, shocked by the unexpected invitation. I stared at Ezra, unable to hide my surprise. It wasn't long before Ezra, still smiling, repeated the question in a calm and reassuring tone.

My lips curled into a small, shy smile, and I answered with a soft, "Yes," in a voice that was almost a whisper.

Moving to the passenger side of her car, Ezra opened the door for me, just as she had done before. She carefully assisted me into the car, her actions gentle and considerate, and then closed the door before heading to the driver's side. As she drove, she played some calming music, creating a comfortable atmosphere for conversation.

The car ride was filled with easy conversation, and I found myself opening up to Ezra more than I had expected. The initial awkwardness and shyness gradually faded, replaced by a growing sense of comfort in Ezra's presence.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we ordered burgers and drinks. I ate my food with a hint of shyness, aware of Ezra's continuous gaze and the smile that never seemed to leave her face. The attention was both overwhelming and endearing, and it made my heart flutter.

After our meal, when the bill arrived, I offered to pay for my share, but Ezra, with her ever-gentle demeanor, insisted on covering the bill. "You don't need to worry about it," she said, "I asked you out for lunch, so let me take care of it."

I was touched by Ezra's kindness and didn't press the matter further. We returned to the car, the atmosphere more relaxed now, and continued our conversation. My shyness still surfaced from time to time, but I found myself more at ease with Ezra.

As we approached the location where Ezra had dropped me off on previous occasions, I prepared to exit the car. However, this time, as I made a move to open the door, I found it locked. Startled, I looked towards Ezra, who had a teasing smile on her face.

"Why did you lock the door?" I asked, my voice soft and curious.

Ezra's smile remained playful as she replied, "I didn't want you to run away like before."

I, blushing faintly, cast my eyes downward and quietly mumbled an apology.

Ezra, sensing my discomfort, reassured me, "It's okay, Emery. I don't want you to run away from me. I really want to get to know you better."

I nodded, a small, shy smile gracing my lips, as I replied in a soft voice, "Okay."

With that understanding, Ezra unlocked the car doors, and I stepped out, waving goodbye as I watched Ezra drive away. I couldn't help but feel a warm and happy sensation inside me, something I hadn't experienced in a long time.

As I walked towards my front door at home, my smile faded as I remembered my empty house, my father nowhere to be found. I let out a sigh of relief before heading to the kitchen to scrounge up something for dinner, regretting not having packed a lunch that day.

With nothing but water and slices of bread in the kitchen, I sighed sadly. I resigned myself to a meager meal, hoping for the end of the month to arrive soon so I could collect my salary and stock the fridge with more substantial food.

After my modest dinner, I went upstairs to my room. I took a soothing bath and changed into my nightwear. As I settled into bed, I received a message on my phone. It was a goodnight text from Ezra, complete with a smiley face.

I replied with a heartfelt "goodnight" and a shy smiley face of my own. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment that I hadn't felt in a long while. With the memory of a pleasant day with Ezra fresh in my mind, I slept with a peaceful smile on my face, finally experiencing the comfort and happiness I so desperately needed.