C2 My friend

My sister Charlotte greeted by the sun streaming her bedroom window. A genuine smile graced her face,a smile unseen ever since our father has passed away. An aura of Joy clinges to her this morning.Hastily checking the clock, she realizes she was running a bit late for class.

As Charlotte hurried down the stairs, I called out to my sister,

"Morning, Charlotte! What's got you in such a good mood"

Charlotte grinned, "I don't know, maybe it's just because of yesterday. Haven't been this happy in a while."

"Well, enjoy it! You're almost late for class, though."

"Alright. Bye Mia"

"Bye sister!"

******

As Charlotte walks down the school hall thinking of yesterday's picnic,she accidentally bumbs into Alex.

"Oops"

My sister bends down to pick her fallen books. Alex bends to pick them as well

"Sorry about that"she said smiling

"No worries. Having a good day so far?"Alex asks smiling too

"Actually, yes. It's been unexpectedly great."

"Really?you care to feed me how your day is going?."

"Uhmmmm....ohk. yesterday,I had this amazing picnic by the park. The weather was perfect and the view was amazing.

"Sounds wonderful,who was with you? Your dad?"Alex asks sounding engrossed

"Uhmmm,My dad is dead. He passed away three months ago."

"Oh My!!I'm soo sorry about that. My Condolences."

"No,no it's okay,it's fine. Actually,we went for his memorial by going to the parking lot,his favorite spot yesterday."

"Oh!! And How did he die?"

"His car tumbled. No one knows what happened but it tumbled."

"What? no one knows the cause?"

"Uhmmm!!yes."

"Too bad."

"No wonder you looked so grumpy yesterday. It was his three months anniversary."

"Yeah.....wait!What?I looked Grumpy?"

"You really don't know, frown lines were on every corner of your face and you kept signing."

"What?"

"Your face was like this."

He made a grumpy and funny face.

"What?"

They both burst into laughter as they both walk into the class. Their laughter echoes in the hall.

Meanwhile, Ethan and his friends in a corner in the hall

"Look man,isn't that Your girl?." Nathan asks

"Omg!!playing with the new guy already?" Another asked

"I thought she was still grieving her dad's death. Now she's walking and laughing with that new dude?

"Ethan don't you have anything to say? "

"Nothing is going on ok? You guys just need to chill out."Ethan says tentatively

"Yeah!!we just have to chill out till something happens. Dude, don't be naive. You are still trying to win Char's affection and now this guy comes in? Have you ever made her laugh that way uhhh?" Stefan said

"Shut it ok?" He says as he holds Stefan's shirt

"Enough Ethan. We are just after your interest. Nothing more."The boys says as they pull him away from Stefan's shirt.

Ethan walks away angrily.

*****

The lecturer comes in,the class is in order and he starts to teach. He notices Alex and charlotte keeps making eye contacts.

"Now, it seems we have some interesting non-verbal communication happening in the class. Charlotte and Alex, care to share your thoughts with the rest of us?"

Charlotte says blushing "we were just discussing this lecture content sir. Nothing more."

"Yeah, purely academic, I assure you."Alex says smiling

"Oh!! Then what did i say last?" The lecturer asked

"Charlly?"

"Uhmmm!!the world war period."

"I said that fifty minutes ago. Alex care to bail her out?"

"You were emphasizing the the Renaissance period and how it influenced art and culture.

"Good Alex,seems you were the only one paying attention.Miss Thompson,I would like to see you in my office after the class."

"Yes sir."

"Now let's focus on the subject matter everyone."

*****

After class, the lecturer leaves and Ethan comes to join Charlotte.

"Hey, Charlotte. What was that about in class?"

"Oh, it was nothing."Charlotte says

"Ohk.I wanted to ask if you're free later. Maybe we could grab some tea?" Alex says

"That sounds nice, Alex. I would love to but I need to see the lecturer in his office."

"Alright. I will escort you."

"Are you sure?"

"Come on." He says as he drags Charlotte along while Ethan observes from a distance.

******

In the lecturer's office, my sis Charly walks in gracefully

"Please have a seat, Miss Thompson. I couldn't help but notice the exchange during class. Everything alright?"

"Yes, sir. It was just a misunderstanding. Alex and I were genuinely discussing the lecture."

"Well...I must commend you for your progress in moving on about what happened to your father."

"Uhmmmm....wellll"

"It's been so long since laughter has been plastered on your face." The lecturer said smiling

"Thank you sir."

"Your father would have been proud to see how well you're handling everything."

"I hope."

"Remember, if you ever need someone to talk to, my office is open."

"Thank you sir."

"Have a good day."

"And you too Sir."

Outside the office,Ethan walks to Alex with two of his friends

"Hey Newbie."They said looking like they want to pick a fight.

Alex stands up

"I don't want any trouble ok?" Alex said

"Neither do we. So we are just going to say this straight, get away from Charlotte or we will make you."

They said as they begin to hit his chest.

Charly comes in to them hitting his chest

"Seriously,Ethan? Get away from him. What do you think you are doing?she says as she pulls Alex away from them

"Charlotte,don't you get it? He just wants to play with your heart. Nothing more. He doesn't love you charlotte. I do,I really do."

"Enough Ethan. Please leave ok? I don't want any trouble. Please stay away from us!!!"