Chapter 18

*** After that class, we got the announcement that the last class which was to hold from five to seven would not take place because the professor was going to be absent that day. I was more than relieved. I was still very angry though and kept my eyes on the bitch that had insulted me, as we left class. I promised to teach her a rough lesson. But first, I saw it necessary to go meet Lucas and apologise. It was my fault if he was driven out of class. I got my bag and headed for the sigma chi residence. I got there and knocked. A senior opened the door. "You lost, princess?". "Uh no. Can I see Lucas please?" The guy smiled. "Lulu, huh?" "Yes." "You're a friend of his?" "Yeah. Kind of." He grinned. "Last door upstairs. At the end of the corridor." "Thanks." he let me in. Their house was bigger than ours. And even more beautiful! I went up the stairs and into the corridor. I walked up to the last door and knocked. Some seconds later, he opened the door. His hair was scattered and his eyes were slightly red too. He was from sleep. He rubbed his eyes and when he saw me, he stared in surprise. "Harl, what are you doing here? We're supposed to have another class now. Let me change and we–" "It's been cancelled there's no class. The professor won't be there." I cut in. He looked at me. "Then why are you here?" "I'm sorry. It's my fault if you got driven out of class. I have the notes here with me." He was silent for a minute and then smiled a little. "Come in." he said and opened the door wide. I nodded and went in. Their rooms too were better than ours. White, spacious and beautiful. There was even a flat screen in his room. I went to his reading table and sat down. He walked up to the table and stared down across me, a little smile on his lips.  "Did you beat her ass up?" he asked, surprising me. "What??" He chuckled. "I'm talking about that girl who got you angry in class." I shook my head no. "No. I preferred to come meet you first. But trust me, I'll do that later." He laughed and sat down too. "It would've surprised me if you changed your mind." I smiled, amused. "That's all me. I'm trying to find a way to teach her a lesson without getting into trouble." "You can only do that out of this school campus." he said. "Oh, that's a wonderful idea." "You're a case." "Yup. I'll look for time. When she'll be out of campus." "Okay." We were silent until he spoke again. "This Saturday, let's go for a stroll. So that we look for a new job for you, and explore New York at the same time." "That wouldn't be a bad idea." "Then so be it." *** That Saturday as planned, Lucas and I went strolling and job searching. We visited a lot of nice touristic areas on foot. It was a good day. At a point, we stopped somewhere and sat on the floor with the snacks we'd bought to eat. "So," Lucas started, munching on his burger, "...are we friends now?" he asked, wriggling his well drawn brows. I smiled, amused. Then an idea came up. "Hold on." I stood up and went to buy something in a nearby shop, then returned. "You haven't answered me yet." "Before we can be friends, I gotta make sure you're not a baby. You have to know that if you walk with me, you gotta be tough." I mused. "Hm! I don't like the sound of that." I laughed "Do just one thing and we'll be friends." "And what is that?" I took out a lighter and cigarette which I gave him. He widened his eyes in shock at me. I giggled. "Are you serious??" "Yup." He hesitated for long but then took the objects. "I'm doing this because it's you. If I die, my ghost will come after you." "You won't die dummy." I laughed. I knew what I was doing. I watched Lucas put the cigarette into his mouth. Then to my surprise, I watched him light it. I hadn't expected him to.  "OH MY GOSH! You're doing it!" I screamed in amusement and seized the cigarette from him. He looked up at me confused. "What?" "You were really gonna smoke that??" I asked surprised. "Th– that's what you wanted right?" "Omg, I didn't think you'd actually do it!" I covered my mouth in amusement and surprise. "I was testing you. Cigarettes are gross! Promise never to smoke." He smiled at me and I smiled back. "I promise. So we're friends now?" "Yeah." I laughed, "Totally!" He was really going smoke that stuff. I did not think he would. That was enough to convince me. He was a rich kid, probably spoiled but I would make an exception with him. "Great. No hug?" he asked, chuckling. I rolled my eyes. "You can always dream, buddy." We laughed and continued to eat. * Later that day at around five pm, we stopped in front of a local gallery with a sign in front of it that read, -You got drawing skills? You got talent? You're an artist? Then you should come here. We buy your works and sell at higher prices, but don't worry, you'll get thirty percent of the higher prices your paintings/drawings would be sold for. Double gain!- I looked at Lucas and we both had the same idea. "Go in. I'll wait here." I did. And some time later, I joined him outside with a smile. "What happened?" "The owner said I should bring one of my paintings or drawings on Monday. So he could see. And if it was good enough, he'd buy it and sell!" "That's great. I'm happy for you." "Thanks." "Finally, it was worth it taking a stroll." "Yup." "Now let's get back to school."