Chapter 6 Lilian Baker

As if what he had already done wasn’t enough, he had the audacity to park right in front of the school building and wait for me.

I noticed the car the moment I stepped out of the main door. It was hard to miss especially with the way it was sitting there like it belonged, like the person inside it had every right to be there.

I slowed my steps, hoping they would leave without me, but no, they were waiting patiently. That I could say for Lewis whose expression lit up the moment he saw me walking towards them.

“Lily, you finally made it,” he called out, excitement laced in his voice.

I'm sorry, the feeling wasn't mutual. I wasn't excited, not even a fraction of it. As long as Andrew is in sight, excitement would always take a temporary leave.

I stopped exactly a step away from the car, my grip tightening around the strap of my bag.

“I’m not coming with you,” I said flatly, hoping my face would remain neutral.

“Why?” Lewis asked, his voice immediately laced with concern. “Did something happen?”

My eyes shifted past him, landing on the driver’s seat. Andrew, the thing that happened sat there as if he didn't know he was my problem.

He didn’t even look at me.

His hands were resting on the steering wheel, his gaze fixed straight ahead like I wasn’t even standing there. Like this entire situation had nothing to do with him.

“Nothing happened,” I replied quickly. “I’ll find my way home.”

Lewis frowned slightly, clearly not convinced.

“It’s only proper if you go back home with us,” he said, trying again.

I almost laughed.

Proper?

There was nothing proper about this situation. Not with Andrew sitting there like a silent storm waiting to happen.

Lewis was trying… he really was, but his brother was the complete opposite. Where Lewis was warm and concerned, Andrew was an arrogant son of a bitch. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have called his mother a bitch.

Before I could decline again, Andrew finally spoke.

And somehow, his words were more irritating than his silence.

“You’re finally saved from babysitting someone,” he said casually, his tone dry as he glanced briefly at Lewis.

I pursed my lips, flashing him a dirty look. I wasn't even expecting better of him, not after what he did earlier.

“Drew,” Lewis warned, shooting him a sideways look.

But Andrew didn’t stop.

“Begging her to come with us is only going to increase her ego,” he continued, his voice calm but sharp. “It’s not like I want her rotten attitude in my car.”

I scoffed, letting the scornful look conceal my face.

“Are teachers allowed to talk like that about their students?” I shot back, glaring directly at him.

That got his attention. His eyes finally met mine, dark and unreadable.

“Go through the school prospectus,” he replied smoothly, “and stop asking unnecessary questions.”

I felt my irritation spike.

“Wow.”

“Andrew,” Lewis said again, more firmly this time. “She’s new. It won’t cost you anything to be nice… for once.”

Andrew didn’t respond. Of course he didn’t. What would he say?

Lewis sighed softly before turning back to me, his expression apologetic.

“I’m sorry about that,” he said sincerely.

And for a brief second, I almost felt bad for him. It wasn't easy to be stuck with a rude human like his brother. I could only wonder how he coped at home.

Before I could reply, a familiar voice broke in.

“Hey!”

Becky appeared beside me like perfect timing had been rehearsed. And just like that, an idea formed in my head. A perfect and unsuspicious way out.

I straightened slightly and gestured toward her.

“She’s my ride… and my friend,” I said, my eyes flicking toward Andrew, making sure he heard it.

If Lewis noticed, he didn’t say anything.

But Becky? She caught on instantly.

“Hi, Lewis,” she beamed brightly. Then her gaze shifted slightly, her tone becoming just a bit more formal. “Hi, Mr. Walker. I’ll be giving Lily a ride home.”

She paused for a little dramatic effect. “I don’t think I need your permission to do that, but…”

Now, she was doing too much.

I nudged her lightly just enough to stop her.

Lewis let out a small, awkward laugh.

“Thank you for offering to help her…” he started, then paused.

“Becky,” she replied with a smile.

“Becky,” he repeated, nodding once.

Becky wanted to talk but the sound of the engine roaring back to life stopped her.

Without warning, Andrew drove off. He didn't even say a word. He didn't even look at anyone. He just zoomed off like that.

I watched the car disappear down the street, a mix of irritation and something I didn’t want to name settling in my chest.

“That guy is out of his mind,” I muttered under my breath. “I wonder how he even became a teacher with that kind of rotten attitude.”

Becky let out a small laugh beside me.

I turned to her suddenly. “Wait… do you even have a car?”

She raised her eyebrow, clearly amused. “So you didn’t know?”

“No, I didn’t,” I said, scrunching up my face. “I just used you as an escape plan.”

“Well,” she said, folding her arms playfully, “I don’t like to be used… but I’ll let it slide because you’re my new friend.”

There was something in her tone that made her words linger for just a second longer than they should have. Maybe it was the way she said ‘my new friend’... Or the way she was beaming with excitement.

Before I could think too much about it, she turned and gestured for me to follow her.

“Come on.”

I walked beside her as we made our way through the parking lot. Students were still scattered around, some heading home, others lingering in small groups.

Becky stopped in front of a car and unlocked it.

To be honest, I thought she was bluffing about owning a car. Good she wasn't bluffing.

We got in, the doors shutting out the noise from outside. Then Becky turned slightly in her seat, her eyes curious.

“So…” she began, resting her arm against the door. “Tell me.”

I glanced at her, confusion etched on my face. “Tell you what?”

“How did you know Lewis and his brother?”

When I thought she wasn't the nosey type. The question came casually for someone who I thought would mind her business.

“I don’t know them.” The words slipped out without hesitation.

It wasn't a lie, was it?

I really don't know them. I don't even know her. I just know their names and the school they attend.