Epsd 3

"The tour ends right here. The school library. My favorite place." Kara took a seat at the top of a table. "Hello, Mr. Clement," she said.

"Hello, Kara."

"So the library is your favorite spot, huh?" Ava said, sitting next to her.

"Well, yeah. Mostly because it's quiet. Few students come around here. It's peaceful and mostly private."

"Okay, then. Since the tour is done, can we should head back? I need to do some shopping for my house early at the town market, which I don't know where to find."

"I can help with the shopping. I can help with directions. I'm good at that, and I think I've proven myself already, haven't I?"

"I don't want to bother you anymore, Kara."

"No!" snapped Kara. "It's not a bother at all. On the contrary, I will be able to lessen the time of reporting home like a ninth-grade kid."

"Alright. I see you've got yourself an excuse. Thanks anyway." They both walked back to school.

Before evening dark, they were already at the market. Kara picked up a few amazing items.

"Since you have done so much for me today, I would love to invite you for a drink at my small house your dearest father got me," exaggerated Ava.

"I can't turn down the offer. I would love to join you. Shall we?" They both headed to Ava's truck, which was parked across the street.

"So tell me about manning the town and your people," driving carefully through the streets.

"Well, people here have a nosy reputation. I think you have noticed that already. A number of them are very helpful, like Miss Stephanie from that store," pointed Kara at an average old lady who waved back at her. "The others can be a little harsh, but all in all, Manning is a wet town but worth the stay.

"Alright. Thanks for the updates. So I shouldn't be mad at all those bitter faces staring right now," Ava picked through the mirror.

"No, not really. All you need is a better tone of living," said Kara.

"I can try."

It was 6:30 in the evening when they both arrived at Ava's cottage. They took out the groceries and slung them inside.

"Did you clean up the mess that was here all by yourself?" asked Kara.

"Oh yeah, if you only saw it before it was clean."

"Well, we all know about this cottage. So it's good news to see it this illuminated," Kara complimented. "You don't seem like you're from a well-off family."

"When I say that's a step for me, you wouldn't understand," said Ava as she put away the groceries on the table and grabbed two bottles of beer for Kara.

"I actually don't drink," Kara said.

"Oh, okay. Since you don't... drink... how about a cup of coffee? Basically what I hate making," Ava smirked.

"Oh, okay! I can make it. I love making coffee. Show me the equipment, and I will make some for you," hastily sliding a table stool to her side. Kara picked up the kettle from the table and moved to the kitchen.

"I'm embarrassed. I invite you over for a drink, and you become the chef. Who are you?" Looking in amusement, clearly very inspired. "You don't seem to be the mayor's daughter."

"Well, I am, but I love providing special service, especially to cute people like you."

"Not to seem ungrateful, let me help out. Well, you can teach me how to make one cup of coffee so when I have you back, I won't have to see you make coffee for me again."

"Well, head on, then."

They both checked the kitchen, had a pot of water on for it to boil, and took a few starts conversating about a million things that made them laugh. They poured out cups of coffee and took seats on the irritating couch that was set by the table.

Past ten at night when Kara realized how late it was.

"Wow. It's ten, and we didn't notice," she said.

"You are a fun one to hang out with, but you need to hurry home. Let me drive you," said Ava, picking up her car keys from the table. She drifted her jacket on and slammed the door behind them from the house to the car.

Taking Kara's directions, in ten minutes, they were at the big mayor's house.

"Have a good night," said Ava, giving Kara an appreciative giggle. "See you at school tomorrow."

"See you at school."

Ava sat still, waiting for Kara to head inside the house. When that was done, she took a roll and headed back to her cottage.

She put the coffee cups in the sink with a smile on her face, took a shower, and went to bed.

Better yet, the next morning had arrived, and Ava was all ready for school. She took her backpack and threw her jacket on. In minutes, she was at Manning University grounds, and Kara was just at the hall entrance, waiting when she saw her station her car in the lot.

"Hey, you good morning," greeted Kara.

"Good morning. And how was your late sleep night?"

"Fine. I had someone pissed, but all in all, it was great. Slept like myself."

"Ha ha... who do you always sleep like?" Ava picked up her backpack from the other car seat and slammed the car door locked as they both headed to class, chatting.

Miguel Dante was all settled in Kara's seat when they headed in. She clutched a seat just close to her and pointed as she said.

"Not today, Dante. Just head back to your seat."

"Is that so, Miss Manning?" The whole class ruthlessly giggled, leaving Ava surprised at how they watched a grown old boy bully Kara.

"She said move, Dante. Now move," Ava turned with a demanding face that had everyone quiet when Dante mocked her.

"Oh. What are you going to do about it, Tom?" said he, growing closer to Ava.

"Everything. Everything there is to do. I will," Ava poked Dante in the chest. "Don't you ever bother her again, okay, or you will answer to me." She passed back to the chair that was just next to Kara's. "If ever I find anyone in these two seats, you will feel my wrath. I promise." She threw herself into the chair and placed her backpack at the back.