chapter 60

Zara was taken aback as he left the library abruptly. She spent the whole day thinking if she had been too harsh on him. She was joined by Veronica in searching for him for the remainder of the day to no avail.

By the end of the school, everyone had heard about how Zara had shouted at poor Ryan, who hadn't said a word to her. Everybody was looking at her with angry eyes. The girls looked at her as if she was stupid to blow her only chance of a hot date, and the boys were curious as to why would be the new guy interested in her.

Veronica and Zara gave up their search for Ryan and sat in the cafeteria to complete the next day's assignment so that they would have their evening free to celebrate Zara's birthday. Zara's mother had called her to update that she had an urgent meeting pop-up at the last minute. The meeting was supposed to go on for 3-4 hours that would make her arrive home pretty late. She apologized over and over to Zara for not being able to come early for her birthday. To make up for her absence, she granted the girls permission to party till late but reach home well before midnight.

Veronica could see Zara's apparent bad mood over Ryan and her mother's cancellation of plans. She asked cautiously, "Are you okay?"

"Ya, I'm fine."

"Your hoodie is nice. It looks soft and comfortable. You could lend it to me someday."

Zara laughed, knowing how much Veronica hated hoodies and preferred delicate sweaters or long coats. "Cut it, V. You did nothing. It was that stupid Ryan and his antics that irked me."

"Well, Ryan has had a tough year, Z."

Oh, now you are stalking him?"

"I did browse him on the internet that showed many pictures of him. He loves painting, traveling, snow sports, and trekking. His favorite food is fish and chips, and the interesting thing about him is I couldn't find data on any girlfriends, previous or current."

"So?"

"So maybe he hasn't met the love of his life yet.'

"V, will you stop it. My head is spinning.  Boys, boys, boys! Can't you think of anything else? I don't care if he has a girlfriend or friend or anyone for that matter."

"Why can't you think of boys? Why are you afraid of being in a relationship? Just because your dad-"

"Stop it, Veronica, just go. You know what, I don't want to party. I am going home."

Veronica was shocked at her sudden outburst. They took each other's full names only when they were pissed. They seldom argued, but the mention of her father made Zara furious. Veronica stood silent for a minute. She only took out a box from her bag and said, "Here, I meant to give it to you at our small party, but I guess I am not invited. Happy birthday Zara."

With that, Veronica stalked out of the cafeteria. "Oh, wow. Great, now you are canceling too? What about sweet sixteen?" asked Zara. Not only had she upset her best friend, but she had also managed to fight with someone who had tried to be her friend, even if he had a stupid way of doing it. This was the worst birthday ever. What a way to turn sixteen, she thought.

Having nothing else to do, she buried her nose in books and began doing her homework. She scribbled and scratched at her notebook, chewing the end of her pencil and pen while her mind worked furiously. The cafeteria administrator, Mr. Turner, came up to her with a hot chocolate and two sandwiches. He was a kind man who was very sweet to students, especially those who paid attention to studies. He was in his sixties and walked with a stick.

"Aren't you running late today?"

"Hi, Mr. Turner, is it late already?" She checked her watch; it was half-past seven. She hadn't realized she had been sulking alone for three hours since Veronica had left. She also wasn't aware of how hungry she had been. She gobbled the food and turned to him. "Thank you, Mr. Turner. The food is awesome. But I don't have cash on me right now. Veronica had some cash, but she left, so I will pay tomorrow."

"Oh, don't thank me. The bill is already paid for."

Zara brightened up, thinking Veronica was lurking around and had fooled her with her dramatic exit, "Who paid? Was it Veronica?"

"No, dear. It was a boy, though I doubt I have seen him before. He asked me to get you your favorite food and paid in advance."

Zara knew who it must be. "He is here?"

"He was…left about 15 minutes ago. If you run, he mustn't be hard to catch."

"Thanks again." Zara packed her stuff and left hurriedly. Zara bolted for the door and looked around. She could see a silhouette that turned around the corner. As she hurried, she saw Ryan talking with two other people. They had their backs turned towards her, so she couldn't see their faces.

Curious, she stepped back and observed what shady business was Ryan involved in. They appeared to be in an argument. As Zara peered and craned her neck to hear their hushed conversation, one of them saw her. They were alerted by the sudden appearance of a girl and walked away before waving their fingers at Ryan threateningly.

Ryan saw her and regained his cool demeanor. "Hey, birthday girl, ate something?"

"Yes, thanks for the food."

"The pleasure is mine. If I may ask, what are you doing alone in the cafeteria on your birthday? I thought you must be celebrating with Veronica and your gang of friends."

Zara added sheepishly, "Well, I don't have a gang of friends. I fought with V, and I was rude to you as well. I am sorry."

"I am sorry too, Zara. I guess even I would be angry if someone would shower me with mud and snow."

Zara's heart ached when she heard him call her with her full name, not Z. The way he said Z would send shivers down her spine and butterflies rioting in her stomach. She was almost tempted to ask him to call her Z but bit her tongue. It would be easy to take the friendship forward nice and slow.

"So, let's start again. Friends?" asked Ryan extending his hand. Zara was drawn by an innate pull, a sharp tug she felt at her navel. It felt as if a magnet was pulling her towards him. Zara cleared her head and slowly took her hand out of her pocket. She awkwardly held his hand, the touch sending warm sensations throughout her body. She croaked for the second time around him, "Friends." Almost against herself, she pulled her hand away. She had an unwritten rule of never letting a boy tug at her heart, but her heart seemed to leap out at Ryan whenever he showed up.

"Cool. So, Zara, I spoiled your birthday, but we still have time. If you permit, I want to make it up to you. I promise to be on my best behavior."

Her brain was sending red alerts to her tongue, but her heart leaped out with the speed of a racing car, and before she could take her words back, she blurted, "Sure, but where are we going?"