MARIANA

“Mariana!”

“Mariana!” A voice cut through my sleep, making me groggily mumble something incomprehensible. As I turned my head, I was almost back to sleep when the voice shook me again.

“Mariana! Wake up!” The voice was louder this time, and I slowly opened my eyes to see Tyler standing there.

“What happened?” I asked, lifting my head from the table and rubbing my eyes.

“You fell asleep, and it’s already really late. Everyone’s gone home. The students have served their detention and left.” He explained.

“Oh, shit!” I sprang up at that, wincing as pain shot through my knee. For a moment, I’d forgotten about the bruise.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” I asked, ignoring the pain as we walked out of the cafeteria together.

“You looked really tired and seemed to be enjoying your nap,” he said nonchalantly.

“Acting like a gentleman, huh?” I teased.

“Fuck being a gentleman,” he rolled his eyes. “I was just feeling a little sorry for you.”

“Sure, whatever you say.” I mumbled, and we fell into silence.

A few minutes later, we reached the detention room. The place was empty except for Mrs. Bensoj, who was sitting behind a desk.

“Good evening, ma’am,” I greeted her while Tyler remained silent.

“Hey, you two are here for detention, right?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” I nodded.

“Where have you been? Your classmates have come, served their time, and left,” she said.

“We got caught up with something, ma’am, but we’re here now,” I replied, hoping she wouldn’t ask any more questions so we could just get this over with.

“Well, the principal told me to let you know that you’re free to go home. You won’t be serving detention anymore.” She said.

“Really?” I blinked, unsure if I had heard her correctly.

“Yes, really. You’re free to go,” she confirmed.

I couldn’t help but jump in excitement. “Thank you, ma’am!” I smiled widely.

“You should thank the principal, not me,” she muttered while gathering her things. “I’ve had to stay extra hours today. I’m not even getting paid for it, and my kids are waiting at home.” With that, she stormed off.

“What’s her deal?” I asked aloud. “Anyway, thank God we don’t have to stay. Let’s get out of here.”

We walked toward our classroom. I picked up my bag, which had been zipped up. My friends must have packed it for me, seeing as my books were scattered all over my desk.

I left the classroom and stepped into the quiet, empty school. A few minutes later, I was outside, ready to start the long walk home since I didn’t have cab fare.

Suddenly, a red sports car pulled up beside me. The window rolled down, and Tyler’s face appeared in the driver’s seat.

“Get in,” he said.

“No, thanks,” I replied.

“It’s late for a high school girl to be walking home alone,” he pointed out.

“But it’s not that late yet,” I argued.

“I’m offering you a ride, so don’t act like I’m being nice or anything. And no one says no to me.” He groaned.

“I didn’t ask for a ride in the first place, so you can keep your ‘niceness’ to yourself. Who knows what you might do to me in that car?”

“I might be a bad boy, but I don’t go around harassing girls,” he said, annoyance flashing in his eyes. “Look, if you really don’t want me to take you home, fine. But there’s no need for the insults.”

He was about to drive off when I stopped him.

“I think I need that ride,” I admitted, dropping the tough expression I had on earlier. “I don’t have money for a cab, and my house is far from here. Sorry for the insults.”

“If you feel like I’m forcing you, don’t get in,” he said, raising an eyebrow.

“You’re not forcing me,” I answered quickly. “I want to get in since you’re offering to help.”

“Good,” he said with a nod. “Hop in.”

I walked toward the car and stopped when he spoke again.

“What are you doing? Get in the passenger seat. Do I look like a cab driver to you?” He smirked.

I chuckled. “Don’t mind me.” I rounded the car and slid into the passenger seat.

Once I settled in, he revved the engine.

“What’s your address?” He asked as he glanced at me.

“Don’t worry, I’ll direct you,” I said, and we drove off.

After a few minutes, we entered my street, and I suddenly remembered how bad our house must look compared to his. I could already picture him mocking me.

“Um... just drop me here, Tyler. We’re close to my house,” I said quickly.

“Is this your house?” He pointed at a place nearby.

“No, but I can walk from here. Just drop me here,” I insisted.

“No,” he said firmly. “I’m taking you all the way home.”

“I can find my way from here!” I argued.

“I insist,” he said, his tone leaving no room for discussion. I was too tired to argue anymore.

“Fine. But don’t you dare laugh or make fun of me when we get there,” I warned, narrowing my eyes at him.

“I won’t, I swear,” he said, crossing his heart with one hand.

“Alright,” I sighed, giving in. “Just drive a little further and turn left. My house is right there.”

Tyler drove a little further, then turned left. He stopped in front of my house. I got out, and he followed, leaning against the car.

“So this is your house, huh?” he asked, looking around.

“Yes. What’s wrong with it?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Hey! Calm down, tigress,” he laughed. “I didn’t say anything was wrong with it.”

“You didn’t have to,” I snapped. “Your face says it all.”

“Well, maybe you’re not good at reading expressions,” he teased, laughing again. His laughter had this boyish charm to it, making him look even cuter, which annoyed me.

“Whatever,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

“Well, I’ve dropped you off. You can go now,” I said, trying to end the conversation.

“Oh, yeah. Bye,” he said, straightening up before getting back in the car.

“Bye. Thanks for the ride,” I said with a small smile.

“No problem,” he replied casually, and drove off.

I watched as his car disappeared down the street before heading inside.

I found Mom sitting in the living room, looking sheepish like she’d been caught doing something wrong.

“Good afternoon, Mom,” I said suspiciously.

“Welcome back, Marie. How was school?” she asked, not meeting my eyes.

“School was fine,” I replied, flopping down onto the couch.

“Why did you come home so late?” she asked, her eyes narrowing.

“Oh, we were working on some projects that took longer than expected,” I lied smoothly, hoping she wouldn’t catch on.

“Okay…” She seemed to want to ask more but stopped herself.

“Alright, spill it, Mom,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“Who was the boy that dropped you off?” she asked, a teasing tone in her voice.

“I told you, he’s just a friend,” I replied, though I didn’t actually consider Tyler a friend.

“Are you sure he’s just a friend?” she raised an eyebrow, her voice still playful.

“Yes, Mom! Just a friend!” I said, raising my voice slightly.

“Well, that’s good then. I’m not ready to be a grandmother,” she giggled.

“Mom!” I shouted, and she burst into hysterical laughter.