ARC 3- Smiles That Hide Doubts
The next day, Noemí was sitting at her desk, reading a book about philosophy. Emily was not in the classroom because she was sorting out some matters with the principal.
Sofía came into the classroom, but she did not look like her usual self. She looked downcast and her eyes showed a hint of sadness.
Noemí noticed this right away and grew worried. When Sofía sat down in her seat, Noemí stood up from hers and walked over to her.
—Sofía, are you alright?—She asked in a low, concerned tone.
Sofía looked up at her and smiled faintly.
—Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be?
—It's just that you look... different.
She laughed softly.
—Ah, I see. But don't worry, it's because I didn't sleep well yesterday. I stayed up reading the book you recommended. Which, by the way, is really good!
Noemí felt relieved upon hearing her.
—I'm glad you liked it, but you shouldn't stay up late reading... That's not good for your health.
—Yes, yes, I promise I won't do it again. Happy now?
She nodded three times.
—Yes!
The classroom door burst open and Emily walked in with a huge smile.
—Helloooo!—She ran over to them—Here are my prettiest friends!—She hugged them both tightly.
Noemí laughed and hugged her back. Sofía kept her small smile.
—Hello... friend.
—Huh?!—She looked at Sofía without letting go—What do you mean "friend"? Remember we have special nicknames.
—Oh, right. I had forgotten. Hello, Mily.
Emily laughed, amused.
—Hello, hello, dear Fifi.—She turned her head to look at Noemí.—And hello to you, my dear Mimi!—She squeezed them tighter in her hug.
Noemí's cheeks turned slightly red at the nickname.
—Hello...—She couldn't resist snuggling into the hug.
Sofía glanced sideways at Emily's smile. Her chest ached, but she forced a light laugh.
Emily let go of them after a few seconds and stretched her arms upward.
—I'm so sleepy!
Sofía played nervously with her own fingers, hesitating whether to ask or not.
—Hey... Mily...
—Yes, tell me.
She looked away to the side.
—I wanted to ask you... what... what happened between you and Josías after I left?
—Ah... well, we talked about how we're doing at school and then he walked me home. Why do you ask?
—J-just... curious.
Intrigued, Noemí looked at Emily.
—Josías?
Emily looked back at her.
—Yes, Josías. Your boyfriend's friend... Oops.
Noemí's face turned completely red, like a tomato.
—Ah... uh... he... no... he's not my...—She moved closer and hid her red face against her shoulder—Don't say those... things...—She mumbled against Emily's uniform.
Emily patted her back gently.
—How sweet! Relax, that's how it all starts.
A few hours later, all classes ended and the final bell rang. Dan and his friends walked out of their classroom and headed for the exit.
Before getting there, they came across Himari who was alone. She looked up at them and the first person she saw was her Jhonatan.
Her eyes went wide and then she ran toward him.
—Love!—She jumped into his arms.
Jhonatan hugged her easily.
—Hello, little one!
She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.
—I've been wanting to see you—She hid her face in Jhonatan's neck.
—I've missed you too.
Dan, Brandon and Josías stood by, watching the... loving scene.
She pulled her face away from his neck and held Jhonatan's face with both hands.
—Hey, remember there are three days left until our match against...—She frowned—My biggest enemy...—Her expression shifted to one of contained excitement.—You will come watch me, right?!
Jhonatan nodded firmly.
—Of course I will, I'll be there to support you throughout the whole match.
Himari hugged him even tighter, completely happy.
—Thank you!—She looked over at the other boys, still not letting go of Jhonatan.—You are all invited too. Brandon, invite Nataly as well. Dan, you invite Noemí.
His cheeks turned slightly red, something Josías noticed.
—Why are you blushing?
—And you Josías! You can invite Sofía or Emily... Or both. Tell them to come!
—O-of course...—His cheeks also turned red.
Dan looked at him in disbelief.
—Now why are you blushing?
—Perfect! Everything is set. And don't even think about not coming, or else...—She closed her eyes and showed a smile of fake innocence—You won't want to know what will happen...
Everyone felt the clear threat and nodded quickly while standing in a military salute position.
—We will be there without fail! First thing!—The three exclaimed at the same time.
—Good!—She climbed down from Jhonatan's arms but held his right hand and intertwined her fingers with his.—Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm taking him with me.—She started walking toward the exit, pulling Jhonatan along.
Once Himari was out of sight, they let out a sigh of relief and went back to their normal stances.
—Well, we'll have to clear our schedule that day if we don't want to face the consequences...—Dan said.
—Yeah...
—You're right.
—So, are you hungry? We could go get ramen.
—Yes, please. I'm starving.
—Last one there pays!—Josías ran quickly toward the exit.
Brandon, hearing and seeing Josías run, ran after him without hesitation. Dan stood still for a few seconds processing Josías' words.
—Hey! That's cheating!—He started running too—You didn't warn me! You didn't say 1, 2, 3!