“There are so many people talking about love everywhere. How do you know that you are in love? Or it’s just something we only read in books and doesn’t exist in real life? don’t you wonder mamma?” well the question was not so tough to answer but mrs haringsons was already done with her 7 years old son spiting these philosophical questions out of nowhere. Before that he had been asking about why people live together when they can be alone and perfectly alive. She had no longer the energy to survive one more question from lance, her curious son.

“Alright, lan darling! enough of your philosophies today. Just go to your room and sleep, you have school tomorrow, don’t you?”

“She is gonna be there, I don’t wanna go” the little boy murmured and slowly trotted to his bedroom

THE NEXT DAY

A little girl came running towards the haringsons house. She used all her might to ring the doorbell. She was dressed perfectly. Two cute little bows were tied on both sides of her hair. She had brown eyes which shined in the sun.

Good morning!  Aunt Katy. Is lan up?

“Let me call him dear, just wait here.” mrs haringsons went upstairs to her son’s room

and told him to get downstairs fast. She was very fond of that little girl. She was very a sweet child, always punctual, woke up early, and did her homework on time. Mrs haringsons always said to her husband that she likes her neighbour so much. They are such a good influence to be around. Mr Baron agreed with her too. The lancers seemed to know this and reciprocated with the same efforts. Overall, these two families were really on good terms. poor little lance! He had no choice except to be on good terms with their daughter, Ruby. Her name was Ruby lancer, unlike lance, she was the youngest child in her family. She had two brothers. They would give him a death glare.

“Do you know our homeroom teacher mr berinhgham is getting married net week.” ruby tried initiating conversation with lance as he came downstairs. “Are we invited? Then why should we care.”

“Well, no, I meant he is taking leave for this. He won’t be taking our class, they say, mrs haggers will be his substitute.”

HAGGERS? lan almost choked on the breakfast.

“Drink it, be careful.” she said passing him the glass. their hands touched . she felt a gush of warmth travelling everywhere in her body.

Are you serious? I can’t believe I will be seeing her daily for a week. lanced scoffed. he disliked haggers the most.  once she made him stand for hours outside the classroom because he forgot to bring her homework .

The bus honked. Both ran towards it. Ruby as usual had a seat for him, lance as usual sat beside her. Ruby liked lance since they were seven, he knew. They are seventeen now. She still does; he is still ignorant.

“Stupid boy.” she sighed.

they had different classrooms. ruby always wanted their class to be together. but what now , their school will be ending soon. he will be choosing farthest college from home . she had no plans of leaving her hometown.

During the breaks, Ruby would go to his classroom and just glare at him flirting with the girls. He was indeed popular among them.

“Are you done with your flirting mister haringsons?”

“Why are you asking for a lancer? do you need something, hmm” he said

Help me carry the bags to the auditorium, they are heavy.

Whatever you say, miss!

How cruel of him for making poor ruby’s heart flutter like that

Were you jealous? lanced teased.

Why would I? Even if I am, do you care? No. then just shut up. she elbowed him in the stomach and went ahead.

“I wonder what will mrs lancer will made me do? perhaps she will tell me to practice the last note again. damn she is so strict as a teacher.” lan sighed loudly.

“She is just a good teacher, she does that to me also, and she is way much lenient towards you”

Yes, he takes piano lessons from her mother, mrs lancer. It’s her favourite time of the day. He is in front of her. She is sitting there watching him play. His long delicate fingers dancing on the keys, his eyes down, his eyebrows tense up. He never looked better than he looks now. lance looked up , ruby moved away in embarrassment.  "This is love. ruby this is love . you have fallen for him . you are impressed by his every move. and he knows , so awkard". she ran upstairs and buried her face in the pillow. suddenly she thought of colleges. why does lance wants his college so far, but it's his choice. she doesn't want to be so far from him. maybe they can go together. yes ! they can go together.

an hour later

ruby had plans with her bestfriend olivia tonight. they were going out. she and olivia went together everytime.

YES , YES . she kicked her feet in excitement, when a sudden knock on the door shocked her. it was ofc lance.

what?

what were you doing ? hmm? what was so interesting , can i know ." he shot questions at  her while laying down on the sofa.

nothing , i am just  going out with olivia tonight. ruby replied

tonight ? where are you guys going?

we will decide later. why are you being so nosy.

lance threw a pillow at her. " looks like its a secret" and he went out of the room.

 8.00 pm

"i am here, just come down "  it was a text from olivia.

*coming*

they got out of the house , more better , they  sneaked out from their houses. mr and mrs lancer are not home today, they  went to a friends house.  ruby had planned to return before them , before 10.00 pm.

i heard the pete twins have a party at there house today. Olivia said.

really?

yeah. they say its a pool party.

we are friends with them , aren't we ?

why are you asking?

i wanna go to the pool party, i had never been to one.

same here , but it's already 9. our parents will be home by 10.

we will just go and come. ruby insisted.

ok. we are partners in crime here. olivia laughed.