The last class of the day was about to start when principal Taggart announced through the intercom that all seniors should gather to the gym in forty minutes for important information. Until then, classes would continue as normal, but it was optimistic of her to think that anyone could focus on the lesson when they were busy speculating what the information would be. The most hopeful ones were saying they’d go on a trip maybe on a cruise. Sarah was sure it wouldn’t be anything cool.

Their teacher let them out five minutes before the meeting would start. Sarah gathered her stuff and hurried across the school yard to the gym building where people were already crowding at the door.

Sarah noticed Castiel with Amanda and Leon a bit farther ahead. They were almost through the doors when Leon noticed her.

“Sarah. Will you join us?” he called over the heads of ten other students. Castiel turned to look at her too. He was holding Tim who was wearing his beanie and mittens. Sarah smiled at the thought Castiel had dressed Tim up for this brief time they were outside.

“If you guys don’t mind,” she replied. Amanda shook her head.

“Not at all, not at all. That’s why we asked.”

Castiel stayed silent but glanced at Sarah before they walked in.

The gym was packed full of students. There were no chairs, so people leaned against the walls or were sitting on the floor. Here and there were people with baby dolls. The room was full of chatter that died down quickly when the principal arrived with two other teachers. Sarah and the others quickly sat down, and she ended up sitting next to Castiel. She tried to slowly inch some distance between them after their fingers almost touched.

“Attention everyone!” principal Taggart called, and the room quieted down. “I apologise for the sudden call, but this was an urgent issue we need to discuss with you. As you all are surely aware, you’ll be leaving our school next spring and before that you’re going to apply to college or university. To help you with your decisions, there will be three day event in two weeks where different schools will come introduce themselves and one day will be dedicated to visiting the schools in this city so you can start to familiarize them if you’re still uncertain where you want to apply. This was just confirmed today, and we had to inform you so you can sign up for the school visits.”

Sarah’s stomach twisted. She knew she wanted to study after high school, but she didn’t know what or where. She had tried to push the thought away, hoping that not thinking about her future would mean it wouldn’t happen. Sadly, it looked like she’d have to face it anyway. It was great that they could see different schools and talk with their students, but Sarah had her doubts about how much it would help her with planning. She didn’t know what she wanted to become when she “grew up”. She wasn’t exceptionally good at anything and she only liked art, but wasn’t passionate about it, and after seeing how her mum had struggled before she established herself, Sarah didn’t know if she’d ever want to go through it herself.

The principal kept talking for another fifteen minutes, mainly about which schools would participate and how to sign up for the local college tours. Sarah tried to pay attention, but she quickly forgot which school was focused on which subjects and where they were from. But she decided she would go see the schools with art programmes. It could give her more ideas on what to do.

“Thank you for listening. We’ll inform you more at a later date. You’re free to go. Have a wonderful day.” The principal had barely finished her words when everyone was already heading at the door.

“Well that was pretty useless,” Castiel said and stood up. “But at least it saved us from Coy’s physics lesson.”

“True, it’s nicer to go home after this. I’m feeling less tired than usually,” Leon said.

“We’re still going for the walk, right?” Castiel looked at Sarah.

“I suppose. You did promise me chocolate.”

“I’m starting to think you do anything for chocolate.”

“You’re starting to know me better then.”

They walked outside where most students headed towards the school building to get their coats or head to their clubs. Leon and Sarah waited for Castiel and Amanda who went to put the dolls in the carriages. They had all taken their coats and bags with them, so they didn’t need to go back inside.

“You’re going for a walk again?” Leon asked.

“Yeah, Castiel is avoiding his parents and I was dragged into it somehow.”

“Ah, right. He asked if I had plans today but I’m going out with Amanda. I said he could come too but he refused.”

“Yeah, he said you’re going to the movies.”

“Yes. Amanda wants to see the new Downton Abbey movie.”

“I’ve heard it’s a good series. Haven’t watched it though.”

“Amanda is a huge fan. She made me watch them and I quite enjoy it. I recommend.”

“Maybe I’ll watch it one day. I have so many series to watch it might take a while.”

Leon was quiet for a few seconds and watched Castiel dressing Tim up to his doll coat.

“Castiel doesn’t get along with his mother. She loves Castiel and hates how much she must be away from him and tries to fix it by gushing over him when she’s home.”

“I can see how that could be annoying. It’s probably tiring after living alone for most of the time.”

“Yeah. So, I’m happy you agreed to keep him company. Castiel isn’t always good with sharing what he thinks but I can see he likes you.”

“W-what?” Sarah’s cheeks flushed red and Leon smiled.

“We’ve been friends for a long time, but it’s great to see he’s found other people he likes as well.” Ah, yes, liked her as a friend. Of course. It made sense. Sarah liked Castiel as a friend too. They probably weren’t friends yet, but she would be happy if they were one day.

“After Rachel he hasn’t…”

They were interrupted by Castiel and Amanda before Leon could finish his sentence.

“Why’s your face red?” Castiel asked and Sarah turned to look away.

“I don’t know. Must be the weather,” she muttered.

“What did you say to her?” Castiel turned his eyes to Leon who just smiled.

“Why do you think I caused that?”

“Because you were here with her. You’re the only suspect.”

“Hmm, who knows. Maybe it is the weather. It’s pretty chilly today.”

Castiel had a strong feeling that Leon had said something, and even stronger feeling that it had been about him. But Leon wouldn’t say what, so it was useless to push. And he doubted it was important. Sarah blushed easily sometimes.

They walked out of the school grounds and went on their separate ways. Leon and Amanda headed to her house to drop off their baby for Amanda’s mother to care so they could enjoy their date in peace. Castiel and Sarah walked to the opposite direction.

Sarah stayed a few steps behind Castiel because being close to him made her nervous. The feeling that had followed her since yesterday stayed persistently and Leon had made it worse by saying Castiel liked her. Of course, he had meant as a friend, but it had still caused a jolt of electricity tingle on the back of her neck. It was all because of what had happened at Castiel’s house. The closeness, the touch… She wanted to ask what it was so she could look at him again without feeling a nervous twist in her stomach or her heart skipping a beat.

“Let’s turn left from here?” Castiel asked when they walked to a crossroads.

“Sure,” Sarah muttered. She was barely listening.

“Oh, don’t sound so depressed. It’s good to get some fresh air,” Castiel grinned. Sarah didn’t know if he faked this good mood or if he really was happy. She hoped for the latter because why would he ask her to come if he had to pretend, he liked it?

“There’s a café nearby. We can have drinks there.”

Sarah nodded which Castiel couldn’t see. He turned to look at her.

“Are you alright? If you don’t want to be here, just go home.” He didn’t sound angry, but Sarah immediately felt guilty.

“It’s fine. Sorry. I don’t mind being here. Let’s go to the café. It’s fine.”

Castiel wasn’t convinced. Sarah avoided looking at him and focused on the pavement. She was clearly bothered, but he didn’t ask about it. Castiel didn’t want people prying on his business, so he generally avoided it too.

They arrived outside the small café that was situated at the corner of an old building. It had big windows and Sarah could easily see inside. Guitars and vinyl records decorated the walls and most tables were for two people.

“Do you mind if I take the drinks on the go? I don’t think that fits inside well,” Castiel said and nodded at the carriage. The café was close to full, and it would be difficult to fit the baby carriage inside. Sarah would also gladly avoid the extra attention coming in with the carriage would cause.

“Not at all,” she said.

“Tea for you, right?” Castiel checked and Sarah nodded. Castiel walked inside and when the door opened Sarah heard rock music and smelled freshly ground coffee.

Sarah watched through the window how Castiel walked to the counter and greeted the barista. They exchanged a few words. The barista pointed at a poster on the wall and Castiel went to read it while he prepared the drinks. Castiel took a picture of the poster with his phone and returned to the counter to pick up the drinks.

Sarah backed a few steps when Castiel came out to move the carriage out of the way. He handed her a cup and a chocolate bar.

“Here you go. Tea and chocolate. I think we’re even now?”

“Thank you,” Sarah said and took the cup in one hand. She slipped the chocolate bar in her bag. “Should we go find a bench?” It’d be easier to enjoy the drinks when they could sit down.

“Sure.”