Stand.

Croissants and Conversations

The next morning was a blur, I woke up to an empty bed and a note on the bedside table saying he would be back before I knew it. I just kept it down and with a sense of purpose went to look for my clothes.

After hours of searching I found my coat on a painting beside the door, my dress in the thankfully clean fireplace, my shoes still missing, as well as my underwear. As I kept looking around I heard the door open and close. And I turned to see Louis walk in casual denim shorts and a t shirt. I asked whether he'd seen my shoes, secretly hoping he would just give me my underwear without me having to ask. He said that he had no clue but he would help me look after breakfast. He then picked up the box in his hand and walked towards the kitchen and I followed, suddenly extremely hungry. 

He placed a beautiful croissant in front of me and a paper cup I bend down to get a whiff of what was inside the cup and then pulled back quickly with disapproval that he didn't see.

"Is that coffee?" Eyeing the cup like the old enemy of mine it was.

"Yes it is, I didn't know how you liked yours so I just got you a caramel and hazelnut one with cream." He said sweetly and I gave him my best made up smile. I looked back at the cup and took a deep breathe. 'We meet again.' I thought with bitterness, as once again coffee had arrived to ruin an important thing for me. Grudgingly I took a sip and controlled myself from gagging. I smiled up at Louis and broke off a bit of the beautifully flaky croissant.

"So what's University like? I wouldn't know anything about it" He asked as he took a sip of his drink.

"It's basically just a bunch on people drowning in alcohol and indulging in the usual shagging because they are clueless about the future." I said honestly and he laughed.

"So I'm guessing I didn't miss much there." He said still chuckling. What was so funny? I was being very serious.

"No you are not, you've got something most people would envy, a well paying job. And something we all would envy is, you actually enjoy it." I said, breaking off another piece of the croissant.

"Yes." He let out with a sigh. "As hectic and overwhelming as the job can be, I am one of the few lucky privileged."

"That you are, you're extremely lucky." I said as I took a sip of my coffee and squinted without realising. I then blushed because Louis looked at me worried.

"What's wrong? Has the milk got bad or something? Is the coffee too bitter?" He asked with a little apprehension.

"No No it's fine!"I said guiltily. "It's just that." I looked down and blushed

"What? What is it?" He asked trying to see my face.

"I don't like Coffee, and by that I mean I passionately loathe it." I blurt out honestly.

"Then why are you drinking it?" He asked with an exasperated look.

"Because you bought it for me, I didn't want to disappoint you." I mumbled.

"Don't be silly, what do you drink in the morning anyway?" He asked seriously.

"Tea, without milk or sugar." I said with a shrug.

"Then share my green tea why don't you?" He said sliding his cup to me.

The weirdo got himself tea and got me coffee. I would have declined but the need for some tea to wash away that horrid taste in my mouth overcame me and I took a sip of the tea and sighed in happiness. Louis chuckled.

"You're strange."

"And you got me coffee and yourself tea, what's your point?" 

"I thought most people liked coffee, I apologise."

"No don't apologise, it was such a sweet gesture, it's just that.."

"I know nothing about you." He said with his head down and staring at his croissant. I picked up mine and started playing with it myself.

"Yeah, that." I finally said. Louis then looked up and smiled at me, It didn't reach his eyes like before.

"Come on let's find your shoes, I'll drop you to the station at least." He said.

"Okay." Was all I managed to say, It was time for the reality to kick in.