Deeper than your Knife

Ch. 1 - Coffee Shop Girl meets New Guy

Every small town has one, the 'perfect' girl. Hands down gorgeous, and overall the one who sets standards. Everyone loves Liliah, even the usual gossip girls. There's nothing not to like about her. She knows how to get her way, it's written in her nature. This entire town is her game, and the majority in it are pawns. No one to defy her, and no one not head over heels for her.

Miss Bethany squeals, "Liliah! Hello darling, how are you??" as she enters the coffee shop.

Liliah gives an enlightened smile while walking over to give her professor a hug over the counter. "Hi Beth, the usual?" The middle aged woman nods while reaching for her phone. Bethany calls her husband, this is all a morning tradition on the weekends. She speaks into the phone, "Hello honey, I'm stopping by at Lily's work to get coffee. I was wondering if you'd like to stop by the garden with me?" Liliah always chuckles while listening to Bethany's cheesy dates. Though it would make her envy it in a way, they love each other for their true spirit, it's so pure. She's been hoping to find something like they have for a while.

Beth continues chatting with her husband over the phone. "Beth, It's ready, " Liliah says with a warm smile.

The middle aged woman thanks her and leaves. Meanwhile, Liliah is still thinking about hopeful love. She hasn't tried to date any guys since there's been no connection, not that she'd have to try. Mr. Randy walks in, the owner of the cafe and Liliah's boss. He informs her, "Miss Mildred, you may clock out now. Thank you so much for working overtime. I really needed it today." Liliah shakes his hand and reassures him it's alright. She walks to the back of the café while taking off her apron.

While leaving she stares at her phone. Her group chat is booming about some new guy, Zander Valdik. She accidentally bumps into an unfamiliar face coming in. "Oh! I'm so sorry. Umm, sir we're closed," Liliah exclaims. She can't stop thinking to herself how handsome this guy is. How come she's never seen him before? The mystery man holds out his hand for her to shake it. He says, "My apologies miss, do you work here?" She smiles and nods. "Well i'll make sure to come by when ya'll are open. " Damn.. He's fine

He exclaims worriedly, "Ma'am are you alright?" She embarrassingly reassures him with a smile, "Yes, i'm fine. I should actually head home now, it's sundown."

"Ahh ok, mind if I walk you home?" He questions her.

Is he stupid? That's how people get murdered. Not to mention i just met him.. God no, no matter how gorgeous you are, i'm never risking my life for you!

"Uhh, sorry but I believe it's safer not to." Liliah states.

He nods and writes something on a small sheet of paper. Liliah just stares at him in confusion. Zander exits the building and drops the paper. She bends down to pick it up and shout for him, but he already left. She looked at the paper.

"Coffee shop girl,

###-###-###"

Jeez, fine and persistent - and arrogant!

Liliah smiles and puts the paper in her pocket. Zoey wasn't able to pick me up, so now i'm stuck walking home.

Honestly I'm guessing I should be grateful, I wouldn't have met that handsome guy for foreverrrr.

Though, it is really weird. The walk home was kind of creepy. It was dark and she felt like she kept hearing breathing other than her own. Is someone else with me? This is super creepy.

I'm delusional, right?

She unlocked the front door and walked towards her parents room. Liliah gave her unconscious mom a kiss on her forehead. Mrs. Mildred woke up from the delicate gesture and smiled. The woman whispered. "Did you just get home?" Liliah nodded and exited the room. She entered her room and added the number on the paper. Liliah didn't want to get too attached, she just met him. Though, she wasn't able to tell what it was, but he just felt right.

New guy seemed perfect. He's handsome, flirty, and charming. I can't help myself from daydreaming. I need to cut it out, Im Liliah Mildred and i'm obsessing over the town's rookie. Unacceptable.

I contemplate texting the mysterious number so many times. There's no way this guy could end up good. Either way I shouldn't be in a relationship. I eventually gave in and texted him. Almost instantly he replied. I would say he waited for me, but i've been a bit too delusional today.

She chatted with him for over an hour, but then her group chat rung.

Liliah was flabbergasted. She immediately started typing. They were talking about Zander!

Liliah turned off her phone and silenced the dinging. She smiled while thinking about Zander. She'd never had a crush or felt connection towards anyone in this way, but she couldnt stop picturing his smile. She felt butterflies all over.

No, I need to stop. This is not the guy of my dreams, he's just another guy. I seriously need to get him out of my head, He's stupid. Nothing that involves him needs my time to be wasted on.

I snuggle into my blanket and fade asleep.

a/n:
no one is making it past this chapter, it gets better 💔