Wild Ride

Chapter 10: Too close

Xandria's pov

Three months had passed since Carl and I had known each other and became very close. It was strange how quickly someone could go from being a complete stranger to becoming such a familiar part of your life. When I first met him, I never imagined that, three months later, I would be getting ready to visit him at his apartment.

Somehow, our friendship had grown without either of us forcing it. Even finding out he was 9 years older didn't seem to be an issue. We talked almost every day. Sometimes about serious things, sometimes about the most ridiculous things imaginable. There were days when we would spend hours talking and somehow never run out of things to say. And somewhere along the way, I had become comfortable with him. Maybe a little too comfortable.

When he invited me over, I had agreed. But now that the day had finally arrived, I was beginning to wonder if I had made the right decision. I stood in front of my wardrobe, staring at my clothes as though they had suddenly become impossible to understand.

"What am I even looking for?" I muttered to myself.

I already knew the answer. I wanted to look nice. But I definitely did not want to look like I had spent an hour trying to look nice for him. That would be embarrassing.

I had just finished brushing my teeth and taking a shower. With a towel wrapped securely around me, I ran my fingers through the clothes hanging in my wardrobe, pulling out one outfit after another before putting them back.

Too much. Too casual. Too obvious.

Finally, I settled on a simple T-shirt and a pair of flower-patterned shorts. Perfect. Casual enough to make it seem like I hadn't thought about it too much. At least, that was what I told myself.

I got dressed and stood in front of my mirror. I brushed my hair, allowing it to fall naturally over my shoulders. I added a little lip gloss and then reached for my favourite jasmine perfume, spraying a small amount behind my ears.

I looked at myself for a few seconds.

"You're just visiting a friend," I reminded my reflection.

Before I could think too much about it, my phone buzzed on the bed. I picked it up.

Carl: Can't wait to see you! 😊

I stared at the message for a moment, and despite myself, a small smile appeared on my face. I locked my phone and placed it inside my bag.

Before leaving, I took one last look around my room, grabbed my keys, and stepped outside. The evening air was cool against my skin. The sun was beginning to disappear, leaving the sky painted in soft shades of pink, orange, and purple.

As I walked, I found myself humming quietly. I was excited. I was nervous. And, if I was being completely honest with myself, I was a little scared. I had never been alone with a guy in his room before. With my male friends, we usually spent time together in public places, at school, and in crowded spaces where everything felt easy and familiar.

But this was different. Still, I pushed the thought aside. Carl wasn't a stranger anymore. I trusted him to an extent. At least, I wanted to believe I did.

When I finally reached the building where his apartment was located, I climbed the stairs. Once I reached the floor, I pulled out my phone and sent him a quick message.

Me: I'm upstairs.

I hadn't even put my phone away when I heard a door open somewhere down the hallway.

"Xandria?"

I looked up.

Carl stepped out and smiled when he saw me.