The Warmest Winter

°•°Chapter 3°•°

James and I headed down to the nearest store, which was about 20 minutes away from campus. We decided to walk since the night was clear, the moon providing all the light we needed.

The store was warm, a little bell greeting us as we stepped inside. James waited for me to walk in before he closed the door behind himself. I headed straight to the sweet aisle and began to pick through what I wanted. James stood next to me and observed which ones I took.

James took a packet of biscuits and grabbed a cool drink from the fridge. The two of us took our sweets to the cashier and set it onto the counter.

"Evening. Would you like a bag?"A middle-aged lady asked us. She had pin straight black hair and shiny blue eyeshadow. She was wearing a denim jacket and bright pink lipstick distracting us from her missing front tooth. All and all ,she looked like a sweet lady who just had a rough life.

"Yes please."James answered and took out his card.
"Oh ,no I'll pay don't worry." I told James as I swiped my card.
"Forgive me for asking but, are you two dating?" The lady asked with a smile. James tensed up and looked over at me. I looked back at him and then looked over at the lady.
"No, he's my best friend's brother." I replied and saw James relax his shoulders.

"Oh, well I'm just putting it out there that you two would be adorable together. Enjoy your sweets and have a lovely night." She smiled and handed us a small, white bag.
"Thanks, you too." James smiled and took the bag from her.

We exited the store and began the long walk home. James seemed at ease and even closed his eyes, breathing in the English air. The night was quiet and the moon smiled down at us through the smoky clouds.

We walked down towards the park, which had a winding river gently running through. Benches were scattered around the edge of the river and a small, wooden arch bridge stretched across it.

We took a seat at one of the benches, which overlooked the river.
The grass was laid thick with dew and the moon reflected off of the river, making the park around us seem isolated. James took out his biscuits, taking one for himself then offering me. I smiled and took one.

James cocked his head and looked at me, expecting something. I turned to face him, seeing something like, admiration, flicker through his eyes. I blushed and he looked away briefly before pulling out his cell phone.

"Let's get going." James sighed as he shoved his phone back into his pocket. We walked back to campus to find Leila asleep and dinner cold on the table.

The next day, I woke up bright and early. It was a rainy Saturday morning and I had errands to run. Leila and James were still fast asleep as I left the house.

I walked down to the nearest Café and got a coffee and some breakfast. The only other people in the Café were an old couple and a young man sitting with his daughter. Setting my laptop and food on the table ,I heard the door ring and two girls, clearly rich, walked in.

The two of them glanced around the Café in pure judgement. They looked fresh out of the salon, make up caked on their faces and hair done up. They walked to the counter, high heels clicking loudly on the tiles.

"How the fuck aren't they cold?" I questioned myself as I stared off outside at the dismal weather. Grey skies, gale force wind and cold air. Both of them had matching black dresses, skin tight, black heels, and long, blonde coils.

"Two matcha lattes." The one barked out. The other girl stood and stared at the people in the Café, disgust resting on her face. The girls got their drinks and sat at the table next to mine, both of them looking at me. I smiled to lighten the mood only to get two scowls back.

I looked down at my laptop and continued working. The girl's laughs were obnoxious and I could practically feel the hate coming off of them.

"Uhm, excuse me?" One of them spoke to me. I looked up and nodded at her.
"That shirt is not doing you any favors honey." She said ,shaking her head. I looked down at my shirt, seeing how it bunched up ,making me look fat.
"It's just a big shirt." I replied.
"From who? Your fat boyfriend?" She laughed.
"Dont make me laugh, she probably has no boyfriend, look at that ugly face of hers." The two of them began cackling loudly.

Just then, I felt someone sit down next to me. It was James.
"Hey, what's up with them?" He asked ,just loud enough for them to hear.
"Oh, look at this guy, he probably feels sorry for her." The girl cackled.
"Shut up you hoe," James snapped.
"Come ,let's go." And with that, James and I walked out, the two girls shooting daggers at us.