Our Cosmic Love (MPS Sequel)

03| The Type of Laugh That Fills The Air

CHAPTER THREE: THE TYPE OF LAUGH THAT FILLS THE AIR

Julie

"I'm tired," Sofia says. She sighs dramatically and leans on Bailee. We're in our common area, sitting on the couch.

"I need more cookies," I tell her.

She glances up tiredly. "How many more?"

"Maybe 100?"

She groans loudly, Bailee just laughs. "Come on Sof, get up."

Sofia narrows her eyes at me. "When you said let's have a girls night I imagined flicks and some ice cream. Not baking a gazillion cookies for your fundraiser."

"This is why you're my best friend," I tell her and help her up. I smile and squeeze her in a hug as she squirms away to Bailee. "And I appreciate all your help."

"Will you at least let us have a cookie?" Sofia asks.

"Sure, but just one." She rolls her eyes but then we're back to work. Baking all night until we're covered in flour, our kitchen area looks like a tornado rolled by and splattered cracked eggs and batter all over, but at least our apartment is scented in delicious chocolate chip cookies.

I carefully package the cookies neatly before placing them all in cardboard boxes and into my rolling cart so they are ready for the Astronomy Club Fundraiser for tomorrow. I'm thankful for Bailee and Sofia's help and when I'm done packaging, I wake them from their nap on the couch and tell them to go to bed. I spend the next hour cleaning the counter, oven, and sink until I finally go to bed as well.

In the morning Jared is in my apartment to get the cookies. When he arrives and I don't see Charlie trailing behind him, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding in. The club decided we can alternate rounds of taking care of our booth for our fundraiser depending on our class schedule for the day. It is Tuesday, thankfully no 7AM class, and no Charlie. Jared is free until ten, which is when my class ends and I'll take over after him. I thank him for picking up the cookies and ask if the first rotation needs any help.

Jared shakes his head. "Melanie and Jenna are already setting up the booth with the stuff they have for the fundraiser so we're good. The only thing is I'm not sure who will be able to help you for the first hour since all of us are in class. Will you be able to manage alone?"

I nod. "Yeah don't worry."

"Okay, if anything, shoot the group chat a text." I nod and he's off with the cookies and I head to class.

When class ends I head to the Union where Jared, Melanie, and Jenna are waiting for me to switch with them at the fundraising booth.

"How'd we do?"

"Not too bad," Jenna says, "But more people will come around this time since not so many like to do early classes."

"Are you sure you don't need any help? I wouldn't mind skipping class," says Melanie.

I laugh. "I'm good," I responded.

"Alright then we're off. See you later Julie." They wave me goodbye.

Thirty minutes in, I don't get too busy, but I'm thankful a customer comes every couple of minutes. So far looking into what we'd fundraise so far, I'd say it hasn't gone bad considering the time. But then, just when I feel like everything is going swiftly I feel a raindrop hit my face. I look up, watching and it begins to pour and I become frantic, ensuring that none of the goods get soaked. I'm throwing things into my rolling cart when someone comes and begins helping me. Charlie. I watch as he grabs things and puts them into the rolling cart, almost as if this was all planned by him. How'd he manage to get here right at the exact time I was in distress?