Heart Buffs, Coffees & Cats

o7

It would be only nine days, right?

So, why were my palms and body sweating just at the thought of living under the same roof as him? My insides weren't at rest either—my metabolism had rapidly increased in the blink of an eye because I felt my stomach grumble. I had already eaten a pistachio croissant, BBQ chicken wings, and spaghetti just moments ago. I shouldn't be hungry again.

His roommates weren't giving me as much of a headache as he was, and they were more of strangers to me than Ayden. I should be worried about them, not that pigheaded guy I've known for a year now. I groaned, kicking my feet in the air. Why did I have to say yes?

why did my luck like kicking my ass like that?

why did i have to look at his face from that close?

why was i thinking about his face still?

As time went by, I saw multiple people entering and leaving the café—some were jumping, while others were almost crawling; a few were shouting at each other, and a group in the corner looked like they were a part of the secret organization that worshipped Satan underground. I looked away from them.

i imagined myself getting kidnapped by them to join their forces. terrifyingly unwanted.

My gaze then went up to the sky, noticing a few differences, such as the sun giving off a tanned light, the trees slowly changing their green leaves, and a flock of birds flying in circles, chirping as if they were either fighting or thrilled about their ability to fly—unlike us earthlings. It took a few minutes before I heard an ear-piercing scream from my left. A bird had pooped on a girl's black dress. I didn't laugh at all, did I?

Checking the time, I realized my shift would start soon, so I began strolling toward the staff room. I had to let Evelyn know about the bags that I'd be picking up later and that I had found a place to stay, so she didn't need to worry much, if she did.

plus, Lucie... dear God, i had totally forgotten about her. i quickly took my phone to see if she had sent any new texts and did she not.

L : oceannnnnn

L : are you alright???

L : im not able to call because my parents are sleeping and my baby brother is also sleeping in my room

L : ARE YOY OKAY??

L : WHY ARE YIU NOT REPLYING?!

And the texts continued as her franticness skyrocketed. My heart dropped — knowing I had to make it up to her, I dialed her number instead of texting back.

"are you kidnapped? what ransom are they asking?" she rambled over the phone, "have you called 911 first?"

"Luce, relax."

"What the fudge you mean 'relax'? I told you to text me last night, and you're only calling me now. You literally vanished after saying you were having a weird feeling. If I hadn't found you in DL or if you had'’t texted me back within the next few hours, I would have gone to the cops."

For the first time ever, seeing someone outside of my family worried about me felt different, it felt good. Not even my past friends showed this kind of concern for my well-being.

"i know it was my fault... " i trailed, "a lot happened last night and even now. are you coming early today? i want to tell you everything." i finished, " im sorry."

"ill first hear what you have to say before i accept your sorry." she paused, "between, what did you call me? the name."

"Lucie?"