𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇, imogen alodia in a bar, craving a cigarette but having none, notices a man whose face seems oddly familiar. she asks him for a smoke, and he reveals he's down to his last one. they decide to share it. who is this man?
it turns out...
the following day, i found myself scrolling through instagram, the events from last night replaying in my mind like a catchy song.
i had seen louis again, and the thrill of our unexpected encounter made me feel giddy. his sarcasm, his playful banter, and that cheeky smile—it all sent my heart racing. i couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between us, and it was exciting.
i took a moment to check my notifications and noticed a new message from phoebe.
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the drafts look so amazing! so sorry for the late reply x are you free to discuss details over coffee sometime?"
my heart swelled with happiness. i loved that phoebe had reached out and was thrilled to collaborate with her.
of course! i'd love to! how about tomorrow at noon?
that's perfect also louis keeps asking about you he's kind of intrigued it's cute!!!!
my cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink. was he really asking about me? the thought sent butterflies dancing in my stomach.
😂😂😂😂 tell him i said hi
just as i was about to set my phone down, i heard a knock on my cottage door. i opened it to find addy standing there, a big grin on her face, holding a tray of freshly baked cookies.
"guess who decided to drop by?" she said with an exaggerated wink.
"what did i do to deserve such a sweet surprise?" i laughed, stepping aside to let her in. the warm, sweet scent of chocolate chip cookies filled the air, and my heart melted at the thought of spending the afternoon with my best friend.
"i figured you could use a pick-me-up after all that excitement last night," she said, plopping down on the couch and handing me a cookie. "so, spill! how do you feel about your new friend, louis?"
i took a bite of the cookie, letting the chocolate melt in my mouth as I thought about how to respond. "he's... interesting, for sure. funny, a bit sarcastic, and definitely charming in a cheeky way."
"cheeky, huh?" addy raised an eyebrow. "that's one way to put it. do you like him?"
"i mean, i think he's cute, but he's famous, addy! what would a guy like him want with someone like me?" i sighed, the reality hitting me. "i'm just this artist from a small town, and he's... well, he's louis tomlinson."
"so what? you're amazing! you're kind, talented, and full of sunshine," she said, nudging me playfully. "besides, you two have already shared a cigarette, which is basically a bonding ritual."
i giggled, remembering the moment we had shared. "yeah, i guess it is. but there's something about him that makes me feel a bit nervous."
"nervousness is just excitement in disguise, my dear," addy said dramatically, throwing a hand over her forehead like a victorian heroine. "you just have to embrace it!"
i laughed at her antics. "easier said than done."
"true, but don't forget that you have this incredible light about you. he probably sees it," addy encouraged. "now, what's the plan?"
"well, I'm meeting phoebe tomorrow to discuss the art piece for her and her sister's birthday," i said, recalling our conversation. "and i'm hoping to create something really special for them. i want it to be perfect!"
"that's awesome! you have to make it stunning," she said, her eyes sparkling with pride. "and who knows, maybe louis will pop up again."
"maybe," i said, biting into another cookie, feeling a little flutter of hope at the thought.
the rest of the afternoon was filled with laughter and stories as we reminisced about old times. addy always had a way of making everything seem brighter. i realized how much i valued our friendship, especially now that she was engaged to jacob.
i knew things would change, but i was determined to keep my bond with her strong.
as the sun began to set, i glanced at my phone and saw a message from phoebe.
i'm really looking forward to tomorrow! let's make it fun you seem like the sweetest person alive
me tooooooo i cant wait to brainstorm ideas
after we finished our cookies and chatted a little longer, addy looked at me with a teasing smile. "so, do you think you'll ask louis to come to the art unveiling?"
my heart raced at the thought. "what? no way! that would be way too bold!"
"but bold is what you need, my friend!" addy encouraged. "besides, he's clearly intrigued by you. you might as well take the chance."
"what if he doesn't want to come?" i countered, chewing my lip nervously. "i don't want to be a bother."
"you're not a bother! if anything, you might brighten his day," she insisted. "and if he doesn't want to come, it's his loss!"
i sighed, considering her words. maybe she was right. i just had to focus on being myself and not overthink everything.
as addy prepared to leave, i felt a rush of gratitude. "thank you for coming over and for the cookies. you always know how to make me feel better."
"that's what friends are for! now go and get some rest. tomorrow is going to be exciting!" she said, giving me a warm hug before heading out.
after she left, i curled up on my couch, a cozy blanket draped around me. my mind drifted back to louis and our unexpected encounter. maybe fate really was at play.
i closed my eyes, imagining what it would be like to create art for his sister while he looked on, intrigued and maybe even a little smitten.
but before i fully let my eyes close, my mind kept swirling around the same question: is fate real?
the thought lingered as i drifted off to sleep, dreaming of colors, laughter, and the thrill of new beginnings.
