“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”
― Marcus Tullius Cicero
I sat on my couch, my tabby cat laying next to my leg. I grabbed another slice of pizza, biting into it. I realized how much of a loner I really was as I ate this whole box of pizza on my own.
I would ask Brigitte to come over and maybe spend the night if she wasn't with her boyfriend at the moment. She would most likely sleep over his place like she did every day, pretty much.
Now that I think about it...we hardly see each other at all. She's usually with Billy doing God knows what. If only I had a boyfriend, maybe I wouldn't feel so...left out. Yeah, that's it. I'm always the third wheel.
I didn't really want anyone, though. I have a hard time connecting with the opposite sex. They're always too different. I want somebody who I can talk with, that has the same interests as myself. But I haven't really found that person.
The conversation I had with Calvin yesterday, though, was actually pleasant. He listened to every word I said, never taking his eyes off of me. He looked so intrigued, like it was the most interesting talk he's ever had. It probably wasn't.
When I told him I had to go because my cat can't be alone for too long, he glanced my way with a soft smile:
"You have a cat?" He had asked, setting the wet rag on the table he was cleaning at the time.
I had nodded in return, smiling wide. "Yeah, he's an orange tabby cat." I had replied, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear.
"What's his name?"
"Ember."
Calvin had chuckled at that, picking up the rag and finishing the table he left behind. "That's a cute name." He had finally said, peeking in my direction.
I had shrugged my shoulders, biting at my lip. "I guess he just looked like an Ember to me."
He had given a short nod, finishing the last table. "Well, I don't want to keep you." He said, adding, "I'll see you around?" He looked my way.
"Yeah! Sure." I had replied, clearing my throat. "See you."
I got up from the couch, throwing the box into the garbage, replaying the earlier memory inside my head. I don't know why, but I looked forward to seeing him again. That thought has never crossed my mind before, so why now?
Maybe because he actually listens, not worrying about my looks, I thought. I did notice that instead of staring any place else, his gaze was always on my face; no lower.
I sighed, biting my lip. Ember glanced up at me, stretching his legs. I smiled, walking over to him; petting his soft orange fur. He was purring loudly ― rubbing against my hand. "What do you think, Ember?" I asked, looking down at my tabby. "Should I give love a chance?" He licked my fingers, meowing not long after. I laughed, taking that as a yes.
I scratched his head for a moment more, before heading to the bathroom to start up the shower. I think I was in need of a hot, soothing wash. I could relax and wonder about my options. Do I take the big leap, or do I lay back from such a chance, never having the one thing I finally knew I truly wanted: To fall in love.
After my shower, I got ready for sleep. Well...I tried to, at least. I grabbed some comfortable shorts, along with an old t-shirt; climbing into my bed, but the weariness never came. I wasn't tired, which is surprising, because I usually was after a long day.
I wanted to sleep, I wanted tomorrow to come quickler; but everything else disagreed. Especially my mind, it was all over the place.
I could feel Ember next to me, breathing steadily. Why couldn't that be myself? Animals fall asleep so easily, but us humans don't. It either takes us a very long time to get tired, or we either fall to sleep quickly. I wanted the second one to happen.
Around one o'clock I finally slept. The bad thing was, I woke up late because I didn't hear my alarm clock. Why was everything going against me this week?
I hurriedly got dressed, pulling my hair up into a messy bun - since I didn't have time to fix it. Slipping on a pair of flats, I grabbed my bag, shoving my keys and phone into the compartment; rushing out of the front door.
I got into my crappy bug, pushing the key into the ignition ― turning it a few times before the old thing finally started. I sighed loudly, pulling out of the parking lot, before driving down the street; heading towards the coffee shop.
Once I got there, I looked in the mirror to see my disheveled reflection staring back. I groaned, fixing my hair into a neater ponytail; and pinching my cheeks to bring some color into them.
I opened my car door, stepping out into the crisp Autumn breeze. I slammed the frame shut, making my way into the small shop. Right when I walked in, the bell sounded; I also saw something I wish I hadn't witnessed.
Calvin was kissing some girl, not the rough kind either. He was cradling her head in his hand, softly kissing her lips.
I cleared my throat, looking away from the two. I already knew they had pulled apart, but I didn't even want to look at either of them. I was sort of...disappointed in myself.
"Hello Astrid, how can I help you?" He asked, his deep voice making me want to scream. I didn't, though; instead I straightened my posture, turning slowly to glance at him.
The girl, or should I say woman, was looking in my direction with a kind smile upon her lips.
"Calvin, aren't you going to introduce me?" She asked, hitting his arm lightly; playfully.
"Yeah Calvin, aren't you?" I said in a mocking tone.
He chuckled, wrapping an arm around the woman he was once kissing. "Sam, this is a friend of mine, her name is -"
I took a step forward, holding out a hand. "Astrid." She shook it, smiling wide.
"I'm Sam, but you already know that." She laughed, before adding; "I'm Calvin's girlfriend."
"Of course. It's nice to meet you." I grinned, pulling my hand apart from hers.
"It's nice to meet you, as well."
YOU ARE READING
Lovely Astrid
Romance"Astrid, you don't realize the consequences that come with love," he said, walking away. And really..she didn't. She's never been in love, never even talked to a boy, let alone kissed one. All she had was her best friend Brigitte and her tabby cat...
