New Year's Kiss (Nolan Gerard Funk Fanfic)

                                                              CHAPTER ONE: The Cafe

BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP!

     "STAAAHP!" I groaned as I rolled over and slamed down the "snooze" button on my annoying alarm clock. 7 AM was way too early to be up for classes. But hey, I'm in college now. At least my parents aren't here to criticize my every move. I won't lie, I've missed them the last 4 months since college started in September, considering I've only seen them on long weekends and holidays. But I just got back two days ago, on the 28th, from a week-long visit with them for Christmas, and that was more than enough "family time". My younger sister, Emily, was 14, and only cared about boys and makeup. Meanwhile, my 10-year-old brother Matt was focused on superheroes, cars, and videogames. It was nice to get away and focus on my own life.

     I felt the stale December air hit me as I rolled out of bed and stood up.  I showered quickly and got dressed, settling on a pair of dark-wash denim skinny jeans, a red and blue plaid long sleeve button-up, and my favorite pair of red Vans. I straightened my shoulder-length hair, which was a shade of mahogany with a hint of blonde, from my highlights of course.

     As I grabbed my blue, one-shoulder book bag and started toward the door of my one-bedroom apartment, I heard my phone buzz. "Shit, almost forgot to take that with me again." I muttered to myself as I turned around and snatched my white iPhone off my computer desk. I headed for the door, opened it, and began my journey to start another monotonous and prolonged day of college classes. I didn't have a car, so I had to walk everywhere I went. I mean, it wasn't too bad. Most stores were closeby, and I took the subway to school. Living in NYC had it's perks, but also it's frustrations.

     On my way home from classes, I noticed something perculiar outside, right in front of Central Park. There were 3 cars; a red, convertible mustang, and two big, black Range Rovers. There were also numerous news station vehicles parked, and tons of screaming girls. What the heeellll is going on? I wondered as I passed by. Must be another celeb going to Times Square for something. Whatever, celebtrities were annoying. Rich, snobby, spoiled, ungrateful, and quite frankly, arrogant people. Didn't they ever get tired of seeing their faces plastered everywhere they went? I knew I sure would.

     The screaming got louder as I walked further away. I turned around, I mean, I was still a curious person. I couldn't tell who he was from behind, but when he turned around to give his "award-winning" smile, I couldn't help but keep my gaze a little longer. Tall, muscular, perfect body, he stood there; Nolan Gerard Funk. I gotta admit, he was sexy. How could I not think that? I still thought he was a low person. I'd never really seen much of him except on that MTV show Awkward, but he was a celebrity. Which meant, there was a 99% chance he was stuck up and snobby, and I wouldn't like him. Eventually my gaze ceased, and I continued my walk home. Acutally, he looked a little uncomfortable over there, almost like he didn't want to be there.

     To my astonishment, I made myself stop for some food. I often forgot to eat lunch, having classes from 8-1 and then work from 3 to 7. I worked at Forever 21, because my school was just outside of Times Square, and the subway ride home wasn't too bad. But since I worked in such a crowded place, it sometimes took forever to get there, hence my skipping lunch. I know, I know, it's not healthy but I didn't get that hungry anyways.

     As I stepped into a little cafe, the aroma of warm sandwhiches and hot soups enveloped me. When it was finally my turn, I ordered a chicken and swiss panini, iced coffee, and sat down at a table near the window, with a perfect view of the busy square. Much to my dismay, I was once again eating alone. I had friends, but lately they were always busy. Busy, busy, busy. Avery had endless rehearsals, studying at Julliard. Alex was always at work. Julia, with her boyfriend 24/7, and Bayli, while she had alot to do, she was the only one who ever seemed to have time for me. But with her studying abroad this semester in London, I was garunteed to not see her until May.

     I didn't even notice when he first sat down across from me, because I was too busy in my own daze, thinking about my friends. "Hey, you okay?" I heard a deep, alluring voice ask me. I looked up, and almost choked on my panini. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. Why do you care?" I didn't mean to sound so rude, but I was in utter shock. Sitting across from me was not just a guy, but the seductive, mysterious, famous, Nolan Gerard Funk. NOLAN FUCKING GERARD FUNK WAS SITTING ACROSS THE TABLE FROM ME. Pull it together, I thought to myself. He's just another douchebag celeb who's probably waiting for me to squeal in delight.

     "Oh jeez, sorry for asking. You just looked like you were lonely." I couldn't help but feel my heart flutter. His voice was just too amazing.

     "It's fine. I'm sorry, I'm just kind of in shock..you're like...famous." I laughed a little.

     "I get that alot," He flashed his dazzling smile at me. "I just needed to get a moment away from them."

     "What do you mean?" I pondered, taking a sip of my creamy iced caramel latte.

     "The people," He breathed. "The papparazzi, the reporters, the screaming fangirls. It gets annoying, y'know?"

     "Not really," I smiled and giggled quietly.

     "I guess you wouldn't, huh." He shrugged. "Well, you know my name. What's yours?"

     "Emma. Emma Turner."

     "Well, Emma Turner. I'm glad I decided, out of all places, to come here."

     I could feel myself turning red. "Thanks," I glanced at my phone's clock. It read 2:31. "It's been nice talking, but I really have to go. I have work in a bit." I stood up and threw my trash away. I grabbed my bag and pushed in my chair. "Sorry," I started. "Maybe I'll see you again sometime."

     "I hope you do," He said. But as I started to walk away, he rushed up behind me, took me by the shoulders and spun me around facing him. Our faces so close I could smell his cologne, which was a refreshing, crisp scent. "Just in case," He handed me a folded napkin. I opened it and saw what I was assuming was his cell number, written sloppily in blue ink. "I like talking to you, Emma. You aren't like those screaming fangirls. You're calm, unique, and....real." He shot a half-smile at me. "What time do you get out of work?"

     "Seven," I answered. "I work at Forever 21."

     "Well, then if it's not too much to ask. I'd like to see you at approximately 7:15, outside the doors of Forever 21. Does that sound okay to you?"

     I giggled, a genuine one this time. "Yes," I smiled at him. "7:15 is perfect. But I hope you're up for a challenge, I'm not easily amused."

     "Well, I'll just have to take that chance, won't I?" Nolan grinned. His smile was captivating, for sure.

I turned on my heels, walked all the way towards the door of the cafe, thinking of a response. When I reached it, holding the door open with one hand, I turned to him. "I guess so," was all I could manage; but I couldn't wait to see him later. I smiled and walked out, heading towards work. I smiled to myself, because for the first time in months, I had a new mystery of a person to solve.