19 Rules [on-going]

C h a p t e r 1

I don’t really remember how I ended up here, all I know is that I’ve given up. Maybe I should just go back to university. I guess I just figured out why this was my mum’s only condition for me taking a gap year.

Taking care of myself.

I walked down the pavement of the most elite neighborhood in London – Primrose Hill. I reach into my bag to grab my bottle of water and gulp down the few sips that were left, hoping to stop the grumbling of my stomach. It was distorting the sweet silence of this place that I was beginning to appreciate. But it was three in the afternoon and I haven’t had anything to eat yet. I guess I shouldn’t have underestimated the struggle of finding an apartment in London within a reasonable price range.

I could see a navy blue shed a little further, I walked up to it and was glad it turned out to be a café.

Café Seventy Nine.

Opening the door, a bell rang announcing my entrance. I looked directly at the counter trying to avoid eye contact with the people already seated inside, enjoying a warm meal. A boy with dark hair walked on towards the counter and waited, probably expecting me to come over and place my order. A subtle smile formed on his face, and he tilted his head as he arched one of his eye brows. As if that was my cue, I finally looked at the large menu displayed on top and moved closer to get a better view of it.

“Hi, what can I get you?” he took a pen out of his shirt pocket, but dropped it before he could get a good grip on it.

“Right, now what can I get you?” he said picking it up and then pushed back his dark brown hair with his hands, making it stand up for a brief moment. His eyes were beautifully colored - a soft green with just a little tint of light blue.

“Um... I don’t really know, I’m not good with choices” I nervously laughed, I felt my face heat up a little. Shit, was I blushing? I cupped my cheeks hoping he didn’t realize it.

“Well I could get you a nice hot bowl of tomato and basil soup. It’s today’s special, also it’s extra special because I’m making it” saying that he winked at me. He flashed a full smile and waited for my approval.

“Okay, I guess I’ll have that.” I said as I managed to awkwardly smile at him.

“Great”

I turned around and looked at the crowded place, there wasn’t a single seat empty. I bit my lip in irritation, I couldn’t possibly have soup for takeout.

“Umm... ma’am?” The boy with the dark hair addressed me, with creases on his forehead. Was something wrong? Did I break something unconsciously and have to pay for it now? It’s happened before.

“Yeah?” I asked him.

“Looks like this place is packed, but we have a mini garden behind with some really pretty tables and chairs also if you feel lonely, I wouldn’t mind giving you company.” I mentally sighed and was more than happy to accept the offer.

“As long as I still get that soup of yours” he laughed and placed his hand on my back sending a chill up my spine.

“This way” I followed him as he led me to the prettiest garden I had probably ever seen. The furniture elegantly placed, was pastel cream in color with an intricate curly pattern.

“Pick your seat, your choice” he laid out his hand advertising the place. I chuckled as he continued.

“Oh right, almost forgot you’re not good with choices I sugg-”

“I think I got this one” I cut him off and he walked back in to get on with my order. The chairs were so enchanting, they had a vintage feel to it and made me feel like I had ended up in the Victorian era. Almost like I was at a posh tea party.