House Of Cards

2. "I'm still looking forward to hearing your tragically heartbreaking story."

The sound of my phone buzzing against my desk in the middle of my lecture was more than enough to bring me, and the people around me, out of our daze. I jumped slightly and scrambled to stop the sound while rubbing my tired eyes. I was a visible product of the sleepless night I had. Watching television until the early hours of the morning was not a good idea, but that never stopped me before. I ignored the onlookers who seemed disturbed by the minimal noise I had made. Picking up my phone, I was surprised to find the notification from an unknown number.

Why do I feel like I'm swallowing my pride by texting you?

I chuckled at the message, knowing immediately who had texted me.

Probably because you're a sore loser and it's hard to admit you lost to your favourite student.

It was cliche, but I could just imagine her throwing her head back exaggeratedly, like she always did when she laughed. Maybe the outcome wouldn't be like Normani had predicted, but Camila seemed like a good friend to have, someone I would get along with easily.

You admitted it yourself that you weren't even my student, let alone my favourite.

I'm suddenly reconsidering going out for coffee if it'll be a continuation of this conversation

Suit yourself, a one point game is nothing.

Actually, I take it back. I'll never say no to collecting my well earned, well deserved prize.

I was too preoccupied with the friendly exchange going on in my hands that I complete zoned out. In fact, if Camila had texted me sooner, I would have most likely missed a lot more if it wasn't for the commotion of the people around me packing up that caused enough distraction for me to notice.

I haphazardly shoved everything into my bag and threw it over my shoulder. I made my way down the stairs of the lecture hall with my buzzing phone in hand. I was a little disappointed to see Normani's name on the screen instead of Camila's though.

When is the wedding?

I was a little bit confused but as she had texted a group chat of my high school friends, I dismissed it, thinking the message was for someone else. That didn't seem to be the case when Vero answered with just questions marks.

You haven't heard? Lauren and Ms Cabello (she told Lauren to call her Camila) are going out for coffee.

I shook my head and let out a deep breath, Normani apparently hadn't changed much since high school. The messages immediately after were from Vero and Alexa, both asking if Normani was telling the truth and for all the details, respectively.

She lost a basketball game against me, so I made her come get coffee with me.

And Vero, before you ask, no, it's not 'like that'.

She told Normani to call her Camila as well.

I found it funny having to clarify all of this to a group of twenty-somethings.

Come on, Lauren. If you had the opportunity, you would jump her.

Okay, Normani wasn't completely wrong.

But I don't have the opportunity.

I ship it.