Chasing Our Dreams [f.a]

Grand Prix de Monaco, Monte Carlo

~ AGE 19 ~

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

''So, you're telling me you like him?'' Rosalinda asked me one late Autumn evening. I started my second year at Pratt School, and I was doing just fine. I still worked at Mrs. Robertson's Cafe, and I was still room mate with Rosalinda Fernandes, a Colombian girl, who turned out to be a really good friend.

''He's fine.'' I replied and I swear I blushed.

''Oh, c'mon London! You're not allowed to call Shane Battier just fine!'' she protested.

''Well, what the hell - I do like him. But just so you know, I still haven't spoke a single word to him. Well, except 'thank you' when he gives me tip. That's all.'' I admitted.

I worked morning shifts. I was always an early riser, and I liked the morning shift. First time in forever I really liked someone. Shane was a senior, great student and even better basketball player. He was, along side with his team mate Jay Williams leading our Blue Devils to the National title. every morning, he'd come to Cafe, sit on the counter and have a coffee. Every morning I'd give him his coffee and try not to stare his direction.

''Your computer is ringing again.'' Rosalinda added. I had the Skype call. ''Go and tell your little amigo that you've found yourself a man.''

''Keep your mouth shut, Rosalinda, or I swear to God, I will kill you.''

*** FLASHBACK ***

''Hello, stranger.'' Fernando stood there, at my dorm room door, after months we haven't seen each other.

I ran into his arms and hugged him like never before.

''So, Schumi is going to kick some ass this year. Again!'' he teased me again. The season just started and well, Michael looked stronger than ever.

''He is so going to kick your ass one day.'' I added.

''You two love-birds are being rude. Londonita, you should introduce me to your friend.'' Rosalinda said, from somewhere.

''Fer, this is my room mate - Rosalinda. Linda, this is my best friend in the world, Fernando Alonso.'' I said. For a long time I haven't called him my best friend. I haven't talked about him much, at all.

'''Okay, you two - we need to get going. London, get dressed for God's sake. You - sit here and wait. We have a game to attend.'' Rosalinda ordered.

''Basketball - Blue Devils.'' I said to Fernando.

We had to go see the game with Rosalinda, because God forbids her to miss the game, and well, as much as I missed Fernando, I liked my life at University. I wanted him to see the glimpse of it, to be sure that I'm fine. To know that I've made the right decision. Finally, he was at my side again, we missed one Winter together, and I promised to myself that was the last one. He missed me too, he wouldn't have flown around the world just to see me, before his season kicks off. He needed to know that we are fine.

And just like that, we were fine again. Life wasn't anything if he wasn't by side.

***

Early morning, just before six am. I was at work, making coffees for early morning people. Not much people are at the Cafe during that time of the day, so I was just sitting on the counter, drawing and waiting for certain someone to come in.

He came in, just at the time, like usual. He had grey t-shirt on, he was sweaty. He pulled ear plugs of his iPod out of his ears, but without even waiting him to ask, I poured his coffee and placed it on the counter. He smiled. I was little bit in love with that smile, at least I thought I was.