The Forgotten Girl

iii

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The last of Oak Tree Café's employees were just leaving when I got there. Some of them gave me sour looks as I entered. I assumed they thought I was an annoying last-minute customer. One older employee rolled his eyes and grumbled something under his breath. I guessed that was Bella's boss.

"Lucas!" I heard Bella before I saw her standing behind the counter, an almost mad grin on her face. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face as I watched her shutting down all the machines and packing things away. "Sorry about this, I'll only be, like, 20 minutes. You can take a seat if you want."

I shook my head, watching as she grabbed a broom. I took a few steps forward, rubbing the back of my neck a little nervously.

"No, I'll help you. Pass me the broom, Bells." She grinned at the nickname, passing the broom over the counter with a grateful smile.

We went about our way like that for a while. Mopping and putting things away and shutting off the machinery and chatting every so often. It felt strange to be there with her, in this new environment where she was almost like a completely different person, but it was nice. She seemed more chipper there.

"Ugh," Bella sighed after a while, leaning her broom against the counter. I mimicked her. "I'm bored. Let's just chill for a while. I'll shut off the lights in case the nightmare boss comes back to make sure I've closed up."

Bella switched off the lights so we were almost in pitch black darkness, and then she slumped into a seat at one of the small café tables. I sat across from her, watching as she wiped the sweat from her forehead and sighed, her eyes travelling across the room.

"It's so dark in here," She huffed, her eyes meeting mine. "At least I can still see your handsome face."

I brushed her comment aside, pulling a lighter from the pocket of my coat.

"Why don't we just, uh..." My voice faded as I leaned forward, adjusting the candle in the centre of the table and lighting it slowly. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Bella smile as soft, warm light filled the café. "Looks nice, huh? It's romantic."

I sat back in my chair, looking back at Bella. The candle's flame flickered. She laughed.

"Romantic?" She echoed my words. I nodded. "Are you trying to seduce me, Lucas?"

"Depends," I hummed, leaning forward and resting my chin on my right hand. I swallowed back the nervous lump in my throat. "Is it working?"

Bella laughed again, that sound of tinkling bells.

"A little," She admitted, leaning forward. Her hazel eyes sparkled. Another laugh. "It's cheesy, but it's working a little."

I smiled. She smiled. I leaned in for a kiss.

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