Smash Into You

Chapter 1: Fall

"I'm so sorry!"

The words were rushed and cried out by the girl who stood in front of me, frantically pulling napkins from her bag. She held them in her hand for a moment before desperately looking at me for help, not knowing where to start. I couldn't help but simply stand there, the coffee soaking into my clothes, slowly burning the living hell out of me.

This is how my Monday morning started.

"Of course this would happen to me out of all the days!" She said miserably as she finally gave up on trying to help and simply shoved the napkins into my hand.

I tried to catch them before they fell, but two flew away. Watching them with a sigh, I turned back to the girl and attempted to calm her down, "Look, it's all right. I should have dodged you but you were moving with such speed."

"It's because I'm late!" She replied, picking up the spilled coffee cups from the sidewalk, "I'm supposed to catch the 8:30 train for work and bring in coffee, but I completely slept in and now this!"

I chuckled, wiping my shirt before giving up completely and finally making eye contact with the girl. Her green eyes were vibrant, like galaxies were speckled in those depths, as they frantically glanced down to check the time. She wore a pressed black pencil skirt with a matching blouse and I couldn't help but notice how her jet black hair beautifully contrasted with her pale complexion. She was simply gorgeous, too pretty to be stressed by such a simple matter.

"Well, I've got a car," I turned and pointed to the black coupe that sat at the corner of the sidewalk. "Are you already late for work?"

The question forced a blink of surprise. She looked up at me with hopeful eyes, trying not to look too excited as her tone turned timid, "I couldn't..."

"I would hate to be the reason you're actually late this morning," I insisted, giving her a small smile. "Let me at least take you to work."

I watched as she bit her lip nervously. I could tell she was mentally fighting with herself. She probably didn't take handouts so easily, but I knew she had to be desperate. With a nod, she quickly rushed to the coffee shop door, "I'll be out in a second. I just need to grab some more coffee!"

"No problem," I called but she had already disappeared into the cafe. Looking down at my coffee stained clothes I sighed again before an amused smile graced my lips. Jeez. Things like this only ever happened to me. Shaking my head with a laugh. I rattled my keys in my hand and moved to the door to unlock it.

The windows of my car seemed abnormally foggy this morning. With a grimace, I had realized that I had left some left over fast food lying around. Swinging the passenger door open quickly, I snatched the empty bag and tossed in the nearby trash. I walked back over to my car shaking my head with dissatisfaction. I could have sworn it was a bit cleaner than this.

"Change your mind?" A worried voice came from behind.

Jumping at the voice, I turned around stumbling for words, "No no, I was just, uh... it's nothing. Hop on in."

I moved out of the way and around to the driver's side. Sliding in, I felt self-conscious and exposed. I hadn't realized suggesting my car for a ride would leave me so open to criticism and dirty glances, which is what I was expecting the girl to do. She must have thought I was a complete slob with all the napkins and papers lying around. Maybe it was a mistake to try to do her a favor.

"For someone I just spilled coffee all over, you are being extremely nice." The girl commented as she happily slipped on her seat belt.

"Yeah, it would seem your week started off with a bit of luck," I joked as I started my car.

"And what about yours?" She asked curiously. A smile slipped her lips as she glanced at me, and for a moment I could do nothing but stare. Forcing my gaze away from her flawless features, I replied with a shrug and pulled away from the curb, "Well, I can say this hasn't been the worse Monday I've lived through."

A raspy giggle filled the car and without even thinking, I smiled at the sound.

"My name is Lauren."

"Lovely name," I replied with a sideways glance, "I'm Camila."

"It's nice to meet you, random stranger," she poked fun as I drove.

With a chuckle, I agreed, "Likewise."

And I will fall for you
If I fall for you
Would you fall too?