If These Sheets Were States

10. We Never Stood a Chance Out There

Bella tossed in her sleep, laying on her front, laying on her back, laying on her side. Nothing worked. She reached for her phone, taking it off of charge and bringing it into the line of focus with her eyes.

The phone rung on the other end. It carried on ringing. And ringing. And ringing. Bella hung up, just as she heard someone speak.

"SHIT."

She quickly re-dialed the number.

- - - - - POV: Alex - - - - -

"Hel.. oh. SHIT! She decides to call as I finally fall asleep?! AGHH!" Alex shouted as he realised he had missed a phonecall. "You don't even know it was her. It might have been someone trying to sell you something. Don't get your hopes up, prick. OH SH - hello?" Alex jumped as his phone started ringing. Giving it a chance to ring only once, he answered as quickly as his hands could fumble for the button.

- - - - - / - - - - -

"Hello?" The voice on the line said warily.

"Hello.. is this Alex?" Bella asked shyly. She could honestly say she had never done anything like this before.

"May I ask who's calling?"

Bella knew it was too good to be true. "Erm, it's Bella."

"Bella? OH. BELLA. Finally! I've been waiting for you to call me all night. Sorry. That sounds really creepy. I just meant -"

"It's fine, haha. I have a question. Are you departing the country any time soon?"

"I can't say I am. Me and the boys told Matt that we wanted to stay for a little bit, just for a break. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I would say did you want to go now, but I've just realised that it's very late at night and nowhere will really be open apart from McDonalds -"

"McDonalds is good. I like McDonalds."

"- erm."

"Sorry. I'm just.. happy you called, really."

"Why?"

"Never you mind. What were you going to say?"

"I just wanna meet up with you. In the least weirdest way possible. I just need to talk to someone. And my best friend just screams at me whenever I try to."

"Is that who you brought with you today? Paige?"

"Yep. That's her alright."

"I know a little corner cafe that stays open twenty-four-seven. I don't know why. I think it's more for people who drive all night for work. We could meet up now if you want? If that's not too weird or pushy or anything?"

"No, no that's fine. I think I know what one you mean. Alban's Square, right?"

"It sounds about right. I only got here this morning so I don't really know, but we all went in there earlier. Well. Okay.. well then, when shall we meet there?"

"Now?"

"Eager beaver."

"Well I'd need to get dressed of course. So how about we try twenty minutes from now?"

Alex bit his bottom lip at all the possibilities and outcomes of that sentence. In his mind, he slapped himself for being so rude. This girl was looking for a shoulder to cry on, who knew if she was even interested in anything of the sort? "That sounds fine, darling. I shall see you soon, okay? Give me a bell if you need to."

"I will do. Right, I best get ready then. See you soon."

"Okay, see you in a bit."