Across the Pond

Chapter 14

After work today, I collect my things and head to my car.  I reach for my phone to call my mom when it lit up, notifying me that I have a message from an unknown number.  I swipe the screen to the side to clear it and call mom.

"Hi sweetie!  I was just thinking about you!" she chirps, "I haven't heard form you in a while.  Are you okay?" her questions being rushing at me.  "Relax, mom" I laugh, "I'm fine.  Just been busy with work.  It's actually a lot of fun.  I did a fun lab with the kids today in science and it was edible, so they loved it!"  "Aww that's great!  Look at my little girl telling me about her work day.  I miss you" she coos.  "Miss you too.  Hey I'm just about home now, so I'll call you later."  "Okay.  Talk to you soon.  Love you."  "You too" I say and click the phone off. 

When I get to my room, Amanda isn't home yet so I turn on the TV and sit on my bed to grade papers.  My phone lights up again; this time with the same unidentified number.  This time I open the message to reveal a picture of a paper cup with what I assume is tea inside and a scone on a piece of wax paper.  "It's calling your name :)" the message reads.

I drop my phone on the bed and look around the room not really sure of what I am looking for.  How did he get my number? Should I answer?  Maybe.  Should I ignore it?  Probably.  Will I?  No.

I look at the time.  6 o'clock.  I am kind of hungry and Amanda isn't back yet to get me food.  I find myself driving to the bakery even though I'm probably going to regret this.

When I pull into the parking lot, I sit in the car for a minute debating whether or not I should go back home and forget he texted me.  Maybe it was a mistake anyways, I mean, I'm probably not the only Victoria in his contacts list.  My body must have different plans for me because before I realize it I am in front of the door to the shop.  Now my body must catch up with my brain because I freeze in place. 

Then I realize it's only part my body because the other part of my brain registers that Harry is indeed sitting down at a table with the cup and scone, but he already has company.  I blink a few times but still see the blonde girl swaying in laughter and Harry mimicking her laugh with his elbows on the table.  I stumble back to my car and drive home.

They were in our seat-- well the seat Harry and I sat in.  Even though it was just that one day, it will not forever be marked as our seat. 

The whole ride home I harp on myself for actually believing he meant me.  He doesn't know me.  Why would he ask to meet me again.  I thought I told him already, that was one and done... but then he kissed me... and now I don't know where we stand.  Oh wait, yes I do.  I was just someone in passing or nothing serious because he has no problem that that little Barbie.  Never again will I let myself fall for that.  He's too famous to work about a little girl like me.

Frustrated, I stomp in to my room again and march to my bed to finish grading my papers.  Amanda still isn't back yet so I try to call her.  "Hey, Tori!" she sings.  I can hear a lot of commotion in the background.  "Where are you?" I ask, annoyed.  "Out" she giggles.  I roll my eyes.  "Are you coming home any time soon?"  "I dunno" she drags out.  "Well I'm hungry, so on your way back can you pick up something for dinner?"  "Suuure" she giggles again.  I grunt and hang up the phone.  I have no idea where she is and I have a feeling that she isn't coming come any time soon. 

About an hour later I get up to get a protein bar from my purse; I don't feel like going down stairs to get food.  As soon as I sit back down there is a knock at the door.  "Just come in, Amanda" I shout.  "Tori" the voice says softly and the handle jiggles.  She probably can't open the door is she's been drinking.  I grunt and walk to the door.  "Where's your key?  And I hope you brought me food." I spit as I open the door.  Instantly, my eyes narrow at the curly haired, dimpled, boy who is holding up two hands filled with items and I slam the door shut again.