November Writing Challenge

Liar

"Hey Chloe!" I hear someone call from behind me.

I turn and see Nathan, an old friend of mine from middle school. I hadn't seen him in ten years. Damn he looked fine.

"Nathan is that you?" I ask.

"In the flesh!"

"How have you been?" I ask, surprised when he gives me a hug.

"Pretty good, how about you? God, it's been forever since I've seen you."

"I've just been trudging along."

"Hey, if you're not busy do you want to get a coffee? Catch up?" Nathan asks.

I look down at my watch. I had no where particular to be. "Sure, why not."

We walk to nearest coffee shop and get some coffee.

"So, you went to college?"

"Currently still going, remember I'm a year younger than you. But yeah, I may have to go an extra year. I'm trying to get as much education in as possible."

"That's awesome."

"You graduated?"

"Dropped out actually. I started my own business and it's been doing pretty well so I didn't see the need to continue going to college."

"That's really cool, Nathan."

"What are you studying?"

"Well, I'm getting a creative writing degree and a history degree with a minor in film."

"Wow, that's a lot. What exactly do you plan to do with all of that?"

"Something creative, I couldn't decide."

Nathan laughs, "I do recall you never being able to decide things in middle school."

I blush and take a sip of coffee.

Nathan and I talked for over an hour, just catching up. I was surprised with how interested he was in me. Yes, we were old friends, but no guy as good looking at him ever paid any attention to me. I wasn't beautiful, at all. I was average looking and overweight. I was not his type.

"Hey, here's my number. Let's talk some more soon."

"Ok," I say, taking his business card. "I'll text you right now so you have my number."

I text him and then we part ways.

Over the next couple of weeks, Nathan checked in on me almost daily. Just to see how I was doing and what I was up to.

We had gotten together a couple more times and I was really enjoying hanging out with him. But it was also hard.

My heart, as strong as it was, fell for a pretty face easily. And it was becoming increasingly hard not to love Nathan. He treated me differently than anyone else. He was kind and compassionate.

Today, we were getting coffee again. He bought my coffee like a gentleman, and my heart jumped to conclusions and my brain had to tell my heart to calm down.

"So how was your week?"

"It was the same old same old. You?"

"Busy with work but that's all."

We got to talking as per usual.

"Chloe?" I hear a familiar voice from behind me.

I turn and see Ben, my ex.

"Hi, Ben." I say, giving him a friendly smile.

"What are you doing here?" He asks, eyeing Nathan.

"Getting coffee with a friend. Why?"

"He's your friend?" Ben asks in disbelief.

"Yes, I am. I'm Nathan." Nathan says, standing to shake Ben's hand.

Ben takes it hesitantly, not trusting him.

"Nathan and I have known each other since we were kids. We recently found each other and have been getting to know each other again." I tell Ben.

"Can I talk to you for a sec, Chloe?"

I sigh, excusing myself away from Nathan.

I follow Ben to the back of the coffee shop.

"What? Ben, you're not my boyfriend anymore. I can see who ever I want to see."

"Him? Really? He's way out of your league, Chloe."

"Shut up Ben. He's my friend, not my boyfriend."

"Listen, I've been thinking a lot lately, and I think we should get back together." Ben says suddenly.

"You have got to be kidding me! You liar! You're a fucking asshole who doesn't want to see me happy with anyone other than you. Well sorry to burst your bubble dude but I was miserable with you!" I whisper yell at him, trying to keep prying eyes off of us, but it didn't really work.

"Chloe are you alright?" Nathan asks coming up to me.

"Yeah, Ben was just leaving."

Ben huffs before leaving the coffee shop.

"Ex?"

"Yeah, sorry about that."

"No need to be sorry."

We sat back down.

"Hey, I'm sorry but I have a weird question."

"Shoot."

"Why are you hanging out with me? People like you don't ever hang out with people like me because we're friends."

"Listen, I honestly think you deserve to be treated like a princess. I think you're worth my time and effort. I really admire you and think you are a wonderful girl. I want to spend more time with you."

I was shocked by his response. I hadn't ever thought he'd actually like me.

"You like me?"

Nathan laughs. "Yes, I do."

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Honestly really surprised I wrote today. I'm so tired.