All That Matters

Chapter Two

Aria'S POV

The next few weeks flew by as I was swamped with homework, presentations and assignments. It was determined to do better at my academics this year.

One Saturday evening, I found myself having nothing to do. I was caught up with school work and everything else was as tidy as it could possibly get. A warm glow of self appreciation soared through me.

Slipping on a pair of yoga pants and running shoes, I decided to hit the gym. I'd barely gotten time for myself lately and some exercise would do me good.

The gym was located in the clubhouse inside the luxury apartment complex I lived in, not more than a three minute walk. I signed in and stepped onto the treadmill. Plugging in my earphones, I pressed the start button. As the music blasted through my ears, I picked up my pace. The familiar burn felt good as I felt my leg muscles tighten. After a good thirty minutes of running, I got off.

Ugh I needed to wash the sweat off my face. Plus I really needed to pee. There was a restroom located right above the gymnasium so I decided to head up there. Usually the floor remained empty. By the time I reached I was wheezing for air.

Exhausted, I pushed open the door to the ladies room. Immediately I came face to face with someone's back. A GUY'S back. Instinctively I backed away letting out a small shriek. Did I go to the wrong room ? No, It clearly said "WOMEN".

I now realized the guy who the back belonged to was looking at me with a weird expression. Excuse me what did he think he was doing in... Oh. My eyes widened as a mop of honey brown hair peeked out from behind him.

"Hey there!", the head chirped. It was a girl. Oh...they were...

"Holy shit I am SO sorry I'm leaving like RIGHT now.", I rambled horrified. I had walked in on their full blown make out session and then stood there glaring at them for what felt like an eternity. In my defense the girl was really tiny and I couldn't see her pinned behind the hunk of a guy.

"Oh don't be sorry. Its quite alright, as long as you won't tell of course. I'm Alina by the way", she said with a laugh, extending out a hand. I was taken aback by her thick British accent.

"Uh.. I'm Aria.", I said awkwardly, not knowing how to react to the situation. The guy flashed me a blinding smile.

"Well ladies, I'll see you outside then, and Aria ? Sorry you had to see that. I didn't mean to scare you", he laughed giving Alina a quick peck on the cheek and exiting.

" So! Do you live here?", Alina questioned heading over to the mirror. As she moved the hair away from her forehead, her striking green eyes shone through like piercing emeralds. She was undeniably beautiful.

"Yeah , I was just at the gym. Do you stay here too ?", I asked curiously. I'd never seen her around but then again, I hardly ever stepped out of my room.

"Well yeah. My family just moved here from London like a month ago. Its been crazy.", she rolled her eyes with a smile.

Well that explained the accent. I walked out as she held open the door. Her, boyfriend I assumed, was on the phone in the empty lobby.

"That's Sam, short for Samuel. He's my...um how do I put this.. friend that I hook up with?", she said with a slight frown.

"So friends with benefits ?", I said slowly trying to hide the judgement in my voice. Rule number three on my list of rules for life was to never let a guy kiss you unless he happens to be your boyfriend.

"No noo. Its not like that. Its rather complicated.", she said with a sigh.

"Sam what's wrong?"

I turned my attention to him. He looked worried.

"Ali, that was your mom. She says the management received a noise complaint from your neighbours. They heard glass breaking, yelling... From your house. She's not here and she can't reach you."

I saw the colour drain out Alina's face.

"Not again", she whispered. " I have to go. Aria ? Meet me here at five tomorrow ? Sam I'll call you later."

And just like that she left behind a very concerned Sam and an even more confused me.