The land Of Make-believe!!!

Part 4.

Walking into the coffee shop that morning, Sebastien was already there; his back to her and reading something on his phone. As the bell chimed, announcing her arrival, he looked up and smiled before standing, walking over to her and kissing her lightly on the cheek.

"So, we're celebrating then are we?", he laughed as he made his way to the counter, ordering Mariana her latte and blueberry muffin. 

"I guess we are but I'm really nervous to be meeting everyone. I do hope that we all get on as we are going to be together for quite some time", Mariana answered, a tinge of nerves sounding in her voice.

"I'm sure you will get on with everyone", Sebastien answered as he paid, picked up the coffee and muffin and followed Mariana back to the sofa. This time though, he sat next to her. "We're a good bunch when you get to know us. I was chatting with David and Carlos and...".

"Wait a minute", Mariana gasped, as she suddenly realised how easily the names of the other group members flowed from his tongue. "I think I'll need some time to get to grips with calling the guys by their first names".

A grin appeared on Sebastien's face as he began to laugh. "You have nothing to worry about", he replied as he turned towards Mariana and taking her hand in his, continued. "They will like you as much as I do... as a friend".

"I like that very much", Mariana found herself answering. But her voice seemed to be tinged with something that she couldn't place at that moment. "I'm glad that I will already have one friend at the beginning of this adventure. I can't wait to see all the countries listed on the itinerary but I am afraid that I may be too busy to do any sight-seeing".

Taking a mouthful of his coffee, Sebastien continued. "So, what plans do you have for today?".

Mariana smiled as she was caught mid mouthful of muffin and she had to signal that she was eating and trying not to laugh before she managed to answer. "Sorry for that. I'm sure that didn't look very dignified. I'm in work today as you can see from the very fetching uniform that I am modelling here. The latest fashion. My last shift as it turns out. Seems I was given an amazing opportunity that I couldn't say no to. I will miss my job though. I haven't a clue what they will say when I tell them why I am leaving. I don't think they will be too happy about it".

"But just think of all the things that you will be able to do when the tour is over. Having this on you CV will look very good for future employers".

"I know", Mariana found herself replying. "I will be able to start applying for staff nurse positions when I get back and that is my dream. To finally become a qualified nurse. So, tell me a little about you all".

"You always do that?", Sebastien suddenly spoke, his tone of voice and expression becoming a little more severe.

Mariana looked at Sébastien with a puzzled look on her face before he continued. "Whenever the topic of conversation changes to something about yourself, you change it back".

Putting his coffee down, Sebastien turned towards Mariana and, placing her coffee on the table next to his, he took hold of her hand gently. "If there is something bothering you, you know that you can always talk to me. I'm here for you".

Mariana suddenly found herself speechless, which wasn't like her at all. Partly because she didn't know whether to open up and tell Sebastien everything and possibly shock him and partly because of the way that he was now looking at her. It was as though he could see into her very soul and sense that she was hurt.

"Thank you Sebastien", was all that Mariana could bring herself to reply. Taking a deep breath and regaining her composure, she decided to open up a little. Sebastien seemed genuinely worried about her and she didn't want to come across to him as rude. "Yes, there are problems in my life right now and I have been battling these demons, I suppose you could call them, for a while now. Thank you for being concerned about me but I fear that I may scare you away if I confess them all to you. It may take a while to tell them to you". Strangely enough, Mariana found herself smiling as she said this; feeling a sense of reassurance as though a weight was lifting from her and it felt good to be able to confide in someone.