Faux Bastard

Chapter 9

It has been a week. One week and a day to be precise. 

Wednesday means that I have to get up extra early for classes. I hate myself for choosing the early morning classes. I'm far from being a morning person, what the hell was I thinking? By the time I made it to the second class, I have never been more ready to pull out my hair from my scalp all at once.

I look over to Nadine and I almost burst out laughing. Her eyes are fluttering and her lips are slightly parted and she looks like she's on the edge of falling from her seat. I shake my head, covering my hand to stifle the laughter that's about to escape.

When I look over my shoulder, I saw a pair of eyes fixed on mine. I gasp and quickly look straight ahead, pretending to pay attention to the professor. Momentarily freezing, I regain my composure and slightly twist my body to look back again. Discreetly, this time. He's still looking at me. He caught me looking at him and grin, before focusing back to the board.  

Tom Foster. One of the popular guys on campus. The possibly hottest guy on campus is smiling at me. That's another new record. I don't think he has ever notices me before. I never give a damn about the whole popular people and the whole reputation here. It's dumb, if I were to be honest.

As the day continues, I am really beginning to regret going to classes today. For some reason, I just feel too exhausted and I could really need a small rest. I silently thank god that it's our last class of the day as soon Nadine and I walk into French class.

. . .

"That is all for today. You can go," Professor Heinz says and dismisses us. As usual, I couldn't concentrate today. I grab my bag and stand up, waiting for Nadine to finish clearing her desk. I didn't even bother to take a note today. 

"Usual place?" I ask Nadine and she agrees. A small cafe just around the corner of the street it is. It's our favourite spot to hang out after class. 

"Abigail, right?" A male voice says behind me as Nadine and I wait in line for our coffees.

"Yes I am," I answer, turning my body around to face him. Wait.

"Tom Foster," he smiles, stretching his hand out in front of me. I shake his hand and pull away a little bit too quickly. "We're in the same class in Philosophy," he adds.

"I know." Why is Tom Foster suddenly interested in having a conversation with me? We have been in the same class for almost ten months and he never seem to acknowledge my presence until today. Before he can say anything else, our order is ready. I quickly grab my cup and walk away, sitting on one of the empty chairs. 

"What was that about?" Nadine says, nudging my elbow slightly as she took a sit across from me.

"I don't know?"

"That was Tom Foster just now, talking to you. Tom Mr.Cute Foster," she teases. I just shrug my shoulders, not being able to give her any explanation. I can't deny that Tom is attractive but I just don't think it means anything. He's probably just being nice but according to his reputation, that's not exactly right.

As soon as I got home, I decided to take a short nap before my afternoon shift. This is how my life has been for the last ten months, basically. School in the morning, working in the afternoon. I try not to complain though. The less I have to spend the time alone, the easier it is to get through the day.

I manage to wake up on time to get ready for work. Forcing myself out of bed, I drag my tired body to the bathroom across the hall. A splash of cool water on the face would do it this time. I don't feel like taking a shower at two in the afternoon.

Rushing back to my room, I hastily throw on a plain white button up shirt and a pair of light blue skinny jeans. I walk over to the mirror and decide it's a good enough outfit for my work. Once I'm done, I grab my phone off the bedside table where it was charging and slip it into my pocket before I make my way to the front door. I slip on my shoes and grab my keys before slamming the front door behind me.

The weather is nice as usual but I don't feel like taking my time with walking so I took a cab to the cafe instead. I arrived at my workplace in less than five minutes and my eyes immediately landed to a chubby older man in a brown blazer, holding a cup of coffee in one hand. I immediately identify the man as Mr. Tobias and he's leaning on the counter with a man across from him. I couldn't see the man's face because his back is facing me but I can tell that he's tall and lean.

"Abigail," Mr. Tobias calls as soon as he sees me, gesturing me to come closer. The man turns around and I can finally see him in full detail. To say he was attractive would be an understatement. "This guy over here will be playing gig here tonight, and every other night," he adds, wrapping his hand on the man's shoulder. 

"Hunter," he finally says. His voice raspy and low.

"Abby."

"I tell you, this man is a genius. Some talent is all it takes around here. This is going to be great," Mr. Tobias boasts, walking away from the two of us. I didn't really know what to do so I kind of just awkwardly stand there.

"It's nice to meet you, I guess I'll see you tonight?" I say, slowly walking away. He nods briefly before leaning against the wall, both hands behind his back. He left the building shortly after admiring the place for a while. 

I don't really like working but I suppose it could be worse. The money is quite good and I get to work with Kenzie which is a big bonus. Though there are lots of people that eat here, most of the time I just serve food which isn't so bad.

The guy earlier keeps making its way back into my mind for the last two hours. Hunter. He's undeniably beautiful but there's something about him that rings a bell. I found myself bubbling with anticipation as I think of seeing him again tonight. Two hours and twenty minutes to go. Not that I'm counting.

Mr. Tobias did mentioned about changing up a bit for this cafe a month ago but I did not see this one coming. This could be fun. Maybe being a waitress is finally starting to pay off.