Crossing Paths

Five

I felt my shoulders relax for the first time all week. Between adjusting to the grueling school schedule, and dealing with a couple new class mates, I had a growing stress induced headache for days. Luckily it was Friday and I was on my way to meet Chloe for lunch.

We worked together on Tuesday. However, the steady flow of students lining up to get their caffeine fix, left us with no time to talk. I hoped all had went well during her talk with Braxton on Sunday. She hadn't given me any clear indication during our shift together, only the briefest comment steered me to the conclusion that she was still on the fence.

Her red hair stood out amongst the students filling the food court. Once she'd seen me, I pointed to the pizza stand, silently asking if she wanted a slice. Lifting her sandwich, showing me she was all set, I nodded shimming my way through the chaotic sea of students towards the pizza stand.

Taking the seat across from her, "This place is an absolute shit show." I sighed setting down my plate of pizza. "The kid in front of me changed his order three times. The guy getting everyone's order's, I thought his head was gonna explode when he sent him back the third time."

Bold green eyes rested on me. "No shit. I thought the girl behind me in line was gonna have a break down when the guy announced they were out of turkey. Who has a breakdown over turkey?"

"Next time, we should venture off campus for lunch."

"We could have today, but, Brax made me promise we'd talk after his last class, and that would have had us rushing." Her shoulders sagged, "I'm just not in the mood to rush. Hence the reason we're sitting in the middle of this shit show."

"No worries." I smiled, taking a bite of the greasy concoction. "So..." wiping my lips, "Am I allowed to ask how things went on Sunday? I don't wanna pry or anything."

Giggling, "Shut up, stop lying, you know you totally want to pry."

Lungs deflating, "You're right." I giggled, thankful for her good mood. After this week, I need all the laughs I can get. "Spill it." I demanded playfully, taking another bite of the greasy mess on my plate.

Slumping in her seat a little, smile fading, "Honestly, I still feel really confused." She started. "We talked for a long time on Sunday over dinner. After, we even decided to take a walk through the park, where we found an empty bench to finish our conversation. He filled in all the gaps without getting frustrated by all my questions." Her brow pulled together, "Everything he said made perfect sense." Her words trailed off while her eyes drifted out of focus.

After a few moments of silence passed, I tried to prompt her back to our conversation. "Made sense, but...?"

Her eyes focused as they found mine. "But, my gut tells me somethings still off." She slumped lower in her chair, finally showing her true exhaustion. "I just keep playing back everything he said, over and over. If I don't stop thinking about it soon, I might end up bat shit crazy before long."

Glad to hear the little chuckle at her own joke, because until then, she almost seemed broken. "And, that would make a difference, how?" I teased, watching her face brighten with a smile.

Still smiling, "Can I ask you a favor?"

"Yes, I'll gladly be bat shit crazy with you." I answered instantly making her laugh.

Trying to stifle her laughter, "Ok, but, I had another favor in mind."

"Lay it on me."

"Will you and Ryder go to lunch with us tomorrow?"