Online. [benedict cumberbatch]

16

I sat alone at the table, watching the clock tick. It was almost the end of her shift.

I still wasn't sure if she'd come with me; she'd seemed so hesitant in person but was so excited online. 

I saw her taking her apron off and walked over.

"You coming then?" I asked her. 

"Fuck it." She replied.

We walked out into the cold streets, trying to decide where to go. I pointed to a bar across the street, but she wanted to walk for longer. It seemed like she was still deciding if she wanted to go for a drink or not.

We walked for a while longer, and I pointed out another bar called Jeb's. She nodded and we went inside.

It was fairly empty inside, only a few tables were full. 

"What do you want to drink?" I asked. 

"Vodka and lemonade," she replied. 

--

"Any siblings?" I asked.

She took a large gulp of her drink. 

"A brother. You?"

"A sister. Half."

----

"Hows your job?" She asked.

I took a large gulp of my drink. 

"Good. You?"

"Good."

--

"I'll go get us more drinks."

She smiled at me. I walked over to the bar, feeling my phone buzz.

@IDontKnowAnymore hess so pretty

@YouWouldntBelieveMe ohhh

@YouWouldntBelieveMe what's his personality like??

@IDontKnowAnymore okay

@IDontKnowAnymore he's funnyt

@YouWouldntBelieveMe what's with the typing?

@IDontKnowAnymore  he keeps buyingf me drinls

@IDontKnowAnymore drinks

I laughed at the last one. I'd only bought her three.

"Here they are," I set the drinks down on the table.

She put her phone down, eyes lit up. 

"Your life is perfect," she said, staring straight up at me. 

I let out a bitter chuckle, "how would you know?"

She sighed. "I wouldn't."

She took another mouthful from her glass, almost emptying it out.

She seemed slightly sad after that. I moved to sit next to her, letting her rest her head on my shoulder. 

"You tired?" I asked kindly. 

She nodded.

"Let's go home."

-

I looked around her apartment - it wasn't much. It was covered in pictures and photographs of a boy, not much older than her. She looked different in the photos; more fulfilled. Happier.

She'd lost weight since the photos were taken, and her eyes didn't shine in the same way.

I was taken aback when I saw Juliette standing by the living room door. She'd changed into pink shorts and a black bralet, her hair slung up in a bun. She was beautiful.

"Jesus christ your stare is creepy, I'm not fucking meat."

I quickly averted my eyes, stumbling on what to say.

I stuttered, still mesmerised by her.

She walked slowly over to me, her gaze not leaving mine. 

My breathing became shallow and my head became blank as she came closer and closer. 

She leaned in close to me.

Her voice raspy.

"Night night."

@IDontKnowAnymore  I feel better now.

@YouWouldntBelieveMe hows the date???

@IDontKnowAnymore  he's the most beautiful being I've ever laid eyes on

@IDontKnowAnymore wow

@IDontKnowAnymore would defo go there.

So would I Juliette, so would I.

@YouWouldntBelieveMe and did you??????

@IDontKnowAnymore nah

@IDontKnowAnymore I hate the way he looks at me

@IDontKnowAnymore like I'm something to be won over

@IDontKnowAnymore or like I'm an object

@YouWouldntBelieveMe missed opportunity ):

@IDontKnowAnymore I'll just have to wait for you ;)