The Sky, the Stars, and Everything in Between

3: Apotelesma

A P O T E L E S M A: (Latin) the influence that stars have over human destiny

Destiny is an extremely tricky thing. Some embrace it, some believe they can change it, some loathe it, but all recognize that it brings the most unexpected things.

"So, what's your name, shy boy?"

It was a Thursday afternoon, the day after I'd tried and failed to get Nova's number. But I had shown up to the cafe after school, as she'd suggested I should.

I'd been anticipating our meeting the entire day. Nova intrigued me, and I was interested in getting to know her more.

When the day was finally finished, I walked over to the café, a spring in my step. It was cloudy, though it didn't look like it would rain quite yet.

After arriving, I took a seat towards the front, at a small table for two. She was nowhere in sight, but all I had to do was wait a few minutes before she stood in front of me, smirking slightly, as if she knew something I didn't.

"Afternoon, Freemont," Nova addressed me. "What would you like to eat?"

"I was just gonna sit and do some homework, if that's ok with you. You know Freemont is my last name, right?"

"I apologize but you gotta order something to stay. And I know, but it's the only name I know you by."

"Ambrose," I quipped, smiling. "My name is Ambrose. And I guess just a strawberry milkshake then."

"Well," she shifted on her feet. "That's quite a unique name you have there, dude.  As for the milkshake, I'll have it out in a jiffy. Wouldn't want to keep you waiting." She winked before gracefully making her way away from my table and behind the counter.

My phone buzzed thrice in three second increments.

Yo, where were you after school?

Damn, I'd forgotten about my study date with Jenny. She'd been a little too preoccupied with Hunter today and I hadn't gotten to tell her I was going to be here.

I went out. I forgot, sorry. Make yourself at home. And make me some popcorn please. I'll be home soon.

She knew where the key is, she would be fine. I'd just have to suffer through her questions later.

Her response came as did my shake.

Okey dokey.

"This seat taken?" Nova gestured to the seat across from me, eyebrow raised.

"It's all yours." The chair scraped against the scuffed tile as she sat down across from me, sliding me a strawberry milkshake before sipping her own.

"Vanilla?" I took my first sip, tasting the burst of sweetness on my tongue.

She merely shrugged, a glint in her eyes. "What can I say? I'm a classic kind of girl."

My mouth curves into a lazy grin. "Then I guess I'm the kind of guy who likes classic."

Color bloomed in her cheeks, betraying her cool demeanor. "Well aren't you bold? Quite the change from the guy who could barely ask me for my number yesterday."

Now it was my turn to blush. I swallowed before quipping back. "What can I say, you do strange things to me." I threw in a big wink at the end, hoping to add comedic effect to my half true statement.

She definitely did something to me, that's for sure. I was a lot more nervous than I was letting on. 

Bingo. She laughed, a clear sound that tore through my thoughts and stopped my heart momentarily.