The Sweet Crazy Life

Chapter 16 (part 1): Uplanned Meetings

CHAPTER 16 (part 1): Unplanned Meetings

(Finally, I'm back!)

Ariana

 I woke up extra early the next morning in order to get my mind off things. I quietly took a shower and slipped into a pair of jeans and a green sweater. It was only six in the morning and everyone was still tired and fast asleep in their beds from last night's party. I hailed a cab and silently stared out the window as it drove to the city.

Last night, everything happened so fast. Dancing with Ro, Nick taking me to the roof top, the innocent kiss on the cheek...

I felt this internal war between myself. My conscience speaking rights and wrongs into my head. When did my life get so complicated? It was always Nick, Nick, Nick and then suddenly Ro came along and I find myself in this crazy dilemma between both of them. When I was so sure of Ro... Nick's confession didn't make it any easier for me.

What I needed was some time to think. Alone.

The cab got me to my destination in less than half an hour. I was back in Rhinebeck.

I entered the Bread Alone Bakery once again and went to the counter to order breakfast. It was then my phone went buzzing.

"Ari? Where are you?" Came Lannie's whiny tone.

"I went to Rhinebeck to find some ingredients I'll be needing for a recipe I'm practicing." I managed to say as an excuse.

"Why did you go off alone? I could've come with you! Rhinebeck doesn't open until eight." I heard a tinge of disappointment in her tone.

"Sorry." I apologized. "I'll return to CIA as soon as I can."

"I still can't believe you left without me." I could imagine her pouting on the other side of the phone.

"I'll make it up to you." I promised. "Bye, Lannie."

"Wait-"

I hung up feeling slightly guilty. I turned to face the impatient cashier who raised her eyebrow as if wondering if I was really going to order after all. I glance up at the breakfast choices, not sure what to order because of the diverse menu.

"Um... do you have any suggestions?" I ask the cashier.

She shrugs. "Still new, haven't tried one of them."

"I'd have the Hudson River Breakfast if I were you." the girl behind me suggests as she shifted beside me and grinned.

She was really pretty in an exotic way. Her layered crimson red hair rested in messy yet stylish waves down her shoulders. She wore a white wool sweater and pedals that went so well together with her blue scarf. She blinked her jade-green eyes and turned to the cashier to order the Hudson River Breakfast too.

"Sorry, I overheard your conversation on the phone." she apologizes. "Your from CIA? The culinary school?"

I blinked out of my mind and nodded my head, not sure if I should be mad at her for eavesdropping.

The girl's eyes grew wide open as she squealed in delight before hugging me, causing me to get confused at her actions and almost stumbling out of my own feet.

"Oh my gosh, this is great, you are so great." she says in a giddy tone.

"What's great?" I ask, not following her.

She blushes slightly and gave a small laugh. "Sorry, my name's Gwyneth but you could call me Gwen. I'm a transferee from Paris. I'm just so glad to find someone from CIA, whew."