It's Not an Existential Crisis

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

*****DAN'S POV*****

"Okay now, take a sip." Phil and I held our phones up to record Ariella's first try of a maltezer milkshake.

"Alright, but you two are overreacting." She took a sip and her eyes got huge.

"So.... what do you think?!?" Phil said like a little kid.

"It's amazing!" Her face was practically the 'heart-eyes' emoji.

"Told you so, you're welcome." I scoffed.

She rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Thanks Dan."

We sat and happily sipped our milkshakes when Ariella asked, "Where is the restroom?"

"Back there," I pointed, "Do you have to powder your nose or something?"

"Oh totally" She said sarcastically.

"Dan, just let the poor girl go." Phil sipped his drink.

"Thank you Phil." She chuckled as she walked away.

We heard a continuous buzz and found that Ariella's iPhone was under her purse on the table.

"Should we answer it?" Phil asked.

"We can tell the caller that she will be back in a couple of minutes." I shrugged.

"Well, you answer it." He slid it toward me.

"Ugh, fine." I looked at the screen and the caller ID was labeled Austin.

Right when I was about to unlock her phone, Austin hung up.

"I guess he didn't want to talk to her after all." I placed her phone back.

She came back and plopped into her seat.

"So did I miss anything while I 'powdered my nose'?" She used quote fingers.

"Someone called your phone, someone named-"

"Austin..." She locked her phone and shoved it into her purse quickly.

"Is everything okay?" I asked. I could tell something was wrong by the look her face.

"Yeah, everything's fine." She put on a fake smile. I know what a fake smile is because I do it all the time.

"Alright." I just let it go, she obviously didn't want to deal with it.

Ariella immediately changed the subject and we began talking about California.

"Yeah, so Artie works at Disneyland so if you two are ever out in Cali, just hit me up and we can take you there for a discount." She smiled.

"Awesome! I love Disney!" Phil exclaimed, "So what exactly does she do there?"

"Oh she is a technician for theatrical..." Ariella continued but I wasn't thoroughly listening. I was captivated by her features, I studied her small freckles which I found adorable along with the way her nose crinkles up when she laughs, her crisp accent... Why is this girl is so intriguing?

After about another half out of talking, we all mutually agreed that we were tired. We grabbed our drinks and headed to the underground. Ariella sat next to me once again, not that I'm complaining, and I kept an arm around her to make sure she didn't fall like she did the first time. She yawned and leaned her head against me. I looked down at her, but she didn't see.

I heard the normal 'ding' of the door and noticed that we were at our stop.

"We should hang out soon." She smiled.

"Yeah, um hey Phil, you can head home. I want to make sure she gets back safely. You never know who is walking the streets this late at night." I gave him a look as if I was saying 'LEAVE'. He got the message.

"Very true Dan, bye Ariella!" He gave her a quick side hug and ran out before the doors would close.

Once we were back in motion, Ariella turned toward me.

"Dan, you really didn't have to-"

"I wanted to, there are some crazy Brits out there and I think I would be a bad friend and tour guide if I let you walk home by yourself at 1:30 in the morning." I nudged her. She just smiled.

We eventually stopped at her station. We got up and walked as we talked about everyday things. This was a change for me, usually I'm an awkward person with new people, but I feel so comfortable with Ariella, it's as if we have known each other for a long time now.

We stopped in front of her hotel.

"Well thanks for a great night, it was really cool to hang out with you guys again," She smiled up at me.

"No problem, thanks for coming so I wouldn't feel awkward with Phil's friends ." I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Well you are probably tired so I will let you go home. Bye Dan." She went on her toes to wrap her arms around my shoulders. I hugged her back by snaking my hands on to the small of her waist. I loosed my arms but she was still holding on to me. This was a longer hug than normal, right?

She did eventually pull back and pat my shoulder. She began to walk away.

"Good night." I smiled as I put my hands into my pockets.

She turned and waved through the glass doors. I turned and bumped into someone about my age.

"Oh sorry." Clumsy me I thought to myself.

"Oh it's alright, dude, you and your girlfriend are a cute couple." He said.

"Oh she isn't my girlfriend." I blushed.

"Shame." He shook his head and walked away.

I know.....

*****ARIELLA's POV*****

I waved to Dan through the glass door.

Wow, tonight was fun. Like really fun. I got up to my room, kicked off my shoes, and fell backwards onto my bed.

I glanced over to my side and grabbed my phone.

I sent:

I hate you.

He quickly responded:

What? Why? :/

I typed back:

Because I think I'm going to get obsessed with maltezer shakes and the won't taste as good in the US when I get back :/

He then replied with:

Damn, I forgot you had to go. When is that?

Wednesday :(

There is so much more to go see and do though! I don't want you to go...

I then said:

I know, maybe I will just have to save up and come back one day :P

He threatened back with:

You better :P

I finally said:

Well, I should get some rest. Good night Dork.

Dan and I started this thing when we text we greet each other or say goodbye by calling each other our nicknames.

He responsed with the usual final text:

Goodnight, Nerd.

I just smiled and got under the covers while the city of London began to steadily fall asleep.

A/N:
Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I hope your Halloween was AMAZING!

QOTD:

What did you dress up as this Halloween?