Night Changes (H.S. 1D)

One:

1 YEAR EARLIER

Maleah

Daily routine. Morning, 7:00 a.m. Coffee Shop/Bakery for breakfast with Mum. 9:30 a.m. Online college and studying. 3:00 Different lessons, depending on the day. 5:00 work. Weekends are Fridays through Sundays, except church. Today would be one of my free days. Friday morning.

It's 6:27 in the morning. I decide to go on down to the bakery, despite the fact that it isn't on my schedule. I just have a feeling, today. It's cold out, nearly only 2° Celcuis, but I decide against going back for my coat. I'm wearing a sweater, anyway.

On the way, I pass the Granger home, along with the Parkers, Martins, Dales, Calhouns, and the Cox/Styles/Twist, which is surprisingly surrounded by squealing, screaming, fainting, crying females. Usually, they don't go there unless that famous boy is visiting. I haven't even taken the time to sneak a peek at the guy, or look him up. Heaven knows I don't have time in my schedule to look up famous/good looking boys, let alone be in a fandom.

Ah! Finally. The coffee shop! I put on my best smile as I walk in, and Barbara gives me a large grin.

"Maleah!" She shouts and meets me in the center of the shop to give me a large bear hug. "It's good to see you this lovely Friday morning!"

"Well it is a pleasure seeing you too, Miss Barbara!" I give her a cheeky grin as she walks me to the register.

"What can I get for you, this morning?" I stare at the menu to think. She turns around to plug in all of the machines. "You're in a bit early, love, so let me get these bloody machines working real quickly."

"Alright. I think that I'm going to try something new, this morning. I've got a feeling." I smile. Melinda and Judy soon arrive and help get out everything.

"Hello, Maleah. The usual?" Judy asks.

"She's trying something new, today, Jude!" Barb shouts from the storage closet.

"Oh, goody!" Melinda claps her hands together, happily. " Do you know what it is that you want?" She asks.

"I don't, actually. Just- something I've never tried. And not a small order. I want a full-on breakfast. This morning, I have adrena-"

"Get her my usual, ladies." I spin around to see a tall boy with adorable curly hair, a perfect jawline, beautifully full lips with a perfect cupid's bow, and mesmerizing green eyes. He keeps eye contact with me as he speaks. "And put it on my bill."

"Harry!" All of the ladies run out and tackle the poor boy, each spilling a story of something that recently occurred at the bakery. And even though I am watching the most adorable thing in the world, all I can think is, did he just say he was buying my breakfast? Was he flirting?!

"Oh, Harry, it's just been so boring in the afternoons here without you! Of course, mornings are always lovely though, because we have our dear, Maleah to brighten us up." Barb gestures toward me and I grin, sheepishly.

"Oh really?" He rasps, looking at me with a smirk. I blush and look down at the floor. Usually I'm sassy, not shy, but I don't know what's gotten into me. My adrenal glands in the pit of my stomach are going insane, fluttering like crazy, making me feel weak in the knees at just the sight of him. This isn't right. I don't have time for boys. I need to stay on schedule. No focusing on boys, only school, my future, and what's important for me right now.

"Yes, she's such a smart, talented, lovely young lady... And innocent." It scares me, the way that Judy says it. It's like she's my mother and is giving him a very stern warning. I slowly look up to see her whispering in his ear, her finger poking his shoulder as she orders him to do something.