In The Dark

Number Thirteen. Deep Breath

WREN

SIX MONTHS SINCE:

I never thought I would want to run away from this beautiful café that I go to every morning, but it makes me feel claustrophobic today, it is so bust and on a public holiday. I know, I shouldn't be surprised but I am still not that great at Spanish on account of my anxiety, so the amount of people hinders me.

Josh: Are you here? It's so busy!

Me: Yeah, inside at the back

He doesn't reply but a few moments later I see him pushing through the crowd apologetically, the poor staff inundated with customers. I am almost certain that they don't have enough staff to cover the rush.

"I have never seen this place so busy!" Josh informs me, his Spanish accents flowing through with every word.

"Perhaps Starbucks is closed" I joke, he gives an appreciative chuckle before sitting down opposite me.

"The horror!" He laughs, hanging his jacket on the back of the chair. "I'm glad that we decided to just review without the rest of the group today, imagine the chaos of getting seven of us in here!"

"I'm pretty sure they would have kicked us out"

He shrugs, "It'll happen one day" I fiddle with my auburn fringe, still getting used to the change.

The next three hours continue as they usually do with Josh, feedback and then more writing, and even more feedback. Don't get me wrong I am not ungrateful for the help and guidance but even I tire of the routine, the friendship still shocks me when I think about it too much.

He's cute, glasses that hide his dark brown eyes and brown curls that are combed off his forehead. Much the same way Theo style's his. Speaking of Theo, I can see him waving at me through the window and I giggle at the sight, I wonder how long he has been stood out there, doing that.

"It's his own fault that it takes you so long to notice him" Josh laughs, noticing Theo and beginning to pack away his things. Walking behind me as we exit the now calmer café, I like this part of my day, no matter what the rest of the day holds, I always come here.

"Wren, Joshy" Theo greets, tucking his phone away to greet us. "Get lots of work done?"

"She wouldn't let us stop even if I wanted too, she's a powerhouse!" Josh chuckles, patting me on the shoulder. "I'll see you next week"

He kisses me on the cheek before walking away, Theo slotting his arm through mine as we walk the familiar streets back time. Everything quieter than it was this morning, perhaps it was how early I went out that meant I was stuck in the rush of it all, I'm getting better at dealing with that.

"So... how was your one-on-one with Mr. Joshy?" Theo jokes, winking at me when I scowl at him.

"Productive, we went through a lot of content and for the hundredth time, he is just the group tutor" I grumble, not really bothered but I smack him on the shoulder with my books anyway.

"I know!" He laughs, "I just enjoy winding you up"

"It won't be funny when I break your nose with my laptop!"

"You'll love my humour eventually Wren" I do. "Besides we have loads to do tonight, the landlord is coming to inspect the apartment"

"You're so rich, why didn't we just buy the apartment" I groan, waiting for him to unlock our front door. "The landlord is creepy"

"I agree with you there, but we are supposed to be living a normal life!" He sighs, opening the door for us, which I lock behind me. Piling my belongings onto the kitchen counter.