The Human {Editing}

Chapter 6

Song for the chapter:

Without Me by Hasley

***

Victoria’s pov

Remember when I said that I loved a challenge? Well, I take it back. This challenge has been more complicated than I initially thought, and I was losing hope.

It has been two weeks since my first encounter with Luka, and I haven’t seen him since. I assumed he was simply avoiding me.

We exchanged text messages now and then, but it was mostly ‘Hi. How are you? Goodnight’ texts.

I tried calling him a few times, but it either went to voicemail, or he would answer, talk for two minutes, and then give an excuse to hang up.

I hate appearing like a pushy, annoying female, so I gave it a test. I asked him to meet me at Winter’s Park today at 4 in the afternoon. He didn’t answer my message, but I knew he had received it.

If he comes, I’ll have a little chat with him and see if we should continue this ‘friendship’ because it feels one-sided. If he doesn’t come, I’ll just forget everything and move on with the bit of dignity I have left.

I bobbed my head to the song on the radio as I drove to Charlette’s diner to get a coffee before heading to the park. The familiar sound of the bell rang as I stepped through the door, with a beaming Kera behind the counter as she spotted me.

“Well, hello stranger, what can I get for you?” she asked, and I laughed at her comment as I took out my purse.

“I’ll have a coffee and two doughnuts, ma’am,” I said in a playful tone.

“Okay, I’ll go get that for you, and you don’t have to pay, Vic. You’re family.”

I sighed, knowing I wouldn’t win that one.

Whenever I tried to buy something, they would refuse the money or reimburse it to my paycheck. I have to say, I enjoyed the luxury, but I don’t take advantage of it.

“Here you go.” She handed me my food, and I smiled at her. “So, where are you heading on this fine Sunday afternoon?” she asked as she leaned against the counter.

“To the park. I’m gonna meet someone.” If he bothers to show up.

“Ooh, a guy?” she swooned, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. I rolled my eyes at her.

She was always trying to play matchmaker. She set her brother on me once to make us ‘sisters officially’, but I never saw Nick as more than a brother.

“Relax, Kera. He’s just a friend, and I’m not sure if he’ll even come.”

“Well, if he doesn’t show up, he’s an idiot.”

I smiled at that. Kera always made me feel better.

Saying my goodbyes, I headed to the park with a little hope that he wouldn’t disappoint me.

***

It was now 5:30, and there was no sign of Luka. I gave up waiting on him when I noticed an hour had passed, but why waste a perfect park day? It was peaceful, and the kids playing brought me a little joy inside.