Petty Happenings

IV. (four)

Not long after, the young woman was snapped out of her thoughts by a light tap on the shoulder. She was a bit startled, but quickly realized it could only be one person.

The young woman turned to meet Novaleen's eyes before glancing down--then back up to dart to the side again. Nervous habit, if you will 

"Would you care to have a bit of a conversation with me?" she asked politely.

The young woman's mind didn't react as nicely, but she nodded. If she was to be on the train for hours, she might as well force herself to be somewhat friendly.

"Of course."

Novaleen smiled gratefully. "Thanks. We've got a long ride and I'm kinda nervous."

"Oh?"

"I'm starting my schooling in London--music and arts. It's an intimidating move from the quaint town I live in."

"I've, uhm... heard good things about the programs. London is scary but it's just something you get used to... Yeah, sorry, that doesn't help much."

"You're alright, doll. Do you live in London?"

The young woman nodded but didn't continue.

"Are you in school or working?" Novaleen pressed curiously.

"Working."

"Cool, cool... What do you do, if you don't mind me asking?"

"No, I, uhm... work in this small little bookstore. It's quite cute, actually," she replied, her thoughts turning warm when thinking about the bookstore she was so fond of. It felt like home to the young woman.

"Awesome! I'll have to stop by sometime, if you don't mind. I love reading, even though it takes me foreverto finish a book. Better ones just keep coming out!" Novaleen rambled, a kind smile never faltering on her face.

"I know your struggle," the young woman agreed, "I usually force myself to finish one before I start another. S'just easier."

"I try that, but I'm not the best at sticking to it." Novaleen laughed and out of the corner of her eye, the young woman could see Zayn's head snap over in interest. She almost smirked.

Almost.

"Takes lots of self-discipline. I just have a lot of time on my hands..."

"Even with school, I should, too! Maybe this is too sudden, but I could drop by that bookstore sometime and we could hang out after your shift ends. I don't have friends in London and it'd be a relief to have someone to spend my down time with."

The young woman was utterly stunned. How could this stranger of a girl be proposing that they become friends so soon? Even the people she trades shifts with don't want to hang out. This was... new. And she wasn't sure whether or not it was scary or refreshing.

"Uhm... yeah, sure. I don't really have any friends, either."

"Awesome! How long have you been there for?"

"Like a year, I think. Close to that."

"Oh. You've been there a while. And no friends?" Novaleen asked, shocked. She didn't mean to be rude, the young woman knew, but that stung.

"No," she laughed forcefully, "I'm not the best at talking and people don't... like me very much."

"Well that's their loss," Novaleen scoffed. "Talking to people is hard, I'm not the best at it, either. But, hey, we can stick to ourselves. I don't need a huge friend group and I like you already."

The young woman smiled a small yet genuine smile. "I'd like that, if you're okay putting up with me. I think you're lovely, too."

"Awh, thanks, babe. Can we exchange numbers?"

"Uhm, maybe later? Just so, you know... you make sure you're certain you want us to be friends and all...," she trailed off  staring, once again, at her scuffed up boots.

"Nonsense, of course I'll be sure. But, if it makes you more comfortable, then we can wait. No problem."

"Thank you." And she meant it.

The two girls chatted on about school and work--the young woman giving advice and Novaleen trying to open her up more to the bright, talkative girl she knew was hiding. Neither looked directly to their right, and so they didn't notice their make companion take out his sketchbook and start to draw, his pencil scribbling like mad and his head moving up every few seconds. Neither of them noticed how his gaze lingered on one of the girls longer, but one already had her suspicions.

...      ...     ...

I'm fangirling overmyownchapter. This was hella adorable.

Thisupdateseemsearlierthanusual, hm? Becauseyolo, Igotexcitedforthis.

Nopromises, buttheremightbeanotherupdatecomingupthisweek cx Dependsonafewthings, butitshouldbeago.

Vote, Comment, Whatever! It'sallappreciatedc:

-lexie x