Royally Falling

~ 34 ~

"You and I, we're one too many worlds apart
It really shouldn't work but it does
It really shouldn't work but it does
And side by side, we're different but somehow the same
It really shouldn't work but it does"
When It Comes To Us - Frances

oOoOo

On Thursday morning, I'm woken by my phone ringing. It seems like it's becoming a common theme.

I reach over to my nightstand to answer it.

"Hello?" I ask groggily.

"Good morning. Happy Valentine's Day," Kaden says.

Valen-? Oh, shit. It's Valentine's Day. I can't believe I almost forgot.

"Morning, happy Valentine's Day," I say with a yawn.

"Did I wake you?"

"Yeah, it's okay, though." I check the time. "I need to be on campus in a little over an hour anyway."

"When is your last class over?"

"Around two. Why?"

"Stop by The Brew. I'll be working then."

"Okay. I'll see you later."

"Bye, love you." My heart skips a beat. I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing him say that.

"Love you too," I respond before ending the call.

I reluctantly get out of bed and go into my closet to pick out leggings and a hoodie to wear. I don't even bother doing my makeup; It's too much work and I don't have the energy to pretend I care.

I slowly walk into the kitchen, catching up on social media.

I hear a cough as I walk into the kitchen. Looking up from my phone, I see that Blair and Marc are in here. Blair's seated on the counter and Marc is standing in between her legs, fervently kissing her. They were clearly having a moment that I just interrupted.

"Shit, sorry," I mutter.

Blair's face turns scarlet as she looks away.

"Um, I'll just... I'll just grab something and go." I grab an apple from the basket by the fridge. I hear the telltale sound of a belt buckle falling to the ground. "Remember to sterilize the counter when you're done!" I call over my shoulder as I exit the kitchen.

I hear Marc's laughter. There's a loud slap and an 'ow' that follows.

oOoOo

An hour and a half later, Blair and I arrive on campus. We part ways as I enter my Marketing class.

The day progresses slowly. I go to Brit Lit, Sociology, and Calc and get a ton of homework.

As I promised, I stop by The Brew, dragging an annoyed Marc along with me. He's bitching and moaning about wanting to see his girlfriend, not the lovefest Kaden and I will put on. I offered to go alone, but he refused to leave me alone.

I walk into The Brew and immediately seek out Kaden. He's at the main counter. I catch his eye, and he gets someone to cover him so he can take a break.

I head to our usual spot in the corner and take a seat. The next thing I know, strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me to a standing position.

"Hey," I breathe into Kaden's chest. "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart."

We embrace for a few seconds before he pulls away to give me a kiss.