Reality

the hangout

Natalie's POV

I have packed my whole room in several boxes. My dad told us to leave only the mattress and it's sheet. I look around my room and those late night meltdown memories rushed through my head. I'm really hoping that London would be fantastic. I can't really get away with my insecurities but if I can make some friends it'll be nice. I then feel my phone buzzed, as I always put them on silent.

Andrian : it's yr last day so let go out

I smiled at that text. It's 8 am. All malls open at 10. Then I remember a place where it'll be nice for Andrian to know.

Natalie: sure. meet me at the starbucks near my house in 10 x

Andrian: woah chill woman. let's race there. last to come ,even by seconds, pays. Deal?

I chuckled. What an idiot. He'll obviously beat me because 1.I have to walk there and my body won't let me walk fast without sweating like crazy and 2. He has a working car and mine is shipped to London. I'll never win any race, except for academics race though.
I quickly changed into some jeans before replying;

Natalie: whatever you dumbdumb. Bring a lot of cash because if I win... I'm gonna turn your wallet to a British pancake. ;)

I obviously didn't mean it.

/third person/

//10 minutes later//

Not Andrian nor Natalie has arrived. Losers.

//5 minutes later //

Natalie is approaching the famous coffee franchise. That's my girl! Oh wait, Andrian's car just turned in the junction. Both of them have determined looks on their faces. They saw each other and Natalie started to pace up. Andrian parked his car and rush out. They both ran into the glass doors and Natalie steps in first , by 2 seconds. She smirks.

Natalie's POV

"Hello Andrian." I feel in triumph eventhough that was kind of a tie. Hey! I did step in first. "Even by seconds?" I smiled oh-so-sweetly to him. "Even by seconds." He grunts. "Maybe even by seconds would be our always." I teased. he rooked his eyes. "maybe, if it isn't that long." Then a voice broke out our argument. "Excuse me lovebirds but I would like to get some coffee before work okay ?" It was a lady maybe in her 30s. We said sorry and she just smiled. "Andrian let's go somewhere else. just around the corner." I grabbed his arm and pulled him to Mackjers.

You see, Mackjers isn't as popular as Starbucks, but the drinks are just good and the surroundings are just as comfy. Mackjers is a Victorian themed Coffee Shop + Library. It was full of green and gold and maroon. Their baristas are always welcoming and friendly. The food and beverages section was on the left side of the shop while the library was on the other. Andrian and I step in and I can see Hilary and Mason at our usual table. "Smells like wood." Andrian scrunch up his nose. "If you want to see me after I move behave." I overreact because no one can insult my not-so-secret escape. Not trying to be dramatic or whatever. "yes maam."
Hilary look up as if she heard someone familiar. "NATALEE" Hilary jumped from her seat, ran towards me and pulled me into a tight embrace. "I've missed you too, Heels." I looked at her face and she looked as if she wanted to cry. "Hey hey sorry I haven't came in weeks and finally came a day before my departure. Come here heels." I pulled her to another hug. Mason has made his way towards us. He saw Andrian just standing there dumbfounded. He approached him and they shake hands. "Mason." He introduced himself. "Nick." Andrian said nervously. He then looked a little surprised/hurt. probably by Mason's tight hold. Hilary let me go. "Mase easy there. He's just my friend." I smiled at him. Mason is really protective over all of us. He's 20 and he does the role of a big brother in our group. "Natalie, my love." He hugged me. Andrian look shocked and a bit.... jealous? Well, no. That would be ridiculous because we have only known each other for a weeks. "Mason, my brother." We smiled and Hilary coughed to get our attention. "Mind introducing us to this guy Natalie?" She raised her eyebrows. "Oh yeah yeah. Hilary and Mason, this is And- Nick, Nick, this is Hilary and Mason." Hilary pulled Andrian to a hug. He was taken aback but just roll with it. "Who's And?" Mason asks when we were heading to our table. I opened my mouth to answer but Andrian cut me off. "Andrian is my first name but everyone calls me by my middle name, Nick. When I first talk to Nate I introduced myself as Andrian but an in class incident won't let me change it so I just stick to Nick now." He explained. Mason and Hilary raised their eyebrows. "So Natalie is the only one who can call you Andrian?" Hilary asked. That was a trick question. Andrian hesitated at first but when he is satisfied with what he'll answer, he said something that fluttered my heart a teensy bit, "Yes. Only Natalie."