“You can talk with someone for years, everyday, and still, it won’t mean as much as what you can have when you sit in front of someone. Not saying a word, yet you feel that person with your heart. You feel like you have known that person forever…”— C. Joybell


The smell of freshly brewed coffee reached every corner of Peacefood café including my little spot in the back next to the window. I stole a bite from my chocolatey croissant before placing the treat back on top of the napkin where it belonged and resuming my sketch of a girl in the rain. I had grown so accustomed to the gloomy weather that I would’ve found it strange if it were to suddenly disappear. When it poured, I loved to go to the nearest café and sip on some hot cocoa while sketching. Cafés were made for people like me—aspiring artists going nowhere.


Anya helped me get an interview at Cambridge University last week, but I’m still waiting to see if I got the position. Although I’d much rather be drawing my own art, Cambridge is offering apprenticeship with the great Armando Rivera. I absolutely love his work and would do anything to work with him. How amazing would that be? To be the apprentice of an artistic genius is like every artist’s dream. I was just perfecting the minor details of my drawing when I heard the shop bells jingle and saw the door swing open to reveal a very familiar, tall figure with damp curly hair. I watched as the green eyed male made his way over to the register and ordered a large iced-coffee before turning around to scan the facility for an empty seat.


Oh crap, he sees me. Maybe if I look the other way he’ll go away. Or not.


Green eyes ended up approaching me anyway with a smug look on his face and a coffee in his hand.

“So Lulu, we meet again,” He said drearily.

“Please leave…” I said, but I guess he didn’t hear me.

“Do you come here often?” he asked while taking a seat.

“No,” I lied.

“Really? Because I feel like I’ve seen you here before.”

“You must’ve thought I was someone else.”

“Probably. Hey, what’s that?” he questioned.

“What’s what?” I sighed.

“That,” He pointed to my sketch.

“None of your business,” I hissed.

“Oooh, someone’s feisty,” He grinned. “What’s got your knickers in a twist?”

“Nothing. It’s just dirty pigs who leave penises on peoples phones, like yourself, who tick me off,” I rolled my eyes while ripping a piece of my croissant and eating it.

“Hah, I’m glad you liked the picture, but you’re not so squeaky clean yourself love. However, you do take great selfies,” He winked.


That bastard looked through my photos.


“Go to hell.” I growled, flushed with embarrassment, as I scooted out of my chair. I closed my sketchpad and scooped up my umbrella before leaving the café.


Looks like I can’t ever come here again. I swear. If I have to see that face one more time—one more time…I’ll go bonkers.

---

I was watching re-runs of Scooby-Doo on the living room couch, stuffing my face with popcorn when I caught Anya trying to sneak out. Tonight was suppose to be a Girl’s night, but If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was dressed for a date. “Anya, please tell me you’re not leaving. It’s a girl’s night, remember?” I sighed while setting the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table and muting the television.


“Yes, I remember, but I have a date tonight! Isn’t that great?” she squealed. I scoffed.

“With that creepy bartender from Planet Bang? He was such a—”

“—No, not him,” She interrupted me, “My date’s name is Louis and—”

“—Oh, well, have you ever met Louis in person? What do you know about the guy? He could be a psychopath for all you know,” I warned her.

“Lucy, that’s the whole point of a date. We’ll get to know each other and see where to take it from there,” She sighed while brushing her hair, “by the way, I doubt he’s crazy.”

“But you don’t know for sure and...are you really gonna leave me here?” I pouted.

“Why don’t you join me,” Anya offered.

“Nevermind. Forget I said anything…I’ll pass on being the third wheel,” I grumbled stubbornly, unmuting the television and finishing my popcorn.

“No, it’s okay. I can tell Louis to invite his friend. I heard he’s a great guy: tall, mysterious, sexy…Just your type.”

“Unlike some people I know, I don’t do blind dates.”

“Come on, Lucy. When’s the last time you’ve even gone on a date?” she asked.

“Um…” I trailed off.

“See! You can’t remember.” She exclaimed. I rolled my eyes.

“It doesn’t matter. I couldn’t even go if I wanted to because I’m not dressed for a date,” I sighed. I was sporting an NYU jumper, pajama bottoms, and fuzzy socks because I thought tonight was a girl’s night.

“Hmm. You will be. C’mon, we’ve got ten minutes!” she yelled, pulling me up from the couch and dragging me to my room.

“Woah, Anya. Slow down!”


♢ Harry’s POV ♢

“Is she hot?” I asked Louis on our way downstairs.

I was beginning to have second thoughts about this whole double date thing because I’m not really much of a dater. Just fuck ‘em and leave ‘em is what my father taught me. I didn’t start doing that to girls until I ended things with Marisol. She was probably the worst thing that ever happened to me, but because of her I’ve been sober for almost two years now and nothing will mess that up.

“Smokin’ “ Louis winked and patted me on the shoulder. I chuckled and shook my head as I swung the door open.


I walked over to my Audi and unlocked the door with my key before going inside. Since I didn’t exactly know where Rego was, I told Lou that I’d just follow him in my car. Louis honked his horn twice, giving me the signal, and pulled out of the driveway and started driving on the road. I started the engine and followed his car around the curb. I really hoped this girl wasn’t crazy. If she was anything like that girl from the club, I’d kill myself. Lulu was something else. Most girls go home with me after I hit them with my pick up line, but not her. No, she fucking slaps people. No matter how angry a woman makes me, I’d never lay a hand on her. My mum raised me better than that. Louis parked his car in front of Rego Theaters, and I watched him get out and escort two ladies, a blonde and a brunette, to the ticket booth. I found a parking space a block down and made the trip to the movie theaters by foot. Once I got closer, I was struck by this strange feeling of familiarity upon gazing at the back of the girl off to the side. I felt like I’ve seen her before.


“Hey, Haz! Come here. I want you to meet someone,” Louis called me over, shaking me out of my thoughts. I sighed as I walked toward him and the blonde. “This is Anya.” He said.

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you…um…” She trailed off, trying to remember my name, while shaking my hand. It was kinda cute.

“Harry,” I smiled. “Are you my date for the evening?”

“—Uh. Sorry, mate. This is my date.” Louis abruptly cut in, “Yours is over there.” He pointed to the brunette standing by herself at the ticket booth.

Once the two of us made eye contact, I immediately recognized her. Oh, shit.

“You again?!” she gasped.

“Wait a minute. You two know each other? From where?” Louis questioned me.

“Um, Louis. This is the lovely girl from that place I was telling you about…” I coughed.

“Harry. This is the crazy chick who slapped you in the face?” Louis asked with a chuckle.

“You slapped him?” Anya whispered.

“He deserved it,” Lucy said through gritted teeth.

“Erm…well we already bought the tickets, so I guess we’ll see you guys inside. Or not,” Louis said while handing me two tickets for A Million Ways to Die in the West. He escorted Anya inside the theater afterwards, leaving me alone with Lucy.

“There’s no way in hell I’m seeing a movie with you,” She shook her head.

“I know, you’re not my favourite person in the world either, but don’t be rude. He already bought the tickets,” I rolled my eyes.

“I don’t care. I’m not gonna see a movie with you!” she sneered.

“Why not?” I scoffed, “Are you still hung up over that incident in the club because I’ve forgotten about it, and I’m the one who got hit!”

“I’m sorry I hit you, but you stole my purse and got too inappropriate with me.” Lucy said.

“Hey. I did not steal your purse, I found it. There’s a difference, and if you didn’t like it, you could’ve said something so just take the fucking ticket or go home!” I snapped.

“How about I take the ticket and shove it up your ass?” She suggested after snatching it from me.

“Hmm…” I said after a moment of consideration, “Kinky.”

“Ugh. You’re not even worth my time,” Lucy spat, throwing the ticket at my cheek before storming down the block.

Crazy bitch.

Notes