Yay! I'm back! And I've got a lot of ideas for this story now. Continue reading and stick with me to the end, because things are gonna get very very very (I'm seriously pausing because I don't know how to describe it🤣) exciting? Yeah, let's move to the chapter.

Astoria

I see the message. And immediately wish I hadn't.

Nick The Numbskull: Hellooo.....Are you awake?

Now I've even read it. He knows I'm awake. Real smart, Astoria. Real smart.

Me: What do you want, Nick?

Nick The Numbskull: I see you've saved my name😏

To hell with this boy.

Me: So? Ugh. I'm awake, but not for long.

Nick The Numbskull: Are you having second thoughts about prom?

Me: Nope😊

Nick The Numbskull: Can we meet somewhere?

I hate him.

Me: Why?

Nick The Numbskull: Gosh, is it so hard? Clearly you don't realise I wanna meet.

Oh. Ok.

Me: Are you asking me out?

Nick The Numbskull: Um....yeah?

Do I refuse? I detest Nick. Also he's popular playboy. And I'm not interested. But I would sure love to poke fun at him. So let me humor him and stop when it gets too far. Yeah.

Nick The Numbskull : You there? I knew it! You always refuse....

Me: Sure. Where? Time?

(Typing....)

Nick The Numbskull: Wha- what? For a second I actually read it as yes.

I was just about to clear the confusion, when-

Nick The Numbskull: Wait, it's a yes! Are you serious.....I knew you'd come running back to me....

The nerve of this egoistic prick.

Me: Ugh.

Nick The Numbskull : How about 6 pm today? At Reelerz?

Me: Uh, ok. 6 at Reelerz.

Reelerz was this lanky place downtown, the entire football team practically lives there. I would go to the extent that they grew up at that place.

Nick The Numbskull : Want a pick up? 😉

The nerve of this guy....

Me: No thank you. I belong to the category of self sufficient girls and not to the category of the damsels in distress.

Nick The Numbskull: Well it was worth a shot.

Me: Bye.

Nick The Numbskull : Won't you stay and chat?

Me: I have to look for a job for my college resume. Unlike you, I do not lounge about all day.

That ought to put him in his place.

Nick The Numbskull: Oh well. Till tonight.

Yuck.

Me: Yeah, yeah.

Speaking of jobs, I do remember seeing a 'Now Hiring' at Cuppalogy, a café nearby. It's a new place so it's an opportunity. I check the time. Almost lunch time. Lucky. I'm hungry.

After a lunch of sprout salad, bruschetta and stew, I am absolutely filled. I'm just leaving, and dad calls -

"Astoria!"

"Yes, dad."

"I'm a little busy. Do you mind helping Adri with her homework?"

"Dad, I'm going for a job interview. Um, how about she comes with me, and on the way I drop her to her friend's home, they can do it together."

"That's a good idea.....why didn't I think of that? Good luck sweetie"

I smile and call for Adri to come down dressed and take her homework with her. I'm driving and my phone rings. I check the caller ID. It's May. I ask Adri to type to her, to tell her I'm driving.

"Who's Nick The Numbskull?" Adri sniggers.

"It's all in the name" I tell her.

"Are you gonna go on a date with him?"

"No....who gave you that idea?"

"Maybe because he's been the first guy to actually text you and he isn't your friend. The rest are scared shit of you"

"I'm glad you think so. But I'm not gonna go on a date with him. He wants a chat, so I'm going to meet him. And get it done with."

"We're here!"

I pull up in the Quentin's driveway. We ring the doorbell. Mrs. Quentin opens the door. I explain the situation and she is more than happy to have Adri over. So I leave and make my way to Cuppalogy. A guy opens the door. He looks my age, brown hair, grey eyes, tall and lean. He's wearing a Cuppalogy apron, so I'm assuming he works here.

"Uh, hi. I'm here because there's a poster outside that says you are hiring."

"Oh, you're here for work?"

"Yeah. Can I meet the owner or manager?"

"Yeah, sure. In here" He directs me to the back. A kind lady in her 40's or something smiles at me.

"Oh, Raymond, is she here for work?"

"Yes mum"

So his mother owns the place.

"We are more than happy to have you here dear"

"Um....thank you...Miss?"

"Hebsworth"

"Thank you, Miss Hebsworth"

"You can call me Della. And your name?"

"Astoria Smith."

"Ah, well. You can join on Monday. At about 3 if you can. 50$ per hour, depending on the amount of people"

"Yeah, sure. Thank you"

"Just have a look at the place before you leave. Raymond will show you around"

I nod my head and turn to him.

"So, Raymond huh?"

"Yeah" He smiles.

He shows me around, and I am familiar with the place. It's actually very pretty. Raymond sees me admiring the panel and says-

"Cedarwood. My dad did it"

"Wow, it's really impressive. I should go, I have to be somewhere?"

"Well, don't we all...anyways bye"

That was odd.

I wave goodbye and leave, feeling a sense of accomplishment. I pick Adri and head home. It's about 4pm. Still time for the meet with Nick.
At around 5:30 I decide to get ready. Not that I have much to do. I just put a casual top on, wear my black pumps, and leave. I reach Reelerz at 6:02 pm. I look around and Nick is there at the tables, leaning against the wall.

"Yes. You wanted to meet?"

"Ah, hello" He says and winks. Why did I ever agree to this?

I gesture for him to continue.

"Here." He points at a table. I sit down, slinging my bag on the handle. He hands me the menu.

"Drinks?" He asks. I nod, feeling the thirst kick in.

"Um, I'll have a coke. You?"

"Sprite" He goes to the counter and places the orders.

"Right." I say, coming to the point. "You wanted to meet?"

"Yes. Look, it's obvious I like you" Why me?

"Is it?" I raise my eyebrows.

"Yes"

"So you called me here to tell me you like me only to hear me reject you?" I'm enjoying this. Our drinks arrive. He takes a sip of his sprite.

"Um, not exactly, no"

"Then?"

"I'm attracted to you"

"And how many girls have you told that exact line to?" I take a sip.

"It's usually them who say that to me" As expected.

"Do I like those kind of girls?"

"No. That is why I had to tell you." I click my tongue. Time to get this party started.

"Okay. But I don't like you. Sorry it sounds harsh but I don't like you. And I won't. My brain is revolted at you and your antics"

"You tell that to everybody."

"Because they are all the same"

"I am literally the most popular guy in the school. I also happen to be the captain of the football team and the hottest boyfriend material"

"See, exactly. This is the reason I don't like you. This attitude of yours-" I point my finger at him, winding it in a circular motion "-This is why. You clearly like praising yourself and you are so full of it....I can't handle it. You think your hot and popular, so everyone should fall at your feet. Sorry, but I can't." I get up, putting 2 dollars on the table, picking up my things.

"Astoria I didnt mean it like that-" He begins.

"Then how did you mean it?"

"I am used to getting it my own way"

"That's what you have to change. And stop running after me. You won't be able to keep up, and in the end, it will be worth nothing" I say, going down the stairs. When will they ever get it?

My phone pings. Message from Callie. I get in the car, open it, buckling my seatbelt.

Callie: Hey, you ok?

I'd forgotten what had happened earlier. Maybe it was time I tell her the truth. I needed to let her in. After all, she was the only one who had supported me my entire time here. It was going to be hard. But hey, when times get tough, you get tougher.

Me: Can you come over?

Callie: Coming.

That's what I loved about her. She was so spontaneous. She never hesitated. But I always took my time.

At home, I settle in my pajamas, Callie all ready for a sleepover, and take a deep breath.

"It's okay if you want more time" she says.

"No. If I don't tell you now, it will become harder for me"

"Okay."

And I begin.

Another chapter completed! Don't forget to vote and comment! I love you guys...♥️

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