13~ Meanwhile (part 2)
((This chapter was also writen by RubyRedRose1207 as not only filler but the continuation of the last chapter. ENJOY ~Ali_4_later))
RubAli's cafe was a quaint little building situated on a corner, with large windows spanning the entirety of it's face. The awnings that resided over the window were a dark reddish color, almost maroon, with white vine like patterns trailing across the fabric. Small flower boxes framed the bottom of each window, tiny white flowers filling them to bursting. There were a few black, metal tables sitting out on the small bit of concrete that was between the sidewalk and the building, with large white umbrellas providing shade for the few patrons that chose to sit outside, drinking their coffee and chatting, or sitting alone with their cups and pondering the mysteries of the world. Or just being loners. Probably the latter.
Nora lead Tim inside, weaving between the small number of people that were there. She pulled him into the relatively short line, reaching into the pouch she carried on her thigh- it looked to be a small camera bag that she had transformed into her own alternative to a purse. Tim hadn't really noticed it before this point, having been too distracted by a variety of other things. He gave her a funny look. "What's that?" he asked, gesturing slightly to the bag. He still held the camera in his hand, recording every moment. He aimed it at her pouch, which was easily in sight, as Tim stood on her right side- where the pouch was located.
Nora looked up, her hand still partially in the main compartment of the pouch. "Oh, this? It's just where I keep all my crap." she replied, beginning to rummage through it again before pulling out her wallet. "It's more convenient and a hell of a lot harder to steal then a purse." She clipped the flap over her pouch before unzipping her wallet and pulling out a bank card. She zipped her wallet back up, holding it in her left hand so that the clear pocket on the front that held Nora's license was facing Tim.
"That's a pretty good idea, actually." Tim said, inconspicuously trying to catch a glimpse at the birthdate on Nora's license.
"I'm 23." Nora stated, a small, amused smile on her face as she looked ahead. Tim didn't reply, staring ahead of him as the temperature of his face rose ever so slightly. "I'm very observant." Nora teased as they reached the front of the line. Tim didn't get a chance to reply, as Nora suddenly launched into a conversation with the barista.
"Who's your friend?" the blonde grinned, looking Tim up and down. Nora rolled her eyes.
"Tim, this is Adalynne. Adalynne, Tim."
"Pleasure to meet you, Tim." Adalynne purred. "So, what'll it be, sugar?"
"Like...wise.." Tim replied, cutting off as Adalynne spoke again. "Uh..." He blinked a few times at the name, then looked at the menu, subconsciously aiming the camera at the long board fastened to the wall.
"Here, I'll order for you, you uncultured potato." Nora said, and before Tim could respond, she had already jumped in. "I'll have my usual, doll. And for sideburns here.... how about a Mazagran. Easy on the ice, heavy on the grind."
"Nora, are you sure your usual is such a good idea?" the blonde asked in a teasing tone, casting a glance at Tim, who looked completely and utterly out of place. What the heck is a Maz- whatever she just ordered for me? Nora rolled her eyes yet again.
"Shut up, Ada. Just go easy."
The blonde giggled, then typed in the orders on the computer. After Nora slid her card and paid for the drinks, Adalynne turned to walk away. "One Irish, on Maz comin' right up." she called over her shoulder before starting to fiddle with the machines. Nora grabbed Tim's arm, pulling him away from the counter to allow the next customers to place their orders. "C'mon, let's go sit over here." She dragged him through the small crowd to a corner booth, where it was relatively quiet. "C'mon. She'll know where to find us." The ginger sat down on the couch like bench, and Tim followed suit, setting the camera up so that both people were in the shot, but so that it was also facing away from all of the other people in the coffee shop. "So, you know how old I am. How about you, sideburns
"Wow, not wasting any time here, are we." Tim replied with a half-hearted laugh. The entire situation was very awkward for him, but he didn't want Nora to know that.
Nora replied with her own laugh. "Nope. Answer the question, buddy boy."
"I'm 24." Tim told her, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of one of the tiny fabric coasters as he attempted to navigate the conversation.
"Aw, you're older than me?" Nora fake pouted. "Aw, well. So, you were scouting for a film, huh? What kind of film?"
Tim's eyes widened slightly. "Uh, it's just a student project I'm working on with a few of my friends." he replied.
"What's it called?"
Tim paused for a moment, fishing for a name. He couldn't tell her what it was really called. She'd probably look it up and that would cause even more problems. "It doesn't have a name yet." he said, doing his best to look honest. He looked over towards the counter to see if Adalynne was coming to his rescue. Instead, the blonde was flirting with a customer as he ordered his drink.
Nora gave Tim a look. "Really? And how long, exactly have you guys been working on this thing?"
"Not too long." Tim replied quickly.
"And you're already location scouting? Fat chance." Nora stated. "Me thinks me smells a liar."
"I, uh-" Just then, two tall glasses were set in front of them. Tim nearly sighed in relief, thanking Adalynne quickly.
"Anything else I can get you two?" the blonde asked.
"No, thanks, Ada. We're good." Nora said, her tone slightly different from before. Adalynne took the hint.
"Alright. If you need anything, just give a holler!" With that, the blonde walked away, her curl-filled ponytail bouncing against her shoulders as she weaved through the few other customers that stood waiting in the small cafe.
Tim quickly took a sip of his drink, surprised to find that it was actually quite good. "Hm. What's in-"
"Don't change the subject, sideburns." Nora stated lowly, watching the man from across the table. "You've been lying to me. You weren't scouting for a film. You were looking for something, alright, but it sure wasn't a location. So." She took a sip of her drink. "You start talking, or I start digging. And I don't think you'd like that last one very much, Timothy."
Tim gaped at her, drink still in hand, eyes wide. Nora watched him expectantly. When he didn't answer, she sighed. "It has something to do with that camera, doesn't it? You're still recording, even in this random little coffee shop. You're hunting something. Or someone. Someone dangerous. That's why you always record, isn't it? So that if something happens to you, there's at least footage so that someone will know what happened. Is it a spirit? Is that why you were in that old hospital? And does this have anything to do with that hooded man that tried to kill me? I want answers, Tim. And I won't stop digging until I get them. You really don't have a choice."
Tim was shocked by how much she had managed to gather from their short time together. Though she might've been a touch insane, she was quite observant, as she had said. After a moment, Tim sighed. "Nora. Listen. I know you're curious, but there are just.. Some things are better left alone." he said quietly.
Nora frowned. "That's not a very good answer, Timothy."
"Well, that's the only answer you're getting. You're getting into dangerous territory, Nora. Things you don't even understand. Hell, I don't even understand a lot of it. It's better if you just keep your distance." Tim stated simply, forcing his tone to remain even.
"Well, I won't take no for an answer." Nora replied just as simply.
"I won't get someone else involved!" the dark haired man growled, his temper starting to get the better of him. "This is dangerous stuff you're messing with right now, and it'd be best if you stopped before you get hurt!"
"Is that a threat, sir?" Nora said, leaning forward across the table a bit.
"Yeah, it is, actually!" Tim retorted, leaning forward as well.
"Well, I don't take kindly to threats." Nora snarled.
"Well, I don't take kindly to people who refuse to listen to reason!" Tim stood abruptly, grabbing his camera in the process. Nora quickly reached over, grabbing his wrist.
"You're not going anywhere until I get some answers, Timothy." The ginger stood with him, her blue eyes narrowed in frustration. Tim yanked his arm away from her.
"Thanks for the drink, but I need to go. Good bye, Nora." With that, the man turned and started off, easily making it to the door, as people parted to let him pass. Nora quickly followed, leaving a crowd of concerned and confused patrons in her wake. As she reached the door, she saw Tim take off down the street. Without hesitation, the girl gave chase, easily catching up to him despite being slightly shorter. "Tim! Tim come back here!" she called, but he ignored her, continuing to run. She sighed softly, pushing herself to run faster. She didn't bother calling him again- she'd just waste her breath. Instead, she focused on getting closer to him. She pushed herself faster until she had managed to get within an arm's length of the man. Suddenly, she pushed off from the hard concrete, launching herself onto Tim's back.
Tim cried out in surprise, nearly falling over as 134 pounds of Nora landed on his back. He quickly regained his balance, but was forced to stop running as he struggled to get the woman off of his back. "Get off!' he grunted, tugging at her arms, which were looped firmly around his neck.
"Not until you give me some answers!" Nora yelled. A few stray pedestrians looked on as Tim spun around, attempting to dislodge the stubborn ginger. The camera had fallen to the sidewalk, the lense facing away from the two as they struggled. After a few moments, the two found themselves both on the ground, their breathing heavy and laboured. Tim coughed, covering his mouth with his fist. He continued coughing, the coughs becoming more and more violent as his body shook from the force of each one. "H-hey... You.. you alright?" Nora panted, giving the man a look of concern as she watched him, still seated on the ground. She watched as he suddenly started rummaging through his pockets, finally pulling out an orange bottle and attempting to get the lid off. Nora quickly grabbed it from him, popping the top off and tipping it until one of the pills inside tumbled out onto her hand. She handed it to the man, who quickly took it without any water- he'd obviously had to do this several times before. Nora put the lid back on, reading over the label as Tim's coughs slowly subsided, leaving the man trembling. He held out a shaking hand for the bottle, which Nora willingly handed over. "Seizures?" she asked quietly, standing up and dusting herself off before offering Tim a hand up. Tim nodded weakly, taking it and allowing Nora to pull him to his feet. "You... you alright?" Tim nodded again.
"Y-yeah. Happens.. all the.. time." he wheezed, still trying to catch his breath. Nora nodded. They stood in silence for a few moments as Tim caught his breath, standing doubled over with his hands on his knees.
Nora watched him for a few moments, as if afraid he would suddenly pass out on her. When he didn't, she rolled her head around, cracking her neck a bit. "Well then. Now that that's over." She looked at the man again. "You gonna tell me what's going on?"
Tim gave her an incredulous look. "Honestly? Honestly. Well, you're persistent, I'll give you that." He straightened up as Nora grinned in agreement. "Alright. Seeing that you're obviously not going to leave me alone until I do." He sighed. "Give me your keys. I'll tell you on the way."
"Uh uh, no way! You ain't driving my baby! Just give me directions!" Nora protested. "Where are we even going, anyway?"
Tim groaned. "My place." He bent down, picking up the camera and checking to see that, surprisingly, it was still recording. "And if I'm giving you directions, I can't very well tell you what's going on at the same time, can I?" Nora sighed.
"Fine. But if you get even one scratch on her..."
Tim rolled his eyes. "She'll be fine. Promise. Now let's go."
Nora sighed again, handing over her keys as they started heading back towards the cafe.
"This better be worth all this trouble."
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