| perfect strangers |

The pounding music could be felt running down my body. Countless numbers of bodies, intoxicated and grinding on each other was all that could be seen for miles into the dark room. Lasers and strobe lights lit the place up.

If Miami is known for one thing, it's their insane night clubs.. It just so happens you can find one just around any corner here, and this.. This club was one of the huge ones.

Tonight was Camila's birthday. Being the quiet one in the group right after me, it was Jo's idea to get her out of her shell. She's on a mission that Josephine. She's the most outgoing person I know. Don't ask me how she's still my friend. We came over with a couple of other mutual friends in celebration of Camila. God I regret this already...

My friends had tried countless efforts to get me to dance. Though I told myself I was going to let go and get loose, we all knew it wasn't going to be a simple task. It's not who I am. So instead, I sat at the bar.. All dolled up.. Wearing a top that was way to revealing for my liking, and alone...

"Here's your mojito.." The bartender smiled as she handed me my drink. I thanked her and soon enough she walked away to attend the next person at the bar.

Is this seriously what my life ended up to be? I am only 24 years old. I should just be starting to love my life. Instead, I have moved back in with my family and I am the bore of my group of friends.

My head curiously turned over my shoulder to see if I spotted my friends. They were dancing close to each other. They were laughing and smiling— Having the time of their lives... I shouldn't be here.. This is not my kind of environment. I detest night clubs.. Something about them always felt so dangerous in a way... I don't know, maybe I'm just an old soul. That's all to it.

Sighing, I returned to face my drink. Swirling my finger over the border of the cup, I listened closely to the next song that played. As I sat in my mourning stage, I noticed a brisk of air pass me. My head dodged up and looked back, noticing a couple racing behind me. The man had a grip of the girl's hand, smiling at laughing together. They seemed happy.

All of a sudden, I was taken back to the fall season, 6 years ago...

———F L A S H B A C K———

— Six years ago: September—

6:45pm

We walked into the small coffee shop hand in hand. Camila took the lead as she and her maybe-new-boyfriend, Alexander West, planned exactly where they'll be meeting moments before we arrived through text.

I say this is her soon to be boyfriend because even though this is their fifth date, neither one of them has called anything yet. It's sweet, they've been crushing on each other since the fifth grade but either one of them was really shy to ever ask anything until now when Cami finally stood up to him and asked him out. The girl is small but she grew a massive pair asking that boy out. I could never do such a thing. But either way, this is their fifth date and Alex came to Cami with a favor to find a friend for his friend.

Of course. I am the friend.

I was never found of this idea— blind dating. I'll be the first to admit that dating is not a subject I have yet to experience being that I haven't even shared my first kiss yet. Guys just aren't that into me I guess, which is fine— Believe me, a high school boy is not what I'm looking forward to starting a relationship with. High school guys are immature, horny creatures just waiting to prey on a girl. They don't necessarily want the romance, the love. Which again, is okay, because they're young and still exploring. I on the other hand, don't want that. I want the love, I want the romance. I want to meet someone and marry them, start a family.. That's why I'm cautious with who or when I choose to date. I'm not saying all the high school boys are like this, but yes a great majority of them are. And to find one worth your time this early on in life is rare which is why I haven't shown much of an interest in them either.

I came strictly for my friend. So that she won't look bad in front of the guy she likes, and so I can keep her company is anything goes wrong. She's my friend, and I'll do anything for this girl. Even if it means sitting a whole two hours talking to some guy I'll probably never talk to again.

"There!" Cami pointed, face lighting up at the sight of the boy she spotted.

From across the room, I too spotted the tall handsome boy who sat patiently at the table set for four. This was the nicest coffee shop in town, very calm too which was a lovely change from all the rowdiness you find here in Miami. Even more surprising, the Alexander boy picked this place. Huh, I'm liking this boy already. Classy.

I've heard of the boy before, and seen his pictures all over school. He's an athlete, one of the best in the school. But he isn't the kind a teenager would picture him to be. He is supposedly very appreciated by the teachers and staff at the school by how sweet and kind he is. He's also a jokester, perfect for my little Camila who's soul purpose in life is so make all the people around her smile and feel loved.

"Alex, hi." Cami smiled, walking the few finishing feet over to his table.

Alex was already standing as he noticed us approach the table. He nearly choked in the water he was drinking at the sight of my friend coming to his view. It was so adorable.

The boy was dressed very casual, much like ourselves. He wore a simple burgundy hoodie with black pants hanging just right around his waist. Black and white vans finishing his look. Cami and I didn't dress up too much for the occasion either. It was a coffee shop for crying out loud!

"H-hi, Camila." He smiled.

My face seemed to grow bewildered as we reached the table and I noticed the only person there was Alex. Oh no.. Did the other guy ditch? I am not third wheeling. The double date thing was OK, but third wheeling is simply horrible. This can't be happening!

"Alex, this is my friend Elena." She introduced.

My vision snapped out do the empty seat and over back to Alex who was gracefully handing me his hand to shake.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you." I shook his hand, smiling as I did so.

"Hi Elena, I called over a friend too but it appears to be he's running a little late." He apologized.

Oh no. His friend is one of those.

"Not a problem." I lied with a smile. I was very big on punctuality. Seeing how others run late to events specifically planned out for them beforehand still be late is something that seems to tick me off just a little.

"Please, ladies, have a seat." He looked at the seats in front of us.

Cami and I gracefully took our seats besides each other. Alex in front of her, obviously, and me in front of the empty chair.

"Can I order anything for you girls?" He asked us.

"A water is okay for now." Cami smiled.

"I'll take a lavender latte." I smiled. I'm a sucker for those! It's an odd flavor but this place does so well making it taste delicious. I probably sound crazy for saying it but I don't care. If I'm third wheeling in this, I might as well knock some pleasure out of this.

Smiling, Alexander waved over to the waitress to take down our order. She noted it down and left the menus for us to look through before walking away. The three of us alone once more.

My hands brought the menu up to my face, trying to make myself disappear from the picture as Alex and Camila continued with their small talk. I was feeling so awkward. I swear if this other boy isn't here in 10 minutes, I'm out the door.

Our coffee arrived shortly after, still with Alex and Camila talking to each other. They did try to start a conversation with me, but none that I tried to continue with only because I didn't want them to feel like they needed to entertain me. This is their date.

I was getting tired, and I felt so bad having to sit here drinking my coffee alone. 15 minutes had passed and the guy was still a no-show.

I excused myself from interrupting their conversation once more and pulled Cami close to me. Alex too excused himself and walked away from the table announcing he was going to grab some muffins for us from the cashier.

"I think I'm going to leave." I spoke.

"Oh no, El. He should be here soon." She begged. "Can't you wait just another minute?"

"I did." I chuckled. "15 to be exact." I joked. "You're doing great here, Cami. You won't be needing me."

The feeling was visible in her expression that even though she wanted me to stay, she knew I had a point.

"Have fun." I smiled, giving her shoulder a small squeeze before standing up from my seat.

I began collecting my things and kissed her cheek goodbye. "Say bye to Alex for me."

With a nod to her head, I took that as my cue to walk out. There was small crowd of people beginning to walk into the shop which made me have to stand still and wait by the door as they walked by. I pulled out my phone, scrolling through my recent message so I can send my mom to come pick me up. Once my coast was clear, I began to walk out. Fingers skimming through my keyboard as I typed in the message.

Before I could hit send, I found myself stopping in the position of another figure. We almost crashed into each other, but it was bare. I looked up to apologize when all of a sudden, I had to take a step back.

It was Sebastian Steel.

My mind stopped thinking. All I could think of was the beautiful boy standing right in front of me... Looking back at me too as he apologized.

"I'm so s—Oh?" He paused. "Hey I recognize you.. Elena, right?" His perfect plump lips curved into a smile, smiling brightly down at me.

"Yes... Hi.." I looked back at him, a little bit shocked that he still remembered my name. It was only a few weeks ago since our last encounter and girl doesn't forget about a boy like Sebastian that easy.

He nodded "It was a little difficult to tell you apart when you didn't have beer spilled all over you." He chuckled.

"Oh Gosh." I chuckled. "You remembered that..?" God I can't believe that's the way a boy like him will ever remember me by. Of course it had to be because I basically gave him a wet tshirt look to remember me by.

"How could I forget? You looked adorable in my varsity jacket." He smiled.

My cheeks flushed with heat. "You sure it wasn't the wet t-shirt contest." I laughed. Were those words really coming out of my mouth?

Sebastian nervously laughed. "I mean, if I said that then I'd really be a jerk and I'll just add to that IT boy stigma you think of me by."

I took a sudden moment to look at him completely. This was a coffee shop, of course, but the boy was dressed in a whole tuxedo. I couldn't help but bring it to his attention.

"Well, you're choice of attire isn't helping the stigma either." I chuckled.

Sebastian sighed, laughing restlessly at my comment. "Oh—Yeah." His fingers rubbed the temples of his forehead. "I just got out work and I'm actually running kinda late to a blind date." He laughed.

"Blind date?" I stopped him. Heart increasing it's beating.

"Fun right?" The sarcasm dropped from his words. "One of my buddies insisted and—" He stopped himself from speaking as soon enough, realization hit him too. "Oh no.. Are you the date?"

My eyes fluttered closed, smiling back at him as I nodded my head. "You know, being late doesn't really make a good first impression." I chuckled.

"I am so sorry." He apologized. His expression taking a toll on the school boy charm he previously displayed.

"Sebastian!" Another voice called out. I turned around, noticing the one who called out was no other than Alex himself. He was holding two tall cups of coffee in his hands.

"Hey man, sorry I'm late." Sebastian spoke.

Alex approached us and noticed I was the one speaking to his friend— the friend that was supposedly my blind date. His eyes met mine and immediately his lips curved into a smirk.

"I see the two of you finally met." He chuckled, arching a brow back at his friend.

"We've actually met before." Sebastian nodded.

"Homecoming." I smiled.

"She was the girl with the beer." He chuckled, pointing back at me to his friend.

"Hey!" My eyes widened jokingly.

"Well what do you say we take this conversation back to the table." Alex chuckled.

The rest of the night was spent in pure laughter and conversations. Sebastian, honestly he was a really nice guy. He was very sophisticated for his age, so I've noticed. We were hitting it off pretty well. Much to my surprise, Sebastian Steel and I had a lot of stuff in common. Being much of an old soul myself, we shared a lot of the same interest such has a love for live music and sports. Yes, if a girl was with a guy like Sebastian I'm sure they'd lie and say they love sports just to get to his level. But honestly, I really do enjoy sports. I have a brother who is fanatic to everything sport-related. Because of him, I've learned and even enjoyed watching them.

From the looks of it, Alex and Cami also hit it off pretty well too. They didn't stop smiling at each other the entire night.

The coffee shop was long gone by now. Alexander came up with the idea that we should hit the beach and a trip to the beach at this time of night was the best thing to do in Miami around this time. The water is still warm, breeze nice and easy. On Friday nights like these, it's where all the teenagers our age go to spend some time. We carpooled there. Cami and Alex in one car, Sebastian and I in the other.

Both guys were part of a sports team at the school, Sebastian football and Alex Basketball, so you could imagine that how fast the word spread and by the time we got to the beach, half of the school was already there. A bonfire was going on to which we joined for a while until it got too crowded and Sebastian offered for us to step outside by the shoreline.

I followed behind him. Heart fluttered as soon as we got far enough to hear his deep voice perfectly. He was so dreamy. All night, he's been showing me what a sweet and loving gentleman he is. Similar to the night we shared when we first met at the party. Everything about him was so mature, so sophisticated. It was everything I looked for but never found in a guy my age.

"So.." He continued. Hands shoving into the front pockets of his pants. He was wearing only the dress shirt of his suit now. His blazer was left back int the car. The boy even dressed well. Wow. "Camila and Alex seem to be really hitting it off."

"Yeah." I nodded. "I'm so happy for them. Alex seems like a really nice guy."

The water splashed over our feet. Both our pants were rolled up to our ankles as we walked along the shoreline, letting the cool water wash over them.

"Oh yeah, Alex is the best. He'll take good care of her." He leaned in closer. "I'll make sure of it."

We shared a small laugh. Sebastian's laugh slowly faded out first before he took a small glance at me and spoke again.

"You know, I gotta admit—I didn't know how this whole blind date thing was going to turn out?"

"Neither did I." I shook my head. "I've never been on a date before, nevertheless, a blind date."

"No way has a girl like you never been on a date before." He paused, head turning back to me.

"And why is that so shocking?" I asked looking towards him. Genuinely curious of his response myself.

"We'll for starters, you're very attractive." He meant went he said that. I can tell. "You're also sweet and genuine. What guy wouldn't chase after you?" He wondered.

"I always thought it was because I was exactly what you mentioned why guys don't go after me." I placed some strands of hair behind my ear. "Guys my age aren't looking for that right now."

Sebastian nodded, understating where I was coming from. Then he smiled and spoke again. "You're right, guys your age aren't looking for that." He took a pause. "But guys a year older are." He chuckled. "In fact, guys a year older are actually begging their friends to take them out on a blind date with a girl like you."

A smile appeared in my lips, eyes lighting up as he looked back down at me. For a second there, our eyes met. In my mind I imagined fireworks ignoring the dark sky behind him. His deep blue eyes focused into mine made my heart begin to skip a beat.. He was so charming.

"Wait?" I asked. "You knew I was going to be your blind date?"

Sebastian looked down at me, hands still at his front pockets as he nervously rocked himself. He shrugged his big shoulders. "I knew Alex was talking to Camila... And I know you two are friends..." He lips shyly broke into a smile. "I was just really hoping you were the friend she brought today."

Wow. What does one even say to this? I really only just met the guy. Shaking away the intriguing sparks, I place a strand of hair behind me ear. My eyes turned around to look forward towards the beach. If I kept looking at his eyes, I would've probably fainted onto the sand. The beach will calm me, yes, the fresh salt breeze will bring me back down to earth. It had to.

"I'd like to see you again, Elena."

I looked at him again. Even in the darkness of the night, I noticed Sebastian's cheeks turn into a light shade of red. Oh my God.. Was this happening? Was this really happening!!?

I had no answer for him. I just never pictured myself being liked by a guy like him. So sweet and caring, yet very outgoing and proper. Having a relationship with Sebastian Steel would be one for the movies.

I didn't get the chance to reply to his comment for my eyes were shut closed.. They opened again as soon as I heard Sebastian chuckle, only to once again, flutter closed as his other hand met my cheek.

"Say you'll let me take you out." He smiled. "On a real date this time."

The waves kept crashing in the background, against our feet. Without a moment to waste, the plump texture of Sebastian's lips crashed with mine.

The fireworks ignited...

The actions I displayed were surprising even for myself. He drew back briefly, but I barely gave him enough time to look at me before I brought my hand around his neck and pulled him back in. I smiled in the kiss. My heart began to pound against my chest. Soon enough, both our chest were pressed into one another's.

Tonight was my first kiss with Sebastian Steel...

—E N D  O F  F L A S H B A C K—

I shifted back to reality with the strong feeling of nostalgia overpowering my senses.

This is sad.. This is really sad.. Why am I like this? Why do I keep doing this to myself, reminding myself of everything good I had in my life and how now it's all lost...

I pity myself.

Swirling my glass one more time, I gripped the long frame of the glass and took a big gulp. The alcohol ran bitterly down my throat. Was it obvious I wasn't used to drinking? I think the most alcohol I ever had was that first night I met Sebastian, and half of the reason why was because a majority of it was thrown onto me by a big drunk giant!

My thoughts immediately became interrupted. The sight of a young guy approaching the bar me halt and just—look at him...

The boy was hot. No, seriously! Even from my seat I noticed the small droplets of sweat glimpsing from the ends of his light brown hair. He seemed pretty pumped, someone was obviously having a good day.

"Throw me a regular, Carls." He spoke as he took a seat, just three stools down from the corner in which I sat. I witnessed first hand the new mystery boy from three stools down.

The bartender smiled at him and flashed her two index fingers back at him with a snap. "You got it!"

The boy didn't waste another second. I believe my staring became obvious because the next second his head turned to look at me. A smile, goofier yet sweeter than I've ever seen before approached his lips. It suited him, in a way? I was just embarrassed he caught me staring at him.

"You know, you should take a picture it'll last longer." He chuckled, speaking loud enough for me to hear across the bar and over the pounding club music.

Nervously, I looked down at my glass. Shaking my head in disbelief.. I can't believe I just got caught. I wasn't even trying to look at him, I just did.

"I'm sorry." I apologized. "Don't mind me.."

"What?" He asked me, unsure of what I was trying to tell him. "No, actually. I'm quite flattered." He smiled, pressing a hand to his chest.

I only smiled, not sure of what to say next. The almost empty glass became my focal point now, I was afraid if I looked back at him I'd nervously just stare again.

"Are you here alone?" He asked again.

This time I did look back. If he's nice enough to want to continue conversation with a sad, lonely girl at the bar then maybe I should try to be nice back.

"Friends actually." I nodded.

My head glanced over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of my friends yet again dancing, laughing, and having the time of their lives. The boy caught that too.

"And how come you're not dancing with them?" He asked moments after, his gaze focused solely on me.

I turned to him and shook my head. "Not much of a dancer."

"So you come to the club to... play chess?" He stated sarcastically.

I couldn't even be mad. His dumb, sarcastic remark made me wonder myself. What am I doing here?

I laughed. "Actually, I hear clubs are the best place to get prepare for chess."

"Is that so?" He arched a brow.

I nodded, "Chess is all about making the right move. Isn't that what majority of these people are doing here anyways? You score the right move, you leave with the queen." I smirked, taking the last sip of my drink.

He looked around, turning on his back to lean his elbows on the countertop. "Well then... I guess I stand corrected." He smiled with my ideology. I can't believe I just came up with that too? His eyes turned to look down at my glass.

"Here's your drink." The bar tender interrupted, handing the very curious guy the drink he requested, a glass of what looked like vodka—soda. I wasn't paying much attention but I noticed he started waving his hand out at the bartender.

As I set my glass down, I noticed the boy was now walking closer to me. The playful grin was immediately faded from my lips. I now stood watching him with wide eyes as he came to the stool right besides mine and took a seat. The boy was even more cuter than from afar. I don't know how to explain it really, again, I have three of these babies already in my system and my mind is just blurting out any thought I had in mind. But there was something about him.. Something different.

His hair was light brown, similar to mine but maybe just a hint lighter. The boy had light brown eyes too. The smile, corny and goofy as I remembered it from before made a congenial reappearance as he spoke.

"Here you go." He smiled as he set his glass on the counter in front of me. "Don't worry, it's not spiked... My coworker just made it... You deserve a drink after comparing chess to the club." He laughed.

"Your coworker?" I furrowed my eyebrows.

The guy nodded. "I DJ here.." He replied, feeling some sort of achievement in his words.

His arms were strong. I watched his muscle contract as he grabbed the new glass the bartender brought him. It was the same thing he had ordered before. I watched as he continued to swirl the cup. I think I had a couple few drinks in me because I was mesmerized by the guys every move.

Wake Up, Elena!

The playful grin couldn't be wiped off my face. Something told me I was going to have a good time with this guy..

"I'm sorry, does that distract you?" He grinned.

"Is it suppose to?" I asked.

The boy smiled, biting his lip towards my retaliation. The cutest laugh fell from his lips, igniting a spark inside me.

I'm becoming tipsy.

"Alright." He laughed, taking a sip from his drink. "How come you're really here alone?"

"I told you, I'm here with my friends." I replied, following his actions with my own drink.

"Yes, the ones that are all the way in the other side of the club." He chuckled. "Why are you all alone... At the bar?"

"We just met." I shook my head.

I looked at him for a good minute or two. I was unable to think about what to do next. Should I speak? Should I not? I was honest about the whole We Just Met thing. It's not like me at all to just talk about my personal life.. Especially with a stranger. I don't care what psychology has to say, that many people find talking to strangers about their personal problems easier than someone they already know.. I will be in that small percent that begs to differ.

"C'mon." He gently nudged my arm. "I'm trying to play chess here." He joked.

I glanced at him with a playful grin. I liked this guy. He found nothing but amusement in my reaction as he kept insisting. There was something in the way he looked at me, a look of interest that kept me going. Oh Gosh.. I am sooo gonna regret this tomorrow..

"Don't worry about me being alone, just worry about what you're going to do to change that." I playfully smiled. These drinks really had an out for me... I would never say this stuff sober.

His laugh sent goosebumps down my body. I couldn't believe I was allowing myself to feel this way? I'm still not over what happened with Sebastian. He was my true love. This guy.. He's just a guy at the bar?

"Well then." He smirked, "Why don't I start with a proper introduction."

"I'm Andrew." His held his hand out for a handshake.

A small giggle escaped my lips as I touched his hand with my own.

"Elena."

Arching his brow, his hand brought the glass up to his lips. I replicated the action.

"Let the game begin." He smiled.