Notes:

Additional Cast:

Dulce Maria as Nina Andrews

Vanessa's POV

We are almost halfway through October. Isn't it weird? I've been a freshman for more than a month now so I guess I can say I made it. College doesn't seem so frightening after all and the fact that I am following a schedule makes it easier. I must admit though I kinda overdid it with the number of lessons that I took. There are multiple projects coming my way and that puts such a pressure on me. It's a good thing that for some of them I have a partner. Tiffany is really punctual and interested in our project for Introduction to Journalism and so is Beth in Newswriting and Reporting. That isn't the case with Nathan though. Anyway, I have made a deal with myself to ignore his presence and realize that I practically have no partner for International History I. I can make it on my own. Well, the truth is that it won't be that easy but I certainly don't need him.

I am heading towards the library to meet Sophie for a study session. Since we don't share the same field, we won't be studying the same thing but we can keep each other company and make small talk. I am making progress into realizing when it is indeed a good time to attempt to start a conversation with her and when to keep my mouth shut. It gets easier time by time and Sophie is now more open to discuss with me. She has been through so much just in one month as a college student. One thing that hasn't changed is her punctuality and interest in being ahead of her classmates, so me and her make the perfect study buddies.

I get into the imposing library building and take a glance around. There aren't many students seeking for a place like this to get concentrate on their academic future. It isn't a matter of place really. They just prefer other activities thinking October is way too soon to study. That is not how I see it. I don't spot Sophie here so I go up to the first floor. Still no sign of her. I hope she didn't forget. Or worse bailed on me. I shouldn't freak out. We are almost officially friends right now. I haven't seen her since Sunday when I popped at her and Joseph's place without an invitation really but I was so worried. She had been quite distant and that made me think of at least a dozen scenarios on what could possibly have gone wrong. Thank God, nothing bad has happened. She was just struggling with others' opinion on who she is, something that shouldn't have bothered her a bit. She is such a strong and brave person, more than she could ever imagine. You can fight against so many things in the world but never against your own feelings. They will be the one to win the battle eventually.

I sit by the window. I love making little pauses from studying and just look at our faculty's amazing garden. I am about to place my things on the desk when Sophie gets outs of the elevator. She is wearing dark blue jeans, a light blue cardigan with a white shirt underneath, and a black blazer that reaches just under the hips.

"Sophie!" I whisper and raise my hand for her to see me.

"Hey!" She whispers loudly. She sits next to me, carrying her backpack and a paper bag. "I brought donuts." She says gesturing the bag.

Okay, Sophie never sits next to me. I believe that makes us OFFICIALLY friends. We have come to study at the library a couple times and this has never happened. Like ever. I remember at the start of the month when she had proposed a study session after the LGBT gathering. I couldn't believe my ears. She was so adorably awkward when she showed up with a bakery box with the best chocolate pie I have ever eaten! We kept our focus on our books for most of the time but we kind of made some conversation. The following week, to my surprise she texted me again. That time we spoke even more during our almost 3-hour study session and when Joseph came to pick her up, she didn't seem upset when he invited me to the grill to have dinner with them. Step by step she has opened up as a person and if you ask me, I think that it is because of Robin. The fact that Sophie has fallen for her, has opened up her heart in a new way. Even if she has just realised it and confessed this to us just a couple days before.

"My favourites!" I beam at her. "Well, one of my favourites to be exact!" I love donuts but I love other sweets as well. "How are you doing, Sophie?" I ask her concerned. I texted her after the so called 'big news' she shared with me and Joseph on Sunday to check up on, her but I wanted to see her in person to make sure she is alright, so I proposed a meeting for today.

She smiles warmly at me putting her glasses on. "You say the word 'favourite' for every sugary thing I have brought. You eat a lot of candy, it's not healthy for you. You should be more careful." She shrugs. "I think I am ok. I guess." She lowers her head.

"I am a candies person, I can't help it! But I will keep that in mind." I giggle. I am astonished by Sophie today. And I have been with her only for two minutes. First of all, she does remember my comment on the sweets she brings along? I always use the word favourite because I can't choose really. All sweets are the same to me. Except marshmallows, they are on top. Secondly, she does care about my well-being? She advised me for my own sake. Oh, and let's not forget the most important of them all: this is the first time she genuinely smiled at me. "You do look okay. I am glad you feel like that as well." I smile at her too. "Have you seen Robin?"

"Thank you. It feels better...and no, I didn't go to class on Monday, so I didn't see her....but I found a present for her. I hope she likes it." She seems nervous. "Can we go all together to the party? I would feel better I guess, if you were there. Joss is not a girl." She shrugs again.

"Yes, of course! Sure!" I know that this is not the time to celebrate the progress on my friendship with Sophie but she just asked me to be there for her on such a stressing moment. I want to hug her to let her know everything will go okay but I shouldn't overdo it. "You didn't feel ready to see Robin yet, huh? I think taking your time is the best thing to do. Besides, her birthday is almost here. What did you get her?"

"I did some research and I got her a necklace. Here." She puts her phone out and shows me a picture of said necklace.

"Wow, this is so beautiful, Sophie!" I remark impressed. "Robin will definitely love it!"

" I hope so. It made me think of her eyes." She whispers that part. Oh Gosh, she is so on cloud nine! She stays quiet for a while and then looks at me looking serious. "Vanessa....do you think there is a chance she likes me?" She looks sad and uncertain.

"There is not just a chance. There are so many chances!" I give her a reassuring smile. "You are one of a kind, Sophie! I've known you since we were little girls, well not know- know you, but I've seen you grown up into a brilliant wonderful woman and so ready to give love. One thing is certain to me, if Robin likes you back, she will be really lucky to have you." She looks at me frowning and then looking down at her hands that play with the hem of her cardigan.

"I know I may be a few months late, but I am sorry." She says.

"Sorry?" I ask puzzled. "About what?" She takes a deep breath, exhales loudly and looks at me.

"About the valedictorian thing. I made a scene, and I was angry that you got to be the best, but I feel guilty...because knowing you made me realize you were worth it. You deserved it. And I was being a child. My reaction runs deeper than you though. It was not your fault....I am also sorry for not being polite with you all these years, and that I formed an opinion without knowing you well. I am sorry I threw that cake on you on your birthday and I am sorry for not making an effort to be your friend. Maybe now we would have been close friends. Maybe we can be now?" She asks.

"Now we are." Now this is the time for the hug. I open my arms and wrap her in a warm embrace. I don't say nothing else because if I open my mouth, I know I will be crying till eternity. Sophie is such a lovely person and it breaks my heart that she has these high so-called standards to fill up to. Life is not a competition and I can see that now she knows.

Just as the hug breaks, she whispers a 'thank you' and wipes discretely her eyes, taking her glasses off. We turn to our seats and start reading our gigantic books. We enjoy the silence in between, just like true friends know how to.

Alice's POV

I can't believe the weather is so great, even if it is middle of October. It's still chilly, but nothing can't stop the people from sitting at the campus courtyard. I am walking with Nina, holding a food bag,while we're trying to find a great spot to eat.

Nina is pacing cheerfully and she's filling me in with the latest updates on her relationship with Matt.

"Alice I am telling you last night's sex was the best so far! I believe I can fly!" She chirps full of happiness and her whole face looks refreshed, as it lights more than the sun.

"I heard you the first time and I think I fully got it between the 5th and the 6th." I say, eye rolling since she hasn't stopped talking about her last night with Matt. All she does is giving me a guilty look.

"Sorry, but I can't hold my feelings. I have to share them with my friend and that cariño, it's you!" she gives me a wide smile,making me chortle.Her eyes are full of happiness and who am I to ruin her mood? I really like seeing her like this.

"I don't even get paid for that!" I smirk and she laughs. "Anyway I am so happy that your sex life is so great, while mine is nonexistent!"

"How long it's been since the last time?"

"Give or take around 5 months!" I reply really casually, while Nina's eyes widen and she stops to face me.

"What???? Why?"

"Well it was before my ex left to Europe and after him I didn't have another relationship."I answer in a calm tone, like I was talking about the weather. "And I don't like one night stands!" I add, as Nina has already opened her mouth to talk. "I like feeling comfortable with the other to take the next step."

"Alice you're so romantic, even though you show the profile of a tough person." she chirps, grabbing playfully my cheek. Nina is always cheerful and I like that trait of hers, but sometimes I can't even handle that positive energy. "Speaking of feeling comfortable... Look who sits over there." She stretches her hand to show me.

I look carefully and I discern two people sitting on the grass, really close to each other.

"That's Joseph!" I announce.

"Yup! Who's that girl sitting next to him with zero space between them?" Nina asks really curious.

"I guess one of his groupies." I exhale and I feel a nagging bouncing in my stomach.

I lock my eyes on them to see who's that girl, that is completely attached to him. Wait a minute... I know her.

"That's Sophie!" I exclaim and Nina gives me a puzzled look. "It's Joseph best friend!" I explain to her, 'cause I remember the pre cinema presentation that Vanessa did for me.

I didn't give much attention to Sophie that night, because all my senses were centered on Joseph. Everything else was set on the background and I only cared about giving a piece of me to that egomaniac sex machine.

The only thing I remember about her is that she was sourpuss the whole night,as she was giving deathly glares to everyone. I can't blame her though, since Joseph and I weren't the definition of civilised people that night.

"They don't strike as friends to me." Nina snaps me out of my flashback.

"Why?" I ask trying to figure out on which facts Nina bases her speculations.

"Just look how close they are! She is literally hanging up on him."

I take a better look and that's true. Her head is leaned on his arm and she has hugged really tight his arm. Joseph doesn't seem to mind that close physical contact. He's chilling like alwaysas he's talking to her.

"Well, best friends do that!" I try to justify.

"I don't know how you define the term best friends, but this view doesn't look very friendly to me. Maybe they are 'that kind of friends'." Nina shapes quotations marks with her fingers.

I take another look at them. I don't know how to explain what I see. I have a best friend, but we don't get that physical in public. Also Joseph is not the relationship type of guy, so him having a relationship with Sophie is invalid, but what my eyes see and Nina's observations make my brain think otherwise.

"You know what?Let's go over there and find out!" Nina says,catching my wrist.

Oh my God! Why Nina is so freaking curious? When something catches her attention, she can't let it go that easily.

"No!!!It's lame and I won't do it!" I move my hands all over the place.

"Yes you will! We are just going to say hi to them! There is no way we hand Joseph over to that snob Ice Queen !"

"We??? Talk about yourself! I am not interested in his personal life as long as he doesn't display it in front of me!" I yell at her and she crosses her hands. "Also why are you talking like that about her? Do you know her?" I point to Sophie's direction.

"No, but I've heard some things from Matt. He said Joseph's best friend is a bit unsociable and she doesn't talk to people very easily. He also said that she's a bit abrupt, because of that."

"You translated those words to snob Ice Queen?"

"Basically yes, because Matt is so benevolent, so I guess that what he meant, by saying that!" She gives me a meaningful look and I exhale. "Anyway, let's go greet him!" She exclaims and she drags me down the road.

Oh God! That plan of hers is so lame and degrading. Why am I following her?

When we approach them Joseph flashes one of his famous red carpet alike smiles, while Sophie seems really displeased by our presence. Their position never change, not to mention Sophie squeezes Joseph's arm tighter!

"Hey Joseph!" Nina greets with a wide smile.

"Hello ladies!" Joseph greets us back. His eyes move between me and Nina.

"Hey Joseph!" I greet him, with a coy smile. Then I turn my eyes to Sophie. "Hey Sophie!"

Sophie is looking at us, uninterested and slightly pissed.

"Can't you see this is private convo?" She asks raising her eyebrow and clenching her jaw.

What did she say? How can she be so rude? Well said the quote show me your friends and I'll tell you who you are.Before I utter a word Joseph beats me to it.

"Soph, where are your manners?"

"I think she dropped them somewhere this morning." I raise an eyebrow, looking intensively at her.

"Mockery is not the product of a smart mind. Can you go now?" she keeps staring at us with a bitchy look.

Excuse me, who does she think she is? She thinks that's a clever line? I can't tolerate an attitude like this nor from a boy nor from a girl!

"Ok, look Missy!" I shout, pointing my index finger.

"Hey hey! Calm down! Stop the catfight!" Joseph chimes in, looking once at me and then at Sophie. 

After that he whispers something to her, grabbing her hand and Sophie nods her head.Her posture is more relaxed now, so I guess he whispered something like 'Chill or behave yourself'. Ren does that to me quite often, since I get frustrated very easily and I blurt out anything that comes to mind or I am ready for a fight. But Ren doesn't use physical contact like that, especially in the presence of others.Nina stays quiet the whole time, as she didn't expect a simple greeting resulting to something like this. 

Then she decides to talk being her cheerful self."Um hey! I am Nina! Nice to meet you."

She doesn't stretch her hand for a handshake though. I suppose she keeps some safe distance.We are expecting for an answer at least, but all that snobby bitch does is eyeroll. Seriously? She can't even act civilized? She thinks she's too good to talk to us? I think Nina's characterization was to the point and she could add way more things, without exaggerating.This has taken its toll on me and I am sure this isn't going to end well. I probably should take Nina and leave, because this will end with blood.

I give my attention to Joseph."I think your 'friend' doesn't appreciate us much, so it's better to leave. We want to enjoy our lunch." I say in a sharp voice.

"Sorry it's actually a bad time. I'd like you to stay girls, but Sophie would like some privacy." Joseph is looking apologetic.

"Um, ok! See ya!" I tell him and Nina says goodbye as well. I observe she is examining both Joseph and Sophie. I am sure she will fill me in with all her discoveries from that research. She would be a great addition to the Sociology Faculty.

As we are about to leave Joseph pokes Sophie and all she does is huff and puff."Wait!" She speaks and we stop. She wants a second round? I am willing to give it to her now. I look at her, waiting for her strike. 

She gives me a sullen look and plays with her fingers."I apologize for my behavior." She states calmly and her head falls. 

Joseph gives her a coy soft smile and my eyes widen in surprise. I don't know from what. Sophie's apology,if that's a real one or Joseph's proud smile at the end? Like it was a huge achievement.Then we turn our backs and leave them.

When we've got enough distance, Nina turns to me with her mouth ready to open.

"Not a single word!" I glare at her.

"I will explode, if I don't speak and that will burden you till eternity." She exclaims and I eyeroll. I am about to object, but what's the point? She's going to speak no matter what.

"Ok! Wait to find somewhere to sit at least, before you overanalyze your crazy Jossie theories." I warn her and she gives me a thumbs up.

After a while we find ourselves sitting on the grass under a large tree's shadow. We take out our food and start eating, but Nina doesn't miss a second and starts.

"What the hell was that? You did see them, right? It wasn't just me!" She says without taking a simple breath. "She spat at us without a reason! And she had that superior attitude, like she was royalty!" She continues and I nod in condescending. "Alice, well said!" She finishes loudly.

"I could have said a lot more, but it wouldn't end well. I didn't want to ruin smartypants little princess face!" I make grimace and Nina giggles.

"I really don't know why a cool and hot guy like Joseph dates a girl like her!" Nina remarks and almost get choked with my food.

That comment really caught me out off guard. I don't know which word stroke me the most. Them dating or that Nina find Joseph cool and hot?

"What are you saying?" I manage to say between my coughing and I drink some water right away.

"You saw them with your own eyes as I did with mine!" Nina points out, as she starts eating her lunch too.

"I don't follow you! Please enlighten me!"

"It's not possible you didn't observe it. First, I won't even comment on how they were sitting on the grass. She was attached to him!" Nina shouts and some people turn their heads to our direction confused.

"Nina, can you keep it down? All the people are staring at us, let alone the majority knows Joseph." I chide her in a low voice and Nina nods.

What Nina said was right! They were really close. Sometimes I sit close with Ren as well, but nothing too intimate like that. It might be because as a person I don't like getting too physical with other people and also does Ren, since Japanese people are not fond of physical interaction either.

"Second..." Nina continues,snapping me out of my thoughts. "Did you see how he talked to her? He whispered something and she calmed somehow... Let me finish." She puts her hand in front of my face, as I was ready to interject. "PLUS THE hand touching." She high-pitches at first, but suddenly she lowers her voice, in a collusive way.

She's right! The hand touching didn't feel right to me either.

"Ok I'll give you that, but it doesn't mean they're actually dating! Joseph is a notorious womanizer!"

"Maybe they're having an open relationship..." She speculates and I give her an Are-you-kidding-me look. "Ok, I am still working on that part! But you saw how Joseph sent us away to do the favor to his little princess." Nina exasperates. "She bosses him around and if you are right and they don't date, imagine how worse she will be as the actual 'ms.Nelson'! He will dance to her tune as she's cracking the whip." She splutters and the more she does the more I think she exaggerates. I can't hold it anymore,resulting to burst out laughing.

"Nina, I admit I was furious by the Grace of Monaco, but you really made me forget, by saying all these nonsense." I am trying to stop laughing, but it's impossible. Nina gets bothered a bit by the nonsense word, but then she flashes a wide smile to me.

"Laugh at my face, but you see who holds the reins." She moves her finger in front of my face.

I could never imagine Joseph living by someone's rules. He's carefree and he doesn't want to be tamed. That's what I take from him, every time we meet.

"I tell you... those womanizers settle down with women that they know their whole lives and I am informed that those two know each other for a very long time." Nina continues analyzing that ridiculous subject, that I am not interested of hearing anymore. I don't know if I am just tired or bothered by it. Joseph and Sophie being a couple? Nina planted me that idea for good and I want to punch her for that.

"Ok ok, you've made your point! Let's talk about something else now. They are not the center of the world." I shout moving my hands.

I don't care what Joseph does. He can date with a billion women or his best friend. I am not going to let this stupid incident and Nina's theories affect me, but still this annoying nagging doesn't leave my stomach.

A/N: Thanks for reading! We try to keep the updates as often as we can. Don't hesitate to comment and ask us whatever you want.