Notes:

Additional cast:

Wallace Shawn as Mr Theodors

Margot Robbie as Susan

Vanessa's POV

It is unbelievable how fast time flies. Here I am on the last day of my first semester as a freshman. I couldn't imagine a better way for this to end than attending Mr. Theodors' class. I think he is by far my favorite professor. I am really looking forward for his last class. Is Nathan going to be there? I am looking forward to see him too. Kind of. We have passed so much time together in the past weeks working on our International History I project that he practically became a part of my daily routine. I mean, I got used to him being around, that's why I am missing him, right? Right. What else could it be? He was a pretty decent partner and that's all. And I haven't seen him since Thanksgiving which was a week ago. And he said we are friends so that explains why I am feeling what I am feeling. The term "special friends" comes to my mind reminding me the label of our relationship. I hate that term now because it is so multidimensional. Like special friends because I don't let him call me 'dude'? Or because he doesn't treat me like the others? Maybe the reason could be that he thinks of me as someone special indeed. But does that amplify that he "expects" things from his special friend? As turning me into a special friend with benefits? He must have a hundred of those so that wouldn't make me special at all. Plus and most importantly, I wouldn't allow it! Even if I am in no position to control my own actions whenever I am around him. Take for example what happened at the victory party after his game which was exactly 13 days, 14 hours and a couple minutes ago. Not that I think about it a lot, I have made a secret vow to myself not to. It is so hard though, almost impossible. I can't avoid replaying the scene in my head every time I see him or someone mentions his name or I drink my chocolate and I smell the caramel flavor. Or when I study at the library and even at my room because we have spent time together at both places. This turns my attempt not to think about Nathan in a total failure. But I have promised myself that I'll fight to keep this thought at the back of my mind.

"Morning, Vanessa." Nathan whispers in my ear, his breath tickling the back of my neck. See? It is like he is destined to be stuck on my brain.

"Haven't I told you ....?" I guess I have to remind him once again.

"To stop doing this? I know, I know. Sorry, I simply can't." He plays with the hands of his bag as he gives me his most innocent look. He is wearing a blue sweater and jeans. His hair is up leaving his forehead clear and his eyes free to put under their spell everyone around including me. Not me! I have to resist.

"Ready for our last class together?" He takes a step back for me to lead the way.

"Yes. I will miss Mr. Theodors for sure. I am definitely taking International History II next year." I sit by the window at Nathan's classical seat and he sits next to me.

"Of course you are. You can't escape dealing with such boring things." He eyerolls.

"It wasn't that boring, was it?"

"Maybe." He smirks.

"I thought this class would be a total disaster but I quite enjoyed it." I confess my first impressions.

"How so?" Nathan asks sarcastically already knowing the answer.

"Because of you of course. Do I have to remind you we didn't start off at the best circumstances?" I raise an eyebrow at him.

"We've come a long way since then, haven't we?" He pulls his chair closer and rests his head on his hand while steadying it on my desk. I hate how much I envy for him to do these little things for no reason. To lean closer, touch my hand, caress my cheek, tuck my hair behind my ear.

"Yeah, we have." I mimic his gesture steadying my head on my hand as well and smile at him.

"Can you keep a secret?" He lowers his voice. Not that anyone pays attention to us. Or maybe we don't pay attention to anybody else.

"Yeah." I speak at the same tone narrowing my eyebrows. I am intrigued to hear what he is about to say.

"I did enjoy this class too, even if I would never expect it. Not even in a million fucking years." I smile again at his use of words.

"Sometimes as much as you think you have all figured out, life has a way of surprising you with unexpected things." This comes out more as an admission to my own self. Nathan's eyes are wide open and his mouth forms a little o.

"Yeah, it fucking does." He says after a while smirking and I giggle.

"Good morning my dear students. I am totally unprepared for our last class together but I will do my best to hold my tears until the very end." Mr. Theodors says clearing his glasses. I didn't notice he was here already. Nathan returns his chair at his desk and we both smile as Mr. Theodors begins the lecture. He praises our interest for his class and our projects which he hasn't entirely read but he swears that just a glare was enough to see that. He then explains us the form of the exams and emphasizes on some specific time periods, giving us a hint on what he is going to question. Mr. Theodors dismisses us with his adorable bow and we all stand up clapping which leads into him wiping his tears with the handkerchief he always has in the pocket of his shirt.

"That was moving." I tell Nathan as we leave the classroom.

"Or too theatrical." He raises his eyebrows.

"I don't believe it was an act. Mr. Theodors is the sweetest professor ever." I defend him once again to Nathan even though something tells me he keeps teasing me on purpose about this. Like he does with so many other things.

"It's like he popped out from another century." He says.

"Yeah, just like Outlander!" I can't help but make the connection to one of my favorite shows.

"What is that?" He frowns.

"Just one of the best romances of all time." I sighand he mimics me as we walk down the hallway. "I am serious!" I pat his shoulder laughing.

"What is it about?" He asks with interest.

"It is about a married woman from the 1940s who accidentally falls back in time, about 2 centuries. She then meets someone who saves her life multiple times and even marries her to protect her. But then they fall in love and it comes so naturally, like they were always meant for each other even if that seems quite absurd considering they have nothing in common. They face so many obstacles together, they are been torn apart. Their love is so strong that is beyond time. It is a really wonderful show. And the books are breathtaking as well." I give him some basic hints to get a glimpse.

"So you're talking about a woman who cheated on her husband and got married with another one? This is called bigamy, it isn't legal and she is practically a whore." He raises a finger for every observation.

"She is not! She had no other choice! And she loved them both, just in a different way. She did what she had to do to survive and return to her timeline and her husband but then she fell in love with Jamie and that wasn't supposed to happen!" I wave my hands all over the place to let him see the difference. He watches me pretty amused.

"You know all this romantic crap you watch and read have nothing to do with reality itself, right? You should get down of this pink cloud you're living. Eventually." He pats me on the head.

"I am not living on a pink cloud!" I cross my arms offended.

"Yeah, you're just obsessing over things that ain't happening like a fool daydreamer." He insists as a hand gets in his way and makes him stop walking.

"Hello, Nathan." A blonde girl greets him while biting her bottom lip. I think my description was pretty poor. A blonde girl who resembles a Victoria's Secret angel with red lips and striking blue eyes blocks Nathan's way.

"Hello to you too, Susan." He scans her whole body with his eyes. I don't blame him. I am doing the exact same thing. How can she have literally no flaws at all? She is wearing a short black tight dress which points out her perfect curves and over the knee black boots. She is undeniably beautiful, more than beautiful and can foreshadow everyone close to her, including myself of course. I am nothing like her.

"How are you?" she asks while her finger trails down Nathan's chest. She is beautiful and confident. That I could say by her outfit as well but what I am most jealous of is how naturally she gets physical with Nathan without breaking their eye contact even for a second.

"Good. Just got out of class." Nathan answers.

Have they ever gotten more physical than this? You know.. like touched each other at other places too and kissed and went beyond that as well? They seem so comfortable with each other which leads me to the conclusion they might have. They sure have, who am I kidding? I can't fool myself when body languages speaks for itself! Susan seems like she just acknowledged my presence as she gives me a puzzled look.

"Um, this is Vanessa." Nathan puts his hand behind his neck and does the introductions. "This is Susan."

"Nice to meet you, Vanessa." She smiles and stretches her hand for a handshake. Okay, so she is beautiful, confident and polite. She is a keeper. Is Nathan going to keep her? What if he already has?

"Nice to meet you too." I return the handshake. "Um... The girls are waiting for me at the library so..."

This is true and I am so thankful they are. I told them I would be a little late after class because I thought... Well, I thought wrong and I feel so stupid now! There is this voice in my head that screams to me what is logical, yet my heart keeps seeking for something irrational. I look for someone to blame but this is my fault; that I can see clear. I feel like I am suffocating and I know that I am going to break down in any second. I regain all the strength left in me and wave at Nathan and Susan as I take a step back and leave. I have no time to wait for them to wave back or say goodbye. Maybe they were so lost into each other that they didn't even notice that I left. Stupid Vanessa! Why do I have to be so stupid? I walk fast down the hallway and enter the first bathroom I spot. I know I have to meet the girls at the library but I can't do it now. Not like this. I go into the only empty restroom and lock the door behind me. Now I can let it out. I sit on the floor and begin to cry my eyes out even though I have no idea why.

Sophie's POV

I run as fast as I can when the scary figures try to catch me. I can not see their faces but I am afraid of them and I know I have to run to escape. I run and run but they keep getting closer as I sprint in the woods and every time I look behind the figures are always there..I turn left and I find myself on a clearing, bare of trees and nothing to help me hide from them. I keep running but suddenly the ground beneath my feet disappears and I am about to fall in the abyss but on the last minute my hand finds a tree branch. I struggle to not let go screaming for help but no one comes. I look up to the sky screaming one more time when a figure appears. Mom? It's my mother! I scream for her to help me but she just stands there looking at me doing nothing. I feel my hand slipping and as I close my eyes I let go, letting the abyss envelop me...

"Sophie? Babe? it's ok, it's just a dream." I vaguely hear Robin as she hugs me. I have lost sense of time and space right now, breathing erratically my heart beating like crazy. As I calm down a bit, my mind starts working again.

When I got to Robin's, I was so damn exhausted. I haven't slept in 3 days and my eating schedule is messed up as well. We are all going crazy about the exams studying nonstop but I missed my girlfriend so much that I couldn't spend another day without her. She also looked exhausted, black circles under her eyes and a messy bun made her look like a zombie. We ate and watched a few episodes of Greys but we were just so tired that we went to bed early claiming our usual spots, with her on the inside side of the bed and me on the side next to the nightstand...(I still don't know which side is left and which is right). That's how I now find myself sit up on her bed, sweaty and in a frenzy. I hate exams.They are killing me emotionally and physically.

"Babe, are you ok? Do you need water?" She is caressing my back and holds my hand tightly reassuring me that I am ok. I shake my head a few times because I can't speak yet and then I hug her clinging on her, leaning my head on her shoulder.

"Let's lay down, ok?" she asks again and we fall back to bed with her spooning me. It took me half hour to finally relax again but I know there's no way I will go back to sleep.

"Do you wanna talk about it? Is it because of the exams?" she knows me so well by now, I don't even have to speak...I take a deep breath and I speak with a hoarse voice.

"I always get like that during exams..I am sorry I woke you up, I know you are tired as well...go back to sleep, I will be fine." I tell her and turn to face her. She is looking at me worried as she cups my cheek.

"I will sleep when you do. I am not tired." she says and leans in to give me a small peck. We stay like this for a while as she caresses my cheek, putting my hair behind my ears. The next time she speaks her voice is a whisper. "Can I ask you a question? If you don't want to answer I will respect it, ok?" I nod once again letting her know it's ok to ask.

"You screamed in your sleep......you kept saying 'I am sorry mom'.I don't know a lot about your family but from what you and Joss say I can't help but feel a little intrigued. I have noticed things, Soph...like you always say mother and not mom, but you always say daddy instead of father.....how on edge you are when your mom calls you but so relaxed when your dad is on the phone... you always say you love your family and that your parents are great and Joss says so as well... I guess what I'm trying to ask is..is there a reason you are always anxious and on edge? Why would you apologize to your mom?" I keep looking at her processing her question, seeing what she wants to ask but is afraid to. I bring my hand on her neck giving her a weak smile.

"It's nothing like that Ro, my parents are great. They have never hurt me in anyway, ok? It's not that." I say and she sighs in relief, relaxing as well.

"Then what is it? You know you can trust me, right? Maybe I can help you baby... I don't want you hurting." she insists trying to figure me out. I keep my eyes fixed on her and her worried eyes make me want to tell her, so I speak with more vigor this time.

"When I was a kid, I showed pretty early that I could learn things easily. I talked earlier that the other kids and I could memorize things without an effort. At the age of 5 I used to say I wanted to be a cardiologist, so that made my parents and my family pay extra attention to my learning progress, beaming with joy that I would be something so important. I was an only child at that time so mom would always read with me and give me book after book and I took them all with excitement... By the age of 10 though, I started other hobbies. I would spend my time drawing, copying other drawings pretty well... I would spend hours and hours, not caring about school that much"... "stop drawing sweetie, this is not an occupation. Open your books and do your homework" I say, as I remember my mother's words in my head. "For two years I tried to improve my drawings to show her that I could be the best... That it wasn't silly... But I never got a 'well done Sophie, you are talented'...... I fluked at school for these 2 years and my grades were awful because I didn't want to study..I wanted to prove to her I could be an artist.... When I was 12, my parents told me I would have a brother. I was so excited about it Ro, you can't even imagine! That summer my aunt paid us a visit to see my mother and how her pregnancy was going." I pause for a while to look at Robin. She is focused on me, wiping my cheeks and at that time I realise that I had been crying, but I carry on.

"I was in my room and decided to go downstairs to get some cookies to eat... Mid way, I heard my mother and aunt talking about the baby and how excited they both were. They started talking about what he would look like and what he would do in the future'... "maybe he will be a lawyer like Nick, oh gosh that would be so great, to have another lawyer in the family.. I hope he cares about school...unlike Sophie.. So many potentials going to waste, such a pity..." I say and sit up bringing my head on my knees crying my heart out as I remember my mother's words. Robin sits up as well, peppering my neck with small kisses.

"It's ok babe... Let it all out." but I have to tell her the rest.

"As soon as I heard that... I got upstairs in my room and cried till dad got home. I never drew again after that. Instead I opened my books and tried to show her that I was not a disappointment. My grades became more that satisfying.. Teachers loved me and always praised me in front of her but all that made me super anxious about school... I had nightmares and I was always tired, so they took me to a doctor, I had sessions and stuff, and he suggested herbal pills about anxiety.. They help with stress and sleep.. I have been taking them for 3 years now, usually when I feel the anxiety at an unbearable level. Senior year I thought that besides getting in dad's college, being the valedictorian would be the ultimate success, you know, there's nothing above that, you are the best of them all... So when Vanessa got it I got angry not because I was really angry at her, but because I was angry at myself... That I couldn't be the best..." I turn to look at her and she is tearing up as well.. Great, I completely ruined our night.. She takes me in her arms again and I feel drained... I just want to close my eyes...I think I dozed off for a few seconds because when she speaks her voice startles me.

"You are not a failure, Soph... You are perfect. Your mom didn't mean it like that... You know how parents get over their children's career... She just wanted you to succeed." She says calmly.

"I know... That's the thing... I was feeling all these things but she never knew... She never thought that she was the reason I was so anxious... The pressure I was under... I know that if you think about it it's probably silly, but then, as a kid it really hurt me, Robin... To think you are not enough? That they measure you only by your success? Sometimes I just stared at her waiting for her to say things I wanted her to, but she never did... I never got a ' what are you drawing, Soph?' and I wanted her so much to ask me that...I...know it's stupid...but" my sentence stays unfinished.

"Shhh ... That's not stupid, pretty girl..Never feel stupid for the things you feel..." She interrupts me again putting my hair behind my ear.

"Can we stop talking about it? I am tired of it...I am sorry." I say and lay down closing my eyes tight. I feel her arms around my waist and her head rest on my shoulder as she spoons me again. My heartbeat is like a lullaby and minutes later I am finally ready to sleep.

"You are perfect, babe." Robin whispers and U smile. That is the last thing I remember before sleep comes.

Alice's POV

I have been experiencing a living torture these past 2 weeks. It's finals' period and I am still halfway there! FML! I hate tests! I hate studying and I am bloody bored. I started studying with Vanessa non stop for our exams, after Thanksgiving and I have to admit, she's a great studying buddy. Me, being my usual self, I get distracted really easily, but thankfully, Vanessa is very focused, so she transmitted to me her studying vibes and I knuckled down in my books. Coffee was always present, as it has become my best friend these days, and library has become my second home, as it's better to obtain the mood for studying, by seeing other people studying too. Not to mention, that Vanessa wants a huge desk for herself, so she can spread all over it her notes, pens and markers.

Anyway, today is Saturday and I need to get out of the room. I want to see the sun, in a manner of speaking, since it's December, and the weather is cold and dreary, but I don't mind. It's 1pm. Me and Vanessa, we're up since 9am. Actually, I have made Vanessa my personal alarm clock and she's responsible for waking me up, otherwise I would be doomed. I raise my head from my notes, and I look at Vanessa with the corner of my eye. She's sitting at her chair, in the most weird position a person can sit and she's absorbed.

"Ness, what do you say of going out to relax?" She raises her head and her face looks absent. The studying has taken its toll on her.

"Alice, there is no time for going out! Finals have started and I have to pass all my classes with high grades. Sorry, but I won't be a good company. I will be stressed, thinking about studying and I am sure I will not be able to relax at all." Vanessa babbles as she's freaking out.

"I see!" I answer in a condescending voice. I didn't expect something else, but at least I tried.

"What about Nina?"

"Nina spends most of her time in Matt's house. They study together, so I don't know..." I say sceptical. "What the hell I have nothing to lose." I exclaim and Vanessa flashes me a slight smile.

I take my cell and text her, since I don't want to interrupt anything.

Hola linda! Do you want to go for a walk or anything? I need to see the outside world asap.

Not a second passes before I receive her reply.

Hola bonita! I am so sorry, but I am having a very difficult exam on Monday and it will take my nights away. Not even sex for me this weekend.

I frown the moment I read her text, but I am sure this is a critical situation, if Nina won't be having any sex with Matt.

"Nina is out of the list too." I inform Vanessa and she pouts, before she bends over her books again.

I start checking my contact list, huffing. Someone has to be available. If not, I will go on my own. I don't care! I can't keep on studying like this. I feel like a zombie. Suddenly, a name or, to be a specific, a nickname catches my attention. Pervert alien. That's the one I gave to Joseph, when I got his phone number.

I am sitting still, looking at the contact on my phone. Should I call him or not? If I do, what am I going to tell him? It's so lame. I am so lame. I am acting like it's a big deal, when it shouldn't be. What's more natural than two friends hanging out? Because we're friends, aren't we? I hate that straggling. Suddenly, it strikes me like a thunder. Robin informed us yesterday, she's going to throw a surprise party for Sophie. That means, I have to get her a present and truth be told, I have no idea what. I remember our talking about presents, so I guess I should take her something she really likes. Joseph is the person who knows Sophie best, thus he will be able to help me. That sounds like a good excuse. No, it's not an excuse! I want to shop for Sophie. I really want to hit my head on the wall right now. Anyway, I press the text icon on his contact to send him a message.

Hey! Do you want to go to the mall this afternoon? I want to buy a present for Sophie's bd and I am completely lost. Your knowledge in Sophie-ology can be really useful.

I shoot a glance at the text again and I think it's really casual and friendly. I press send and I put the phone away. I take my book to keep on studying, until I receive his answer, but my mind is on my phone. The moment it vibrates, I jump to catch it. When I realise what I did, I take a glance at Vanessa, but thankfully she has her headphones on and she didn't notice anything. What the hell am I doing? Chill Alice! Chill! I press the text and I read the answer.

Hi! Please Alice don't use lame excuses to go on a date with me! Just be honest! 😉 Meet me there in an hour!

His answer made me chuckle,eyeroll and snort in the same time. Only Joseph does that. I really despise him! I know he has this obnoxious smile right now. I answer him back, just to erase his stupid smirk.

Don't flatter yourself! This is not a date! I am just behind the eight ball here, so shut up! See you there! DON'T BE LATE!

Not a second passes by and here comes his reply.

Keep telling that to yourself!😉

He gets under my skin so easily. It really frustrates me! I am not answering him back, because I don't want to show to him that he affects me, in every possible idiotic way.

I stand up trying to find out what to wear. I have to show him that this is not a date, so jeans, black boots and a sweater. I brush my hair a bit, but some curls are awful. I use my curly iron to create some more. Great! I am decent now. Final step, natural makeup, because I can't go out like this and scare people. Angela's tutorials (my UK friend) were life saving. I am set to go now and little kids won't run away screaming. I take my coat and my scarf, before I inform Vanessa that I am leaving. She nods, not paying much attention and I am off to go.

After some time, I find myself at the mall entrance. The place is full of people with shopping bags wandering around. Christmas is close, so all these people are out for presents. The mall is big, but not huge. It has 3 floors, from which the third has all the coffee shops and restaurants. It's decorated with Christmas ornaments and a huge Christmas tree is in the middle. I love Christmas so much! The only obstacle to get there is the exams and I snort in disappointment.

Then, I spot a familiar figure coming towards me. Joseph is walking, like usual, full of confidence. Seriously, it's like a model parading in front of me. There's no way I am going to tell him that. He's wearing his black jacket with a scarf and jeans with sneakers. His light brown hair is as always perfect, in the usual messy style, and his bangs in a way, not to cover his beautiful hazel blue eyes.

"Hey Alice! Ready for our date?" he smirks the moment he gets next to me.All I do is give him a glare.

"This is not a date!" I try to keep my voice in the normal levels. "This is an appointment, where you are being helpful to me, in order to buy Sophie something nice."

"I guess buying presents it's not among your 101 special abilities!"

"It's not that... It's that I want to buy something that she will enjoy." I confess to him.

"I didn't know you were that close to her!" He looks surprised.

"We had a talk and I told her that many times presents from people can be surprising, so I don't want to surprise her in a bad way."

"It's true that Soph doesn't show her discomfort in a decent way and if that discomfort is directed to you, you will throw her out of the window." he jokes and I chortle. He's getting to know me so well. "Sophie 101 first lesson. She likes expensive stuff and what you call chic and sophisticated."

That's true. Her whole style is 'Devil wears Prada' like.

"What are you going to take her?" I ask, so I can get a hint.

"A perfume! The one she has is almost over, so I will get her a new one." he answers me. Well, it's smart and practical.

"Let's go buy yours first!" I propose and maybe I will get an idea later.

"Ok!" he answers with a smile and we go to a beauty shop.

I stare around and I observe him going to the 'Channel' stand. Sophie has an expensive taste indeed. I wait for Joseph to go to the checkout. As I am looking around, I take a look at the men cologne and I wonder which one Joseph is using. It's very intoxicating and alluring. I have to say I am not like some women, who fell in love by smelling a man's cologne, but it doesn't pass unnoticed as well. Especially his. Joseph comes back, having a pretty little bag in his hand and we get out of the store.

"So any ideas?"

"I was thinking of checking the bookstore..." I remark, pointing at its direction.

"Good choice!" he beams at me, before we head towards there.

"Sophie 101 lesson number two. She likes every educational book. She's a knowledge sucker." Joseph comments,when we enter and I approach the bookcase with the proposals.

"Wow! Robin should seriously consider taking up your classes!"

"It would cost her 50$ per hour. You're lucky I am sharing my knowledge with you, for free." He jokes with a wide smile.

"Lucky me!" I brag. "Wait!" I exclaim astonished and I stop at once. "She doesn't like literature?" My face must look, like I am having a stroke.

"No! She thinks it's stupid!" he states like it's the most natural thing in the world.

"What?" I shout. "Literature is amazing! You can find so many genres and you can lose yourself in another reality, in another world or in another time. You can sympathise with the characters and they can teach you many life lessons." I exclaim with passion. Books helped me pass through difficult times, especially my mother's death. Books were there for me, when I didn't want to talk to anyone. When I thought no one would understand me and I love them for that.

"Don't shout at me! I know you are right."

"Do you read?" I ask curiously. I know he likes comics.

"Not fanatically, but I enjoy a good book every now and then. I like crime fiction and fantasy books like Lord of the Rings.You know... Wars, dragons, assassins, battles..." I listen to him surprised, before I open my mouth, but he stops me, giving me a meaningful look. "And because I know what you're about to ask me... Yes Harry Potter is my number one book. Nothing can move it from the throne. Not even Khaleesi's dragons." He points out firmly, like a politician who wants to keep his spot in the government. I keep gawking at him with wide eyes. How can this person combines so many irritating and wonderful traits?

"You take many points on my admiration scale." I smile at him and I can't hide my enthusiasm.

"I guess the second place will have to try really hard to catch me." he quips at me, like he always does. I don't know when I came to be fond of his quips.

"Who said you're first?"

"I know I am first." he winks.

"Keep dreaming!" I quip at him with a snarky attitude. "Anyway, I am going to take a look around." I inform him, before I start gazing around the books. I know that my research will be in vain, but maybe I can take her a large educational book. But this is boring. I don't like to be combined with boring stuff. Sophie will not consider it as boring, but it will ruin my image no matter.

After a small walk, I give up and I look for Joseph, whom I find gawking at a book with a childish smile pinned on his face. I look at the book curiously and the title makes my eyebrow rise.'Lesbians for Dummies.'

"You're thinking of buying it, aren't you?"

"It's so tempting! It's also on discount! It's like the universe wants to pull this prank on Soph!" he smiles mischievously and his face has no differences from a kid's.

"She's going to kill you!"

"I survived after your attack, so I think I'll be fine." he smirks and takes the book from the shelf. This reminds me so much of me and Ren. Ren always pulls a lot of pranks on me as I do on him, but I have to admit he's more imaginative than I am. It's still remarkable, how he manages to perform them from such a long distance.

After the bookstore, I take a look at the store's windows. One's has some interesting stuff, so I nod to Joseph to get in. I start looking at the hangers and a black suit coat catches my attention. I examine it carefully and I think it's Sophie's style. She is a wannabe lawyer and this is perfect for her. It's chic and sophisticated and seriously it's ideal for her. "What do you think?" I show the suit coat to Joseph and he flashes me a warm smile.

"I think she will love it. She will wear it all the time! I am sure of it." Joseph assures me and I beam to him. Great! This is my present. Maybe it's just a piece of an ordinary clothing, but it will be something that someone else considered to give it to her. She will appreciate that someone shares her idea of style. Not to mention, how stylish it is and it screams my good taste in clothes. I can brag that I bought this.

When I am about to go to pay, Joseph speaks.

"What do you think of this dress?" I raise my head and I see him pointing at a doll wearing a black bodycon vest top short dress with lace at the chest area.Oh God! It's an amazing dress. It's really beautiful and so my style.

"Do you think of trying it out?" I quip at him, raising an eyebrow.

"I need to shave my legs first!" he quips back in a hilariously theatrical way, making me chuckle. "I think you should try it out!" he remarks casually and I am jaw dropped. What? Before I even manage to utter a word, Joseph goes to the sale assistant.

"I would like this dress in..." he turns to look at me. "Medium size." The girl nods with a smile and leaves his side. I go next to him, couldn't believe what just happened.

"What the hell are you doing?" I yell at him.

"Shopping?" he answers with a question, like it's too obvious. He always answers like that. Always.

"Don't give me this ignorant attitude. I am talking about the dress."

"It's a nice dress and I think you should try it!" he gives me an innocent smile.

"But I don't want to-" The sales assistant cuts my sentence by giving the dress to Joseph.

"Go ahead!" he urges me, giving me the dress, after the sales assistant walks away from us

"What do you think? That I am your personal doll and you can dress me as you like?" I spit at him, because I can't comprehend his behaviour and spitting at him seems always the easiest and safest road.

"Alice, you're making this such a big deal! It's just a dress! Just try it on." he tells me in a calm voice and all my defences are gone. It's just a dress!

I am getting in the dressing room to put on the dress. I ask from the sales assistant to help me with the zip, since I can't reach it well on my back. Damn! It doesn't have a mirror here, so I should go out. I don't know why I make it such a huge fuss. I always wear sexy dresses and I walk with my high heels in full confidence and sassiness. Why am I feeling this way now? I am taking a big breath and I am going out.

The moment Joseph sees me his eyes widen and he stays frozen. When he snaps out of it, his eyes start checking me out from head to toe. As much as I deny it, I love being under his gaze like this. It's such a guilty pleasure. I love that I have this affection on him and he doesn't even mind to hide it.

"This dress is made for you!" he remarks in a husky voice and his words increase my heart beats in a second.

I go to the mirror and he is so right. The dress is hugging my body curves perfectly. It points out my breast without showing too much, but only as much that is needed to be sexy, and it's in the perfect length. It's amazing.

"I think I have a pretty good eye!" Joseph says in my ear and I suddenly realize he's behind me. I try to keep my breath steady and not let the fact that he's so close to me and eyeing me with seductive eyes, affect me.

"I have to admit you have indeed!" My eyes are stuck on the mirror looking at our reflection.

"So what are you going to do?" he asks me, without taking his eyes off of me. I don't know what to answer. I love the dress and I would have bought it without thinking if I was the one, who had found it. Seriously, I don't know what to do at this moment. I keep looking at it in the mirror, turning around in order to find something, an imperfection, but no. It's perfect. "Come on Alice" he says in a pleading voice. "I know you like it! I know you can see what I see..." He says licking his lip and the sight of him looking at me like that is so hot. I feel his breath on my neck. Did I mention that all my feelings are dancing rumba right now?

"You've won! I'll take it!" I surrender, puffing and a wide smile of pride crosses his face. "Do you take commission of the store?" I joke and he chuckles, before I go back to the dressing room.

Damn it! I can't unzip it. I take my head out of the dressing room's curtain to find the sales assistant.

"Is there a problem?" Joseph notices me and raises his head from the jackets hangers.

"Where is the sales assistant?"

"She went to the stockroom to bring some clothes for another customer.Do you need any help?"

"I am fine! It's just the zip. I will wait for her." I motion my hand, like it's no big deal.

"I can help you." He offers. What?

"Stand where you are!" I command. "This is a restricted area!" I point at the dressing room.

"Come on grumpy Alice! It's just a zip! I promise I won't look!" He puts his innocent face on.

"Like there's any chance to believe you."

"I am starting to believe, there's something more behind this whole aggressive attitude..." he eyes me playfully. "Why else do you make such a big fuss about it?" He smirks.

Asshole! There is nothing more about it! What else could be there? Is there?

"Just to prove you, you're saying gibberish, I will let you do it, but if I catch you peeking or doing anything inappropriate I will break your hand."

"I am a gentleman. Never touch without condescending!" He smiles and comes closer.

I turn my back and I gather my hair at one side. I feel his finger create an electricity on my bare skin and transmit chills through my body, the moment he unzips the dress and the fabric loses its touch with my skin. I fight the urge to close my eyes at this moment.

"Done!" He informs me and I find myself distracted. What is wrong with me? Why am I acting like this? He closes the curtain and I take off the dress.

After a while I am taking Sophie's suit coat and my dress to the checkout. The cashier is the same woman, who gave Joseph the dress.

"Your boyfriend has a really good taste! Not many boys bear this gift!" she points out with a smile and I almost got choked.

"He's not my boyfriend." I say trying to maintain my voice straight and a forced smile on my face. Those words made her pout. "We're just friends."

"I am so sorry I thought that you two..." she tries to justify what she'd just said.

"Don't worry no problem!" I reassure her and she gives me a timid smile, before I pay her.

I take my bags and we're getting out of the store. Joseph keeps having his bragging smile pinned on his face, and it's really irritating. I bought the dress he proposed, but only because it looked so good on me. I am a girl and I can't resist to shopping.

"Mission accomplished!" I exclaim, as we're moving towards the exit.

"Sophie's presents check and your outfit for Sophie's party check." he remarks and I stay astonished once again.

"I didn't take it for Sophie's party!" I counter and he eyerolls.

"I will be expecting you to be wearing that." he winks at me and turns his back to leave. "I had fun on our date!" he shouts from distance.

"It wasn't a date!" I yell really stubbornly, but I can't block the stupid smile appearing on my face.

A/N: Hello to everybody! To those who read loyally, thank you and sorry for the delay! We hope you enjoyed the chapter! xx