Hidden Feelings
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Chapter 1
Everyday before university stops at the coffee shop, it was almost a natural incentive to go there. As usual there was a long queue but he didn't mind as he'd do just
about anything to get a frappacino. Once he got his drink he looked around for an empty seat. The place was full, with just one seat vacant. A female sat there reading her book. He smiled and headed towards her, "
Excuse me," said politely. The young woman wore a pair of slim-framed black glasses, elegantly sitting on the bridge of her nose, "Is this seat taken?"
She smiled and shook her head in a friendly manner, "No." Again, she resumed her book, after flashing him a smile as he took a seat.
exited the shop, looking through the window at the young woman who was still reading her book. Shrugging, he walked to his lecture.
The next day followed the same routine, again, he enter Starbucks. The place wasn't as full as last time; he looked around the vacant seats. As he turned his head he
saw the same girl from yesterday. Even though there were plenty of other seats he decided to take his chance on the same table. Standing near the seat with his frappacino he asked, "Excuse me?" Knowing he had
caught the attention of the female he resumed his question, "Do you mind if I sit here?"
With the comforting smile she replied, "No, go ahead."
In a vain attempt to make conversation he asked, "So, what are you reading?" Immediately after asking the, somewhat, self-explanatory question he cursed What are you reading?
What?...I can see the title right in front of my face. He drank the frappacino like a pub-goer and drained it down.
"Message In A Bottle," came the reply.
He didn't return a reply as he was scared of saying other silly questions.
leaned against the wall, waiting for . Seeing a guy from the corner of his eye he knew it was his friend. He stood up from
his leaning position, uncrossing his arms and taking a look at the time, "Mate?" he rose his arms up in frustration. "What took you so long? Our presentation is in 5 minutes!"
"Sorry, I overlooked the time. I was talking to this girl. Okay, not so much talking, but we did exchange smiles," explained. He had
become infatuated with the girl at the coffee shop ? even though he hardly knew her or anything about her.
"We seriously need to work on your people skills. Before that, we need to get this presentation over and done with. There is no way I'm restarting this year, my parents will kill me,"
said as they jogged to the block.
"Right, now which bird are you talking about?" rubbed his hands, looking at every female in the coffee shop.
", I don't even know her. You're throwing me into the lions already?" asked looking at the
eager face of his friend. would admit that is a good friend but sometimes he'd act without thinking. Now, usually his actions
would be backed up but this was not a ?normal' situation; was actually going to help get this girl even though they are still
strangers to each other.
inspected the girl some more, "You've made my job a little hard ."
"What do you mean? I was happy enough just greeting her," he looked at worried, "You're the one who's forcing this against my will."
raised an eyebrow, "Now what are you talking about? You've been talking about her like you're already going out...anyway I'm trying to
help here. Do you or do you not want to see this girl more often? If you say yes we'll carry on, no, then I'll stop and leave it here."
This ultimatum ran through 's head numerous times. Damn. I've known her for like what? Well only two minutes if only talking counts,
but, what if she thinks I'm stalking her? What...
waved his hand in front of 's blank face, "Well, what is it going to be?"
thought about it for a little longer, "No."
"Okay, I guess, we'll leave it here then. Might as well get a coffee whilst I'm here...are you sure?" asked once again as
's expressions didn't show the same assertiveness as his answer.
"Yeah, for all I know she could be sleeping with anyone," turned his head to see her reading, sitting at the same table as yesterday.
nodded his head in disappointment, "That's a bit harsh, considering you don't know her. If I've learnt anything from dating, it's that you
can't judge a girl before you've even met her." They grabbed they drinks from the counter as ? with one hand in his trouser pocket and the other holding his drink ? looked
around for spare seats, "Well what do you know? The only empty seats are your dream girl. Now if what you said is anything to go by, don't speak!" They walked up to the table, stood behind almost hiding himself completely. "Excuse me, is it okay if we sit here?" asked, laughing quietly,
"This place is busy."
She smiled, "Sure, take a seat."
"Thanks," smiled. "Ooo Message In A Bottle? Sorry, I'm nosey. My mum read that, she cried a lot - especially at the end."
She laughed quietly, "Aww. Right, I'll prepare myself for that then."
and the girl ? , as found out ? talked.
sat uncomfortably, feeling like the third wheel. They were laughing at the funny stories and chatting as if they had known each other for more than the fifteen minutes.
Look at them, talking as if they've known each other their whole lives. How easy is she? They've exchanged numbers already. 's
moves have worked on her, and he says I was too quick to make assumptions rolled his eyes.
Chapter 2
"What's up ?" asked trying to talk to a reserved , whilst keeping concentration
on the road.
"Nothing," replied.
"You've been acting bitter towards me these past few weeks. There's definitely something wrong," quickly glanced at his friend.
"I said nothing," replied with an annoyed tone.
sighed, he knew that it was something to do with but his male ego wouldn't allow it to
suffice. The drive continues to be uncomfortable.
's friend, as she had been for the past few of weeks, was pestering her about some mystery guy. laughed and rolled her
eyes at the typical querying of any guys who stares at , deeming them admirers, "He's not a mystery. Just some guy who goes to my dad's coffee house."
"Who's his friend then?" asked, her elbows leaning on the kitchen top.
"I think his name's . That's what told me. I don't think he likes me anyway; he keeps
rolling his eyes at me and I over heard his, basically, calling me a slut!" answered, wiping the table top.
"What an idiot," huffed, "Don't listen to him. You definitely are not. Does he come to the coffee shop often?" She asked.
"Yes but you're not to do or say anything to him," warned.
"Come on, the guy makes the wrong preconceptions and you're just going to let him get away with it?" asked.
"He can think what he wants. Yeah I hate narrow-minded people but that's just his opinion," replied. She wasn't trying to defend him
but he wasn't worth the hassle. "Anyway we better get going."
looked at who was still giving him the cold shoulder, then he looked towards his notes. Writing more, then he heard
some girls talking from distance. Raising his head from his work he looked around the lecture theatre. His eyes looked around but then his gaze halted to a girl who looked liked . squinted to see if his eyes were showing the true picture. Which uni do you go to? He text to 's number. Once
again he looked up to see the girl bring something out of her pocket. She smiled and her eyes gazed below. His mobile vibrated, Manchester, you? came the reply.
looked at 's mobile, he knew immediately who he was texting.
Same text back I'm in the music department :) he smiled, once the text sent he prevailed to take notes. Again, he looked up to see who looked around. He waved his hand as she looked shocked. chuckled at her wide eyes.
Well this is a pleasant surprise. text, she then prodded with her pencil and pointed at
. let out a small grin.
"! I didn't know you came here," gave him a hug. ", this is and he's ." She whisper to 's left ear, "Please don't stir."
"Hey, so you're the who's swept off her feet," teased, causing to rub the back of his neck and - elbowing 's side -
to cover her face. "Hello...," smirked.
"!" cursed, quietly. "Guys, we'll see you around. Right now we've got some grocery
shopping to do." When they stepped around the corner took 's hand, ", I know
you're being a friend ? and believe me you're a great one ? but you can't hate someone just because of what they did to me. He's not done anything to you so please don't hold that against him."
"Okay, you're right. Fine...but don't hold me on that if he crosses over the line again." warned, giving evils as she saw, from the corner
of her eye, and leaving.
At the shops and walked through the aisles, with pushing the trolley,
"What shall we have for dinner?"
"Pasta," asked holding a packet of spaghetti and frisilli.
"Sounds good to me," smiled. "Lets see...pasta, tomato and basil sauce and minced meat. Oh maybe we should take some garlic
bread too, unless, you want the pasta with bacon, chicken and a little bit of cheese?"
"Hmm...both sound yummy but I think tonight we should go for the bacon one, for a change," replied. "How many calories does this-"
", you're not fat. Stop looking at the calories!" rolled her eyes as she saw her friend
looking through the percentages.
"I'm just kidding. Right, this is all we need. Let's go," she laughed.
Whilst placed the trolley contents onto the conveyor belt 's phone rang, "Hello? Hey
...shopping, you? *Sarcasm* Ooo healthy. Dinner? When? Hmm...I'll check with ..." looked towards , "Are we doing-" immediately nodded her head, whilst her hands signalled ?go'. "I guess not,"
laughed, "Great, I'll see you then. Bye." She shut the claw of her phone and snickered towards , "You were quick to say no.
"
"Please, you need to go out more. You're like a...a....hermit,," stated knowingly.
"Gee...thanks. Now I know what you really think about me," packed up the shopping.
"So? When? Where? Why?" queried as they filled the car boot.
"Tomorrow, six. Where? I don't know. Why? Well, how am I meant to answer that?" asked.
"What's your problem ?" asked raising his arms in the air, frustrated.
"I said nothing," screamed back.
"Obviously it's something. Is it because of ?" asked, collapsing down on the sofa. He
wanted to resolve this situation now.
"No! Why would it be about her anyway?" replied with a question, he hated being pestered about nothing.
"Well you've been acting sour towards ," knew that was true. He had never invited
over because of the tension, which wasn't needed. "Do you like ?" asked, "If
you do I won't start anything. Just say it."
"No! I don't like her. What the hell would make you think that?"
"Well you did at the start didn't you? You were going on and on about , even though all you ever did was greet. God
would you just tell me? If you like her just tell me. It's obvious something's wrong with you and I think it's because you want to be with her," he fiddled mindlessly with his
phone waiting for an answer.
"No. I don't like her. Stop being an idiot. She's coming in a bit anyway, let's just leave it at that," stormed into the kitchen.
sighed, no, there was nothing going on between him and , there are just friends. He
heard mumbles from the kitchen but they weren't clear enough for him to know what exactly was being said. He rose to answer a knock on the door, "Hey !" he leaned in
for a hug.
"Hey, is everything okay?" she asked sensing some tension it feels just like home, when Mum and Dad had a fight.
"Yeah, everything's fine. Let's go." He chirped with a surge of optimism.
Chapter 3
Months had past, and were still close friends, still held a grudge against
her, which he started to question.
"! and are here now. Are you sure you don't
want to come?" shouted from downstairs, he and hadn't patch things up but as guys do they just left the situation alone and
didn't talk about .
"I'm fine!" replied.
"Okay then. See you later," he shouted back.
"Yeah...later!"
walked out, closing the door behind him. Like always he greeted the girls with hugs and a kiss on the cheek. However, when he
walked towards she crouched, clutching her stomach, ", are you okay? I'm not that sickening, am I?" He joked.
"No...it's...well..." she tried to explain, raising her eyebrow at who'd be able to relate.
"She's...um...you know...lady problems," hinted.
"Oh," replied casually, until, it hit him what she actually meant, "Oh! Come in."
"Are you sure?" asked.
"Well I'm not going to leave you out here!" laughed carrying in his arms, "Up you come."
He walked through to the living room and placed her on the sofa.
"Do you want us to..." was about to offer her hospitality.
"No, no I'll be fine, 's home anyway. You two go," shooed them.
whispered to "Uh-oh. we better go,
things will get ugly."
felt peckish so he decided to go downstairs. Almost reaching the entrance to the kitchen he halted and turned to look at the person on the sofa, "What are you doing here?"
asked, not realising how rude he sounded.
"That's a bit rude isn't it," asked.
"Sorry, I mean, aren't you meant to be at the cinema with ?" he queried.
"Yeah but my stomach decided to bully me into not going," quietly chuckled.
"Oh, well, if you need anything just shout for me," smiled.
"Hmm...well...can I ask you something?" sat up right on the sofa.
"Yeah, go ahead," replied, taking a seat on the sofa next to . His hands intertwined and
his elbows leaned on the lap of his legs.
"Do you hate ?"
"No. Definitely not," answered with certainty.
"Then why are acting cold towards her?" she asked and then teased, "Ice man!"
"I'm just...it's...I'm not good around girls. I tend to say the silliest things. Even the ones I know I'll regret later, okay? Happy?"
laughed.
"Sort of, but that still doesn't save you from a good butt-kicking," joked, "You know, if you change your attitude towards her, you might
still have a chance."
"Really?" raised an eyebrow and in reply got the nod.
turned his gaze towards , her head leaned delicately on his shoulder, "Are you tired?" He asked in a whisper, seeing her
blink her eyes opened.
"I'm fine," looked up and smiled.
After the cinema they headed home, they talked about the film, how they expected better. drove whilst talking, until, he heard light
breathing next to him. He took a quick glance and saw that had fallen asleep. When he arrived on the driveway, he exited his side of the car, ran over to the passenger
side and carried . Closing the door with his foot he knocked on the door.
"Hel-lo?" pointed to the sleeping .
"She fell asleep on the way back," explained and received an acknowledged nod.
came walking in with a little too much exuberance, "Hey! How was the..." she soon realised that was asleep in 's arms, "Oh. She gets tired easily."
"Why don't you two say here for tonight. It's late and your roads are dangerous!" chuckled.
laughed quietly, "Yeah me and are from the ghetto," they all laughed at
's ?street' impressions.
The sun rose, the ray of light shone over the sleeping face. closed her eyes tightly at the intensity of the ray. Her arms shaded her eyes as she looked around the
room Where am I? she instantly knew the answer to that as walked downstairs, through the lounge, in boxers.
"Delightful ," said, turning onto her side.
"Thank you," winked.
entered the room, "Morning ! , are you trying
to put her off her breakfast?"
laughed, "Morning!" It was strange that had suddenly changed his tone towards her but
she didn't mind one bit. She smelt herself for a second, "Urgh. Okay I need to wash. Would you mind if I used your shower?" She looked at then at
, waiting for an answer.
"No, go ahead," insisted.
"I'll get you a towel," offered, he then rolled his eyes at who was making kissing gestures
at him.
"Thanks," said as she was passed the towel.
As she locked the bathroom door pulled , by his sleeve, into a room, "You should ask her."
"She's in the shower!"
"Yeah, well, ask her after," suggested.
"Do you really think she's going to fall for me when I've been a you-know-what to her?" asked.
"She knows you better than you think! Okay that sounds stalker-ish. I mean, she knows you don't mean to be nasty. Just ask her. If you're right and she's not sure about it prove
to her you regret how you were," suggested.
"How do we know she doesn't like instead?"
"You of all people should know that would have said something by now. It's been a couple of months," stated. "I mean this in the nicest possible way. As her only close friend she doesn't just talk to any guy."
They both walked downstairs to chat, entered the lounge, drying her hair with the towel, "Guys...um...I think your lock's broke. I
couldn't lock the door."
"T...t...the door wasn't locked? Damn," cursed in a sarcastic way, holding his fist in a fury.
", I need help on...erm...composing a melody, will you help me please?" asked, hinting
to leave and in the room.
"Yeah sure," winked towards .
smiled awkwardly Way to make me ask. "Erm..."
"Well that was certainly strange from them two," laughed, with an uncomforting tone.
"I just wanted to say...uh...sorry. I'm sorry."
"Don't worry . I'm guessing you just don't know how to act around girls," replied.
"You see, you get me. Well, I'm glad that's settled," there was a second of silence but this time not awkward. "Okay guys you can come in now," shouted, guessing that they were eavesdropping.
He was glad to finally start a new leaf, you might say, with .
"I think we better go now . Got an early class tomorrow and your parents are coming over," looked towards who looked unsettled.
"Oh yeah, the parents," she sighed. "That means I've got to tidy my room and the whole house. Not to mention get food ready for tea," she listed with her fingers then started
mumbling, "Can't we just tell them we've got to stay late? You know what they're like 'How's university going? Are you keeping up your grades? Have you done your work? Blah blah blah'" she did a nattering gesture
with her hand.
"No. Don't be mean, they only care."
"Yeah but do they have to be so possessive?"
shook her head, "Bye guys," she waved, "See you tomorrow ...."
, like , waved goodbye. He shut the door and immediately turned to , "You
didn't ask?"
"I don't know. Don't you think it's a bit strange apologising but then telling her you actually do like her, as more than a friend?"
"Yeah, I s'pose so."
"Are you okay ?" asked seeing her friend clutch her forehead.
"I'm fine, just went into a world of my own then," she shook her head, as if snapping herself out of a daydream.
Chapter 4
"So, how have you been?"
"I've been okay actually," replied, nodding her head at the same time.
"Well, I'd like you to go to the hospital for some scans and blood test - just to give you the all clear."
"Great, more blood," a sarcastic tone exited her mouth. I've given enough blood samples as it is, what are they trying to do? Doctors, can't do anything without them. Walking out
of the medical centre, decided to do some street shopping. Hmm...I wonder what nice clothes I can get today...
", is everything okay?" asked hearing the front door latch clicking.
"Yeah, just went to do some shopping. Here, I got you a top I thought you'd like," handed her the appropriate bag.
"It's beautiful! Thank you! Are you sure there isn't something wrong?" she asked again.
"Yes. Really, I'm fine. He's prescribed me some medicine for my cough, okay?" answered, looking through her shopping.
"Okay," replied not knowing whether to believe or not.
"So anyway, when are your parents coming over?"
"Well I'd say, in about, 15 minutes."
Two weeks had passed; a little to slow for 's liking. Like her usual routine, prior to university, she went to the coffee shop. Her dad greeted her with a kiss on the
cheek and, as always, asked if everything was okay with . Her answer never changed, "I'm great Dad."
", I'm your father, I know when you're lying."
turned her head aside, she couldn't lie ? not to her father, "Dad, I...I think you should come to...the hospital with me." She fell into her
father's hug.
Her dad, unfortunately, had to leave as there was a problem in his cafe, "I'll be back soon, okay? Relax, if you need anything I'm sure the nurse will help you."
The news came as a shock to . Viral meningitis? How? It sure isn't kissing; I've never been with a guy... I bet it's those damn
insects. She sat quietly in the darkened room, hoping that by miracle she'd be released from care later today. Since there wasn't much could do so she just thought
to herself. Okay the doctor's told me that it isn't anything that's not easily curable so everything should be fine. I'm a little insulted about the hygiene, I'm clean. I hope 's not worrying. She'll probably question me when I get back. Here comes the doctor again.
", where have you been?" asked in a worried state, clutching her friend by the shoulders, "I've been worried sick about
you."
"It's okay ," she jokingly shook her friend, "I've been at the hospital and I was released today. Nothing big, okay? Before you ask, I
was going to tell you but a) I'm not allowed to use a mobile in the hospital and b) I had to relax myself so out-of-hospital-calls were forbidden. The only people who I could call were the nurses, and would have had a ball of a time there. Are you calm now?"
"Well, to be honest, I asked your dad when I went to his coffee shop. I was still worried though!"
"Sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I'm still wondering how this came about. Hygiene! Of all the faults, hygiene. I still blame those bugs. Damn insects," cursed. "Anyway, before I go on a full blown rant, let's go."
"Are you sure you can?"
"Yes. I was cooped up in a hospital for ten days, the doctor said I should be okay," comforted. She sat on the lecture chair trying to
concentrate but couldn't. Her pencil flickered back and forth on her pad. More aggravation built inside as she tried take notes and concentrate, but failed.
During break and were in deep discussion. "It's like I'm trying to concentrate but I can't. I couldn't even pay attention
enough to take notes."
"It'll get better," replied. She had researched about viral meningitis, so she was aware of any side-affects.
"Yes but these exams are important. If I don't pass these I could possibly face having to re-do the whole year again."
A week had gone. 's concentration levels progressed, causing her less frustration. had been, like always, a gentleman.
had been disappearing off constantly and was helping her with work ? not doing the work for her but assisting her. The more
time she spent with the more she was starting to see him in a different light. Although she wasn't quite sure what light, be it a friend or more than friends way. "Thanks
again ," waved him goodbye, standing outside the door. She circled her mouth with her hands and shouted, "You're the best!"
"I know!" shouted back. "You owe me!" smiled, she was about to close her door when
ran back, "Hey !" he shouted for her attention, "Will you go out with me!?!" he shouted.
This is one way of finding out how I really feel she smiled and in a cheesy fashion ran up to him in slow fashion.
looked through the window. She nodded her head and smiled, "Sappy sods."
"Hey , what are you looking at?" put his arms around 's waist, kissing her on the neck.
"Nothing," she turned around and placed her arms around 's neck.