✓ Special

I am seated in the cafeteria during my break time, going through what I have written while sipping coffee.

“Hey, girl” Chris greeted plopping down opposite to me.

“Hey” I said, not looking up from my laptop screen.

“What are you reading though?” He asked

“Going through the report for the last time. I’m submitting it today.” I said still reading.

“You already completed yours,” He looked at me with a raised eyebrow “I still have to write mine.”

“That’s no big deal to you, I bet if you want you can submit it today with all the details.” I said

“That’s right” He said, nodding to himself.

“I think I’m being stalked.” He spoke out of nowhere.

“What!” I said, jerking my head in his direction.

“This guy, I see him around every time in the hallways and here now.” He said in a hushed voice

“He is here, who?” I asked.

“Look at your right side back.” He said.

I look over from my shoulder. A guy with long blond hair wearing a white T-shirt and blue denim jacket. He surely was looking in our direction but quickly averted his gaze as he realized we were looking towards him.

“It's creepy, maybe he is planning your murder and therefore following you.” I said with a straight face.

“What are you insane?” He said looking at me like I had grown two heads.

I shook my head.

“You are dumber than I thought. Isn’t it obvious if he is following you like that, he is interested in you. Instead of sitting here with me you should go and talk to him. Maybe he is shy to approach you. Until unless you did something wrong to him.” I said.

“Whatever, but what if he is not.” he said, frowning.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

“It's not like you are proposing to him that you are afraid of being rejected.” I said while getting my phone out and looking at the caller id.

I frowned. It's my mom, but why is she calling me at this hour? It would be late at night there. I got up and gathered my things.

“I think you should talk to him and find out whatever his matter is.” I told Chris before leaving the cafeteria.

I received the call on my way out.

'Hello, mom?'

'Hello, Princess.'

'Dad! Is everything okay? Why did you call at this hour?'

'Why? Can’t I talk to my princess whenever I want?'

'You sure can dad. How are you and mom?'

'We are all good as always dear. But it's not fair you left me here alone with your gardener mom.'

I chuckled at that.

'Dad, are you alright, your voice is weary.'

'Yes dear, maybe network issue.'

The bell rang and that’s my clue to go even if I didn’t want to. These occasional calls from Dad are precious. Mom may call regularly but dad it's special.

Before I get too emotional I shook the thought away and headed towards my next class.

~~~

I am on my shift at sweetness. Forming bills and getting orders.

Enzo smiled at me as he made his way towards the counter.

“Hey” he greeted

“Hi. What would you like to have?” I asked.

“A Chocolate truffle and get it packed.”

“Okay” I said, passing the order to Lexi.

“I wonder if you would like to join us tomorrow. We are going to the club tomorrow night even Ace and others are also joining.” He said.

“I would have loved to but I’m going out tomorrow night.” I said with an apologetic smile.

“Out? but Cal and D are also coming. Then whom are you going with?” he asked.

“Can’t I go out without them?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Sure can, but may I ask whom?” he asked.

“Nico. He asked me to join him for an event.”

“As a date?”

“No, more like a plus one.” I said. “Here is your chocolate truffle.”

He looked at me for a while then paid and left. That was weird.

After completing my work I set for my way home while checking my phone I had a few messages. I have received a message from an unknown number.

‘Hey’

‘It's Nico.’

‘Just messaged you to know if you are still coming tomorrow?’

I replied back

‘Ya sure am. Only if you didn’t change you mind for taking me along.’

I got a message after a short while.

‘Why would I? I’m looking forward to it.’

I smiled at that.

‘Me too’

‘Ok then see you tomorrow.’

‘Yeah, tomorrow.’

I reached home and threw myself on the couch. I feel tired and the black of my neck pains because of continuous reading, working and using the phone.

“Hey bud, all good?” D asked as she made her way from the back.

“Hey, yeah as always.” I said as she sat down beside me.

“So how is everything going? It feels like we didn’t have a proper talk in years.” She said and I smiled.

“It's going pretty good. At college lectures, assignments everything is going so fast. Work is the same as always with those insane customers to entertain.” I said while chuckling

“Even dad called in the morning. I miss them, especially their arguments. I would always try to stiffen my laugh when they argue. And that food of mom’s hand. Hell, I miss Indian food.” I said placing my head on her lap and stretching out.

“Well I can’t help you with your food, but sure enough you like to enjoy the arguments between me and Cal.” She said and I gave her an evil grin.

“That reminds me. Don’t drink much tomorrow while you are at the club, that you can’t handle a hangover in the morning. I’m not gonna help you this time.” I said getting up and facing her.

“I’ll take care mom! How did you know we were going to a club?” She asked.

“Sure enough you were not gonna tell me.” I said this time she smiled sheepishly.

“Just for this, I didn’t want to hear your lectures on less drinking.” She said.

“Anyway, you say you are all set for tomorrow? Did you choose your dress?” she asked.

“No, not yet tomorrow.” I said.

“Are you insane? You know how difficult it is to find a dress from your wardrobe. Come on we are doing it right now.” She said getting up and pulling me with her.

xxx