I'M FELICITY/I'M CHRISTOPHER.

The next morning, Tuesday, I woke up and realized I had forgotten to call Mom. So, I called her before doing anything else. When she picked up, we greeted each other as usual.

"Hi, Nina. How are you doing this morning?" she asked.

"Hello, Mom. I'm fine, and you?" I replied.

"I'm okay. You didn't call me last night. Why?" she asked.

"I'm so, so sorry. I was so stressed out, I just fell asleep," I said.

"You were so stressed on your first day? That means you'll crash before the end of the first semester!" she said.

We both burst into laughter. I reassured her that I was fine and none of that would happen. I didn't tell her what happened yesterday because I didn't want her to worry unnecessarily.

After the call ended, I got ready for school. I tied my hair into a ponytail and decorated it with different beads. It was such a beautiful day, and I was early, so I decided to walk and even took a video of how nice everything looked.

As I was walking, I passed by a coffee shop. I saw him taking out the trash and going back inside. I still called him "him" because I didn't know his name yet.

I approached him, and he looked surprised to see me.

"Hey, stranger," I said, waving at him as he looked up.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Um, hello? It's a coffee shop that sells coffee. I came here for the same reason everyone else does—I want a latte," I replied.

"Oh, I see. €3.70," he said.

"Wait, you work here? That's so cool! I wish I had a job too so I could earn some extra income. That would be ama—" I wasn't done when he caught me off guard and shut me up with his index finger on my lips.

"Stop talking for a second. Are your words always on fire? Don't be proud of it. And don't tell anyone I work here—not a single soul, okay?" he said, sounding serious. I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, sir. I'm on it. But I'm pretty sure everyone will know eventually. Still, I promise—not a word. No need to be so touchy about it," I replied.

"So, you think it's cool working here?" he asked with a slight smile.

"Of course! You get to earn some money—"

"I don't work here just for money. I already have plenty. I work here to help people in need. I am a pr—" he paused.

"You are what?" I asked.

"Never mind," he said.

We stood there in awkward silence for a moment. Then he broke it.

"I'm done with my shift. Let's go to school. And remember—don't tell anyone I work here."

"Yeah, yeah, I cross my heart and promise. And when I promise, I—"

"Yes, yes, you keep your promises, blah blah blah," he cut me off again.

"What about my coffee?" I asked.

"It's too early. Besides, it's not good for your health. Let's go," Chris said.

"What?! Tell me you're joking!" I exclaimed.

"Okay, I'm kidding. But I'm not. Let's go," he replied.

We both laughed and started walking down the street.

"So are we going to walk or take a taxi?" I asked.

"Either is fine. We're almost at school anyway. A cab is easier, but a little exercise won't hurt," he replied.

"Yeah, you're right," I said.

He was getting sweeter—softer than when we first met. He was warming up to me, and I was warming up to him. He was a tough nut to crack, but I sensed he was hiding something. Maybe that's why he's so grumpy and rude sometimes. But you can't judge a person just by meeting them once—some people are like open books, others not.

"So, are you cool?" I asked.

"Don't get corny," he replied.

"Well, we didn't exactly get off to a great start. Hi, my name is Felicity Paddington," I said, extending my hand for a handshake.

"I'm Christopher Blake. Chris, for short," he replied, shaking my hand.

---

CHRISTOPHER'S POV

I woke up this morning to the alarm on my phone. I was running late for work, so I brushed my teeth, took a quick shower, combed my hair, dressed, ate, locked the door, put the key in my bag, and walked to the coffee shop—it's not far from here.

When I got there, my boss called me in. I knocked.

"It's open. Come in," he said.

"You wanted to see me, Mr. Ryan?" I asked.

"Yes. You're late. Why are you late, Chris?" he said.

"I'm really sorry, sir. It won't happen again," I said.

"You better be. Now get to work," he replied.

"Thanks, sir."

"Just call me Ryan," he said.

I put on my apron and started working. After taking out the trash, I came back inside and was serving a customer when she walked in.

She greeted me in a weird way, and I asked why she was here. We talked for a while, and I started to like her. She's outgoing and talkative—but sometimes, I talk, and she listens. I finished my shift, and we walked together down the street.

She asked if we should take a taxi. I suggested we walk instead.

She's warmer than I thought. Her lips are attractive, and her hair—decorated with colorful beads—stood out. I caught her looking at me. She's not what I expected, and I'm still trying to figure her out. It's not easy falling for her, but I'll try.

We kept chatting, and just when I was wondering about her name, she said:

"Hi, I'm Felicity Paddington."

Nice name for a gorgeous girl, I thought.

"I'm Christopher Blake," I replied.