Waking up the next morning, the sunlight beams across my face through the sheer black curtains hung over the windows. My head pounds as I sit up, glancing around. It doesn't take long to realize I'm alone. Sky must've woken up early and headed out for the day. Her bed is nice and neat. Each blanket is folded perfectly and placed back in its spot. The smell of weed lingers in the air.
Today is Saturday, meaning I only have two days to get used to being away from home before classes start. My stomach lets out a low, harsh grumble, giving me a sign. Now that I think about it, I haven't eaten since yesterday. And that was only a bag of chips. Being independent shows me how much I've taken for granted, like my mom's cooking. I'm used to having meals prepared three times a day. This is going to be a nightmare. I've never had to fend for myself before.
After a few moments of stretching, I climb out of bed. Searching the room for some clothes to throw on, grabbing the first thing, black sweats with a white Bearcats hoodie. Now I'm ready to go. But what to eat? This place must have a cafeteria and, hopefully, a few other food places nearby. I rack my brain trying to remember the places we saw yesterday, but I was so excited, taking everything in, I hardly noticed them. I know there were some stores and things over by where we parked. But I can't remember their names. Someone somewhere serves food, even if it's just gas station junk food. I'm so hungry that anything sounds good. I'll take my chances and walk until I find something.
Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love seeing the leaves change colors and slowly fall to the ground. Sometimes, getting caught in the wind, carried away for miles before finally landing, like in the older romance movies. The ones where they sit on a bench in the park with the leaves whirling around in the background as they kiss. If only life were as simple and romantic, things would be much easier.
There aren't many people out. Most of them are probably sleeping or recuperating from last night. It seemed like the whole school was at that bonfire. Checking my phone, I realize it's only 9 a.m., no wonder it's deserted.
Walking farther down the street, a small cafe catches my eye. "Meisters" in big, bold black letters above the walkway. Walking in, I'm greeted by the bell above me dinging as a gust of warmth hits me. A unique aroma of freshly baked bread and other sweets fills the air. It's heavenly. My stomach must agree, letting out a low, deep gurgle.
Continuing further in, I notice the old, worn-down wooden floors. Someone had painted over the original wood using a brick red color. This place must be busy, with huge scratches and dings on the floors where the chairs have repeatedly scooted across them. Continuing to look around, I can't help but wonder when the last time they updated their decor was. Yellow wallpaper, consisting of hundreds of tiny red roses, lines the heavily scarred walls. Its coloring is sunbaked and faded in several spots near the large bay windows. Despite having a huge window, it's pretty dark. The only dim lighting seems to come from small metal lanterns strung across the ceiling, with what appears to be fishing line.
"Welcome to Meisters. Pick a seat, and I'll be with you shortly, sweetie. " A short-haired woman acknowledges me as she pops up from behind the counter. Inching my way in, I choose a small round table in the back. Apart from me, there's only one other customer. A man seated in the opposite corner with his back towards me, hood up, typing away on a laptop. I can't read it, but he seems to be working hard, not looking up when the waitress approaches, setting down a steaming cup beside him.
My stomach growls again while skimming through the menu. Everything sounds good. I can't make up my mind. After reading each item's description several times, I finally settled on a chicken, avocado, and bacon sandwich. Opting for a salad with ranch instead of fries and a large iced tea.
The waitress who takes my order reminds me of my Nana. A beautiful older woman with dark brown eyes and rosy red cheeks, which complements her salt-and-pepper short hair. Smiling, the corners of her mouth sink, showcasing a set of deep dimples. After jotting it down, she places the pencil behind her ear. Before walking off, she removes a blue rag from her apron, bustling off, wiping tables as she heads toward the kitchen.
"I see you're alive and chose to ignore my text message," Hayden's voice slices through the air. I'd been so busy watching the waitress that I hadn't noticed him approach, leaning against the chair beside me. He's in a playful mood, an amused grin plastered across his face. It dawns on me, looking over, that he's the boy from the corner.
"I didn't ignore you. I fell asleep and didn't see it, " I lie, my cheeks growing redder. A telltale sign that I'm lying. When I was younger, I'd attempt to lie to my mom, but it never worked. The minute my cheeks started to glow, she knew. It had taken me a while to figure it out.
"It's all good. I can take the hint. Just normally, it's me blowing someone off after we hook up, not the other way around, " he grins. Once again, revealing his perfect smile. My body melts beneath his stare. "By the way, it shows when you leave someone on read," he chuckles, cramming his laptop into his bag before slinging it over his shoulder. "See you around, Bex," he smiles as the bell dings, signaling his exit. My heart races, watching his shadow move farther down the road. He's barely visible through the windows by the time I give up.
My food arrives just in time, causing my stomach to let out a louder growl. I must've been hungrier than I thought. It's delicious. I love the crunch of the lettuce and crisp bacon. A giant, juicy, grilled chicken breast lies between two fluffy buns, with hot, steamy juices oozing down the side. The mayo and avocado mixed create a unique but satisfying sauce. After quickly devouring my food, I paid the bill. The food was amazing. I'll be adding this to my list of new favorite spots.
The cool fall air whips around as I walk around campus exploring. The giant trees and their bare branches sway in the wind. Red, orange, and yellow leaves roll across the ground, crunching beneath my shoes with each step I take. It's beautiful here, nothing like my hometown. As a child, I dreamed of escaping and finding peace. And now my dreams have come true, but not how I'd imagined.
Johnny and I discussed it hundreds of times. We had so many dreams and wishes, but one thing stayed consistent. It was supposed to be both of us, not just me. I was going to be a famous author, writing romance stories. Tales of epic love overcoming all obstacles. And Johnny was going to be a musician, playing the guitar. His music would bring smiles to people's faces in every city we visited. Together, we were going to travel the world. Then, after years of adventures, we'd finally settle down in whatever city we liked the best. Who knows, maybe we'd have a couple of kids. But those dreams will never come true. I wish I could take back that night. Maybe things would've been different, and he'd be here with me. Instead, it's just me, alone, with only memories of what could've been. Reaching the dorms, I shake the thoughts away, burying my demons, before walking into the room.
"Where have you been all day?" Skylar asks from down on the floor, straddling a large green foam mat. Raising her hands above her head, she holds for several seconds, then swiftly brings them to rest on her shins before bending her chest down to the ground.
"I just went out, explored campus a little, and grabbed some lunch," I tell her, completely leaving out the part about running into Hayden. Deciding to shower, I rummage through my bags, searching for my shower caddy and a change of clothes.
"You should have texted me. I'd have gone with you. I'm starving, " she gasps between deep breaths. Switching onto her left side, one hand firmly under her head, supporting her face, she points her toes. Lifting the opposite leg, holding, while extending her toes.
"Sorry. I didn't even think about it. " I apologize, continuing to dig through my clothes.
"I'm about to go shower. Are you going to be here for a while?" I ask, turning my attention to the large pile of folded towels.
"Yeah, I don't have any plans. Hope has some project for her Girl Power group, " she moans between crunches.
"Okay, I'll see you shortly," I holler over my shoulder, before the door closes.
YOU ARE READING
Fatal Flaws
Romance****MATURE LANGUAGE AND SEXUAL CONTENT***** Book 1 in the Fatal Series Fairy tales are amazing. They are sweet and romantic, something everyone wishes were real. They're a tale as old as time. A good girl meets a troubl...
