How We Meet

Chapter 1 greetings A lovely Tuesday afternoon, Carla was spending her vacation time in the campus lobby while waiting for her next class to start. Somehow, she felt a little bored and took her phone out of her purse and started going through it. Suddenly, she mistakenly joins the group chat where you can talk to anyone all over the world. She felt unguarded at the moment and started writing. Carla says hello and the other person responds "Hi, how are you?" Carla was surprised but nervous at the same time. She figured maybe this was just one of those crazy people online, but then she had this feeling that may be why nothing would happen. I would just be friendly and she took a moment to think she had responded back to this random person. "Hi, I’m good thanks, so if you’re one of those crazy people online. Don’t waste your time. I’m not interested! " The random person responds," No, I am not. I just wanted to find someone to talk to. Carla was surprised when this random person talked like that but she felt something that she had never felt before, a weird feeling of being nervous and shy at the same time. She figured maybe it was weird because it was her first time talking to a stranger and, besides the language barrier is a bit hard to communicate, English is not really her forte. But Carla loves to have a challenge, so then she continues to talk Carla replied "So then that’s good you didn’t waste my time either. She asked the person, what is your name? The person says my name is Joshua and what’s your name? Carla was hesitant to say her real name but she just wanted to do it and told him her real name. I am Carla Joshua replied, "How are you Carla, nice to meet you. Carla responded right away. Oh, I’m fine. It's nice to meet you too. Joshua Carla gets more curious about this guy and so she asks him. Where are you from? How old are you? Joshua replied," I’m from Colorado and 27 and where are you from? Carla was not sure how to reply but then she just had to. She had this feeling about him that she had to "I am from Indonesia 23, Joshua asked Carla" You don’t mind talking to random people online? Carla says I do. I’m not too comfortable. But at the moment, I was just using my free time to talk, knowing that random people don’t judge by their faces. Joshua responded I understand Carla and Joshua spent half an hour talking to each other. Carla didn’t realize the time went by so quickly. She heard the bell ring and she had to go to her next class. I have to go now, Joshua Carla said goodbye but left an email. As Joshua wanted to get a hold of her, She felt something different at the moment but she seemed to just ignore it afterward and focus her attention on the class. Nevertheless, at the back of her mind, about the conversation she had with this guy named Joshua. All the categories for the project will be chosen with your own composition. You will be divided into four groups. Someone will be your representative to establish your initial graph. Carla was not paying attention to all of what was happening in class; she was still amazed by what she had been going through. Sandra Carla’s close friend was bothered that her friend wasn't really paying attention to the professor, “ Carla, are you alright? “ “ Yes, I am okay. I was just thinking outside of the box. She said,” But Sandra noticed that she was not really telling the truth.” Someone should be assigned to be your leader to create the group, so you can start. " Professor Nuez yelled at class". Sandra wanted to be part of the group and drag Carla into it and their couple of friends, but Sanda had another plan. She knows that one person in the class will be willing to be part of the group. “ Hey, Patric, are you interested in joining our team? Nahhh, I’m not sure about that, Sandra. I know your evil face, you're planning something and for sure I will be part of it. No, common Pat’ You will be in our safe hands. You will pass this mid-term. Patric agreed with Sandra just to get over it. Carla took her phone out and saw if she had any new messages. Four emails show up but nothing interesting about them. A couple more text messages from her friends and mom. Nothing exciting about this. She took her phone down and started paying attention to the people around her. One thing she noticed was the annoying voice of Sandra overhearing the conversation with Patric. Now, what is this stupid girl doing again? I don't want to be part of a group with these immature people. Sandra went back to her chair and told Carla, Guess who will be in our team! Carla made such an annoying face and tried to avoid any conversation with Sandra. She knew what she was thinking. The girl's conversation got interrupted. “ All accounts on how to do your project will be any ideas in advance. For a play in any related novel, we tackled what you can focus on.” Professor Nuez clarifies things about what will happen to the project. Carla just really didn't get all the information from Prof. Nuez because of Sandra’s destruction with all the fuzz. She’s making whom the group will be the leader” Sandra is really excited about all of this project because of her plan together with Patric or just by herself alone with this excitement. “ Sandra, who will be part of the group, don't make me guess again.” “ Well Carla, it will be you, me, Ella, Ean, and Patric and I was thinking you would be our leader.” Carla didn't really want to be the leader. She hated being in charge and being responsible this time. “ What? I don’t want to be in charge. Why me?” “ Sandra says why not you? You totally can do it!” “Look girl, I don’t wanna be the leader because I hate going through the details and making plans for meetings and all and I am pretty busy managing the store, remember?” Carla’s reason is really important. She is really busy managing their family business at the same time as she’s getting her college degree. “ Alright girl, I will choose another person who will have to vote I guess.” “ Guys will have to vote in favor of Ean or Ella to be our leader.” Ella said something, “ On behalf of Ian, he told me he wanted to be the leader then,” “ Okay Good. Ian will be our leader. Everyone agrees with this, right? Everyone responded yes, Carla insisted on having a brainstorm before the class was over and planned. For a meeting and other stuff. “ Ian literally agreed with Carla,” Ian and Carla were good friends and Ella is Ean’s girlfriend and Carla treats them like they are her brother and sister. “ Ian, I wanna let you know I am not available to meet up on Sunday.” “ I understand Carla, but I can’t do it either.” “ Now we will have to make things easy for us. We'll meet up after class on Friday, so whatever we started will make it up the next day. “ Sandra, I want you to be the scriptwriter and you can send it to me as your partial graph by Thursday afternoon. She agreed with the assignment and Sandra was thrilled to be the writer. “ Ella, can you gather all the information from our group so we can submit it to the Professor.” Ian did that while whispering through Ella’s ears. Carla saw that and she said, “ You two get a room you’re too sweet. “ Ean burst into laughter and told Carla “ That’s what I’ve been saying to Carla. You should find someone to make sweets with. All you think is work and school.” “Yeah... Yeah. I heard you, Ian, if you only knew.” She was really looking for a companion but Carla was just too busy in life to make time or find someone to be with. “ Alright Ian, I’ll try to give myself a break hah.” “ Yes! I would be happy to see you stress-free for a bit.” Ian's intention was real, he wanted Carla to be happy. He had known her for a very long time, so he knew that she would neglect her happiness to support her family or her friends. " I know Ian, thanks. Anyhow, where are we on this project?" " I did tell Sandra that she would be in charge of the script. What do you think, Carla?" " Oh well, I'm fine with it. I know she would do a good job with it." I just hope she won't make a big deal about this. You know her. She tries to sell me out" He was really embarrassed for Carla because Ian knew what Sandra would want to do. The bell rang and the class was done for the day. Carla checked her phone, she was hoping for something but, even she didn't know what it was. She asked herself" What am I waiting for? A message from the guy earlier online. I doubt he will get back to me. Carla was occupied with this idea but suddenly she corrected her imagination. She woke herself from dreaming. God, I should stop, she told herself, and focus on what's going on. Sandra was inviting everyone in the group to get some snacks at the nearby coffee shop. The coffee shop that is not too far from the campus, Carla and Sandra's hideout whenever they have free time. "Guys, let's hang out at the shop and grab something to eat." " Carla, you'll ride with us? Ian asked her. " Yes, Ian, can I? I don't have my car with me, it's in the garage. My brother will take care of it for me." " Yeah. always Carla I got you." Oh. No, Carla, you will ride with me and I will drive you home. Sandra insisted. " Girl, Why now? I asked you last month to drive me home because I was too tired to drive and you said you had a date." "Carla, that's why I insist on driving you home now. I wanted to make it up since last time." " Okay, then it's about time." Carla smiled because she knew Sandra would trap her with her crazy plans. " Well, see you guys up at the coffee shop. Patric, you followed us because you didn't know where the shop was. " Copy that Sandra, wait for me because I parked my car far away from the campus. I couldn't find a parking spot nearby this morning. "I'll meet you at the gate, Pat." Carla was surprised because she didn't know Patric owned a car. Although she has known Patric from Sandra for a couple of months now, she really didn't bother asking. They were formal with each other. As she can recall, they really didn't have much conversation together. But Carla notices he's a decent guy. Sandra and Carla were in the car and listening to the radio while heading to the coffee shop. " Girl, what are you craving for?" "Oh Carla, I'm craving a club sandwich and a good Espresso." " hmm, That sounds good." What about you Carla? Sandra asked back. " I'm craving those big raisin cookies they have and the sugar cookies too." " Look at you, all you can think is sweet things. You need somebody or you'll be chubby Carla with all the cookies." "hahaha. Your funny Sandra" Her caring friend is just concerned about Carla. Anyways, I wanted to tell you something today. Carla redirects the conversation. " What is it dear? are you getting married? hahaha!" " Stop it, Sandra, I'm serious. I was in this online chat room early before I came to class. I've met. No, maybe it's better to say I've talked to someone nice. His name was Joshua. He seemed nice when I was talking to him." " What? You've been to that pervs site! No, I did not Sandra. It was on that f*******: thing. Carla explained " I don't know, Carla doesn't trust those people. Sometimes they are crazy." Carla agreed with her friend but she tried to explain how she felt. " But I just felt something different talking with that guy. He's from the United States, by the way!" "I see, but it doesn't mean they are all good people, you know." " I know Dear, I did think of that. It's just I feel something different in my guts!" Carla knew the consequences." " Speaking of different, have you noticed how Patric looks at you? No What? What's wrong with him? " The way he looks at you, he seems pretty interested in you." " What are you talking about, Sandra?" Sandra giggles with a laugh because she gets excited for her friend the way she saw Patric looking at her friend and really thinks that the guy liked Carla very much. " Dear, I think you'll have a suitor pretty soon." " Here we go again. You're in a predicament again Sandra, it's annoying now." Carla wasn't really surprised about what she said because even she could figure that out, she just wanted to pretend to know nothing so she could avoid the situation. She looks at the side mirror on the passenger side. To see if Patric's car was behind them. But one thing: she didn't know what kind of car Patric drives. She asked Sandra. " What kind of car Patric drives? " hmmm He has a Montero Cruzer, something but it's white." She looked at the rear-view mirror and told Carla. " That's his car behind us. I thought you knew Patric had a car. " I didn't know he had a car, I did not know that his family had money, Sandra." " Money is alright, his family is pretty decent," Sandra proudly, saying that to Carla. She did not want to commit to anymore conversation with Sandra but she started to be curious about Patric. " How did you know all about this? Carla asked. " To be frank, I've known Patric since grade school. He's a little older than me and my brother liked him and they always hangout in our house." "Really, how come you just told me this? We've known each other for 3 years." "It's because, Carla, you didn't ask besides Patric is a transferee student." " Plus, my dad worked at Patrick's parents' company before he started his own business." " So I know that they are really well off." " That explains it in Carla's head. This guy seems interesting." "Hello! Carla, are you listening to me?" " Yeah. Dear, I was just thinking that's all. I'm sorry." " That's okay. So, back to Patric, I invited him so you can know him better." " Know him better for what? Carla glared at her." I don't need to know him." He's a friend, that is all." " Besides, I am not ready yet for commitment." Sandra wasn't really paying attention to Carla's opinion. " Alright girl, that's what you want, but just be open." " I am open, dear. Maybe I am just picky about choosing." After a 10 minute drive, they finally arrived at the coffee shop. Ian and Ella arrived first because they were the first ones to live away from the campus. " We're here girl, now you can buy all the cookies you want." Sandra teased Carla." " Thank you for reminding me dear and both of them laugh together." Carla left the car first and Sandra was stuck in the parking lot trying to park her car. She noticed that Patric was holding the door open for her and Carla told herself, oh not bad, he's a gentleman too. " Thanks Patric." Anytime for you Patric says" She felt so weird when she heard him respond. But she just smiled at him and acted like she was cool. They were ordering their drinks and finally Sandra showed up and wanted to be in front of everybody. We let her go pass us. " You're such a brat Sandra!" " I know Dear, that's why you love me, right hahaha!" Patric was cautious about how to act around Carla. Meanwhile, Carla felt the awkwardness they were in, but she tried to enlighten the mood. By smiling at Patric in a friendly way, and finally, he spoke softly but in a sweet tone. " Are you gonna get some coffee? " Oh, no, I usually get more cookies than drinks here. Sometimes I do get some Cappucino." " That's good. I love Cappucino". Really? Cool." " Maybe you should order first because I might take time to pick what cookies I would want to take home." She slightly smiled at Patric. " Okay. I will go ahead then." Carla went around the corner of the shop to check what kind of cookies they had and another dessert. A lady assists her by picking up whatever she chooses and putting it in a take-out box. When she noticed the cashier was talking to Patric she barely heard what they were talking about. She continued to grab more dessert and a couple of minutes passed she was done and ordered a cup of Cappucino. She walked back to the cashier to pay. The cashier packed all the desserts nicely. Carla asked the cashier. "How much is all of it?" " Don't worry about it, Ma'am, it's all paid." " What do you mean? It's all paid. I haven't paid them." No, Ma'am" your boyfriend paid them." Carla heard the cashier loud and clear and she was in shock. Not because someone paid for her bill, but a boyfriend? " Hold on what? My boyfriend paid for it? I don't... Before she could finish her sentence. Patric came up to her. " Don't worry about it Carla, I got it covered." But that's too much, Pat. No problem my treat." " Wow okay, that's really nice of you. Thank you!. But wait, why did you tell her you're my boyfriend?" ' Oh, I didn't say that. All I told her was I'd pay whatever she ordered. They assume I am' An awkward smile from him but Carla was still surprised by what he did. " Why did you pay for my order through pat? I feel bad." " You don't have to feel bad, it's okay and I really wanted to do it, so no problem." " Thank you again. I'll enjoy your treat." She was still in shock but she was trying to get a hold of herself and not showing her feelings towards the group, especially with Sandra. She will make a big fuzz. She took her take-out box, and took it to the table where everyone was sitting. Patric was ahead of her and she saw him drag the chair for her because there were not enough chairs for all of them. " Dude, what a gentleman. Ian is teasing him." " You can seat her Carla," Thanks Pat' Sandra noticed what Patric did for Carla and she said " Dear? Isn't Patric really nice?" " Yeah. He even paid for my order." " Wait, what? He did? Wow, I'm surprised you should have paid for our order too." You never treat us." ' That's enough, Sandra, next time I'll pay for everybody. She looked at Carla's face and really showing her, even without saying any word I told you so.