Jordan's POV:
A few days ago, a girl came to the shop. For some reason, she ran away. It's like she saw a ghost. I can't be that scary. I'm sure there is another reason for this. I could've asked her, but I don't think she would've answered. There was something in her. I can't describe it. I had never seen her before. I feel like this won't be the last time. I will see her again. The question is when. I don't know where to find her. That made me think about the note that the weird lady gave me. This girl can be my soulmate. No, I don't believe it. This thing is a lie. Soulmates don't exist. I still feel like there is something special about her. We need to talk. The first time wasn't successful. I shouldn't care about this. This girl is no one. I don't care what she does. The lady only wanted to mess with my mind. Of course, I didn't tell my friends. Otherwise, they will ask me many questions. For now, only Noah knows about the note. That's all. I don't want to talk about this. Many customers visit the coffee shop. She might not come again. Maybe it's better that way. I want to forget about this. I will focus on myself. Also, I need to spend more time with my friends. The past few days, they have been busy. Me too. I prefer to spend time alone. That was good, but I missed them. Dylan makes terrible jokes, but it's good to have him around. That includes everyone else. We can find new people to add to our group, but I don't want to. The friends I have now are more than enough for me. I hope that I will keep them for a long time.
It's the weekend. This means I don't have to work. For the past week, we had many customers. That happens rarely. I should say that the boss added some changes. We sell food now. Mostly, it's donuts and sweet stuff like pastries. It was enough to make more clients come to the shop. I expect this to continue. At least, that is what I hope. The girl didn't appear again. Maybe that is better. I won't lie that she got in my head. Mostly, it was her reaction. Am I that scary? It can't be that.
I woke up and checked my phone. I had a message on the group chat. The boys want us to have lunch together. I texted them the restaurant where we would go. The food is delicious. Then I got up and went to get ready. I made something quick for breakfast. Then I walked out. One walk won't be that bad. It was still a bit early. There weren't many people. I went to a park. It's almost at the end of the town. That's when I saw her. She was here. I shouldn't talk to her, but I want to do it. I sat next to her, and she looked at me. I can see the fear in her eyes.
- Don't worry. I won't do anything to you. I only came to see you. Are you ok?
- Yes.
- Why are you scared of me? Did I do something? Am I that scary?
- No, it has nothing to do with you. I'm sorry about that day. I can't tell you what happened, but I apologize.
- It's ok. At least I know the truth.
- What are you doing here?
- I went for a walk. Sometimes I come here. Later, I'll have lunch with my friends. What are your plans?
- I don't know. The girls didn't tell me anything.
- I'm sure you will think of something. I better leave you alone.
- No, you can stay. I don't mind.
- Are you sure?
- Yes, I am.
- Thanks.
- Can I ask you something?
- Sure.
- What is your name? - she asked, and I laughed
- I'm Jordan. How about you?
- Melanie.
- Nice name. I like it.
- Your is good, too.
- I believe you are still a high school student.
- Is it that visible?
- Well, you look a bit younger than me.
- That is true. I'm a senior. To understand that you go to university.
- Oh, no. I work full-time.
- Why? You didn't want to study?
- Something like this.
- At least you have a job.
- I have a house, too.
- Look at you. I didn't know that coffee makers earn that much.
- They don't. My parents wanted to help me.
- That makes more sense.
- What will you do after you graduate?
- I have no idea.
- You have enough time.
- Yes, but I. I'm sorry. I have to pick it up.
- It's ok.
- It was one of my friends. I have to go now.
- Will I see you again?
- You want to see me?
- I can make you a drink without coffee. - I said, and she laughed
- Ok, then. One day, I will come again.
- Thanks.
- No problem. Bye.
- Bye. - I said, and she left
I stayed in the park for a while. She didn't tell me why she acted this way, but at least I knew it wasn't because of me. Well, not directly. I will ask her again. I don't know why I wanted to see her again. There was something in this conversation that made me feel close to her. It's better if I keep this for myself.
Around lunchtime, I went to the restaurant. The boys were already there. Only I left to order my food. They were in a good mood. I believe that something has happened.
- What are these smiles for? - I asked
- You. - Dylan said
- Me? Why?
- We saw you with a girl in front of the coffee shop. Won't you tell who she was?
- I don't know. I didn't ask for her name.
- Come on. You don't have to lie to us.
- I'm not. I have no idea who she is. She felt weird, and I went to check on her. I thought something happened.
- Man, find a better excuse. - Jason said
- That is the truth. I don't care if you believe me or not.
- Let's not argue about that. - Noah said
- I agree. Why are you interested in this?
- Because you are never around girls. We thought something might happen.
- I don't think so. That was the only time I saw her.
- Are you sure? - Jason asked
- Hundred percent.
- They will meet again. The way she was looking at him said it all. - Dylan said
- For how long were you there?
- Enough.
The boys and I had a peaceful lunch. Later, we went for a walk. Hopefully, they didn't see me with Melanie. I don't want to explain everything. Also, we only talked. Nothing else happened. I can't do this again, but I feel like I will. All I want is to know why she ran away like that. She saw something in me. I know it. The question is what it is.
- Will you stop thinking about her and start paying attention to us? - Dylan asked, chuckling
- Very funny. You have no idea what is going on in my mind.
- I don't need to know. It's visible.
- Guys, don't argue again. It doesn't matter what Jordan is doing. When he is ready, he will tell us everything. - Noah said
- Thank you.
- You say this because you are on his side. - Dylan said
- I agree with Noah this time. We share everything. It doesn't matter when. - Jason said
- Fine. I won't say anything anymore.
- Dylan, we didn't say that. - I said
- This is how it sounded to me.
- Leave him alone. He will start talking again soon. The boy can't keep it quiet. - Noah said
- That is not true.
- I thought you wouldn't talk.
- Whatever.
- The poor girl who will go out with him. - Jason said, chuckling
- Shut up! At least I will have one.
- How many chances have left for you?
- I don't know. Many.
- Can we talk about something else? I mean, not about girls. - I said
- Then for what?
- I don't know.
- We can go out tonight. - Noah said
- Without me. I promised my mom to have dinner with her and my dad.
- Again?
- Hey, this is my first time this week. We are making progress.
- What progress? - Dylan said
- It's still something.
- If you say so.
- She needs to learn to live without you.
- Guys, I live alone, unlike you.
- He has a point here. - Noah said
I stayed with the boys for some time. Then I went to get ready for dinner with my parents. Before I went to their house, I walked to the grocery store. I bought a small cake. After all, I can't go there with empty hands. I arrived at their house at the perfect time. I knocked on the door, and my dad opened it.
- You finally came. Come in.
- Thanks. This is for you.
- What have you bought?
- A small cake.
- Your mom says that I eat too many sweets.
- Because it's true. Hello, honey.
- Hey, mom. Leave him to enjoy his life.
- Yes, and then I have to take care of him.
- I didn't say that you have to do it.
- The other option is you.
- Good luck. - I said, and she laughed
- Let's sit now. Dinner is almost ready.
- What should I do with this?
- Give it to me. Otherwise, your dad will start eating it.
- I'm sure he won't do that.
- I know him better than you.
- Listen to what your mom says. It will save you problems. - my dad said, whispering
- I understand.
- How was your day? Maybe I should ask about your week.
- It was good. We started selling food now. You can come one day.
- If I take the car, yes. It's a bit far away from my office.
- Well, we close at 6 pm. You have a bit of time.
- I can't promise you anything.
- Don't worry. I will come to see you.
- Now you have an answer.
- I wonder when I will see you.
- I will try. I promise to try.
- It's better than nothing.
- That is all I can tell you. I'm sorry. Lately, I have had a lot of work.
- It's ok. I don't mind.
- Did something happen? You look worried. - my mom said, putting the plates
- No, everything is fine.
- Are you sure? Did she finally appear?
- Who?
- Whoever it is. I want to see you happy.
- Mom, this will happen on its own. I can't control it.
- You won't make me wait much, will you?
- Mom!
- I'm only saying. Who knows how much has left me?
- Don't talk like that. You will be one old grandma.
- Thank you for the compliment. Note the sarcasm.
- I did.
- I'm serious. All I want is for you to be happy.
- I have the boys.
- But it's not the same. You can't be alone.
- I will see.
I stayed with my parents until 10 pm. I want to go to bed early. On the way home, I got a call from Noah. He wanted us to walk a bit. I don't know what he wants now. We saw each other for lunch. Maybe I should tell him about Melanie. I know he won't say anything to anyone. I can trust him about that. I saw him waiting for me.
- Hey, for how long are you here?
- I came ten minutes ago.
- Did something happen? Why did you want to talk with me?
- Because I know that something is going on with you. Won't you tell me? You know you can trust me.
- Don't tell anyone.
- I promise.
- I saw Melanie again this morning.
- Who is Melanie?
- Right. The girl Dylan saw in front of the shop.
- I get it. What happened?
- Nothing. We only talked. The first time, she ran away.
- Do you know why?
- I tried to ask, but she didn't tell me. I will try one day.
- Will you see her soon?
- I don't know. I hope so. I have some questions for her.
- I'm sure she will be happy to see you. Are you sure it's only that?
- For now, yes.
- I hope everything ends well for you.
- Me too.
That was for my early sleeping. Noah and I talked until midnight. Let's say that I got carried away. There are so many things I can tell him. He is like the brother I don't have. I have nothing against Jason and Dylan, but they talk too much. I don't know if they take this seriously. I don't want them to go after the girl. She should live in peace for now. I will ask her what I want, but it will be when I see her. She needs to tell me why she ran away that day. I'm sure she saw something in me that she didn't like. The question is what it was. I hope that she will tell me the truth.