All About Your Love

Chapter Three

Nicole's POV

After whatever happened back in English class earrlier, I was a little shaken off. I decided to just stick to plain old—fashioned romance in only books—where love was completely safe and harmless.

I was walking back to my dorm when I heard Ashley running funnily and calling after me. I turned, smiling at her, feeling all relieved to see a familiar face after what seemed like forever back in English class.

"I'm so sorry I missed class—funny story actually," Ash began, slightly breathless. "On my way to class, I got a text from Elliott saying he would be in campus. I told him I had class and I'm going to be with my bestest friend in the whole world—"

I scoffed as she tried to buy her way into my graces , which had me smiling because it was actually working.

"But he told me that he was going to be available for just today and I wouldn't be able to see him until Wednesday, so... I caved, I went to hang with him." She gave me her best puppy-dog eyes. Anyway, enough about me. How was English class?"

Ashley asked staring at me. I hesitated, deciding not to bring up everything that happened in class today and how two of the most gorgeous guys I have seen had caught my attention. Although the one with brown curly hair and dreamy eyes seems to still float through my mind from time to time, lost in thought,

"Hellooo? Back to earth, Nicole. How was English class?" Ashley yells, I smile snapping out of my thoughts responded cheekily.

I grinned, playing it off. "It would've been better if you were there."

We both laughed

"Come on, let's grab coffee before we head to the library" Ash suggested.

"urghhh, I need that."

We both linked hands as we walked across the campus buildings. I couldn't help but admire the sunny but beautiful mid spring time here in Boston campus—where trees has never looked more greener, buildings and blocks around here had this colorful paintings and designs to it that made me want to write about, students walking in groups to their various destinations all gingerly, sororities and good cause groups planning their next meetings or topics under big beautiful trees, the birds adding to the whole scenery making chirping sounds as we walk by.

I saw the sign of what is definitely one of my favorite spots here on campus. Clouds n Coffee. Yeah you guessed it right, it's the café. We went in, there were students already scattered around in the cafe but the space somehow works to accommodate even more people. The smell of freshly brewed coffee enveloping me like a warm hug.

We joined the short line. My eyes scanning the menu board as I mentally prepare for the rest of my day at the library.

The Barista's voice broke into my reverie. "Hey, what can I get you". She asked warmly.

"An expresso and a medium sized chocolate muffin. Thank you" I replied.

"Sure" she responded. "And what can I get you?" she asked Ashley

"Matcha with extra cream and a blueberry muffin. Thanks." Ash added.

"Coming right up" Says the barista....

As we waited, I teased, "I'll never understand why people like matcha. it's just... so green."

Ashley laughed "Oh plain ol' Nicole. You wouldn't get it. There's a spot by the window, let's sit over there."

We settled in, I took in the decor of the cafe. It looked so comfy and spacious at the same time it was perfect. The barista came with our orders shortly after, my expression was like drinking into one of heaven's resources... Urghh. Ashley is biting into her blueberry muffin and texting I'm guessing Elliott because the smiles and giggles are just oozing out.

I looked past her, when I saw him.

I see no freaking way.

Chad Wells. The captain of the football team. Sitting directly across from us. How come we didn't notice— how come I didn't notice I'm spiraling internally and moving awkwardly on my seat.

I'm guessing my awkwardness was enough to get Ashley's attention and she's staring at me.

"What's up? You're acting weird. Definitely not the normal weird— new weird."

"Ash look." Ashley followed my gaze as I titled my head towards to the table directly across us. He and his friends were laughing and chatting over coffee, but his eyes was on me. When our eyes met, he smiled.

My cheeks flushed as I quickly looked away,my heart racing, "Oh my God, Ash. He's staring at me."

Ashley raised her eyebrows, intrigued. "Who? Chad Wells?"

I nodded, still avoiding eye contact with Chad. "Yeah, I think he noticed me." Ashley glanced over at Chad, who was still staring at me with interest.

"Well, it's not surprising. You're gorgeous."

I rolled my eyes, though secretly, feeing a mix of excitement and nerves. I can't believe Chad Wells was paying attention to me. I thought he was the jock kind that hangs with only the girls on the cheerleading squad and hot frat party chicks. Although I noticed how he stared at me during the English class earlier. I brushed it off as mere coincidence, but now I'm not so sure.

His friends started teasing him. He laughed, still not taking his eyes off me. I felt a shiver run down my spine as our gazes met again, I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.

"Nicole, maybe you should go talk to him," Ashley suggested, nudging me playfully.

My eyes widened in horror. " Are you crazy!? I'm not going to walk over there and start talking to him."

Ashley grinned mischievously " Why not? You never know what might happen."

I shook my head feeling my cheeks grow even hotter. I was definitely not ready for this kind of attention from Chad Wells, or anyone else for that matter as I thought that, I couldn't help but think of the curly haired looking, hazel eyes guy but I quickly snapped out of it.

Ashely and I continued the rest of our conversation, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible, when Chad Wells got up from his table, with his friends calling out teasing boyish remarks as he walked over to our table. Oh no— I freaked out. Ashley notices and places a hand on mine and mouths "act normal" and I nod.

“Act normal,” Ashley mouthed, squeezing my hand.

"Hey, mind if I join you?" Chad asked, his smile charming and confident.

My heart skipped a beat as I hesitated, unsure of what to say. Ashley however, jumped in, her voice friendly and saved me.

"Not at all! have a seat."

Chad sat down, his eyes locking onto mine. "I'm Chad."

"I'm Nicole," I replied, trying to sound as normal as possible despite my heart was about to leap out of my chest.

Ashley introduced herself as well, I'd always be in awe as to her conversations comes freely for Ash. The only time I communicate freely is through my words on paper. We chatted for a bit, discussing everything from classes to the environment to music. As the conversation flowed quite easily, I found myself relaxing slightly in Chad's presence. He was cool to talk to, and his sense of humor was infectious.

After a few minutes he glanced at his watch and stood. " I should probably get going. It was great talking to you both."

As he stood up he turned to me "Could I get your number? I'd love to hang out more with you sometime."

The café seemed to quiet around me. My heart leapt, then stalled. Ashley gave me a not-so-subtle nod of encouragement as she sensed my uncertainty and internal spiraling.

"Sure," I said softly. Chad smiled pulling out his phone.

"Great" He responded a bit anxious

When our fingers brushed as I handed him my number, a spark shot through me—just like the ones I’d read about in books. My cheeks burned, but he didn’t seem to notice.

"Curse my stupid sensitive system" I said internally turning slightly embarrassed that he would see what just a slight touch did , he didn't notice.

"Thanks, Nicole," Chad said his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'll talk to you soon."

He smiled at Ash and with that he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling both excited and terrified.

"Let's head to the library Nicole" Ash grinned

"We have a lot of talking to do", I shook my head grinning from ear to ear as I followed her out of the cafe

As we walked to the library, Ashley turned to me, a huge grin on her face .

"Oh my God, Nicole, what just happened?". She giggled still feeling dazed.

"I have no idea, but I think I'm still in shock." Ashley squealed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Chad Wells just asked for your number! The Chad Wells!" She squealed in a whisper.

I playfully roll my eyes, "I know, I know, it's a big deal". Ashley nudged me playfully

"You're pretending to play it cool, but I know you're freaking out inside," I laughed feeling a little more at ease.

"Okay, fine. I'm freaking out a little. But what I'm I suppose to do now?"

Ashley giggled, linking her arm through mine as we left the café. “We have a lot to talk about, Nicole.”

"I don't know, but I'm sure you'll figure it out. You're you, after all."

"Whatever that means." I replied.

As we approached the library, I felt a sense of normalcy wash over me. Maybe this was just what I needed - a little excitement to start my romance life .

We pushed the library doors and stepped inside, the quiet atmosphere enveloping us. I took in a deep breath, my nerves had started to settle.

"Okay, focus time" Ashley whispered, nodding towards our usual study table. I smiled, pulled out my books, novels and notes.

"Right focus!"

After I began to read my mind drifted away into the book, grounding myself in the quiet atmosphere.

Maybe this was exactly what I needed—a little excitement to finally spark my own story.