It was already Thursday. I couldn’t believe how quick this week had gone by, not that I was, complaining because it was already closer to the weekend.

College for me had been a success so far. The work load was hard but challenging, the teachers were stricter yet down to earth, the students in my classes were nicer, but hardworking. I’ve had no problems as of yet, I was hoping it stayed that way. I was just glad mean girl Georgia decided to go live with her auntie in Essex otherwise she would’ve attended the same college as me. Oh, could you imagine the joy, I would probably be out on my arse by now if she were here, I could never seem to contain my temper whenever she was around. You couldn’t blame me though, that girl always had her claws out, ready to pick on any old innocent girl who looked her way. Bitch.

I had only seen my brothers a few times around college and every time they were surrounded by a bunch of popular kids. They would only wave in my direction, which I was grateful for, I didn’t want their friends to bug me because I was their little sister.

It was date-night. A small part and I meant a small part of me, would had rather gone out with Kaden than with Elaine and two chums I had never met before, god I was hoping it went well. Otherwise I might make up an excuse during the date saying that I had a family emergency to tend to, cliché I know, but I didn’t care, it was better than sitting there making awkward conversation.

My phone rang, pulling me from my thoughts. Looking down at the screen, I saw Elaine’s smiling face, staring up at me. Swiping green, I answered.

“Sup,” I asked.

“You ready yet?”

“Yes,” I huffed. “Why they cancel?”

“No,” she laughed. “It’s because I’m outside yours now, get your sexy butt down here” she said, then hung up.

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder.

I gave mum a kiss on the cheek telling her bye, she told me to have a goodnight, be safe and to enjoy myself, argh doubtful.

I climbed in the passenger seat of Elaine’s car and buckled myself in.

“You look good,” she smiled.

“Meh,” I said, shrugging my shoulders, “just wearing casual clothes, but next to you I feel slightly underdressed.”

She laughed, “Aw no, you look fine. You ready then?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be I guess.”

“Oh, come on Eva lighten up, I didn’t make you come, you asked remember?” she arched a perfectly plucked brow.

“Yes,” I mumbled, “I know.”

“Good, now let’s hit the road jack.”

I laughed shaking my head. It was a twenty-minute drive into the city, they had picked some fancy arse Italian restaurant, I didn’t mind, because I loved Italian food, I just hoped they were paying because I didn’t have a lot of money. I really needed to find a part time job. I didn’t have college on a Friday anymore, due to our timetables being changed around, I could work weekends, but it was finding somewhere that would hire a girl with experience in well, nothing.

I sighed inwardly, thinking long and hard where I could work. Maybe in a café, or even a coffee shop. Come to think of it, I was eighteen now, I could work in a bar.  Oh, I didn’t know, thinking too much hurts my head.

Elaine parked the car, a street away from the restaurant because there was no other car park that was closest to the restaurant. I was surprised she was able to park the car this quick, London’s road was always busy.

We walked a short walk to the restaurant. Talking about nothing in particular. As of now, I should be a bundle of nerves, knowing that I was going on a date with a complete stranger, but I wasn’t, because in all honesty, I was really not looking forward to it.

We reached the swanky looking building and go inside. The hostess, greeted us with a warm smile, asking how she could help. Elaine shot of the details she was given by her date and the hostess escorted us to our table. I leaned toward Elaine and whispered in her ear “Err what’s yours and mines dates name again?”

She laughed loudly gaining attention of other people in the restaurant. “Eva girl, your hilarious I can’t believe you can’t remember their names.”

“Yeah well, I’ve slept since then, haven’t I?”

“My dates name is Eric and yours is Ben.”

“Right” I nodded “this is good information. “Wait” I said, “I thought you had a crush on that Ben in our sports course?”

“Nah” she waved me off “He wasn’t my type in the end. Eric is much better and a year older.”

“Whose Ben then?”

“I don’t know Eric’s friend, stop asking so many bloody questions and wait and see.”

“Fine,” I grumbled. The hostess shew us our table. I couldn’t see the two chums faces because their backs were to us. Walking around the table, we were greeted with two overly happy lads and my eyes landed on my date. Of course, it would be Ben from sports. I was going to kill Elaine, she looked to me with a smirk, I glared at her and mentally gave her the middle finger.

“Ah so you’re my mystery date,” Ben said, amusement shone in his eyes. I took the seat opposite him, keeping the fake smile plastered on my face “Seems that way, doesn’t it?”

“Hey Elaine,” Eric’s eyes travelled the length of her body pig! “You look lovely.”

“Aw thank-you” she blushed. And all I could think was, this was going to be a long night “You don’t scrub up so bad yourself” 

“Thanks sweetheart,” he winked. Oh my god, gag!

“You look hot Eva,” Ben smirked. I burst out laughing, straight to it, I loved it.

“You don’t scrub up so bad yourself,” I snorted, he pressed his lips together to supressing his laughter. I could tell he was thinking what I was thinking. Eric and Elaine were annoyingly gross.

“Dude what’s funny?” Eric furrowed his brow, clearly confused. Were as Elaine being much smarter, kicked me under the table in warning. Party pooper.

“Nothing man,” Ben slapped his shoulder chuckling. The waitress came over asking for our drinks order. Ben and I ordered the same, JD and coke, Elaine ordered a Malibu and coke and Eric ordered a beer. Yuck, a disgusting fosters I might add, that was minus points from me.

“So how you are enjoying college then ladies?” Eric asked. I hated the way he said that, it made me feel like a child.

“Yeah,” Elaine smiled wide. “It’s really good, our classes are great and so’s our teachers.”

“Aw that’s good then, what are your subjects again?” at this point I zoned out of their conversation. Because boring, I mean why the heck were we speaking about college on a so-called date.

Ben nudged my foot, gaining my attention. “This is fun,” he smirked.

“So much fun,” I laughed.

“Want to drink up the bar instead, leave these love birds to it?”

“You know what,” I nodded. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard all evening” he winked in reply. We pushed away from the table, Elaine gave me a questioning look.

“Where are you going Ben?” Eric asked.

“Eva and I are going to the bar. Gives you two time to get to know one another.”

“Ah alright then man, see you in a bit.”

“Erm,” Elaine mumbled. “You haven’t even eaten yet.”

“It’s alright,” I placed an assuring hand on her shoulder. “I’m not hungry anyway.”

“Oh,” she smiled. “Ok, well have fun.”

“You too,” I winked. Ben and I made our way to the elegant bar across the room. We each sat on a stool, looked at each-other and burst out laughing.

“Shit,” he slapped the bar laughing. “You look lovely,” he mimicked his friend.

“Aww thank-you!” I held my cheeks in my hand. “You don’t scrub up so bad yourself.”

“Thanks sweetheart,” he winked. Oh god, it set me off again. “You do realise we’re terrible friends, right?” I said, laughing still.

“Yeah probably, but that was so uncomfortable, right?”

“Yes, it was,” I sobered. “How do you know Eric then? He’s a year older than us, right?”

He nodded, then replied, “we played on the same football team in middle school, high-school and now college. Been best-friends ever since.”

“Aww that’s so cute.”

“Are you mocking me little Eva?” he grinned, transforming his handsome features. I was kinder glad I came tonight.

“Me,” I placed my hand over my heart, “never!”

“You were,” he shook his head. “You little Eva, are trouble.”

“Nah I’m not,” I laughed. “Why little Eva and not just Eva?”

“Because you are tiny and adorable.”

“I can also be tiny and evil you know?” I narrowed my eyes. Adorable. Ha. No.

He laughed, “I bet you can be,” a knowing grin tugged at his lips.

“What are you up to Mr?” I arched my brows.

“I think we should make this night more interesting,” he smiled widely.

“Ok...,” I voiced unsure. “I’m listening.”

“I think we should have some shots.”

“That’s your big reveal?” I said, “shot’s really?”

“Were you hoping for something more extravagant?”

“Yeah kinder, I don’t know rob a bank or something, now,” I pointed at him. “That would be an interesting night.”

He threw his head back laughing. “Brilliant. But maybe next time.”

“Argh you’re no fun,” I smirked. He laughed again and shook his head. Ben signalled the bartender ordering four shots, one sambuca and tequila each.

I offered to pay for my own, but he dismissed my money and said a beautiful woman should never buy her own drink, fucking charmer this one.

We threw back the shots, pulling unattractive faces because of the not so lovely taste. It burned my throat on the way down, but on a positive note I didn’t cough.

Part of me was regretting the small lunch I had today. Because yes, I was feeling a bit of a buzz.

“Think those two over there, are the loves of their lives then?” humours laced Ben’s tone.

“Elaine thinks everyone she dates it the love of her life.”

“Wow, ok strange,” I slapped his arm. “Hey what was that for?”

“She’s not crazy you idiot, I know that’s what you were thinking. Poor girls just a hopeless romantic.”

“What about you?” he asked.

“What about me?”

“You a hopeless romantic little Eva?”

“Nope,” I popped the word. “I don’t think I am. If it happens, it happens,” I shrugged. “If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”

“Fair point,” he smiled. “So you’d rather have fun then?”

“Now then,” I wiggled my finger at him. “Don’t be twisting my words Benny, because that’s not what I said. I’m not looking for a relationship, I’m focusing on myself and my future, to me it’s what is important.”

“Yeah, I get you,” he nodded. “And Benny,” he visibly cringed— “really?”

“You’re stuck on calling me little Eva, so therefore I’m sticking with Benny, deal with it,” I stuck my tongue out playfully.

“Fine,” he groaned. Ben signalled the bartender once again, this time ordering two JD’s and cokes.

That was how most of the night went. Drinks, laughter and a good time. By the end of it I was a stumbling mess, but I didn’t mind because for once I enjoyed myself and felt like a carefree teenager.

Elaine went home during the night and yes with Eric, but apparently, he was only being a gentleman and escorting her home. Hmm. Sure.

Ben and I shared a taxi home. We were both a tad bit drunk and kept laughing at anything we found remotely amusing. I agreed to go out with him Friday next week, only as friends of course, he seemed to agree with me, let’s hope it stayed that way.

The taxi dropped me off first. Ben kissed me on the cheek goodnight, my cheeks heated in embarrassment.

I quietly unlocked the front door, and turned the hallway light on and locked the door behind me. I went in the kitchen, to make myself a strong cup of coffee, wanting to sober up before I hit the hay.

I sat at the table with my coffee in-between my hands, taking small sips. The clock on the microwave reads twelve-fifteen. Shit I was late home. Footsteps sounded down the stairs my body tensed. Oops, was I loud, I didn’t think I was.

Caleb came into the kitchen with a sour face.

“What’s up with you bro? You’ve got a face of a slapped arse,” I snorted, or maybe slurred.

“Fucking hilarious Eva,” he sat opposite me slouching in the chair, he looked exhausted “Where you been?”

“Out.”

“Care to elaborate you little shit?”

“I’m not a child Caleb.”

“Didn’t say you were, but your drunk and you have college tomorrow.”

“Actually,” I said. “For your information, I don’t”

“Why the fuck not?”

“Because, twat features. My timetable was changed, so my college days consist of Monday to Thursday.”

“Oh,” he dragged his hand down his face. “Still where you been?”

I sighed loudly shaking my head, “If you must know, I went on a double date with Elaine and some chum.” I downed the rest of my coffee, got up and placed it by the kettle. “It was a blast,” I ruffled his hair. “Going to bed, night Caleb.”

He grunted, “night”—I shook my head. I dragged myself up the stairs and into my bedroom. Alcohol made me sleepy.

I took my make-up off, brushed my teeth, brushed my hair then threw it into a messy bun and dressed in my pj’s. 

Sorted. I jumped into bed. Snuggled my head into my pillow and closed my eyes, letting my drunken haze take me under.

“I expect all homework to be on time,” Miss Robinson declared. “I know I suck giving you more homework, I hate myself too for giving it to you guys, but it has to been done I’m afraid,” she handed sheets of paper to the student in the front row asking her to pass them down. I grabbed a paper for myself and stuffed it into my bag. The bell rung declaring the end of our lesson. “See you tomorrow, I expect your homework to be handed in next Monday. See, I am nice, I’m giving you a whole week to complete it,” the class chuckled. “Right off you go, get out of my class,” shaking my head, chuckling, I climbed from my seat, slung my bag over my shoulder and exited the class room.

“The only good thing about a Monday morning is having health and social care,” Liv stated.

“Yeah I agree. I don’t think I could do sports first thing, no way, fuck that. Mr Greyson would probably make us run the length of the field just to spite us,” Elaine visibly shuddered at the thought. “Speaking of sports, you spoken to Ben anymore since Thursday?”

“Nope,” I shook my head. “But it’s not like we’re seeing each-other or anything. We got really drunk and had a good laugh as friends.”

“You would make a good couple though,” Elaine smirked knowingly.

“Don’t even think about meddling in my business missus,” I pointed out. “Plus, I made it clear to him that I’m not too keen on starting a relationship with anyone because I’m focusing on myself and my future.”

“You sound like an old woman, you know that?” Elaine said, making Liv snort out a laugh, I gave her a hard look and she mouthed sorry, shrugging her shoulders.

The three of us sat outside on a bench in front of the building to have our mid-morning snack. It was a nice Autumns day, a little nippy, but the sun was shining, so I couldn’t complain. It was rare for London to have a week full of decent weather because well, because it was England and all of our seasons seemed to have gotten mixed along the way.

My snack for today was an apple, why, because I was trying to become a little healthier, did I like it? Hell no. I wished I had a bag of crisps with me, or at least a chocolate bar. Since I took on sports, I now had to balance my diet. Oh, the joys. But I guessed in the long run it would help me become fitter and improve my stamina, but hands down, I refused to give up my takeaways on the weekend, no bloody way was I giving up those bad boys, I needed them to survive, dramatic, yes, did I care, no.

“Oh my god,” Elaine broke the comfortable silence. “I have to get a picture of this.”

“A picture of what?” Liv asked, confusion washed over her features.

“Of Eva eating an apple of course, I cannot believe my eyes,” she turned to Liv. “Pinch me, I need to know if this is a dream or not.”

Liv rolled her eyes, “Your crazy.”

“Are you feeling okay?” Elaine asked. “You haven’t got a temperature or anything”

“Fuck you,” I said, throwing in the middle finger. They burst out laughing. Shaking my head, I took one last bite of my apple and chucked it in the bin, sitting back down I said. “I’m trying to be good alright. The least you could do is be supportive arsewipes.”

“Hey,” Liv threw her hands in the air. “I didn’t do anything!”

“You laughed,” I declared.

“Oh Eva, I’m only joking,” Elaine told me. “But you really don’t have to go on a diet you know?”

“I know I don’t have to,” I said. “I want to because my stamina in sports sucks eggs. Don’t worry, I’m still eating shit on the weekend, I don’t give a crap what anybody says.”

“That’s my girl,” Elaine and Liv said in unison. We all burst out laughing.

“Hey ladies,” Ben smirked sliding into the bench next to me. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing Benny, stop being so nosey.”

“Do you have to call me Benny while we’re at college,” he groaned.

I laughed, “Yep I do. Are you going to call me little Eva?”

“You know it little Eva,” Ben winked. I shook my head. I looked to my friends, who were staring at Ben and I, opened mouths.

I furrowed my brows, “What’s up?”

“You have pet names?” Elaine said, smirking, “how cute.”

“Don’t,” I warned. “There’s nothing going on, tell them Ben.”

“Fine,” he sighed. “We’re in a relationship.”

Liv jumped from her seat, pointing down at me, “I knew it!”

I shoved Ben in the arm, but he didn’t budge, stupid muscle. “We are not in a relationship, he is being a dork,” I glared at Ben. “Aren’t you Ben?”

“Has anyone ever told you, you look hot when your angry?” he smirked.

“Argh, your unbelievable,” I groaned.

“Hey,” he nudged my shoulder with his. “I’m only joking,” he looked at my friends and said smirking. “I’m completely single, so if any of you two want to hit me up, let me know.”

“That’s it, go away Ben,” I shoved him of the bench, he held his hands up defensively. “Alright, chill, I’m going,” he turned around laughing.

“Wow,” Liv breathed. “Has he always been like that?”

“Like what?” I arched my brow.

“So chipper, on a freaking Monday morning, that boy is crazy and too much!”

“You’re telling me,” I grumbled.

Today was dragging. I was trying my damned hardest to keep my eyes open in creative writing, to listen to Mrs Thompson ramble on about some old shit, but it was beginning to feel like a hard task.

I didn’t mean to sound harsh, but her teaching skills were completely bland and dull. There was no passion behind her words, no joy behind her writing, it was almost as if she despised creative writing and if that was so, why become a teacher in the first place. For me you have to be passionate and enthusiastic about the subject, because that was the type of energy you needed, it was infectious, and we needed it in this class.

I kept looking at the clock in hopes the time would miraculously move faster. Of course, it didn’t work like that, if anything the more you seemed to stare at the clock the more the ticker would not move. It was like the clock was purposely playing with your head, stupid clock. 

“Is it lunch time yet?” Liv whispered.

I groaned, “I wish.”

“Guys you do realise we’ve only got ten minutes till lunch right,” Elain declared.

“What?” I screeched, Mrs Thompsons shushed me, “sorry,” I muttered. “I’ve been looking at that clock for ages thinking we had an hour left.”

“You idiot,” Elaine laughed. “That clocks wrong.”

“No shit,” I said, mostly to myself.

Ten minutes later the bell rang, and we were out of there. We went to the cafeteria and grabbed some lunch, I settled on the most edible looking meal which was cold pasta, but it was better than nothing. I would rather eat that, than anything else they were selling, I was pretty sure prison food looked more appetising than cafeteria food. We selected a table, in the far corner and settled in. There wasn’t much else to do during lunch, other than walk around aimlessly or lounge around a table.

“Could this day get any more boring?” Liv sighed.

“I know, I actually feel kinder miserable as well,” Elaine said.

“We’ve only got one more class to go and then we’re done for today at least the next class is more proactive,” I told them.

We sat in comfortable silence. I picked at my food not feeling to hungry. I would have to agree with Elaine, I felt like a misery today and I hated it so much because it made me feel useless. I spotted my three brothers out off the corner of my eye, making their way over to me. Yay, just what I wanted, the company of my idiot brothers.

“Sup lil sis?” Josh beamed and climbed into the seat next to me, slinging his arm around my shoulder.

“Ladies,” Callum said in greeting.

Caleb only acknowledged us with a nod. Those two sat on either side of Elaine and Liv. Elaine was not bothered in the slightest by their presence as she typed on her phone. Liv however looked flustered with the mere sight of them, many girls usually were. My brothers were handsome, but extremely irritating.

“Livy, how are you?” Callum nudged her winking, he could not leave her alone poor girl.

“Liv,” she whispered.

“What was that?” he asked.

“It’s Liv,” she stated. “Not Livy” way to go girl I said to myself, put my douche of a brother in his place.

“Ah sorry love,” he smirked.

“No problem,” she smiled sweetly. I inwardly rolled my eyes.

Caleb bumped Elaine’s shoulder gaining her attention “Yes?” she arched her brow. “Can I help you?”

“Who you texting, new boyfriend?” he winked.

“Right that’s it,” I said, “will you guys stop flirting and pissing off my friends please.”

“Hey,” Josh poked me. “I didn’t do nothing, I happen to want to see my little baby sister.”

“Look,” I told him. “Your only one year older than me, you’re not thirty, idiot,” I looked at my other brothers, “leave them alone will you?”

“They don’t mind, do you girls?” Callum’s tone was playful.

“Yes,” Elaine told them. “We do mind.”

“Don’t lie Elaine,” Caleb smirked. “You love it!”

“And your full of yourself if you think that Caleb, because I may have had a crush on you when I was younger b—," her eyes grew wide with shock, “shit did I just say that out loud?”

I smiled with amusement, “Yep, you sure did.”

“Oh god,” she groaned into her hands.

“I knew it!” Caleb chuckled. “You got a crush on me?”

“Use to I said, not anymore.”

“Liar,” he winked.

“Can this lunch get anymore mortifying?” I laughed at her shaking my head. I always knew she had a crush on my brother and she couldn’t give me that bollocks about it being past tense, because it was written across her face.

“Well,” Callum broke the silence, “this got awkward.”

I laughed, because trust him to point out the obvious. My phone vibrated in my bag, pulling it out I saw a text message from a number I didn’t recognise.

Hello Eva.

Hope your well, was wondering did you want to meet up this Friday? We could use with the catch-up being as we’re becoming friends once again.

Kaden.

I stared at my phone wide eyed. I hadn’t thought about him since I had last seen him, I kept him in the back of my mind, it was the safest bet for my emotions, and now, now he popped up out of nowhere, again awakening feelings inside of me I would much rather keep locked away, in the furthest part of my mind. My brothers and two best-friends chatted amongst themselves, I zoned them out. Thinking of a reply, then it hit’s me. I was going out with Ben on Friday night.

Hey. Firstly, how’d you get my number? Because I don’t remember giving it to you. And I can’t go out with you Friday, I’ve got plans.

I got a reply almost instantly.

Kaden: Your brother, don’t worry I’m not stalking you pretty girl??

You doing anything nice?

Me: Well that’s rude of Caleb, he could’ve asked permission first. Just going out with a friend.

Kaden: I didn’t really give him a choice in the matter. And this friend is it female or male?

What did that mean, didn’t give any choice in the matter. This boy was insane and who did he think he was asking, whether it was male or female.

Me: Is it really any of your business?

Kaden: I guess not. I was just making conversation.

Me: Bit inquisitive don’t you think?

Kaden: Me inquisitive. Ha. Never.

Me: Mmhmm.

Kaden: Saturday then?

Wow he was persistent. I wasn’t sure meeting him would be a good idea, especially for my heart, I couldn’t risk him breaking me all over again, I had guarded myself for so long now.

Me: Erm let me think about it please?

Kaden: Come on, pretty girl. How about just a coffee?

Me: Fine. A coffee then, that’s it.

Kaden: Ok. I’ll pick you up at ten.

Me: Ok. See you then.

I placed my phone back in my bag and half indulged myself in the conversation around me. I was nervous for Saturday, what would we talk about? Would our time together be filled with uncomfortable silence, I hoped not, maybe he would tell me about his time in New York, what he spent most of his teenage years doing, but then again, probably not.

Even when he used to call me, he would never talk about himself or what life he led, I never knew why, maybe he thought I would be bored listening to him talk about himself, but that would be the opposite of how I would feel, because I had always been interested to learn more about Kaden.

I missed the friendship we once had, the nights we would sit on my sofa, the nights he wouldn’t always terrorise me, we would watch movie’s and talk about what we wanted to be when we were older. I remembered him telling me he wanted to be a policeman because he wanted to save people’s lives and stop the bad guys, maybe that had something to do with how his parents died, I wondered if he had that dream any more, it wasn’t too late for him, but again, he seemed to be doing just fine with his lifestyle, he was definitely not hard-up for money that was for sure.

“That was an awesome movie!” Liv exclaimed.

“Yeah it was, but damn it was so fucking emotional, why do we always watch movies that makes me a complete mess?” Elaine said, still sniffling. It was Wednesday night and we planned on having a movie night at Liv’s house. We decided to watch, Me Before You, because we hadn’t seen it yet, we had a lot of night’s like this during the week, to relax and relieve the stress from our relentless courses, we liked to call it our little escape from college.

It was Liv’s turn to pick the film tonight, and damn her, for always choosing an emotional storyline. Don’t get me wrong it was a great film, but it was also heart-breaking.

“I don’t think we should allow Liv to pick the film anymore,” I admitted.

“Yeah,” Elaine agreed. “It’s like you enjoy watching our hearts breaking.”

“Oh guys,” Liv chuckled. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Dramatic,” Elaine threw her hands in the air. “That movie was so heart wrenching, if we’re dramatic then we have every right to be.”

“Fine, fine,” Liv huffed. “I won’t choose any more heart-breaking films then, who’s turn is it to choose next week?”

“Me,” I beamed. “And it’s going to be a good one.”

“It better be,” Elaine said. “Because if not, I’m finding me some new friends, you guys don’t give a shit about my emotions, maybe the next lot will” Liv and I burst out laughing, because, yes, Elaine really was dramatic, but in a funny way.

I checked the time on my phone, eight-thirty. Shit, it was getting late.

“Guys I’m going to head home.”

“Shit,” Elaine’s eyes widened, when she saw the time. “It’s gone quick tonight.”

“You guys are boring, it’s not even that late,” I arched my brows at Liv. “Fine I get it we have college. I’ll walk you both out.”

We said goodbye to Liv and Elaine gave me a lift home. When I got in I had a quick cup of coffee and a bit of toast, it was a terrible habit eating this late, but I really couldn’t help it, I loved to snack. Mum told me off all the time, but what she didn’t realise was I knew where her stash of sweets and chocolate were, she hid them in the living room for when she watched her programmes in the evening, sneaky little mere.

Getting into bed, I fired up my tablet. I checked my emails, nothing but junk. It was then when I decided I should probably do some job hunting, I typed in google jobs in London. I lived close to the city centre, so it shouldn’t be hard for me to get to places, if not there was always busses or even the underground tube stations, but I hated the underground tunnels, they scared the shit out of me.

I scrolled through the job list, looking for something that was part time and anything that was remotely easy for me to pick up.

I came across a job that fitted around my schedule, Friday to Sunday, part time waitressing at café Lola’s, couldn’t be too difficult, I did some more research into the café’s history, ironically, it was owned by a middle-aged woman called Lola, she had ran her café for fifteen years now, which became her livelihood. They do all-day breakfasts, baguettes, rolls, sandwiches and panini’s which was on the specials menu. It seemed decent and I couldn’t see myself hating the job, so I shot of a quick email, with my details, telling her that I may not have any experience, but I was keen to learn and am available for all of those days, now I just had to wait.

I read a little of the book, I had just downloaded, it was by one of my favourite authors Chloe Walsh, I had re-read her books over and over because I couldn’t get enough of them, I was starting the Break my fall series yet again, it was one of my all-time favourites, it was heart wrenching, tear jerking and completely lovable, the love between the two characters Lee and Kyle, made me want what they had, for a guy to love me as deeply as Kyle loved Lee, I was hoping one day, I could find a love as strong and as pure as there’s.

My eyes started to become heavy with sleep. I was so warm and cosy right now, I didn’t want to move, but unfortunately my bladder was calling and needed to be emptied. I quickly ran to the loo, did my business and got back in bed. I set my alarm, turned the light off and got comfortable, I tossed and turned a few times, but eventually sleep took over and I dreamt of Kaden once again, I couldn’t seem to get him out of my head, it was infuriating.

Today Mr Greyson had taken us on a trip into the country side. Wanting us to run the country roads, we had been studying this route for over a week now. The start and finish line had been marked, we would be running for eight miles, we had our watches set, ready for when we timed ourselves. My muscles were going to hate me later, my thighs would be aching like a bitch, my calves would be tight, and my legs would be like jelly, they were going to be protesting me in the morning when it came to getting out of bed, that much I would know.

I brought my heal up to my bum, stretching out my legs, I held each position for ten seconds, I placed my feet a width apart, with both hands I stretched down my left leg, touching my toes and did the same with my right. I shook out my arms and legs, crooking my neck from left to right, relieving the built-up tension.

“Ready to be beaten?” Ben winked, standing beside me stretching out his muscles.

“It’s not a race, you know, that right?” I arched my brow.

“Oh,” he laughed, “it is, regardless of the miles we’re running, it’s a race and I’m going to whoop your arse!”

I laughed, “Ha. Alright then, it’s on, but don’t say I didn’t warn you Benny boy, because I may be short, but I’m quick.”

“We’ll see about that little Eva,” he smirked. “But if I win, drinks are on you tomorrow night.”

“Yeah, yeah, keep making bets, you’re only going to embarrass yourself.”

Mr Greyson called our attention, telling us to get ready. Our bottles were filled to the brim with water. It was a little breezy outside, but it made it much easier to breathe when running, countryside air had always been the purest, not like the city air, were it was built up with pollution.

The whistle was blown, and we started our jog, in a slow but steady pace. We had been split up into sections, slower runners were placed at the back, in the middle section were steady paced runners and the top section, which I was in, the faster runners. We were split up based on our previous runs and what times we had received and much to my surprise I happened to have one of the fastest times, were as Elaine and Liv were in the slower group. Probably because, instead of mostly running they, preferred to walk and talk. Lazy arses.

Mr Greyson was following behind us in his car, in-case of emergencies, the car was also fully stocked with bottles of water, so we wouldn’t become dehydrated.

My phone was placed in my armband, I put my headphones in my ears, keeping the volume low, so I could hear for any further instructions.

I pressed shuffle on my play list and picked up a steady pace. Ben was a few feet ahead, which was a bad mistake on his part, because he wasn’t conserving his energy.

Five miles in, three more to go. My body was drenched with sweat and my heart was racing. I unscrewed the lid of my bottle of water and took a sip, then tipped some over my head, needing to cool myself down.

I was still in the top group, keeping up with the faster runners, some had fallen back, and some had started walking, I however, had not given up, no matter how much my legs were burning. Ben and I had mostly been head to head, treating this as more of a competition.

My time so far was forty minutes that was a good time when being five miles in.

Don’t let me down by Chainsmokers played in my ears, the upbeat song motivated me to pick up my pace. Ben saw that, and picked up his own pace putting a few feet between us, again big mistake, because as soon as I saw that finish line, I was going to sprint.

One more mile to go. My breaths were coming out hard and heavy, my skin was stained red with sweat and heat, my legs were all but ready to give up on me, but I wouldn’t give in, because I was stronger than that, physically and mentally.

Running made me feel good, I used to hate it with a passion. Now I relied on it, because when I suffered with depression, in which I did badly when mum was diagnosed, running helped me through it, it was an escape and at eased my worries. When I ran, they went away.

I could taste victory on the tip of my tongue. Turning the corner, the finish line came into view. Ben and I caught each-others eye, he gave me a questioning look, when I winked at him.

Turning my attention to the finish line. I pushed everything I had in me to sprint to that finish line. My feet pounded heavily on the ground, my arms swung strongly by my side. Ben started to advance on me, but I kept on pushing as hard as I could, not letting him be the victor in our little bet. My arms pushed through the air, my legs ate up the distance to the finish line and I took steady breaths in and out, to keep me going.

Finally, I reached it. I fell to the ground, lying flat on my back, my chest was rising and falling fast, my lungs were burning, my legs were burning, and my eyes stung from the sweat that fell from my forehead.

“Shit,” Ben breathed hard, he was bent over with his hands on his thighs, trying to steady his breathing. “I underestimated you.”

I leaned on my elbows, “that you did Benny,” he shook his head and sat beside me. We sat in silence, gaining our breaths and steadied our heart beats. That was a hell of a run and no doubt I would be feeling it tomorrow.

The breeze rolled around my arms, cooling my body temperature. I soaked in the fresh air and breathed deeply, sighing with relief when my heart was at its regular pace.

It took forty-five minutes for the ones who were the slowest to finally reach the finish line. My final time was one-hour and twelve minutes and I couldn’t be prouder. Elaine and Liv, made their way towards us were I was still seated next to Ben, looking a panting, horrible mess. Sometimes, I did question why it was they chose sports, because right now, they looked like they would much rather be somewhere else, than here.

“Hey girls,” I waved. “How you feeling?” Ben chuckled beside me, earning a murderous glare from Liv.

“Oh, you know, fan-fucking-tastic,” Elaine’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

“I’m fucked,” Liv admitted. “I feel like I’m going to puke. I don’t think I like Mr Greyson that much anymore”

“Oh, is that so Liv?” Mr Greyson came from behind Liv with his hands on is hips and a frown on his face, mind you, I did think that frown was permanent.

“Shit!” Liv muttered, then cleared her throat and faced Mr Greyson. “I didn’t mean you Sir.”

“Then who did you mean?” He questioned.

“Well I’ve been reading this book called fifty shades of grey,” Liv explained, all I could think was oh no, what the hell was she doing, but I let her roll with it anyway. “The lead male character is called Christian Grey, but I call him Greyson, you know as a nickname, because I’m really devoted to this character, anyways” she threw her arms around whilst explaining. Elaine, Ben and I laughed quietly under our breaths “He has been acting like a total dick to Anna, he’s also so secretive and dominating, well I’m sure you get the point that he’s an arsehole” she cleared her throat. Mr Greyson stared at her in disbelief “So yeah, that’s who I was on about Sir not you, maybe you should read it, you might like it, then again maybe not, they do call it mummy porn for a reason”

“Right that’s enough Liv,” he stopped her and turned to us. “You’ve all got five minutes then we’re leaving,” he walked away shaking his head, and I could imagine him thinking, what the fuck just happened. Liv looked mortified.

I exchanged looks with Ben and Elaine. Then I couldn’t help but double over with laughter, full on tears streaming down your face laughter. Elaine and Ben struggled to contain themselves beside me, which only made me laugh that much harder.

“Fuck you guys,” Liv said, frowning. “What else was I meant to say?”

“I don’t know,” I said between laughter, “the truth maybe.”

“Yeah,” Elaine laughed. “Like you only disliked him because of how long we had to run, he would have passed it off as a joke.”

“Oh god,” Liv ran her hand down her face. “I’m such an idiot!”

“No darling,” Ben chuckled. “Your fantastic, shit you had me in stitches girl!”

“Oh, fuck of,” Liv told him, and shoved her middle finger in his face. “I was put on the spot and that happen to come to my mind alright?”

“Mummy porn,” Elaine said. Again, we doubled over laughing and all I could think was, my friends were fucking brilliant.

Elaine dropped me off on her way home. We were still dressed in our sports gear and smelled like shit. I ran in the house and shouted hello to mum.

I grabbed a quick shower, washing away the god-awful smell of sweat.

In my room, I quickly dressed in a pair of black leggings an oversized jumper and threw my hair up into a messy bun.

By the time I got down stairs, tea was sitting on the table, and it smelled so bloody good, mum’s chicken casserole with homemade dumplings.

Since the run, I had built up a huge appetite, I was starved. I dug into my meal and groaned my appreciation around a mouthful.

“Hungry?” Caleb laughed. I nodded my head vigorously.

“You had the country run, today didn’t you?” Josh asked.

“Yep,” I said, finishing a mouthful. “What time did you get when you done it?”

“I got fifty-seven minutes,” Callum told me. “Josh got fifty-six.”

“Shut up dick, you beat me by a minute,” Josh shook his head. “I could easily beat your arse now.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’d like to see you try bro,” Callum challenged.

“Ignoring those two shits” mum rolled her eyes. “What time did you get Eva?”

“I got one-hour and twelve minutes.”

“Holy shit,” Caleb nodded. “Well done sis.”

“Thanks,” I smiled. “But my legs are killing me now.”

“I bet,” he said. “How’d Elaine and Liv do?” I smiled wide and told them their times, then told them about the encounter Liv had with Mr Greyson. By the end of the story, everyone was laughing as hard as I was earlier.

“Shit, no way?” Josh laughed.

“That’s brilliant,” Callum said.

“Oh, god,” mum laughed, shaking her head. “I bet the poor girl was mortified.”

“You have no idea,” I said, smirking.

“Got to give her some credit though,” Caleb added. “She was quick on her feet with a comeback.”

“Yeah but come on bro,” Callum chuckled. “Fifty shades of grey, really?”

“Shit book,” Caleb nodded.

I looked Caleb in the eye, arching my brows. “How would you know, you read it?”

“Nah,” he laughed. “But the girls I’ve hooked up with have, you should h—”

“That’s enough,” mum curled her lip in disgust. “I don’t want to know about your sex life alright love, keep that to yourself, you disgusting little shit.”

“Yeah Caleb,” I taunted. “You disgusting little shit,” he gave me the middle finger, making me chuckle, brothers were so easy to wind up.

Later that evening, I was sitting on the sofa next to mum while she watched her programmes, I could feel my self-starting to nod off, when I heard a knock on the front door.

“Eva get that for us, will yah?” Caleb shouted from somewhere in the house.

Rolling my eyes, I climbed onto my unsteady legs and walked to the door, pulling it open, my breath whooshed out of me at the unexpected visitor on the other side of the threshold.

I stuttered out my greeting, “Um h-hi.”

“Pretty girl,” Kaden smiled wide, it transformed his features from handsome to breath taking. “How are you?”

“Yeah, fine,” I said. “You can come in and wait, if you want?” he nodded. I stepped aside, letting him pass. The aroma of his aftershave overwhelmed my senses, making me feel dizzy, he smelled so good, so masculine. Why the hell was I swooning over the smell of aftershave get a grip Eva.

Mum came into the kitchen, were Kaden and I awkwardly waited for Caleb to finish whatever he was doing.

She quickly said hello to Kaden, then told me goodnight. She left the kitchen, leaving Kaden and I alone once again.

I shifted on my feet uncomfortably, not knowing what to do or what to say.

Kaden cleared his throat, breaking the agonizing silence that had filled the room. “How’s college for you? Do you enjoy it?”

“Yeah college is great thanks,” coughing, I added. “How’s business for you, you enjoy running a club?”

“It’s good,” he told me. “I like to invest in my money, by making more of it.”

“Seems smart,” I said. “Do you own any other clubs?”

“I do, I own two other clubs in New York,” his American accent was so much stronger than what it was before. “They do well and attract a lot of media attention which is good, we get a lot of press because of the VIP’s who attend on the weekends.”

“That’s pretty awesome,” I smiled. “I’m happy for you, that you got to build something of yourself while you were gone.”

“I did build something of myself yes, but it can also be quite a lonely life to lead. I lost a lot when I left London, I lost the family I loved, but I’m hoping to get that back one day.” I didn’t know how to reply to that, I decided to change the subject.

“Where are you and Caleb headed so late?”

“A business meeting,” he chuckled to himself. “It seems that’s what my life now revolves around.”

“I thought Caleb was just a bartender,” my eye brows pinched together in confusion. “Why would you take your bartender on a business meeting with you?”

He laughed, “Still a nosey little one aren’t you? He’s my right-hand man Eva, I trust him with my fucking life. He’s with me because I want him to be.”

“Ok…,” I dragged out the word. I was kinder confused, but I didn’t tell him that, it was best not too. Why would he say something like that, that he trusted him with his life? It seemed, such an odd thing to say and a little concerning might I add.

Caleb finally came into the kitchen, breaking the awkward tension that had filled the room. Caleb told me to lock up behind him, because he wasn’t sure when he would be home. Kaden reminded me that he would see me on Saturday, although, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to, I might fake being ill.

He was so intense to be around, it’s unnerving. There was so much I didn’t know about him now, he wasn’t the boy I once knew. He seemed distant, cold almost, but what the hell made Kaden Bryant so hard on the surface, it was like he had built a brick wall surrounding his emotions, you would need one heavy arse sledge hammer to knock it down.

I went to bed that night, thinking of his blue eyes and the dullness I saw in them, no longer a vibrant blue I once saw. It hurts my heart, knowing that something had deeply changed him, to become so guarded with himself. I needed to know what happened to the boy I once knew, even if I had to make it my life’s mission to find out.