It All Starts With A Book

Chapter Three - In Sync

As we walk to the coffee shop, which was a few winding Edinburgh streets away, we use it as an opportune time to get to know one another.

"How about we take turns in asking a question, which on the count of three we both have to answer?" Damian suggests as he leisurely strolls, meanwhile I was speed-walking to keep up with his large stride.

"Okay, you go first." I say.

"Favourite colour- One... Two... Three!" Damian counts down.

"Black." We both say in unison.

"Why's it your favourite colour?" I ask, not at all surprised considering how he was dressed.

"I don't know." Damian considers his answer before continuing. "I guess it's just simple, it goes with everything – what's not to like?"

"That's a good answer." I agree.

"Why's it yours?"

Because it reflects my soul- "I don't know, same as you I guess – I kind of hate that question I never know what to say when someone asks, I don't ever really have a definitive answer."

"Me too honestly." He admits.

I stare at him, confused. "Then why would you ask?"

He shrugs. "Because maybe you'd have been someone to finally crack the code in how to answer it."

"I'm sorry to disappoint." I say sarcastically. "My turn," I think of a question, "I think I've got it – this may make or break our blossoming friendship, so think hard about your answer." I warn.

Damian stops where he is and gently grabs my arm stopping me too, turning me to face him. "Shoot." He says, his face completely serious and thoughtful.

"Favourite book series." I tell him, and I give him a moment to think on it before I count down. "One... Two... Three."

"Shatter Me series." I answer.

"The Iron Fey series." He declares.

"I've read those too!" We both shout at each other, then both burst out in laughter.

"Why Shatter Me?" Damian questions me first as we continue walking.

"The story is just so powerful. A girl who has been isolated and lied to her entire life, and her journey into growing into herself just resonates with me." I gush, before adding, "Plus her and Aaron's story is just beautifully written – my answer to that question changes quite often though."

"Perfectly put." Damian smiles, agreeing.

"And you?" I ask as we round the corner into the coffee shop's street.

"Honestly I read it when I was younger – around fourteen or fifteen – and it just captured me in a way I'm not even sure I can explain. The adventuring, the jokes, the action, the love story – it all just had me hooked from the moment I finished the first page." Damian explains. "I was actually going into that bookstore to get the latest instalment because the author restarted the series."

"Wait really?" I gasp in excitement.

"Yep." Damian laughs at my reaction.

"Okay, I'm one hundred percent checking to see if Ms. Willow has it." I state, just as we get to the coffee shop.

Damian opens the door and holds it until I pass through.

Immediately my senses were overcome with the smell of coffee and food, the soft twinkling of the fairy lights strung up around the shop, the constant noise of the people in the shop talking to one another, the machines making the drinks, the clink of the glasses – I loved all of it.