Strings Attached

12

The bells on the door jingled as she made her way through the small building. The cozy atmosphere only put her further in the holiday spirit.

"Hi, can I get a cookie butter latte, one peppermint mocha, a caramel macchiato, and a sugar cookie latte, and one of those cake pops—"As she was finishing her order, she felt a pair of hands grab her shoulders and pull her down.

"Hi Lans," Ben shook the girl.

"Oh my god! Ben, hi. I haven't seen you in forever. What are you doing here?" Lana asked, completely surprised.

"Yeah, cause you think you're too famous for me now." The boy rolled his eyes. "I was studying... with Ryan." The boy's cheeks started turning pink.

"Sorry to interrupt, but is that all you wanted?" The woman behind the register interrupted.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry, yeah, that's all." Lana turned to the women.

As she turned back, she shot at Ben, "First of all whore, I don't think I'm too famous for you."

Before she could continue, "Shut up, the barista just worshipped the ground you walked on," Ben instigated.

"I'm not done. Second of all, Ryan! Like curly brown hair Ryan?" Lana began encouraging Ben and his little crush.

"Yes, Lana You don't understand. I think he might ask me to be official," Ben continued, taking a sip of his coffee.

"I hate you and every other happy couple," Lana shook her head in disgust. Lana had originally met Ben through the business class they had both been taking. The two instantly becoming friends after their professor partnered them for a presentation.

"Lana, are you telling me you aren't with anyone?" He raised his eyebrow.

"I am not; I am experiencing the single life," Lana said as if she were proud.

"Mhm.. and how is it treating you?" Ben questioned, seeing straight through her facade.

"Hey, fuck you," she laughed off.

"Lana" the brunette basketball player heard her name being called and went over to grab the items she'd bought.

Making her way back to Ben, "Ugh, it's been real Bengay, but I gotta bounce," Lana said, trying to stabilize the tray of coffees.

"Hey, wait, there is a party for New Year's, I know you're back for basketball, so maybe you can pull up," Ben suggested.

"Text me the deets," Lana ordered.

"Alright, just don't be a stranger," Ben told her as she made her way out, offering him a smile.

The walk to her dorm wasn't terrible, only a few minutes, but considering the Connecticut weather, she was starting to rethink buying a new jacket.

"Hi," Lana spoke in a sing song type of tone as she entered the dorm while simultaneously taking off her shoes.

"Heyy" Her three roommates and KK welcomed.

"I come bearing coffee." She placed the tray down on the coffee table in the living room. Paige and Aubrey had been playing Fortnite on the tv while KK and Ice had been talking to the phone. Probably on live, Lana concluded.

"Might as well call her Santa, folks" Ice said to the girls, her eyes moving from the phone screen to smile at Lana.

"I'll sit on your lap," Paige flirted, raising her brows and shooting a smile at Lana.