I was just about to take someone's order, when someone grabs my arm and pulls me aside.
Just as I was about to scream, Camille instantly shushes me.
Camille was one of my only friends, ever.
I trusted her with my life, and she trusted me with hers.
I would say we're best friends, but that would be a lie because I know for a fact she has way more friends that are much more important than me.
I never had that, but I'm thankful to have her as a friend nonetheless.
"You won't believe who is sitting at table 2" she says in a hushed voice
"Who are they?" I whispered back, my voice barely audible above the café's loud chatter and annoying bickering.
Just as I am about to look, she grips onto my jaw and spins my head round "Brace yourself first" she says seriously
"I'm officially braced" I say and she lets go
As I glanced in their direction, my breath caught in my throat.
The two guys sat there, seemingly unaware of the attention they are getting right now. With chiseled features, perfectly tousled hair, and eyes that could rival the stars,
they were indeed a sight to behold.
It was as if they had walked straight out of a dream, embodying a level of beauty that felt otherworldly.
It wasn't possible and simply unfair someone could look like that.
"They're from Brentwood School," she says unable to contain her excitement,
But her words hanging in the air, leaving me momentarily stunned.
After a dramatic pause, the realisation sends my jaw plummeting to the ground.
"B-Brentwood?" I stammer on my words "You're joking"
"Nuh uh, I've seen them before. The logo is a big giveaway." she points out
Oh yeah.
Crap.
"Did I forget to mention, that I kinda, sorta, got invited to that school?" The words came tumbling out before I could stop them
Camille's jaw dropped, mirroring my own earlier reaction.
Her eyes widened, and she clutched my arm as if to ensure she wasn't dreaming. "You? Brentwood School? Are you serious?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and astonishment.
I nodded, a grin tugging at the corners of my lips. "Yes, Camille, it's true. The universe has decided to throw me into the lion's den of beauty and...well I don't know yet"
"You should go introduce yourself" she beams
"Absolutely not I-"
She grabbed my arm and propelled me towards Table 2 with an unexpected burst of force. I stumbled forward, my heart racing as Camille's laughter echoed in my ears.
I'm going to commit a murder tonight.
As I approached the table, my eyes locked with the three guys, my breath hitched in my throat as I took in their striking features once again, but it was the guy with mesmerizing grey eyes who captivated me instantly.
They were probably the most beautiful pair of eyes I had ever seen.
His gaze held a depth that seemed to unravel the mysteries of the universe, and I could feel my cheeks warm at the sight of him.
Summoning all my courage, I managed to gather my wits and stammer out a greeting.
"Uh, h-hi there! Welcome to the café. C-can I take your orders?" I tried my best to sound confident, but my voice quivered with nerves.
I'm so pathetic.
The guy with the with the tousled blond locks and striking pale, blue eyes flashed me a polite smile, his voice dripping with a touch of sarcasm. "Nice flip flops," he remarked, his eyes briefly glancing down at my worn-out footwear.
Embarrassment flooded through me, and I tried to salvage the situation with a feeble attempt at humour.
"Oh, these old things? They're my secret weapon against gravity. Keeps me grounded, you know?" I chuckled awkwardly, hoping to lighten the atmosphere
Oh my god.
I hope that didn't sound as stupid as I think it did.
My attempt at humour clearly fell flat.
Instead I was met with a cold silence from the group. The guy with the grey eyes arched an eyebrow, his gaze turning frosty. It seemed my awkwardness was not amusing to him, and the others shared his disdain.
Feeling the weight of their disapproval, I shifted uncomfortably, searching for something else to say. "Well, uh, what can I get you all to drink?" I asked, my voice betraying my unease.
The group exchanged glances, and one of them, the cold one with the grey eyes, responded curtly, "Just water." His tone held a biting edge, as if my mere presence was an inconvenience to him.
The atmosphere turned icy, and I hurriedly jotted down their order, avoiding eye contact as much as possible. But I felt their eyes on me, and truth be told it made me want to climb into a hole and disappear.
I scurry back off, speed walking as quickly as could away from them.
I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment, how come whenever I try to make friends or much less say anything it always results in well... this.
_________________________
When Camille asked me how it went, I simply lied.
It's better for everyone.
But now I need to go back, to them.
To him.
I'm gonna throw up.
Summoning my courage, I returned to the table, balancing the tray of food and drinks with shaky hands.
The tension hung heavy in the air as I set their orders down, trying my best to hide my obvious nervousness.
"Here you go, gentlemen," I said with a forced smile. "Enjoy your meals" I say, silently pleasing they would stop with the prying eyes.
I felt them all over.
"I must say, you guys have impeccable taste in choosing this café. And since you have such good taste, I promise not to spill anything on you. Well, at least not intentionally."
A couple of the guys exchanged incredulous glances, their expressions seemingly unamused by my attempt at lightening the mood.
The guy with the grey eyes, his cold expression still intact, picked up his fork and knife without a word.
Now I know what a deflating balloon feels like.
Attempting to shake off the awkwardness, I cleared my throat and pressed on. "Well, if you need anything else, just give me a shout. I'm here to serve and entertain, apparently." I let out a nervous chuckle, hoping to break the ice.
Just as I was about to leave, disappointment and confusion mingling within me, I couldn't help but steal a glance at the guy with the grey eyes.
His gaze, once filled with mystery and allure, now held a coldness that sent shivers down my spine. There was something more to his icy demeanor, something that hinted at a deeper resentment beyond our mere exchange in the café.
He definitely hated me.
Finally turning around to leave, my stupid flip flop betrayed me, slipping off my foot just a few steps away from their table.
Panic washed over me as I stumbled, trying to regain my balance without making a scene. The café seemed to hold its breath, or maybe it was just me.
The guys' eyes darted toward my flip flop, their expressions a mix of surprise and mild confusion. Maybe just maybe, a hint of amusement sparkled in their cold eyes.
Their gazes lingered on the mismatched pair, for some reason I felt awkwardly exposed to them.
My feet is something I absolutely don't like to show.
it's just odd
I felt a heat rise to my cheeks, wishing for the floor to swallow me whole.
Attempting to salvage what was left of my dignity, I quickly bent down and slipped my flip flop back onto my foot, trying to make light of the mishap.
"Just channeling my inner Cinderella, you know," I joke, flashing them an embarrassed smile.
Oh dear lord.
The guy with the grey eyes maintained his impassive composure, his lips forming a faint smirk that sent a shiver down my spine.
The others, clearly intrigued.
Without another word, I make my grand exit.
Correction, my embarrassing exit.
I know I know. This even made me cringe a bit.
I apologise.
Adeline is a little bit awkward, clearly.