-Chelsea-
"What do you think?" I ask Monica, as I do a quick spin around, showing her my casual sweater dress I had just bought "Is it too dressy?"
"Not at all" She got closer to examine the dress "I think I will wear a sweater dress too. We can match" She smiled with a gleam in her eyes
"You better go change then" I say as I bend over slightly, placing my hand on my desk to balance myself as I slip on my flats "We are leaving in five minutes" I point to the clock hanging above my bed
Monica glanced at the clock, "Oh crap. I'll change quickly. Be right back" she rushed out of the door
I walked to the mirror, turning from side to side, making sure the dress looked okay. I ran the straightener through my hair once more. I heard my phone buzz. I set the straightener down, unplugging the long cord. I walked to my dresser and grasped my phone. I had a text from Cody. Cody is a good friend of mine from church. We've been great friends ever since my Freshman year here at college. If I need advice about something-anything, I know I can go to him.
Cody: just make sure you stay safe driving tonight. It's pretty slippery
Re: No worries! I'll drive carefully
Monica opened my door, peeking her head into my doorway "Are you ready? Derek and Louis are waiting downstairs"
"Oh, I thought I was driving?" I cocked my head slightly
"Change of plans" She smiled, shrugging quickly
I gave her a questioning look as I grabbed my room key and placed it in my purse, slinging it over my shoulder
I followed Monica down to the parking lot, stopping at Derek's car. Monica got in the front seat next to Derek. I see Louis in the- Oh so tight- back seat, his eyes concentrated on his phone. I now knew why they didn't tell me I was going to ride with Derek. I give Monica a look before sliding into my seat.
She replied to my look with a sly grin
I make eye contact with Derek through the rear view mirror, shaking my head slightly. Derek also gives me a grin.
Louis speaks up, saying what we were all thinking about "Don't feel awkward. I didn't know you were going to ride with us either. I went to go get in the front seat and Derek wouldn't let me in. Forced me in the back seat" Louis chuckled
"Dude!" Derek said, giving Louis a look
I couldn't help but laugh. Louis always has a way to make situations feel more comfortable.
-Louis-
We arrive at the restaurant and shuffle inside-out of the chilling breeze
We were escorted to our table. Monica and Derek sat beside each other. Chelsea and I did the same
--
Conversations came so easily...It's like every time I go somewhere with Chelsea, everything gets easier.
"I'm going to use the restroom. I'll be right back" Chelsea said, excusing her self from the table.
"Did you really have to tell Chelsea I 'forced' you in the back seat" Derek said "You could have just went along with it"
"She was uncomfortable. I could tell. I wanted her to be comfortable, and she was after I told her. So my goal was accomplished" I said as I took another bite of ravioli
A buzzing noise began going off. Chelsea's phone, that laid on the table, then lit up. I scooted it closer.
"It says "from Cody"..Who'se Cody?" I look at Monica
"I dunno" She shrugged "It's probably nobo-"
I quickly slide open her phone screen
"Louis what are you doing?! You can't just go through her messages"
I ignored Monica and read the text
Cody: By they way, don't forget to save a seat for me next to you on Sunday morning! :)
"He's straight out flirting!" I say, showing Derek and Monica the text
"Come on" Derek said "He just asked for her to save a seat for her. It's not a big deal"
"There's a smiley face" I gave him a look
"Oh my gosh, you're such a girl" Monica rolled her eyes
"Where is she even going on Sunday?" I ask, Monica once again failing to grab the phone from my hands
"Church. Like she does every Sunday" Monica replied, taking a sip of her water. Obviously giving up on trying to take the phone away
I set the phone down and begin to scroll through her messages with this Cody boy.
"Louis stop snooping through her phone!" Monica said, turning her head "Put it down. She's coming back" Monica whispered harshly
I quickly shove the phone away from me and look in the oppisite direction as Chelsea comes back to the table. She sits down, adjusting her seat
"Oh hey there Chelsea, didn't see you coming" I turned back around to face her. Monica and Derek both gave me a 'seriously?' look.
Chelsea looked at me, obviously confused, then brushed it off and returned to eating her food.
----
After we finished our meals, Monica suggested that we walk to the park just across the street. It was laced with Christmas lights, lighting up the whole park. Even though Christmas was already over, the park had failed to take them down yet
The air was frigid, making our breath visible.
"Man, it sure is cold out here..don't a ya think Chelsea?" Monica said in a weird tone
"Yeah, I guess" Chelsea shrugged, then returning her focus to the lights
Derek nudged me lightly "You're cold Monica? Here let me give you my coat"
I gave derek a look, completely unaware of what they were trying to say-do.
I continued to walk beside Chelsea
"It's too bad you didn't bring a coat, Chelsea" Monica said, hitting me in the arm
"Ow, what the heck" I turned to her. She gave me a look, pulling on my coat.
I then realized what they were trying to do
"For pete's sake, just tell me next time. You guys suck at charades" I said quietly to the two of them, out of Chelsea's hearing
"No, you're just clueless" Derek retorted
I slide my coat off and place it around Chelsea's shoulders "Here, you look cold" I half smiled, sending a look back to Monica. She raised both her thumbs up with a wide grin spread across her face
"Oh, thanks" Chelsea smiled shyly, her eyes now locked on the ground
"So, how was your Christmas?" I ask, sliding my hands into my pockets
"Very good" She looked up at me "How was yours"
"Good" I nod.
----
-Chelsea-
"Thanks for dinner" I said to Louis as I shut the car door "And for saving me from hypothermia" I giggled, handing him his coat
"Ah, no problem" He chuckled, taking the coat
Monica and I walked up to my dorm room and the door was barely shut before Monica started squealing, making me jump out of surprise
"You guys are so cute! OH my gosh. When are you going make it official?!" She smiled brightly..a little too brightly
"Calm down, calm down" I lsaid, holding her still "We aren't even close to being at that point. I don't know if he's really my type..or if I'm his for that matter" I shrugged, sitting down on my bed
"What is wrong with you?! He's giving you ALL the signs. You are just too Naive. Sheesh. You two are made for each other; That's all there is to it"
"Monica, don't you remember what you said the first day I got here? You hated his guts. I just can't deal with heart break, and dating him..it's almost inevitable that there will be some."
"But what if he has changed" Monica said softly "I think he has"
"We will see where things go I guess" I shrug
"Yes! That's all I needed to hear. I'll see you later Chels" She said before exiting my room
Maybe Louis really has changed...he did give me his coat. He also payed for the meal tonight...I don't know. It just seems like he could easily be 'playing the part'. But something inside of me wants so badly to believe he really has changed.