Chapter 2.

I've never been like other people my age. I sometimes find myself wishing I had the perfect family, with both mom and dad like they do. I never got to experience that. My dad passed away when I was 7 months old, he was stabbed to death by a coward, that's a story for another day. My mother couldn't handle the loss and started lashing out and fell off track. My grandparents were my saving grace, they took me in. They raised me and the rest is history. Although I wonder how things would have been if my father hadn't died or if my mother hadn't lost control of herself, I wouldn't change it for anything. I adore both my granny and grandpa. They are all I know.

I grew up in a very religious household, so my  faith is extremely strong. Church every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday was something we all looked forward to. I'm not the most holy person, but my relationship with God is super strong. Daily prayers and services are the only things keeping me alive and going at this point. Because I moved, I'm unable to attend church, but my Pastor and Grandma are kind enough to email me recordings of the services. I appreciate that, because I miss it.

Shutting my laptop after finally completing my literature assignment, I stand up to stretch my legs and arms which are aching because of hours of sitting. A yawn escapes my mouth and I check the time. 2pm. I tiredly make my way to the kitchen, grabbing an oat bar before grabbing my bag and heading out. I have an afternoon class in the next hour, and I also need a coffee. Like ASAP!

I smile and physically relax when 'Ryan's Coffee Shop' sign comes into view. Feeling excited to taste the bittersweet cup of heaven, I skip towards the counter and order my usual Mocha with extra steamed milk and 4 sugars.

"Hi, Joe. I'll have my usual please."

"Coming right up, Barbie." he teasingly smiles and I roll my eyes.

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me that?" I ask trying to act annoyed, but failing miserably. I end up laughing.

"You can tell me as many times as you like, I'll never stop. Now shooo! There's customers behind you." he chuckles.

I playfully glare at him before moving to the other side of the counter.

I pull out my phone and scroll through Instagram, while waiting for my coffee. The doorbell of the coffee shop dings and I look up. I immediately regret it after seeing who walked in. It's the guy I accidentally bumped into a few days ago. I mentally groan and hope to make it out of here without him seeing me. He probably doesn't even remember me, but I don't want to stay around long enough to find out.

I glance around and see everyone stealing glances of him. Some girls are gaping at him, better close their mouths before they start drooling. Looking back at the hot guy, I see him holding hands with a tall, blonde I assume is his girlfriend. They are being very touchy for two people who are standing in a public place. I see her seductively touch his chest, while looking into his eyes and biting her lip. He smirks, kissing her neck in return. Ewwwww, PG! I repeat PG! My eyes can't take it.

"Mocho, for Barbie!!!!" I thank the heavens when I hear Joe calling me that ridiculous name. I can finally leave.

"Thanks, Jerk." I smile and say my goodbyes to him before making my way to the exit.

I almost make it out without being noticed, but as soon as I pass the hot guy, he locks eyes with me. Recognition passes through his features and he smirks at me. I look down and quickly make my way out of the coffee shop and onto the streets. Class starts in 15 minutes, so I hurry forgetting about what happened at Ryan's.

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Life has a really screwed up sense of humor, because I'm currently standing in front of Mr hot stuff, after once again bumping into him. Can't I catch a break? I've had enough humiliation for one week.

I open my mouth to start apologizing, but stop realizing that he said something. I shake my head and look up. "I'm sorry, what?" I stupidly ask. Real cool, Scarlett.

"I said, you love knocking into people, don't you?" He looks at me amusingly.

"Uhn yeah, cause that's what my purpose in life is." I say sarcastically.

He stares at me for a few seconds before his usual smirk appears on his face. "Feisty, huh?"

"Goodbye." I say turning around to leave, having enough of this arrogant jerks attitude.

"Wait!" He yells. I turn around, impatiently waiting for him to continue. "What's your name?" He asks.

I look at him, deciding whether I should tell him or not. "Scarlett". I say. "My name's Scarlett."

He smiles. The first genuine smile I've ever seen on his face and it's beautiful.

"Beautiful name. Nice to meet you, Scarlett. I'm Jake." He extends his hand and I gingerly put my hand in his for a quick handshake.

"See you around, cutie." He says before walking away.

Did he just call me cutie?

Agh, stop it, Scarlett... He's just a stupid boy.

A hot stupid boy.

He's still stupid.

You want him.

No I don't. Shut up!

Ahhhh, the joys of being antisocial. You get to argue with yourself. Not creepy at all.