Felicity's P.O.V.
I was still lost in thought when someone called me.
"Hello, hey Felicity?" Chris called out.
I snapped out of my thoughts.
"Oh, hi Chris, I didn't see you there," I said.
"Yeah right. I've told you since day one that you have no eyes. I'm standing right here and you didn't even notice. You're so lost in thought. But anyway, I'm sorry for what happened," Chris said.
"Ha ha, very funny," I said sarcastically.
"It's okay," I added.
"But why are you sitting in my spot? You should find your own thief . Do you want to share it with me? That can only happen in your dreams—or if we were dating." He paused, and I looked at him in shock.
"Like I said, only in your dreams," he added with a smile.
"I don't want to hear those two words again. 'Dating' and 'girlfriend' are scary," I said, air-quoting.
"And besides, I'm never going to date you. Gross," I smiled.
He frowned and started walking toward me.
"Why? Am I not man enough for you?" he asked, stepping closer. I instinctively stepped back.
"Am I so disgusting that you wouldn't even consider being with me? Tell me—is Alex better than me?" he continued, his eyes sparkling in the sunset.
Everyone must have gone home by now. I had missed my afternoon lectures without realizing how much time I'd spent daydreaming. Chris kept coming closer until my back hit the railings. We stood just inches apart.
"Chris, I... I didn't mean it. I was just joking," I stammered.
"What did you mean, then? That I can't date you? Why didn't you answer Alex? He's a senior, I'm just a freshman. I saw it in your eyes—you wanted to say yes. What's holding you back? Alex is 'man enough,' and I'm just a little boy, right? That's why it's so gross to even think about dating me?" he said.
"Chris, stop it! Enough! What the hell is going on with you?" I shouted. "I didn't even want to answer Alex, but I will give you three reasons why I said no: One, I don't know him well enough. Two, I want to focus on my studies. And three, I don't even know who the right person is for me yet. So just stop!"
I turned away.
"Stop what?" Chris said, grabbing my arm and turning me back toward him.
I tried to pull away, but he held on tightly.
Our eyes locked. He looked cuter than ever. His eyes were mesmerizing, and I think I got lost in them. My heart raced. I felt butterflies in my stomach. He leaned in slightly and smiled.
Then he whispered in my ear, "Got you."
He started laughing.
I stood frozen, trying to process what just happened.
"You didn't see that coming, did you? Oh my goodness, your face—it was priceless!" Chris said, still laughing.
"Oh, you think it's funny? Chris, if you don't want me to hate you, then stop making jokes like that," I said angrily as I opened the door and stormed off.
"Oh no, not the mood swings. You're so capricious," Chris said, running after me.
I rushed outside and pulled out my purple bike.
"Felicity, please listen to me!" Chris called, but I didn't respond or turn around. He caught up and touched my shoulder.
I shrugged him off. He grabbed my arm again.
"Hey, stop it!" I warned.
"C'mon, Fel, please forgive me. I know it was stupid. I'm really sorry," he pleaded.
"I've got to go, Chris. Please leave me alone," I said and got on my bike.
"Felicity, don't do this. Please," he begged.
I glanced back and started riding down the street. He followed me.
"Just let me be, okay?" I said as I rode off.
"Please forgive me. I'll see you tomorrow then!" he shouted.
I didn't reply. All I could think about was going home, taking a bath, and sleeping. I couldn't believe he'd do something like that. I think he likes me—but he's scared. Before I knew it, I was home.
I felt awful. It was the second-worst day of my life. The first was about my dad. I disliked him because he left Mom, and that's no excuse.
I walked into my apartment. It was a mess, but I didn't have the energy to clean. I went to the bathroom to freshen up and played Last Kiss by Taylor Swift on my earpods. I thought about the past—how Theodore broke my heart—and the present—how Chris walked with his hands in his pockets and I smiled. So many thoughts swirled as I lay on the bed without dinner.
**********
Christopher's P.O.V.
As I walked down the street, I thought to myself,
I'm falling for her, and Alex can't take away what's mine.
I knocked on Felicity's door.
"Felicity Paddington, I'm truly sorry. Don't forget to forgive me for what I did. Punish me if you must, but please open the door," I begged.
"Go away. I don't want to see you," she said.
"I'm not leaving until you open this door," I insisted.
"I'm already asleep. Go away now," she replied, trying to trick me.
"Nope. I know you're awake. Just open the door, please," I said.
"Fine," she snapped, then opened the door.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Can I come in, please?" I asked.
She didn't say anything, just opened the door wider and went to sit on her bed. I let myself in.
"I'm really, truly sorry for acting stupid. I was just joking, and I didn't know it would hurt you this much. Please forgive me." I said but in my mind,
'That isn't true, I love her and she's mine'.
"What you did really hurt. How can I pretend everything's fine when it's not? Please leave," she said.
"Please, I'm begging you," I pleaded.
"I can't. At least not now. I need to think about what you did. You can't keep doing this to me. Please leave me alone—for today," she said.
"Alright. If that's what you want... But I'm deeply sorry, Fel. I hope one day you can forgive me. Good night," I said, waving goodbye and leaving.
A few seconds later, I picked up my phone and called Jake.
"Hey man, meet me at the bar in two minutes—and bring the guys," I said.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I don't want to talk about it over the phone. Just meet me there," I replied.
At the bar a few minutes later, they arrived.
"Hey, fellas," they all greeted.
"Hey," I replied glumly.
"Okay, spill it. Why are you so down?" Brian asked.
I sighed. "Well, I'm sad because…" I told them the whole story.
"Damn, man! Why would you do that? Are you crazy?" Jake asked.
"What about the bet, huh?" Liam added.
"I know, I know. But I think I'm falling for her. She's incredible—one of a kind. I can't just let Alex make a move while I stand by. I thought it was funny, but she was furious," I admitted.
"So, what are you gonna do now?" Brian asked.
"I don't know," I replied.
When the waiter brought the drinks, I took orange juice since I don't drink alcohol. The background music was Die With a Smile by Bruno Mars, and it made me even sadder.
"Chris, I'm sorry. But cheer up, okay?" Jake said.
"Can I stay at your place tonight?" I asked.
"Yeah, sure," Jake replied.
"Alright guys, let's call it a night. Tomorrow is another day—we'll deal with this then. I'm sleepy," Liam said with a yawn.
We finished our drinks. I paid the bartender, and we headed home.