• two weeks later •
_______________

I walked out of the administrative office with the cheesiest smile on my face, earning me a few side glances. Pressing my Package to my chest I made my way towards the exit.

I felt like I was walking on clouds or something, it was just sinking in that I was a now an a actual college student.
I made a mental list of all the things I needed to do. I still had stuff like books and transportation to worry about. But I refused to let that take from the fact that I was this much closer to proving all the naysayers wrong, and making my mother proud.

Thinking about her dampened my mood a little, as I looked around at the other freshmen. Some were huddled over what I assumed to be the school map layout, their parents jabbing at the flimsy paper before pointing in whichever direction.

It was moments like these that I missed my mother the most.

I hurried along, after a few people brushed aggressively against my shoulders rattling me while reminding me that this was neither the time or place for a pity party.

I hiked my backpack up on my shoulders before joining the group of students walking off campus.

My orientation was on Tuesday and I made a mental note to inform Carl about the changes I'd have to make in shifts , hopefully it wouldn't be too much of a problem since I really needed the job. It would've probably been easier for him to just hire someone else, but all my fingers are crossed praying he was a cool as he seemed.

Speaking of, I hurried my steps since I was due for my evening shift at 1. It had taken longer than I thought to finally get through to the bursar and then registering official at the administration office. Luckily I had left home a little early.

Making my way to the nearest bust stop, I hopped on the bus that could take me to the nearest point to work.

                           _____

Evenings at The Caffeen we're still fast paced though considerably less so than the morning rush.

Almost everyone who worked in the tall skyscrapers that dominated this part of town, ran on three hours of sleep and coffee. If the faces of the people who walked in here was anything to go by. Even while on lunch the men and women in suits still worked.

I am reminded why Cumberland didn't work out for me, the office and long hours without sleep weren't made for my type. Everyday I'd wake up and dread life, If all I had to look forward to was the same routine everyday and a measly Christmas bonus I'd go mad.

That's why I am going to major in something less traditional. I loved the arts, and social sciences and I
was intrigued by the human mind. I'll definitely be doing Psychology and Maybe a few lit courses.

Ringing up the next persons order, I absentmindedly handed them their change and flashed a bright smile.

"Thank you for making it Caffeen... Hello Good Afternoon, May I take your order." While speaking I scribbled the previous order on a carton cup before putting it on the rack for Ashley.

Looking up finally, a smile already stretching across my lips, I was met face to face with the next customer. My eyes widened considerably when I recognized the figure.

" Can I get One grande Americano and two chicken sandwiches." He said smoothly, a smirk teasing his lips as he watched my face carefully for my reaction.

I was determined to not show that my stomach was suddenly overwhelmed by an annoying jittery feeling.

I schooled my features into one I was hoping showed indifference, before looking up from the register to tell him his total.

He handed over the money and I tried not to make our hands touch, he seemed to notice this and his smirk grew significantly as he smugly made me aware of the little fact.

I made his change, "What name should I put on the order?" I said my voice sounding high pitched and strange to my own ears. I handed him his change.

"Rakim" He answered. I swear this man didn't ever seem to be affected by much. I envied his control.

"Uh... you can just uhmm... look for your... I mean listen for your order at the counter." I mentally face palmed.

He flashed me a quick smile before turning away, and I was left dumbfounded.

This man is probably illegal somewhere.

Brooding and mysterious he was already attractive, but that smile could probably melt panties.

"Uhmm...Miss I'd like to order." I snapped out of the little daze I was thrown in, barely recovering enough to force the scripted lines pass my teeth.

Around 5pm while the place still had a few customers and the foot traffic slowed down. With the lack of anything better to do I grabbed a counter towel and started to wipe the counter, that was until I glanced up briefly and I found myself watching him.
He was making freehanded but careful strokes over the blank page of his black book, he had eaten both sandwiches but the coffee again was left to go cold.

All his focus was directed at whatever he was doing on the page and I took the moment to study him fully. He wore a mustard colored sweatshirt under a white washed jean jacket paired with darker blue jeans. I was still amazed at how he made a regular outfit look like art.

The sun was already going down, and a few blessed rays filtered through the skyscrapers to land on him like a halo, or some sign from a God. The golden rays make his skin look like...

If I wasn't busy creepily staring at the him I would have seen the drunken man that had stumbled into the cafe, intent on ordering Alcohol.  I tried to calmly explain that this was a coffee shop. When the man had gotten louder most of the customers and Ashley finally realized what was going on.  She came over trying to calmly explain that this was indeed a cafe and we only served coffee based beverages and teas.

She offered him sandwiches and started listing out the types and fillings he could get, when he had slammed his fist on the counter, cutting her off.

"Just g-give me the brandyy you pour in th-those little coffee thingys. An Espressso with shots mminus the Espressso." He rumbled slurring his words, spittle flying from his lips to land on the counter.

I grabbed Ashley pulling her back as I got finally got Nathan's attention, he and Carl has to forcefully remove the drunkard with the help of Rakim and another male customer. The drunk was severely overweight and he fought back hurling threats and curses at Ashley and I while trying to shake the men off.

He was removed from the shop and they had seen to it that he wouldn't come back.We tried to get back to work and pretend like nothing happened but we all were a little shaken and most of the customers had already left. So Carl told us to close up early.

Everyone was already gone. Except  Rakim who had taken a seat after the altercation. He was still scribbling in his book.

And I kept stealing glances at him while Ashley and I hurriedly cleaned up. After I went around back to change out of my apron and net, slinging my bag over my shoulder I exited, waving goodbye to Ash and Nathan and glancing one last time at the spot he was sitting to find it empty.

I squeezed down the irrational pang of disappointment that started to bubble up in my stomach. I really had no right to be acting like this. I chalked it up to just attraction. I wasn't gonna lie to myself and pretend that I didn't think he was beautiful.

He was one of the most beautiful black men I've had the pleasure of interacting with up close, and I was an aesthete after all... I could appreciate beauty when I saw it.

Pulling my jacket closer around me, I started my walk towards the bus stop. After what happened today I was a little apprehensive about walking alone, Ash had offered me a ride with her boyfriend but they were going the opposite way and I didn't want to trouble them, so I lied saying I already had a ride.

Now I was regretting it, as I soon became aware of the fact that I was probably being followed. I tried to stay close to the busy areas, and I made sure to pull my phone from my bag and dial up 911 just Incase.

I tried to stay calm and subtly check if I was still being followed, a few feet away behind the everyday busy people that were trying to get home there was the figure with a hood. I had noticed him a few blocks back, granted he was a lot slimmer than the drunkard but that didn't mean he couldn't have gotten a shady friend to trail me and corner me somewhere.

I tried to be a subtle as possible, checking for the last time if he was still trailing me. When I had confirmed that I was indeed being followed I slipped into a random store and tried to look like I was browsing the racks of magazines at the display window. After waiting for an agonizing hour, I re-emerged from the store.

Looking right and left to make sure I wasn't being followed I stepped out into the considerably less busy street. By then I had realized my mistake, not only was the street a lot lonelier, the next bus wasn't until 7.

I could go back into the shop but the owner was already disgruntled by the fact that I spent an hour ruffling through the same magazine while glancing outside like a common criminal.

Looking again to make sure the man was gone, I began to walk quickly towards the bus stop, checking my phone to see that it was only 6:15. My backpack was heavier than usual since I had my Package inside with the school memorabilia and papers that needed to be read, signed and returned.

I absentmindedly mused that a day that started to well could end up grimly.

I shouldn't have allowed myself to get lost in my thoughts, because the next thing I know I was being grabbed by the arm and whirled around.

I opened my mouth to scream,

"Are you crazy!"

I paused my eyes opened wide as i struggled to make out the figure in the dim lighting.

"R-Rakim?"

He pushed his hood off to reveal more of his face. "I've spent the last hour trying to find you?" He sounded angry.

"I-I there was a m-man and he..." I trailed off as I put the pieces together.
"Was that you?" I squeaked my eyes furrowed accusingly at him.

He released his grip on my arm, stepping back to brush the stray strands of plaits from his eyes.

"Didn't you hear the threats that man was throwing at you? Then you stupidly decided to walk alone... And get lost. Don't you have any idea what could've happened?" As he spoke, reeling off the series of stupid decisions I'd made since 5, his voice became angrier.

As a response, I became angry too.

"Well maybe if you hadn't decided to trial me like a common criminal and actually I don't know, INDICATE THAT IT WAS YOU... I wouldn't have..." At some point during my rant I began jabbing my finger into his chest, and I now found myself less than a feet away from him.

We were basically breathing the same air.

Realizing that this was stupid and my anger was uncalled for, I did the only think I could in the moment. I turned away and stomped the rest of the way to the bust stop. Now I was angry at myself for being angry at him for no apparent reason.

He still trailed me, staying just a few feet behind at all times. Even after we reached the bus stop he didn't attempt to get closer, or even talk. After my anger cooled down I had started to feel guilty and a little ungrateful, but I couldn't get myself to admit it to him and apologize.

We rode the bus with him a few seats behind, both of us got off at the apparent complex. I walked slowly up the steps hoping he'd catch up so I could apologize, but he didn't.

Opening my door I shuffled inside, quickly turning to listen at the door for his footsteps, which came just a few moments after. I listened as he opened his door and got inside.

The walls weren't thin enough for me to know what he was doing next, but I was left feeling lousy about the whole thing and before I could change my mind. I unlocked my door and walked over to his.

I knocked softly, a part of me was hoping he wasn't gonna answer but that was dashed against the rocks as moments after, the door swung open.
He had taken off the jacket and the letters MOB were across the front of his Sweatshirt in red letters.

I cleared my throat forcing myself to look up at his face, I focused on the little scar in between his brows so I wouldn't have to look him in the eyes.

"I-" I trailed off before letting  out a sigh... I obviously didn't think this through. "I just wanted to say thanks. For walking me home I mean, and uhmm... i-I" I struggled with the words and I could feel my face getting heated.

He didn't give any indication that he was even listening to me at all.

I finally let myself look him in the eyes. I didn't know brown eyes could be pretty... when I hadn't said anything else for a while he cocked an eyebrow.

Successfully breaking me from the trance.

"Uhmm- yeah. I should go before I embarrass myself further." I said an embarrassing chuckle erupting from my lips without permission. I spun quickly on my heels and made a beeline for my door.

Before I could close the door behind me he spoke.

"You're good ma,"

Three simple words, yet I felt like I had just been knighted.

I nodded my head before closing the door quickly.

I could tell from the heat in my cheeks and the giddiness I was feeling, that my heart was in a lot of trouble.

•••
A/N
Fourth chapter! What do you think of the book so far? Is it moving too slowly? Let me know in the comments.
Picture of Nathan in the mm played by Dave Franco
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