Here's my short explaination of this one-shot. It's about eight pages on word doc. single spaced. so if it's too long for your taste. I'm sorry. I couldn't find a way to shorten it and keep it the way I imagined it to be.
I'd like to point out that the whole thing is from a guy's point of view (obviously a jonas... you'll find out which one). And I've never really tried that before. So, sorry if it seems unrealistic and not at all like him.
This idea, just randomly popped into my head on a bus ride home and I immediately had to write it down, but I've been so swamped with school and other things that it's taken me a while to write it.
I apoligize to my JBelles family for a serious lack of chapters for my Unbelievable fic, but inspiration struck for this one shot and I had to get it all done first. forgive me?
I hope everyone who reads this will comment and enjoy. =D
~Belles <3 [shouldn't be up, but has to finish some homework]
Something More
I walked around with no real purpose in mind. Funny, the first free time I've had in who knows how long and I find myself wishing for my normal busy life. I shoved one hand in my dark jean pocket, my other was clutching a half full water bottle, and strolled down the sidewalk, past many small shops, hoping to find something of interest. My brothers had already made plans, so I was on my own and currently not enjoying it as much as I thought I would.
The bright sun beat down ruthlessly on my body and I felt myself begin to sweat, for I had nothing else to focus on but the heat, making it seem hotter than it really was.
Suddenly a girl approached me. She was clutching a white piece of paper in her hand and there was a generic pen tucked behind her ear.
“You're Nick Jonas?” She uttered. Her voice sure and confident at the beginning of her statement, but by the end it sounded more like a question.
Inwardly I groaned. Although I had recently been begging all that was good in the world for something interesting to do, I did not, in any way, shape, or form, want to run into a fan. Obsessed or otherwise.
But like the good little gentleman I was brought up to be by my loving parents and ordered to be by good ol' Disney, I smiled slightly. “Yes I am.”
She gave a smile of relief and then started to fiddle with a small purple digital camera I had not noticed dangling from her wrist. “Good. 'Cause I'd be awfully embarrassed if you weren't. But you are. So I'm not.” Her words were slightly choppy as if she was saying the first things to pop into her mind with no prior thought.
I smiled politely waiting for her to ask for an autograph or picture or something. I wasn't in the mood to offer it myself.
“So I was wondering if I could get a quick picture with you. It'd sure to boost my chances of winning.” She grinned and I noticed briefly that she had a really cute smile. It almost made me want to smile back.
“Win?” I echoed confused. I had expected the picture request, but not her last statement.
She gave a small chuckle at my confusion. “Yeah. My friends and I were bored so we split into two teams and we each have a list of things to find or get or take pictures of. Like a scavenger hunt. There are 20 things to do and four people on each team. My team decided to split up and I'm in charge of collecting things from 1-5. The first one is take a picture with a celebrity. And I figure you'll do.” She grinned.
I looked at her, debating on what to say, but she continued talking. Apparently she still had more to tell me.
“And actually it's a good thing I saw you. It's rumored that Devin got Tony Oller and I was afraid the closet thing to a celebrity that I'd be able to get was that guy who lives down my street and was in the newspaper once for eating an insane amount of hot dogs in a small amount of time. I don't think that makes him a celebrity, but he was in the newspaper and he gets free hot dogs now at the restaurant and his picture hangs up on the wall near the bathroom. But he does seem a little weird so I'm glad I don't have to go to him. Because you're here.” She smiled brightly at her last sentence as if just remembering that I was standing right in front of her.
I stared at her curiously, wondering if she normally talked this much or if it was a nervous habit. Could she possibly be nervous around me? Would that make me feel better if she was?
I pushed these thoughts away. Finally landing on something to say to her. “So. You want to take that picture now?” I silently scolded myself for saying something so... so... lame. Yeah, so lame.
But she acted like that was the best sentence ever uttered since Shakespeare created the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet. “Now would be great!” She beamed. “I almost forgot about it.”
I c.ocked my head slightly. Forgot about it? But she just asked me? With a slight shake of my head I let go of those thoughts choosing to just ignore them as I felt her arm slip around my shoulder.
“Smile.” She grinned as she held her camera up in front of us and clicked. As soon as the flash faded she let go of me and brought the camera to her face, scrutinizing the picture. Her lips pursed as if deciding whether or not to redo it.
“Decent.” She muttered and then looked up to face me.
“You want to see?” She questioned excitedly and I couldn't help but feel some of her excitement.
I carefully took the camera from her hand and stared at the picture. More specifically her. I knew what I looked like in pictures. I've seen my face plastered on posters and magazines of all different kinds. But I didn't know what she'd look like. People always seem to look different on film than in real life. Some for the better, others not, and some landing somewhere in between.
The good news was she was smiling brightly and carefree like. Her hair was only slightly frizzy from the heat and her eyes sparkled a beautiful sea green. You could even see the sprinkle of a few freckles across the bridge of her nose and cheeks. The bad news was her glasses were giving off a slight glare. But I'm sure that could be fixed. Couldn't it?
“Nice.” Was my one word reply as I handed her back the small camera.
“Thanks.” She smiled and then walked away.
She only got about five feet away from me before stopping and turning around. “Are you coming?” She asked as if it were the most natural thing in the world to ask a complete (famous) stranger to join you on a scavenger hunt.
And because I was bored and it just felt right I followed her. We fell into a comfortable walk and nothing was said on the fact that we had just met. Or that I was famous. (I'm not conceited, I'm just bringing up this point because I feel it slightly altars people's perspective on things.)
As we walked she chattered on about anything and everything. About her life and her best friend Lisa. On what classes she was taking in school (or did take since it was the summer). On the many productions she'd been in. Funny stories of her and her friends.
She talked so fast words seemed to be spilling out quicker than she could process them making her phrases jumbled at times. And often her thoughts were jumpy. Going from Spring Formal to the one time when her 7th grade sub for English was caught growing Marijuana in her backyard and was arrested.
Although she talked real fast and a bit too much I found myself caught up in her words. In the pictures they painted of her life. Involuntarily, I was tangled up in her stories wondering what happened after she fell off the stage during her first play audition or what she said after that mean guy from math told her she looked like a peppermint. I was enthralled by her very voice and how it would change depending on the scenario and whether she was being sarcastic or sincere.
“And so then Lisa replied saying...” She stopped so suddenly I was three paces in front of her before realizing her action.
Slowly I turned around and faced her. “What?” I asked confused.
She quickly pulled out the piece of paper she had stuffed in her back pocket during our walk and unfolded it. Taking the pen from behind her ear, she crossed off number one and chewed on the end of the pen thoughtfully as she read number two. After reading she placed the pen back behind her ear and the paper in her back pocket.
“I can't believe I almost forgot about the scavenger hunt. My friends are going to kill me! And I'm too young to die!” She exclaimed dramatically, if not almost serious.
“Ugh. I never realized how forgetful I am. Although all my friends have.” She muttered and then took her cell phone out of her other pocket and glanced at the time. “I only have an hour left to find the other four things.” She slid the cell phone back and glanced at me. Her eyes and face transforming into a sad, sort of pleading pout. “Help me.” She begged.
Well, I was never the sort of guy to leave a lady to fend for herself. So willingly I said, “What's next?”
She beamed, taking the question as my way of saying yes. “Get a half-full water bottle from a cute guy and take a picture of him. Lisa must've thought up that one. She's boy crazy.” She rolled her eyes, amused at her friend's antics.
I swirled the water around in my bottle thoughtfully, before realizing that I had a half full water bottle. “Will this do?” I asked holding it up for her.
She raised her eyebrow, smirking at me. “And who said you're cute?”
I could feel my face heating up and hoped to all that was good that I wasn't blushing. I shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant about the whole thing. “Almost every teenage girl in America.” I shot back, in some vain attempt to... impress her? Maybe.
She laughed. Outright laughed. Her voice a full, infectious laugh as if it came straight from within in her. Not like some high breathy laughs I've heard so many times before. Hers seemed real. It made me want to laugh along with her, even though it was directed at me.
“Ahhh....” She trailed off trying to stop laughing as she wiped an imaginary tear from her eye. “That's great. Perfect comeback. I bow to your greatness.” She joked, bowing to me.
I scoffed. “Stop fooling around and tell me why you can't take the water bottle.”
She straightened up and shrugged. “I guess I could. But I've already used you for number one, so I want to get someone new for number two. That okay with you?”
I shrugged like I didn't care even though I did. Very little. But still did.
She grinned that adorable smile of hers and stole my water bottle. “But I am thirsty.” She announced as she twisted the lid off, pausing just before lifting it to her lips to ask, “I can take a drink, right?”
I nodded and watched as she eagerly gulped a quarter of my water bottle and then recapped it. “Thanks.” She breathed. “That was wonderful.”
“No problem.” I replied, suddenly feeling a rush of joy that I had helped. Even if it was in such a small way. And I began to realize that there was something about her that made me like her more every minute I spent with her.
“Ooo.” She suddenly squealed. “Cute guy. Blue shirt. Drinking water. Be back in a few.” She said in quick spurts before swiftly walking towards the guy.
Silently I checked him out. He was kind of pale and not that muscular. His sandy blonde hair seemed a little too shaggy in my opinion, but I guess some girls would find it cute. I couldn't tell from this far away, but I was guessing he fell into the blonde hair, blue eyed stereotype. All in all he looked like a normal, if not slightly dorky, teenage guy.
Even though I had deduced all this I couldn't help but worry slightly as I saw her brightly introduce herself. I don't know what it was about her, but she just seemed to shine. The way she walked, talked, flipped her hair, smiled. It all seemed to radiate a brilliance from within her.
I'm not saying she was the most gorgeous girl I have ever met. Because she wasn't. I have seem many of prettier girls. But none have compared to her so far. I'm not sure how to explain it. Other than just stating: She was who she was and something about that was undeniably attractive intriguing to me.
I heard her laugh float through the air and watched as she lightly touched his shoulder. He said something and she laughed again. Briefly I felt a jealous urge, wanting it to be me who had made her laugh and not the dork. I squashed that urge quickly though. No need to even entertain in the slightest the thought of liking this girl as anything more than a mere acquaintance.
I was rudely awakened from my thoughts as she jumped into place next to me. Breathlessly she grinned holding a half filled water bottle. “Mission accomplished.” She smiled.
She held the water bottle out. I took it as she pulled the list out of her pocket. “Two down.” She muttered as she crossed off the second one. “And three to go.” She added as she placed the pen back behind her ear. “Take a packet of Arby Sauce from any Arby restaurant.” She read aloud. “Mmm, Arby's.” She smiled closing her eyes at the thought. “I am hungry.” Then suddenly her eyes opened. “And terribly broke.” She added dejectedly, shoving the paper back into her pocket.
Without thought I quickly said. “I'll buy.”
“Really?” Her face lit up in anticipation of food and then suddenly dimmed. “But I couldn't ask that of you. I barely know you and I've already forced you to accompany me on this scavenger hunt. No. We'll just grab the packet and leave.”
I didn't answer at first. My mind already working out a way to buy her food without a whole bunch of protesting. “Okay.” I agreed as I finalized a way to make this all work out in the end.
We continued walking, her filling most of the silence, while I added in my two cents when necessary and even finding times to share my own stories. Although I was careful. No matter how much I liked this girl, I couldn't tell her anything that I would be afraid to find posted everywhere tomorrow. She was nice and cute. But it takes more than that to build trust. Especially in this day in age.
All too soon I saw the image of a large hat with the word Arby scrawled across it. We entered the restaurant, the cool air enclosing us like a blanket, and found our place in line right behind an impatient business man. The man tapped his foot repeatedly as if this was the last place on Earth he wanted to be, but ended up here by some cruel twist of fate. He paused tapping for only a moment as he grabbed his lunch and bolted out of the door. Okay, he didn't bolt, but he would've if he found someway to make it look professional. Instead he briskly walked away, the door swinging shut behind him as he seemed to vanish into thin air.
I stepped up to place an order as she went to get an Arby Sauce packet. “I would like to pay for everything at once, but it will be two separate orders in two separate bags to go. Okay?” I started off, hoping my words weren't as confusing as they seemed.
The cashier nodded and I continued on. “First order: One Arby melt, one curly fries, and a Diet Coke.” I stated, watching as he punched in my order.
“Second order?” He prodded.
I smiled out of habit more than anything. “One Arby melt, one mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce, and one water bottle.”
“Is that all?” He asked politely.
“That's everything.” I grinned.
He told me how much I owed, but I paid no attention, instead I quickly glanced over to the condiment stand to see her tapping her fingers boredly across the counter top as I handed the cashier a twenty dollar bill.
Soon enough, I got my change back and the two bags.
“Thank you and have a nice day.” The cashier said in a voice that only someone who'd been saying the same phrase for an insane amount of time can achieve.
“You too.” I quickly replied before grabbing the money and two bags and heading over to the condiment stand.
“Hey!” She grinned brightly at me. “Two bags? You're such a guy.” She added in a mutter as we walked out of the restaurant, after grabbing a couple of ketchup packets, Arby sauce packets, and a straw.
“What's that supposed to mean?” I asked.
“It means that all the guys I know eat....” She paused as if thinking of what to say. “..a lot.” She finished lamely.
I laughed. “While that stereotype is usually true. These two bags aren't all for me.” I said.
“Oh really?” She asked, seeming only slightly curious. Focusing instead on pulling out the list and crossing off number three, as we stopped outside the Arby's.
“Really.” I stated. “One bag is for you.”
That got her attention. Her pen was still poised on the paper, as if ready to write something, and she kept her whole body still, choosing only to move her head to face me. “Really?” She uttered.
“Yep.” I smiled c.ockily.
“What if I don't want it.” She answered haughtily, stuffing her list in her back pocket and her pen back behind her ear.
“Then I'll throw it away. Because although, as you pointed out, I'm a guy. I'm not that hungry.” I replied nonchalantly, knowing full well after some poking and prodding she'd take the food, if only for the sole reason that it would be wasteful to throw it away.
And I was right.
Exactly one minute and forty-three seconds later she was chowing down on her own sandwich as we crossed the parking lot and sat down on a patch of cool green grass to finish the rest of our meal. We ate in silence because I didn't feel the need to talk and I can only assume neither did she. After we finished I took her trash and mine and disposed of it.
“Next thing is to get a bag from Barnes&Noble.” She announced as I stopped right next to her. She looked up, across the street and then back at me. “Good thing we're so close.” She smiled as if this was the way it was meant to be.
Then without another word she darted out onto the street, pausing briefly in the middle to gauge the oncoming traffic. Once safely on the other side she waved to me to join her. I looked both ways before treading out onto the asphalt road and over to the slab of cement in the middle of it, splitting the four lanes into an even two. Then I continued on my quest through the last two lanes, ending triumphantly next to her.
“Took you long enough.” She joked and then bumped my shoulder, keeping contact with me for only about a second longer than normal, as if to let me know she was glad I didn't die. For there was a close shave with a blue truck and a mini-van as I was crossing the lanes.
I rolled my eyes and followed her as she skipped to the doors of the building, stopping suddenly as she waited for the doors to open wide, just for her. I quickly caught up to her as she entered the store, watching as she stopped briefly and smelled the air.
Noticing my gaze she smiled somewhat nervously, as if afraid of my opinion. “I like books. A lot. And new books have a certain smell to them that's just.... full of possibilities.” She grinned, obviously eager to have a chance at all those possibilities, but not today. Today she was getting a bag.
She confidently strode up to a cashier and asked for a bag. From my position a few feet away from the counter I could see the cashier mentally debate whether or not just to give her a bag. Suddenly the cashier seemed to reach a decision and it didn't seem like a good one as I noticed her start to beg, plead, and try wheedling for a free bag.
After many failed attempts she spun around and walked back to me. “May I have a quarter?” She asked holding her hand out, palms up.
“What for?” I questioned.
“To buy the cheapest thing in here for a bag.” She answered, hand still waiting, expectantly.
Still, I paused. I wanted to do so much more for her in that moment, then just giving her a quarter. I wanted to buy her piles and piles of books, just to see her reaction at receiving them. And then watch her as she read them. To find out if she was one to really get into the book, or did she page through them almost lazily. Did she bite her lip or twirl her hair? Read laying down or curled up in a chair?
Her face fell a tiny bit, and her hand dropped a few inches. “I'm really sorry for asking. Especially after you bought me lunch. But it's the only way and it's only a quarter.” She said her voice rising in hope at her last statement. It's only a quarter.
I snapped out of my thoughts and handed her a quarter before my brain could even compute it. It was almost like my reactions were more instinct than anything else. Like I was programmed to make sure she had what she needed and she got it fast. Like it was in my genetics to look after her. To make sure she had the best of whatever, whenever it was needed.
I shook away those dangerous thoughts as she walked over to the cashier again and got her bag. She smiled triumphantly as she held the bag aloft, walking towards me.
“Thanks Nick.” She murmured, giving me an impromptu hug of which I enjoyed greatly.
Her small arms wrapped around me, briefly pressing her soft body against mine. Within an instant it was over and we were walking outside again. But I couldn't help but recall how she'd felt in my arms and how the way she said my name sent tingles up my spine.
“Up next...” She began to say crossing off number four on the list and reading number five, before putting the list back in place along with her pen. “Kiss a stranger.” She finished her eyes mischievous and calculating as if waiting for my reaction.
I titled my head ever so slightly and felt my heart leap into my throat, making speech impossible. I was a stranger. Wasn't I? Or had she known me long enough to be written off as friend now. In that instant. I wanted to be both so bad. I wanted to be known as a friend to her, but at the same time ached to be a stranger. A nobody she'd be willing to kiss. I began to imagine her lips on mine and what it would feel like. Would there be sparks? Or would it be bland?
Finally she spoke, realizing a reaction from me was not coming, at least not outwardly. “I'm just kidding. That's not what it says.”
And with those eight words I felt immense relief mixed with disappointment. There would be no kiss, with me or with someone else, and now there would be no other opportunity to do so. I should have been relieved. I should have been happy there wasn't a slight chance of us kissing. Wasn't it I who had promised myself to not jump into relationships? Especially with my previous track record? That it should be taken slow as to not mess it up?
But at the same time, I was bound to be disappointed. I was falling for a girl with a lovely laugh and an infinite amount of stories. I felt the need to dive into a relationship right then and there because I was afraid if I didn't I'd lose her. Lose my chance. As if by waiting the magic and spark I felt with her would vanish and so would she.
“What's actually next is 'Get a picture of you being handcuffed by an officer.'” She laughed, the laugh that made my heart speed up, and shook her head. “Gotta love my friends.” She muttered and began walking in search of an officer I guessed.
We walked around for five more minutes, her chatting aimlessly about different things, while I tried to convince myself that the way the light hit her hair was not beautiful and her stories were not endearing and therefore I couldn't possibly be feeling anything more than friendship towards this stranger.
She stopped suddenly, as I had learned she was prone to do, and announced. “Look. An officer. How lucky!” She exclaimed and then quickly approached the man in uniform.
“Excuse me sir.” She said politely, grabbing the attention of the fatherly looking officer. “I know this request might seem odd, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me out. See I'm on a scavenger hunt with a bunch of my friends and the last item I need is to take a picture of me getting arrested by an officer. So... I was wondering...” She trailed off and I could sense her nervousness at asking him by the way she fiddled with her camera and kept glancing at her feet.
But she had no need to be nervous, because the man smiled, his light green eyes sparkling with amusement and you could see the laugh lines around his eyes. “Sure. No problem. You know, this reminds me of the one time my friends and I went on a scavenger hunt. It's one of my most cherished memories. So I'm glad to be of assistance.” He grinned. “All I need to do is handcuff you, right?”
I noticed her shoulders relax and could tell she felt relieved at his answer. “Yes, and my friend over here will take the picture.”
Friend. I smiled at the word while detesting it all the same. Friend, more than I should be considering we met less than an hour ago, but less than I wanted to be at this time.
She handed me her camera and held out her hands to be cuffed.
“Behind the back.” The officer advised. “That is if you want it to be realistic.”
“Oh. Sure.” She obliged, putting her hands behind her back as I snapped a couple of pictures of her being handcuffed.
After the deed was done she stood there silently for a moment before announcing. “This feels weird. I hope I never actually get arrested.”
The man chuckled as he uncuffed her. “You and me both.” He replied. “You seem like a nice girl. Kinda remind me of my daughter actually although she just had her seventh birthday. I swear she's the cutest thing you'll ever meet, but stubborn too. My little Melanie insisted that everybody sing Happy Birthday to Joe as well as her since they apparently share the same birthday. Joe Jonas.” He clarified as I coughed to hide my amused laugh.
“She's obsessed with them right now, but I guess that's nothing new. Anyways. I'm so glad I could help you.” he smiled.
She smiled back gratefully. “Thank you.” And then added. “I'm just curious, which brother is your daughter's favorite?”
The officer smiled lovingly at the thought of his daughter. “Nick.” He replied and I felt that thrill I often do when I hear someone likes me. It doesn't matter who, but words can not describe the feeling you get when you know that you've someone affected someone so much that they actually like you. It's a nice feeling. Being liked.
“Although for the life of me I can't remember which one he is. Unfortunately, they all look the same to me and that annoys my daughter to no end.” He laughed.
She chuckled too but looked at me questioningly and I knew, without anything being said what she was asking.
“Sir.” I spoke up. “If you'd like I could give you an autograph right now, or if you write down your address I could send an autographed picture from my brothers and I.”
The officer looked at me for the first time as if really seeing me. “Are you Nick?” He asked.
I nodded my head.
“Hmm, I thought you looked familiar, but I couldn't be too sure. I'm always getting things mixed up.”
I let out a small laugh. “No. It's really me and I'd like to give something to your daughter. We really appreciate our fans and love to show it whenever we can.” I said sincerely, for connecting with our fans is what we were all about. Well that and the music of course.
The man gave me his address and I shoved it in my pocket determined to remember to do something tonight. An autographed picture and short Birthday message ought to do it, I thought as we waved good bye to the officer.
I felt a soft bump aginst my shoulder and turned to see her smiling at me. “That was very sweet of you.” She smiled softly.
I shrugged. “Just helping out a father of a fan.”
She nodded and said, “Yes. But you didn't have to. And you still did. Now it's one more thing you'll have to do that you wouldn't have had to otherwise, but you're still doing it. That's nice.” She walked close to me her hand brushing mine every few seconds as if teasing me.
“I try.” I replied distracted. I wanted so bad to reach out and grab her hand, but I resisted. I just met her, I just met her, I just met her. I chanted in my head.
She nodded and then began to launch into one of her many stories. This one involving one of her guy friends and a fight with her garden hose. While the story made me laugh it also made me wistful to be one of those guys in the stories she told. She continued sharing thoughts and stories up until we reached a mall.
She turned to me. A small, sort of sad smile on her face. “Well this is it.” She announced. “I'm meeting my group in there by the fountain to compare goods. So.... you're free to go.” She laughed and then stopped, staring at her shoes. “I'm sorry for dragging you around everywhere. I know you only did it because you're just that nice and I thank you for that. You're a really sweet and funny guy and I'll always remember this scavenger hunt with extra special happiness.” She grinned. “Thanks for brightening my day.”
She then hugged me and walked through the doors into the mall while I stood there stunned. I had brightened her day? No, that's not right. It was the other way around! The day was boring and uneventful until she stepped into it, bringing her laughter and stories. I couldn't let her leave without telling her how much this day meant to me. But what was I going to do? Run after her?
The thought seemed silly and movie like, but I found myself chasing her through the doors all the same. I caught her sleeve a hundred or so feet before the fountain. Vaguely I saw a group of kids near it that must be her friends, but I paid no mind. All I wanted to do was let her know how much I enjoyed her company. But I couldn't find the words. “You... and.... this.... and....” My thoughts were jumbled and I found it hard to speak.
Her amusement at my speech impairment overpowered her confusion. “Breathe, Nick.” She laughed. “I would hate for you to die due to lack of air. Of course,” she added thoughtfully, “if need be someone could perform CPR on you. Unfortunately though, the only one in our group who knows how to do that is John. So I suggest you don't pass out.” She laughed.
I took a deep breath. “You didn't drag me anywhere.” I finally said, getting straight back to her previous comment. “I willingly followed you because you made my day brighter with your sparkling personality. I love you stories and your infectious laugh. I love the way you're up for any adventure. That's why I followed you. I even.....” I paused. I couldn't love her. We just met. But... I could like her. Couldn't I? “I don't know your name.” I said suddenly as the thought occurred to me.
“Adeline.” She smiled and rolled her eyes. “My parents thought it sounded pretty. But everyone calls me Addie.”
“Adeline.” I repeated, liking the way it sounded. “I like it.”
She smiled brightly.
“I hope I'm not being to forward, but I've really enjoyed your company and getting to know you. Do you think... maybe... could I have your number?” I asked, bracing myself for rejection.
She stood there, not saying a word. Just smiling.
“Oh. Uh. It's okay if you don't want to give it to me... I'll just...” My hands moved awkwardly as I began to remove myself from this embarrassing moment.
“No! Don't go!” She exclaimed. “I was just shocked. That's all. Of course you can have my number.” She quickly grabbed the pen from her ear and the list from her pocket. After crossing off the last item on the list she scribbled down her number and a message and handed it to me. “Don't read it until after you leave the mall. 'Kay?”
I nodded.
“Thanks for everything.” She smiled giving me and hug, that lasted longer than hugs with strangers do.
“No, thank you.” I smiled as she pulled away and walked towards her friends. I watched her for a little while as she greeted them with a smile and a round of hugs. Then I walked away.
It wasn't until I was a back in my tour bus getting ready for bed that night that I remembered her note. I eagerly unfolded the paper, glancing briefly at her number before reading her simple message.
Nick
I love your laugh too.
-Adeline
I smiled at those five words and then put the piece of paper somewhere it wouldn't get lost. I had I busy day tomorrow. Interviews, photo shoots, a concert, sending the officer's daughter a present, and most importantly calling Adeline.
My new friend.
And maybe.
Something more.