Thelonious could have ended the call as soon as she fell asleep, but he didn't. Instead, he chose to wait and watch her sleep for a little bit.
It sounded creepy, kind of like Edward Cullen. But it felt peaceful.
Being able to spend a few moments just watching her inhale and exhale, felt good. It was oddly serene watching the woman whom manifested all his thoughts and feelings as of late, sleep. It sounded strange but it felt right; knowing that she was safe and happy.
He just wished she had good dreams.
Preferably of him.
It was also oddly satisfying knowing that he was the last person she had seen and spoken before she fell asleep.
"Good night, my little vixen." He smiled at her fondly before reaching forward and pressing the red button. He watched as she disappeared from the screen, ignoring the disappointment that rose. Turning off his phone, he placed it on the nightstand. Leaning against the headboard, he just stared at the wall across from him, unable to control the ghost of a smile he felt his mouth subconsciously twitching into.
He was just sad that they wouldn't be able to meet up in the morning like they had originally planned. Instead, they would have to leave it another day.
He wouldn't be able to see her until Monday, once she had finished with all her classes.
That both saddened and excited him.
-
Darcy had missed her train and was late for her morning lecture. Everyone had turned to watch her try to sneak into the large hall more than an hour late. It also didn't help that the trains were delayed due to some construction work near the tracks.
They just needed to construct something on the one day that she was ever late to something.
She had then realised that she had left her notebook at home in the rush, and had to resort to type her notes on her laptop instead. That wasn't much of an inconvenience, but she much preferred writing her notes by hand.
Sighing, she leaned back and arched her back, attempting to stretch out her muscles. Darcy had been hunched over her laptop for over an hour, working on her programming coursework that was due the next week. She was nearly done, just a few finishing touches and then she would be completely finished with it. Well, with that portion of it anyway since she still had yet to start the documentation that was required to be handed in alongside it.
Documentation, the downside of programming.
Before she could return to her code, her phone rang on the table.
It was an unknown number.
Unsure of whether to pick up or not, she stared at it. It was only on the fifth ring did she give in and accept the call. Seeing as there weren't many people left in the lab, she didn't bother leaving to take it.
"Hello?" She asked, her eyes drifting away from the functions of code on her laptop screen.
"Darcy!"
Her eyebrows furrowed together in confusion at the familiar voice before she was able to place who it was. "Romeo?"
"Yeah," he confirmed. "You sound surprised. Why? You expecting a call from lover boy?" He chuckled at his own joke.
She rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. "I am, actually. How did you get my number?"
"I took it from Thelonious' phone when he was asleep this morning." He replied nonchalantly, as if stealing phone numbers from other people's phones was an everyday occurrence. It probably was to him.
She arched a questioning brow, not that Romeo would be able to see it, of course. "And he knows about this?"
"Of course not. And I'm hoping you won't tell him either. This can be our little secret." His words held hope and his voice wavered a little at the thought. Darcy was sure that Thelonious would do more than have a little chat with Romeo about going through his phone, especially since the teenager was notorious for this kind of behaviour and much worse.
So far, she hadn't witnessed too much of it but she sure had heard a lot of funny stories which are probably funny now but pretty serious and annoying in the moment. She was more than happy to sit idly and wait until the boy messed up again for she was sure it would be quite a spectacle to see Thelonious kick his ass.
She chuckled. "Sure."
"I'm actually calling to invite you to a party that this guy from college is throwing. Don't worry. Half the people from a bunch of uni's would probably end up turning up like they always do."
"I thought you said you didn't really have any friends."
"And you said to make some, so I did." His words were light, as if it didn't matter but she knew better. "Plus, we're not really friends. We just talk sometimes" He tried to play it off, cool.
"You actually took my advice?" She didn't bother hiding her surprise.
"Should I not have?" He chuckled. "You're coming to the party, right?"
"I don't know," she glanced at the time on her laptop screen. "I'm supposed to be meeting some friends in a little bit."
"Bring them along."
"I'll have to ask." She muttered, already wondering if her friends would be up for a party tonight, but who was she kidding? Once they heard about it, there would be no escape.
"Okay, make sure they say yes. I'll text you the details." The words rushed out of his mouth and he hung up, not even finishing his sentence.
For a guy who was going to a party with people who weren't his friends, he sure was in a hurry.
When the phone ended, Darcy placed it on the table and just stared at it for a few seconds. She hadn't anticipated heading to a party on a Monday evening but it seemed that was how she would be spending her night. Hopefully Thelonious would be there.
After finishing her code, she packed up and headed out of uni, walking towards the closest tube station. She raised her phone to her ear.
It rang once before Alice picked up. "Do we have any plans for tonight?"
"What? No hello?"
"Hi." Darcy greeted quickly with a small smile and playful roll of her eyes. "So, plans? Do we have any?"
"Not really. Just a movie and food, I guess."
"How would you feel about heading to a college party tonight?" She secretly hoped her friends would say no so she wouldn't have to go. Spending some time with her friends and then spending the night cuddled up in Thelonious' muscular arms sounded like a hell of a night to her.
"With college boys?"
Darcy chuckled. "Presumably, yes. He did mention that there should be a bunch of people from uni there as well."
"We haven't got any plans and that sounds fun."
"It's a yes?"
"Yeah, why not?"
"Can you ask Delilah for me?"
"Sure, she texted me she was five minutes away. How far are you?"
Darcy jogged down the steps to the underground tube station. "Fifteen, max. I'm taking the tube."
Greeting her friend goodbye on the phone, she hopped onto the tube and just as she promised, she walked into Alice's dorm room with a minute to spare.
Delilah must have agreed to their evening plans for she was already wearing a gold, sequin wrap dress as she added some touch ups to her makeup from the day. Darcy recognised it to be one of Alice's.
Alice came out of her room, holding up a little black dress. She all but thrusted it into Darcy's arms. "I figured you wouldn't have anything to wear." Her eyes raked down Darcy's outfit of the day, a large hoodie and dark leggings, the distaste clear.
She chuckled before heading into the bedroom and changing clothes. The dress fit like a glove since Alice was a little thinner than Darcy, but she was sure that she would be able to get away with it. But enjoying a big, hearty meal was probably something she would have to steer away from that night if she didn't want to risk a food baby.
Within thirty minutes, all three girls had their dresses, heels and makeup done, ready to head out the door and party the night away.
It didn't take long to reach the house party, and it took even less time to figure out which house exactly it was in. Music blared from the building from down the street. All they had to do was just follow the sound and the vibrations.
When they were just a few minutes away, Darcy pulled out her phone from the small, nifty pocket on her dress to text Romeo.
He read it almost immediately but didn't bother replying. Instead, he waited for them outside with a large smile on his face. "Ladies. You all look beautiful." He greeted them, holding out a hand, first for Delilah. "Romeo Bourne, at your service."
"I'm Delilah." She smiled sweetly and accepted his hand graciously. "Thanks for the invite. Partying on Monday's isn't the norm for us but this seemed too good of an offer to pass up."
"Well, I hope it can live up to your expectations?" He winked. As in, actually winked.
Romeo Bourne was clearly in his element tonight.
He then turned to Alice, his eyes lingering on her a slight millisecond longer than they had on Delilah. "And who might you be?" His voice was lower than it had been a second ago and his eyes slightly hooded. Darcy could hardly believe the scene that was unfolding in front of her.
"Too old for you." She answered jokingly as she placed her hand in his. "The name's Alice."
Romeo smirked and raised her hand to his mouth, kissing the back of it. "It's a pleasure to meet you Alice."
The woman in question merely rolled her eyes and pulled her hand away from him. She had seen it all before. "Likewise." She pursed her lips.
His eyes lingered on her briefly before he turned to Darcy. "Darcy." He greeted her; his arms outstretched for a hug.
Darcy rolled her eyes but smiled and hugged him, nonetheless. "What was that about?" She whispered quietly; her voice low enough so the other two wouldn't overhear.
Romeo squeezed her. "I have no idea what you mean." He answered before letting go, a cheeky, knowing grin in place.
He turned to the other two women. "Why don't you two lovely ladies head inside?" He opened the front door for them. If they had thought that the music was loud when they were walking up towards the house, they were not prepared for when he opened the door, Darcy was sure that it blew back a few strands of her hair with its intensity.
This was starting to feel like more of a rave than a casual party.
Darcy nodded at her friends. "I'll catch you guys inside in a couple minutes. I just need to talk to Romeo really quickly."
They both nodded before walking into the house.
Darcy couldn't help but smirk when Romeo turned to watch Alice walk by him. It was only when she shut the door in his face that he snapped out of the daze. "I don't think she's interested." She noted aloud before sitting down on the front step.
He did the same, resting his arms on his knees. "She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. You really don't think she's interested?" He asked, turning his head to look at her. The hope was evident.
"I don't know," she paused. "But I can try and find out for you."
"That would be great, thanks."
"You are a few years younger than her though."
"I'm 18."
"And she's 21, turning 22 next month."
"She doesn't have to know I'm 18."
Darcy didn't like the sound of that. "She's going to find out eventually."
"Well, I'll just have to change her mind about that then."
Darcy threw her head back and laughed. The boy was very determined, that much was evident. Alice was going to find it difficult to resist him.
Romeo Bourne was very charming and charismatic. Now with determination in the mix, he was a force to be reckoned with.
"Thanks for coming today." His voice was quieter now, his words softer. When she turned to look at him, he was no longer grinning, but instead, a small smile greeted her.
"No problem," she smiled softly at him. "So, you took my advice, huh?"
He nodded. "I did. Turns out you were right. It was all in my head." His smile widened. "It's just my insecurities, I guess."
"And you really like these people?"
He nodded. "Yeah, they're pretty cool. It feels nice to be included in things."
"I'm glad you're happy."
"I am." He smiled widely. "You know, I invited Thelonious as well but he said no. Mac said he would swing by after work if it was still going on."
Darcy pouted. "Thelonious isn't coming?"
"No," he shook his head, but smirked anyway. "But when I tell him that you're here, he'll come running."
Darcy threw her head back and laughed. "Just make sure to tell me when he's here."
"I doubt I'd be able to get to you before he does." He chuckled before standing up and dusting down his jeans. He held out a hand to help her up.
She smiled in thanks and accepted his hand.
"Go help yourself to some booze." He opened the door for her. "And make sure to put in a good word for me with that hot blonde friend of yours."
And with that, Romeo Bourne disappeared.
Darcy genuinely feared for her friend. She doubted Alice would be able to resist.
-
NOTE - not edited
The next chapter should be uploaded on 30/04/2020
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Layla Knight
07.10.19