Chapter 7
Callum was the first one to arrive at the cafe. He took out his sketchbook which for some reason, he carries all the time. He starts drawing to pass the time while he waits for the others. The drawing immediately took the shape of Rayla. Okay, now she’s taking over his thoughts a bit too much. Maybe it’s because she’s so amazing… He’s only known her for a day but it felt like he knew her for so long and he can’t stop thinking about her…
“Hey Callum!”
The voice broke Callum out of his thoughts. He immediately looks from his sketchbook up to see Rayla looking at him with a smile on her face. She was wearing an oversized T-shirt and some leggings. And yet, she looked so pretty.
“Uh, hi Rayla.”
Taking a seat opposite to him, she asks, “What are you drawing?”
Calum didn’t know why but he felt like showing Rayla that he was drawing her wasn’t the best idea. They’ve only known each other for a day and sure, he had already drawn her before and she clearly said she didn’t mind and in fact, loved his drawing but he just didn’t want to tell her.
“Uh, nothing much. I don’t even know what I’m drawing. Just a rough sketch of… a place.”
Rayla didn’t seem convinced. “Okay…” She replies. “When is your friend… Claudia, was it? When is Claudia going to come?”
“She’ll be here soon. She’s a late person so… yeah…”
“Okay, that’s fine.” She says, smiling.
Just as she says that, Claudia comes.
“Callum!” She shouts.
He stands up and Claudia goes and hugs him. He hugs her back.
Rayla couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous. Why does she have to hug him? Of course she can! They’re friends! Why does she have to feel so jealous?
After what seemed like an eternity to Rayla, Claudia pulls back, ending the hug.
“How was your trip?” Callum asks her.
“It was fine. I still wish I brought you with me. It would have been so much more fun…”
“That’s okay. You had plenty of other friends, right?” He says, smiling.
“Yeah, but it’s not the same without that one friend I spent my whole childhood growing up with.”
He smiles at her.
“But… I met this guy. He’s really cute. He’s an earthblood elf and his name is Terry.”
“Oooh, I’m curious. But first, Claudia, this is Rayla.” He says, gesturing at her. “And Rayla, this is Claudia.”
Rayla stands up too and says, “Hi.”
“Hi! I love your hair, it's very pretty!” Claudia says.
A compliment? Already?
“Thank you.” Rayla says and smiles.
“Take a seat Clauds.” Callum says. “What would you both like?”
“No way, I’m ordering this time. And I will pay.” Rayla says. “You take a seat.”
He chuckles and takes a seat.
“What do you both want?” She asks.
“A Cappuccino for me.” Callum answers.
“An espresso for me.” Claudia answers.
Rayla leaves to take the order.
As soon as she leaves, Claudia asks, “So wait, I’m gone for a week or two and you start dating someone?”
“No! I’m not dating Rayla! She’s just a friend. She’s Ezran’s English teacher and we became friends. That’s all.” Callum retorts. “How many people do I have to tell this to?”
“Right… She’s very pretty though. If you plan on dating her, you both are a perfect match.”
“Don’t take it that far, we just became friends yesterday.” He says.
“Fine. But keep me updated on your friendship.” She says, emphasizing on the word ‘friendship’.
Callum rolls his eyes and says, “Yeah, whatever.”
Rayla returns with two cups in her hands. She hands them their respected coffees, grabs another chair and sits beside Callum.
“Thank you, Rayla.” Callum says.
“No problem.” She replies.
“Did you not bring one for yourself?” He asks.
“Nah, I had my morning coffee. I don't want another.”
“Okay.”
A moment of silence passes through as Callum and Claudia slurp onto their coffee.
“So… Rayla…” Claudia says. “Tell me some things about yourself.”
Actually that would be good. Callum didn’t know much about her either and would love to know more.
“So… I’m from the Silvergrove. And… My parents work overseas so I live with their friends who are practically my dads now.”
“Interesting…” Claudia says. “How long have you been in Katolis? And how long have you been teaching Ez?”
“I’ve been in Katolis for about… 7 years? And I’ve been teaching Ezran since 8th grade because I only teach grades 8, 9 and 10.” She replies.
“Okay… How are you finding-”
Callum cuts her off. “Give her a break, Claudia. You don’t have to interrogate her.”
Rayla lets out a slight chuckle.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m just a bit curious. That’s all. Hope you didn't mind.” Claudia says.
“No, it’s alright.” Rayla replies, smiling.
Another moment of silence passes before Claudia breaks it. “Oh, wait… Callum, I invite you to my birthday party! It’s next Tuesday. And Ez. So make sure you come.”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Did you remember?”
“Of course he did. He already brought you a present.” Rayla said to herself.
“I did.” He says, slurping onto his coffee.
“Okay… And Rayla. I know we’ve just met but you seem nice. Would you like to come too?”
Oh wow, are humans always this friendly? Or does she just not know how friendship works because she doesn’t have many friends?
“Um, sure. I would love to.” She replies.
“Great!” Claudia says.
Just as she says that, her phone rings. She answers the call.
“Dad?... Why?... But I’m with Callum… Oh, come on, now?… Fine…”
“Everything okay?” Callum asks her.
“My dad wants me to come home because Soren needs the car. I gotta go but uh, thanks for meeting up with me.”
“No problem. Bye, Claudia.” He says.
“Bye, Claudia.” Rayla also says.
“Bye!” She replies and leaves.
“So, what do you wanna do?” Callum asks Rayla.
“I dunno. Up to you.” She’s fine with anything as long as she gets to do it with him.
“Wanna go to the park?” He asks.
“Sure! But, would it be okay if I come in your car? I took a tram to come here. Runaan needed our car.”
“I would love to give you a ride but I also came on a tram.” He says, chuckling.
“Oh… That’s okay, we’ll take the tram again, together.” She says, smiling.
“Sure…”