Chapter 2
It's morning. Callum wakes up, takes a shower and starts drinking his coffee. While drinking, he was thinking about the pretty moonshadow elf he had met yesterday and wondered if he should’ve taken her number. It’s a Sunday which means no classes, no shifts. He could’ve gone out with her. Show her around Katolis.
Just then, his phone buzzes.
[Unknown Number] Hi Callum.
He was surprised that an unknown number knew his name.
[Callum] Hi. May I know who this is?
[Unknown Number] Oh, sorry, I forgot you don’t have my number saved… It’s me, Rayla.
[Callum] Oh, Rayla, hi!
He saves her number but wonders where she got his number from.
[Rayla] I was wondering if it would be okay to meet up and go somewhere together today since it’s a Sunday… But you don’t have to if you’re busy.
It was like Rayla had read his mind and asked that question…
[Callum] Of course! I’m free, got nothing to do! I would love to meet up!
[Rayla] That’s great! Shall we meet down in the lane? In about 10 minutes?
[Callum] Yep!
He quickly finishes his coffee and goes out. He sees Rayla standing near the apartment looking at her phone.
“Hi Rayla!”
She looks up from her phone. “Hi Callum!”
“I’m so glad we could spend time together.”
Rayla smiles.
“So… where are we gonna go?”
“Um, not sure. Just show me the most famous places in Katolis. Places near us of course.”
“Good idea.” He pauses for a few moments and says, “Had breakfast?”
“Nope. Just coffee.”
“Same. You hungry?”
“A bit.”
“Well then, I know just the place where we can eat! Follow me.”
— — —
Rayla and Callum take a seat at one of the tables.
“This is one of the most famous cafés here.”
Rayla smiles and nods.
“What would you like?”
“A chocolate milkshake.”
“Okay.”
Rayla opens her purse to take some money out.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting my money out.”
“Why?”
Rayla raises her eyebrow “To pay. What else?”
“I’ll pay. It’s fine.”
“No, it’s not.”
“Come on, Rayla. It’s ok! I’m your friend, just consider this… a treat given by me.”
“But-”
“No buts. That’s all.” He leaves to order the drinks.
Rayla smiles and rolls her eyes affectionately. He was so kind and generous. There aren’t many people like him nowadays, everyone revolves around money but Callum is just so sweet…
Callum returns with the drinks. Rayla takes a sip. “Oh… wow! This is the best milkshake I’ve ever tasted!”
“Told you!”
She smiles. A few moments pass and Rayla says, “So… Let’s get to know each other better.”
“Um, okay.”
“Tell me some things about yourself. What do you do? What’s your family like? Do you have any siblings?”
“I feel like I’m a suspect being questioned.”
“Dummy!” she says, laughing.
Also laughing, he says, “I’m a graphic design student.”
“Ooh, art?”
“Yeah, I love art.”
“I like art too! But I suck at it.”
He chuckles. “That’s okay.”
She smiles. “My turn. I am Rayla Ghealach and I came to Katolis a few days ago for basketball coaching.”
“Nice. So… are you the coach or are you the one being trained?”
“I’m the one being trained.”
“Do you have any competitions?”
“Not now but once my training is complete, I will.” She looks at him for a few moments and asks, “What’s your full name?”
“Callum Prince.”
“Oh, I’m sorry your highness, I didn’t know!”
“Shut up,” he says, laughing.
Rayla also laughs. “And your family?”
“I have a younger brother. His name is Ezran. He’s 13 and lives with my parents a bit far from here but still in Katolis. What about your parents?”
“My parents died when I was really young.”
“Oh, Rayla… I’m so sorry…”
“It’s ok. I live with my dads now. They take care of me very well.”
“I’m glad.”
She smiles.