AN: Sorry for the late update. Been in and out of the hospital last week. But hey, here's the new chapter now. LOL. Anywaaaay, hope you enjoy! =)) This is in Tina's POV btw. :))
The sweet scent of cooked honey cured bacon and crisp waffles tickled my senses, signalling me to get out of the comfortable bed. I thought I have to clean again Artie's kitchen this time, but to my surprise, everything was neat and clean. Artie was still arranging the table when I got out. And then I noticed that there was a small cute bouquet of sunflowers that was at the counter.
"Oh, you're awake now. Good morning, Tee." He greeted me with a smile. The dark circles around his eyes were pretty much obvious. Looks like someone didn't slept last night. "I made waffles. I also went for a short run to the deli down the block, they make the best bacon here in Brooklyn and I'm sure you'll love it. I...I also bought sunflowers while I was on my way back...Suddenly reminded me of y-you when I saw them at the flower shop..." He said as he finished setting up the table.
I seriously was at loss of words after he said that. I can't believe he still remembers my favourite. I mean, okay, it's a given that he knows me well. We've been in each other's lives for a long time now. But to actually make an effort like this, preparing meals from scratch, buying me flowers and stuff, and really makes an effort to make me smile? I'm really swept off my feet. Psh, shut up, Tina. He's just doing this just to make up to you. Don't be such a feeler. He's always like that to you, okay? He's just being his normal self. It's not like you don't know Artie.
"Aww, Artie, you shouldn't have." I giggled and sat on the seat, "But the flowers really made my day. Thank you so much, Artie. I'm really touched. Hmm, now let's try the bacon. This better be good!" I joked and took a bite. "Oh my gosh, you're right. This is one of the best! I swear I'll bring some for my friends in Brown, and I'll hoard some for myself."
"See? Told you. Don't worry, I knew you'd love it that's why I bought you some." He laughed along with me. "You know, I'm going to miss you so much when you go back to Brown. I mean, we've spent so much together this past month, and I know it'll be a long time before we'll see each other again." He sighed as he put some maple syrup on his waffles.
"You know that we can always video call each other, right? It's not like we've never done that before." I laughed. "But yeah, kidding aside, I'm going to miss you a lot, too, Artie." I sighed. "But hey, we still have one whole day to spend together. I say let's make the most out of today? What do you think? Do you wanna watch a Broadway show later? Don't worry, it's on me."
"Someone's ballin today, huh?" He raised an eyebrow at me and laughed. "Sure, if you want to. I mean, I'm okay as long as I'm with you. You know I'm always up for anything you want." He grinned as he ate. "But we first need to meet with Ashley later before we head to somewhere, okay?"
Oh shoot. Right, we still need to meet her. I still need to meet her. I don't know why, but I already don't like the vibe of that Ashley girl. I don't know. There's just something that doesn't feel right whenever he mentions her. But oh well, we'll see. Who am I to judge, right? Wait, what if that Ashley girl is Artie's new girlfriend? And so? Why would it be an issue to you if she's Artie's girlfriend? But why would he just tell me that just now? I'm his best friend, he should've told me that he's dating someone again. I need to know. But why would he do that, Tina? Please explain your reason in 500 pages, put it in APA Format, print that shit out, and then burn it immediately because your opinion on his relationship with any girl won't matter because you're just his best friend, okay? Take note of that. Pssh, shut up, Tina. I just care about Artie, okay? I'm just concerned about him, because, as what you've said, I am his best friend. Fine, whatever.
"Yeah, sure, I'm okay with it." I said, taking a mouthful of waffles. He just smiled to me as we both started eating. "Wait, Santana and Britt live here in New York now, right? Why don't we have dinner with them later?"
"Tee, they're still on their honeymoon. Sue gave them a month-long trip to Bahamas. Haven't they told you that?" He chuckled as he finished his plate, wiping off the remaining syrup with his fingers and gently licking them.
"You're cute when you do that." I giggled, "Oh right, now I remember. Yeah, they mentioned that to me. Shucks, I'm really getting old. I tend forget a lot of stuff now."
"Don't worry, Tee. You're still perfect for me." He smiled.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing!" He cleared his throat, "I mean, uhm, are you done eating? I'll go wash the dishes now. Then maybe, uh, you can prepare, uh, or maybe take a shower and your beauty regimen and stuff..."
"Sure, whatever you say, Artie. Whatever you say." I laughed at him and entered the bedroom. As I was preparing my outfit, I surveyed Artie's room. I noticed that Artie has a lot of pictures on his room. Of course, there were pictures of his family and our old friends in glee club. Hello, Captain Obvious. Lol. But what really caught my attention were his pictures with his college friends. There's something inside of me that's happy for him, because his circle is growing, but at the same time, I couldn't help not to feel a bit jealous of them because they get to be with Artie most of the time. To be really honest, of all my friends in high school, Artie is the one I really miss the most. Well maybe it's because he's been my friend since forever. I just really miss hanging out with him so much and the thought of not seeing him again for a few months after tomorrow makes my heart sink a little.
As I was scanning through his pictures with his new friends, there's this one girl that caught my eye. She's really pretty; long golden locks, gorgeous eyes, angelic face, and a smoking hot body. Someone that Artie would really date. She seems to be so touchy-feely with him on their photos. Hmm, I think this is the Ashley girl that he's been raving about. Oh would you look at that, she's kissing his cheek. How cute. I bet they are totes fucking each other. Ugh. Whatever.
As I hopped in to the shower, I collected myself to not be so bitchy when I'll meet that Ashley girl. I really don't know why, but I just really don't like this idea of meeting her when it's supposed to be my day with him. But hey, Artie said that it's important so I guess its fine with me. And I'll try my best to be a good girl. It's bad to judge someone you haven't met yet. But I still don't like the vibe of that Ashley girl, especially when I saw their pictures.
As I got dressed and putted on my make up, I heard that Artie was talking to someone on the phone outside. I bet he's talking to that Ashley girl again. Ugh. Sheesh, Tina, shut up. Be kind to her, okay? Be kind. Fine. Whatever.
"Oh, okay, okay, sure. I'll see you soon. Thanks again, bro. Bye." Artie said as he hung up the phone. "Are you ready? I was just talking to...Sam...Whoa, hello there, Tina." He said with his mouth agape when I got out of the room.
"Why? Is there anything wrong with my dress?" I laughed. Oh, so he was just talking to Sam all along. See, Tina? Stop being so paranoid.
"No, no." He shook his head, "I think it suites you. You look really beautiful. Wait, what do you think of my outfit, though?"
"Aww, thank you, Artieeee." I giggled. "You know, the day you ditched those grandpa sweaters was the highlight of my life." He gave me a pout as I laughed. "I love your outfit, Artie, don't worry."
We went on our way to the coffee shop after Artie got a text from that Ashley girl saying that she's already waiting for us. My insides were churning as we got near the said meeting place. "Are you sure it's okay with her for me to tag along with you on this?" I asked Artie. I really don't know what to feel. Should I be kind? Should I be bitchy? Should I act tough? Ahh, shit.
"Yeah, she won't mind. And besides, she really wants to meet you. She's always with us whenever I'm hanging out with the gang here in New York. She loves our friends, I'm sure she'll also love you." He giggled. What? Not only she's close to him, she's also close with the rest of my friends! Calm down, Tina. Maybe she's really nice. Give her a chance to prove herself before you judge her, okay?
As we entered the cafe, she squealed Artie's name and waved her hands. "Oh hey, Ashley! Hi!" Artie greeted her as we got to her table. She wasn't really exactly as I thought she would be. She's really not that tall, her hair's now on a pixie cut so she looks like a boy, and her skin isn't really that flawless. But she's still pretty as an angel. Ugh. Chill. You got this, Tina.
"You must be Tina?!" She greeted me with a big hug. Oh dear lord, too tight. Help. Can't. Breathe. Phew. Glad that was over."I've heard so much about you! You know, Artie is talking about you ALL the time. Like he told me that he-"
"Ash, you promised, remember?" Artie tugged her hand. "C'mon, ladies, take a seat. What do you want, Tee? Don't worry, my treat." Wait, is he hiding something from me? Why did he do that to her?
"I'll just have a latte. Thanks, Artie." I smiled at him as he wheeled himself to the counter. "Wait, what does he say about me?" Her eyes widened as she clasped her hands with a grin on her face. Now I'm getting more intrigued. Hmm, okay, looks like he really is hiding something from me.
"Well," she noticed that Artie was glaring at her while he was still in line. "Sorry, Tina, but Artie's my best friend. I can't do this to him. I know he'll get mad at me. I'm really sorry. But don't worry, it's nothing. You don't have to worry about it." She chuckled and scratched the back of her neck. "So, you're studying in Brown?"
" Yeah, I'm taking up Performance Studies." I laughed faintly. "I was really planning to study here along with our other friends, but sadly, I didn't got in to any of the universities that I've applied here. But Brown is a great university, I'm glad I got in there. I just can't help not to miss my friends every now and then. So, how about you? You're classmates with Artie?"
"Yup, we've been together since day 1." She grinned. "Well, that's nice! Do you know any Sarah Perez? She's my cousin. But I know she's taking up Theatre Arts though..."
"Yeah, I know her! She's my friend. We used to be classmates during my first semester at Brown." I giggled, "Wow, small world. Well, yeah, you really seem to look like her. I could really see the resemblance between you and Sarah. But you're prettier than her. Don't worry, I won't tell her."
"Artie's right, you're really such a joker." She playfully slapped my arm, "But I don't think that I'm prettier than her, though. But thank you, Tina." She laughed.
After a few moments after that, Artie came back along with our coffee. "Looks like you two are getting along quite well, huh? See, told you you'll love her, Ash. She's awesome, right?" He laughed, "Here you go, one latte for you, Tee. And one decaf cappuccino for you, Ash. Don't worry, it's skimmed and I asked the barista to put splenda in it. Just the way you like it." He laughed. I watched her as she was so touchy-feely with him while they both started to talk about their film. Well he seems to be enjoying it. Hmpf. Artie never really memorized my coffee order even though we've already been to a lot of coffee dates back in the day. So unfair.
I sipped my latte as the two continued with their agenda. And by "agenda", Artie meant the film, while it was exploring Artie's arms for her. Sheesh. I rolled my eyes as I watched the Koala fest of the century in front of me. This was upsetting me more than I thought. I couldn't take it anymore; I pulled out my phone and texted Mercedes. "Hey Cedes, you busy?"
After a few moments, she texted back. "Nah. Still lying here in my bed. LOL. Jk. Why'd you ask? :))"
"Im here at Brooklyn right now. Im having coffee with Artie and Ashley. Lol. #thirdwheel #bored"
"Ooh! You know, Ashley's a nice girl. At first I really found her annoying, but she's really lovable. I'm glad you two already met."
"Well yea she seems to be nice. But ugh they're being too flirty. Welp. :|"
"dude relax. They're just like that most of the time. Wait, lemme guess. It's Ash, right? Tee, don't worry. She's just like that. Dont be jealous. Wait...r u jelly?"
"What? Me? Jealous? No. I'm not jealous. I can't be jealous. I've never been jealous...well this is the first time."
"Ayieee Tina. Omg. This is BIG news. Lol. I bet Kurt would be insane when he finds out about this."
"Stop. Lol. I just can't take it when someone's too touchy with him. -_-"
"What? You're also jealous of me whenever I'm touchy with Artie? O_O"
"No, I'm already used with you guys. Maybe I'm just not used with someone being like that to him. Ugh. You know what, maybe I'm just being immature. Lol. Am I right?"
"Tbh, Tina, yea u are. But don't worry. I got u. Haha! Miss you, T."
"Miss u more, sis! Wish you were here right now. So awkward. -_-"
"Psh. Shut up. Haha! You'll get used to them. :P Hey, gtg. I still need to run errands. #adultduties haha Talk 2 u again later, Tee. Love ya! Take Care...of Artie. Ayieee. Jk. Jk. Haha! Bye 3"
'You'll get used to them?' Really, Mercedes? What if I don't want to? Ugh. This is so stupid. What the heck is wrong with me? I shouldn't be jealous. Why would I get jealous? Ugh. Just calm down, Tina. Breathe. I can't wait for them to finish so that she can get her hands off him. But to be fair to her, she's not touching his hand or embracing him or whatever. She's just playfully slaps his arm and occasionally puts her head on his shoulder for a second. But it still irritates me, okay? Don't ask me why. Ugh.
"Hey, Tee, Are you alright?" Artie moved his chair near me as Ashley went to the toilet. "You seem to be upset. What happened? Is there anything wrong? Is it because of Ashley? Did she tell you something?"
"No," I shook my head, "It's nothing. I think she's really nice. Don't worry, she didn't say anything that irritated me. I'm just...tired, I guess. Don't worry about me, Artie. I'm fine. You two can continue with your meeting. I'm good here." I smiled faintly at him and took a sip of my latte.
"Are you sure you're okay? I'm getting worried about you, Tina. But don't worry, we're almost done. Well, actually, we're already done. She just told me our timeline for the film and what we still need for the location and for the actors." He said with a chuckle as he finished his coffee. "Where do you want to go next? I'll take you anywhere you want." He smiled.
"How about you? Where do you want to go next? Any recommendations?" I laughed, "I mean, you're the one who lives here, you should be the one who's touring me around. Don't worry, just give me a text whenever you're going to Providence. I'll be the one who's going to tour you when you're there. I'm friends with Ashley's cousin that also studies in Brown. You can bring Ashley with you if you want." Seriously, Tina? What were you thinking? Ugh.
"Oh, really? That's nice! Well, I don't think she'll come with me, though. She's always busy with something else whenever we're not busy with film school." He laughed. "Well, I rarely go out of my apartment though. It's always school-apartment-school-apartment. Occasionally, I go out with Rachel and the gang, or sometimes, I go out with some of my college buddies after class, but we would just go to the bar near our school to have some drinks from time to time. But, uh, if you want, we can go to Manhattan. I know a place that you'll surely love. Then let's just wing it from there, what do you say?"
"Sure, I'd love that." I giggled. What I love the most about Artie is that he never runs out of ideas. He's so smart, so witty, so charming, so...handsome, it's really impossible for a girl not to like him. I'm so glad that Artie has gone a long way from his shy days back in high school. He truly has grown into a man.
After a few moments, Ashley came back from the toilet and she bid us goodbye. I really do think that she's nice and there is no doubt that she is really a sweet friend. Heck, she even gave me a cookie before she left. No wonder that she became close to Artie and to all of my friends. But I guess I just couldn't help not to get jealous because she gets to be with Artie most of the time. Maybe I'm just scared that Ashley might replace me in Artie's life. I hope not. I don't think I can handle that...
Thoughts? :D