The first time he was introduced to Julie, the most obvious thing about her was her quietness. People would assume she was shy. She doesn't talk much unless it was something that interests her. The next obvious thing was her intellect, she can talk about anything that nourishes her brilliant mind. She knows her music, she knows her books, she knows her artists like they were her friends. She laughs at things most people find offensive, she laughs at herself, her laugh was contagious. She knows how to be focused, she knows when to let loose. She listens like you are the most important person in the room. She'll tell you the nicest things about yourself and the worst things without judging you. By this time, you'll see her as your best friend. And then he sees it, the way she threw her head back when she laughs, the creases in the corners of her eyes, her smart comebacks, the way she tucked her hair behind her ears. She was pretty. Pretty amazing. 

Julie closed her laptop and gave a sigh of relief, "I think that's it for now, are you ready to go back and start everything?" Nathan sat back on his chair, "Ready as I'll ever be ... I'm glad you're on board, can't wait for December, it's gonna be exciting." "Me too, I feel like I'm a part of it already, I have so many ideas that I want to share with you for Ardor." Nathan sipped on his coffee, "Please, give me everything you've got, draft them up, send it through email or Skype me, I want to hear all of them, 'cause I got plenty of those too ... just not sure if they're doable, I guess we're gonna have to wait 'till we get all the team ready." "True, at least you know what to look for when you're recruiting, we're setting a pretty high standard for a new business," Julie said. "I'm willing to compensate them for their contribution though, I believe that I need them more than th

It started out as a friendly night out, just a couple of beers at a quiet pub in the gallery. The gallery was a row of cafes, pubs, and restaurants about fifteen minutes away from campus where students from all the Universities in Gastonburry blend in like a melting pot. It was the only area for nightlife other than the two clubs they had for more lively entertainment. It often started like that with Kelsey, until she meets her friends who also came to the same place and then the night would grow longer as it progresses. The drinks would come more than they initially planned, then they ended up hopping in the car to go to the club because everyone was drunk enough to invite each other for more drinks with louder music and a dance floor. They were still at the pub when Julie's phone rang. It was close to 10 PM, it was Nathan. "Hey." His voice at the other end."Hi! You've landed!" she was half shouting."(Chuckl

She swept it under the rug. She knew what Kelsey was like, but she thought it was different with Nathan. She was willing to ignore what Preston had told her for the sake of salvaging the only decent relationship Kelsey ever had with a guy, also the fact that Nathan had become someone that might stay in her life as a friend and professionally. She had booked her ticket to Bhorma, Kelsey was tagging along to surprise Nathan. She was definitely keeping the relationship, it was easier for Julie to forget what Preston had told her. She came back early to the dorm that day to start packing. She was in a good mood after receiving her final exam result. As she was entering her dorm room, Zach was getting out from it. He looked like he just got out of bed, Kelsey was in the background tidying up her dress like she was just getting into them. "Hey," Zach greeted her casually. Julie gave him a half nod. Her gaze immediately mo

Three days later, she was leaving for Bhorma. She hadn't heard from Preston since that night, nor she had tried to contact him. There was a knock on the door, it was Preston. Standing with both hands on either side of the door frame. Looking at his beautiful face, she was relieved. "Hi ... can I talk to you for a second?" She nodded and let him in. "Is Kelsey here?" "No, she went out to get some last minute stuff," she said casually. They stood facing each other awkwardly. He saw the suitcases, a sense of loss crept inside him. "Wow ... you're all packed and ready to go," he commented. She sat on her bed and nodded, waiting to hear what he came to tell her. He sat next to her, and faced her. "I just want to tell you something ..." he began. "I understand your decision ... I'm okay with that ... I guess I was just selfish that I wanted you for myself, but I know one thing is for sure ... I want y