#two1

<<Two strangers enjoying some great coffee together>>, Phoebe giggled, winking at him.

Bellamy shook his head, running his hand over his face. He then took a deep breath and sighed it out. <<Not exactly my perfect idea of a date>>, he mumbled.

Phoebe huffed. <<Come on, Bell>>, she hissed. <<You are being really fussy. Can we please just enjoy each other’s company and the coffee?>>, she suggested, trying to imprint a smile on her face.

Najiyah laughed at him, shaking her head. He always knew how to make her feel better. She knew she’d never find a friend like him anywhere else in the world. She took a deep breath as her laugher subsided, lifted her head up. She looked at the sky, she looked at the stars, and it was like they were speaking to them. <<I can do this>>, she finally convinced herself. <<I’m gonna be a ballerina one day, Jax. Just you watch me>>, she announced, continuing to look at the sky.

<<Starbucks>>, Bellamy huffed, looking down at their food and drinks. Phoebe was sitting on the lounge chair next to him, several feet away.

<<What’s wrong with Starbucks?>>, she asked, taking a long, loud sip of her frappuccino. <<It’s cozy, the music is good, it smells nice in here, and the coffee drinks are awesome>>, she enumerated.

Phoebe sighed, shaking her head. <<You are being absurd, Bell. We’re seeing each other. I’m pretty sure everyone knows, anyways>>, she pointed out.

Bellamy pierced his lips. <<Fine then. I’ll plan the next date and you’ll come. I’m gonna hold you to it, Phoeb>>, he hissed.

Phoebe shrugged. <<Whatever you say>>, she giggled. <<Now, can I finish my frapp?>>, she asked with a grin.

Phoebe lifted an eyebrow, huffing. <<No offense, Bell, but if you wanted something intimate we should have gone back to my place>>, she responded. She had suggested they do that, but Bellamy really wanted to go out with her.

<<Naji, look at me>>, Jax ordered. He moved closer to her, lowering his body so he could look into her eyes. <<I believe in you. I know you can crush this>>, he reassured. <<You are the strongest, most incredible person I know. You’ve been through so much in your life, you’ve accomplished so much. You can do it, Naji. You just need to go out and get it. I have complete faith in you>>, he added.

Najiyah blinked a few times, caught by complete surprise by his words. <<You... You really do?>>, she asked, dumbfounded.

Jax grinned, the corner of his lips curling upwards. <<Of course. You know I’d never lie to you. Remember the one time you asked if you looked good in those new pants and I told you looked like you were wearing a diaper?>>.

Najiyah finally laughed, and the sound lifted Jax’s spirit. <<That’s because I was actually wearing a pad>>, she pointed out.

Ogebi turned around when she heard her daughter’s cries. <<Najiyah?>>, she called out in panic. <<Oh my gosh, what happened to you?>>, she asked, quickly raising to her feet.

But Najiyah extended her arm towards her, blocking her movement. <<Just leave me alone, mom!>>, she yelled. <<I don’t wanna talk!>>.