The Chosen One

Chapter 4 Crush On A Stranger

Chapter 4

Crush On A Stranger

Estelle was missing Cupid more than she thought she would.

Last night Jason stayed for long till Cupid started crying.

Estelle had manged to change her diapers that she managed form the grocery store earlier and once changed she was a very happy child.

She was fine till the sun shone bright lying on the small chairs covered with her same blanket, and she and Jason were sharing small talks.

Estelle was amazed at Jason.

He never went to school or college but was homeschooled and he knew more about world around than Estelle would ever know.

Cupid kept making little noises form her mouth enjoying their company.

But once the sun went down the horizon temperature also went down, Estelle felt the need to go inside for warmth and once inside, Cupid started crying again.

Estelle tried everything in her, from rocking her to sleep, ranting about how pretty she was and even tried to feed her against Jason’s wish but nothing worked.

“I think you should take her to her mother” Estelle said finally giving up on her cries.

“I cant” Jason denied, “We can go outside and sit with her.” He suggested

“Are you crazy?’ Estelle shouted, “It’s freezing out there. Cupid might catch cold.” She denied flatly “I am not taking any chance.”

“She wouldn’t catch cold” Jason reasoned “she’s different.’

“How different can a little baby be?” Estelle argued irritated “first her mother cannot attend her, second the girl hasn’t had anything since last night and most importantly you think a starved baby can survive the winter night?” Estelle rubbed her temples “what had she put herself into. She should have sent the girl with Jason back to her place the moment her arrived

“But you were all hormonal and drooling over the hot guy” the wise and wicked voice inside shouted at her.

“Look” Estelle handed Cupid back to him “you have to go take her to her parents” she begged, “I cannot see her starving any longer.”

‘I was wandering if both of us could stay the night once again.

“With her crying?” Estelle was furious now “Not any chance. You have to leave my house and take her to her mother right now” Estelle commanded and shocked at her outburst Jason stood immediately.

He walked a few steps and returned.

Jason knew it was a losing battle. He could not leave her now. He had to spend more time with her.

But she was getting difficult. So he tried the  only option, his power.

“Will you come with us?” Jason asked to our home.

An abrupt NO was on the tip of her tongue but she could only mouth Yes.

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There was a bounce in Estelle’s step today. 

Strangely she has no clues where she went with Cupid and Jason last night at all she knows that she woke up from happy side of her bed today.

Even with that little amount of sleep last night and the night before she felt fresh and cheerful.

Yes she was happy and delighted for reasons unknown to her. She got up with the buzzing of her alarm and for the first time in ages instead of putting it for snooze, she woke up with a smile.

She put a little effort in looking pretty.

Well she put an effort in brushing her teeth too. Instead of only brush for the sake of it, she rinsed well and even used the mint mouthwash that she’d once bought because it was almost free with certain product.

She thought she’d use it if she ever when all the clocks in the universe could turn in her favor and she had a boy friend and if she had, she’ll have to kiss him and that would come handy as increasing her confidence.

“You have always been silly and dreamy” Estelle did not get offended at the snide remark the devil inside her made for herself.

She blow dried her hair for the first time, the machine had been lying idle in her cupboard since last time she visited her mother, her mother had got a new one for herself so handed over the old one to Estelle.

“Sometimes even you should try to look presentable” her mom had commented but Estelle ignored as she put the machine in her bag knowing very well she was never going to use it.

She was too lazy to do all that.

More than that she loved her curls

“Who are you fooling?” her guiding voice was back “You very well know how you look with the sunflower head that your curls form early in the morning. You definitely need to use the drier more often”

Estelle hummed the unusual music as she made herself her favorite breakfast.

Okay that isn’t my favorite but I still like it because it’s yummy and easy to make.

You guessed it right cereals and milk lazy hoe”

Estelle for the first time did not curse her fellow riders while driving. She listened to the nearest radio station that was playing some 80’s music which wasn’t that bad.

Then to her own surprise for the First time, she dramatically touched her heart and the wicked inner part of her also fake shed a tear in delight for her lack of struggle in getting a parking place, that too on front of her building.

She got off the car to notice that she’d absent-mindedly packed the bag matching to her olive green t-shirt

She smiled at her fellow students who smiled back at her widely.

“Oh Estelle” Mona pulled her in her arms making Estelle chuckle “I missed you. I missed you. I missed you.”

“Eh… Mo.. Mona” Estelle managed to speak stuffed in the tight hug “Cant.. cant breathe”

Mona released her commenting Drama queen”

“Really one day I am absent and this is what I get” Estelle said “I think I should take leave very often”

“NO” Mona shrieked “No. Attending classes is mandatory and without you I’ll die alone in 40 minute lecture.”

“You never even talk to me during lecture” Estelle commented “You are always busy on your i********:” as she walked ahead to reach the class, Mona chasing after her

“But it gets so boring when I do not get anyone to share a funny post, no one to blush embarrassed at the pg13 post, no one who’d cough to avoid laughing at the funny post and no one to raise a thumb at my beautiful pictures.” Mona said dramatically.

“Okay got it got it” Estelle said halting suddenly making Mona bump at her 

“What did you get?” Mona asked confused

“That I am your muse that keeps you entertained during the lecture”

Mona smiled nodding and then hugged her again “and also you are my bestest friend.

“There is no word as bestest” Estelle rolled her eyes.

“Okay best my personal Grammar app” Mona mocked.

“Hey Estelle” Estelle did not have to look up to see it was Austin calling out to her. She simply blushed crimson answering a “Hey” back

“I was wondering if you are not baby sitting then probably we can have our date day” he though was trying to appear cool with his masculine hand gestures but the way he scratched the back of his hair, he was tad bit nervous “or date. Evening?”

“Austin” Estelle smiled genuinely “I’d love to but tonight I am not sure. I might be baby-sitting again sorry. Rain check?

”No problems” he waved it off obviously disappointed however he said coolly “day after Saturday then?’

Without calculating or thinking simply the adrenaline of being invited on a date after years Estelle was jittery too “sure why not. I’d” she hesitated however spoke it out “I’d like to”

“See you on Saturday then” Austin lifted two of his finger kissing them and then waving a bye at her. Estelle murmured back an audible “bye” smiling widely.

She turned around to see Mona’s eyes wide open in shock; her mouth opening and shutting like a fish and when she called “Mona, Are you alright?”

Mona nodded and then like a robot she was about fall straight on the floor when Estelle held her elbows “What’s wrong with you?’ Estelle’s eyebrows furrowed with concern.

“He” she fingered at the crowded hallway from where Austin had passed “The Austin. Your three year old crush”

“Ssssh…” Estelle pinched her softly .

“Oucchh” Mona yelled “what was that for?

And then she started singing

 Estelle and Austin,

Went to a park

Estelle and Austin shared kisses

Few weeks later…

Estelle pinched her hard again, making her wince in pain “shut up” she yelled

“What?” Mona yelled again “that guy asked you out for a date. You should be dancing with joy.”

“And you should not be making a opera song about it.” Estelle tried to calm her down.

“Really” Mona smiled “Do you think I can qualify as an opera artist?” She asked expectantly, knowing very well that Estelle loathed all the singing bones in her body. “Mona” Estelle called firmly “Listen I am your true friend and as a true friend I am telling you very frankly and honestly” 

She waited for Mona’s full attention

“Go ahead I am listening” Mona ushered her to continue

“That when it is about you singing and I am not exaggerating you sing as good as Phoebe used to sing with her guitar in Friends series. So my dear friend” she placed a comforting arm on her shoulders “never ever do you think of becoming any kind of singer.”

“Huh” Mona tapped her feet “just broke my dream. You meanie”

“Hey “ she called but they had already reached the classroom “what was Austin talking about baby sitting?”

Right on time the professor took his royal entry. While few of the students sat attentively others groaned at his presence and started getting books out of their bag.

“Later” Estelle mouthed inaudibly wondering in her head about the possible explanation she would give to her best friend about her reckless decision of not only entertaining a complete stranger but also volunteering to baby sit his niece.

It sounded stupid and dangerous to her own ears.

“But you are alive. Aren’t you?” the voice was practical now “and you are glad that you did it.”

Although she least remembers where they went and roamed throughout the night other than the fact that Jason was very sweet and gentle with her and also the flicker from his emerald studded bracelet.

That was the last thing she remembered when her eyes drooped due to lack of sleep.

The professor had turned around to start the projector when Mona picked a fresh tissue and wiped off Estelle’s face.

Estelle angrily glared at her shouting “what?”

It was so loud that the professor had to turn around 

“How can I help you Miss. Green?’ professor Gregor asked, his misty eyes shining in the classroom light.

“N.. Nothing sir” Estelle stood to apologize, she was a very disciplined and obedient student otherwise, “sorry sir”

“Sit down Miss” he addressed her, “you have topped in your last test. That doesn’t mean I will entertain such a behavior in my class.”

“Estelle gasped and then shouted “what?” again and then pressed her mouth with her hands 

“Yes you have topped in your last test.” Prof. Gregory repeated and confirmed,

, Now sit down”

She couldn’t believe it she was barely making through the semester in the subject and now she has topped it.

The Universe has lost it’s senses, Karma has finally given up on her bitchiness, Estelle thought.

“Or Mother destiny have misunderstood you to be someone else”

Estelle took a deep sigh at her hayward inner voice

Once seated she asked Mona by typing it in the notes of her mobile “what were you doing?’ followed by an angry face emoji.

“Trying to wipe off the goofy smile on your face” followed by a eye wink emoji

“I am NOT” Estelle replied back

“ Yes you are. Can’t stop thinking about your date?” Mona typed back.

Estelle was shocked, date with Austin was not at all in her mind, she was only thinking about Cupid and her HOT uncle Jason.

O. M. G. She was crushing on the stranger!