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| A prank call leads to Vada getting a job at the Carlton Cafe...and a chance to get to know Shane better... |
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chapter one... I'm Vada...17 years old. I'm not one of those 'popular' girls at school..but at least I have my own friends to have fun, to hang out with. And I really have a brilliant time with them..no matter what we do..and where we go...it's always fun. Like today...they all stopped by at my house to spent some time together, in my room of course. And for your info, prank phone calls is at the top of our list of 'things to do' when we're together. This time, Carmen came up with that idea. "Hey, guys...don't you think it's been so long since we did our last prank calls?" Jessica raised her eyebrows, "Well, we can do it anytime we want to...like now..maybe?" Now everyone were looking at me. "What do you say, Vad?" Carmen asked me. "Oh, no...not now...and especially not from here. Sorry, guys!" I hate it when they made phone calls using my phone...because people who get those calls could always find out my number. Well, it hasn't happened yet..but I still hate it. Anyway...they managed to make me agree this time. I didn't know how...but all I knew was just I was there, helping them making those stupid calls. We usually look for numbers from the phone book. We call those who have unique names, unusual numbers, or even public places like restaurants, cafes, hotels, even boutiques which have unique names. chapter two... Carmen scanned the numbers page by page.... "Hey, girls..look! Isn't this cute..hmm...Carlton Cafe. What a name?" she pointed at the name 'Carlton Cafe' on the cafes list. "Yup! Let's call it!" Jessica butted in, "..let's pretend as if you're looking for a job there...as a waitress maybe?" She turned her eyes on me. "No..not me.."I shook my head. "Oh..c'mon Vad..u're the one who fits it. Your voice fits the characteristic!" she yelled. What? Do I sound like a waitress? "C'mon you guys! I'm not gonna do that in any way...it's not fair. You're in my house, using my phone for some stupid calls..and now I'm the one who's supposed to make it?" "Please, Vad? It'd be ok. I did it all the time, and nothing happened. What'd happen this time?"Hannah pleaded. "All right...but I won't take any risk, ok?" "We'll take it! Promise!"Jessica crossed her fingers. Carmen handed me the receiver..and I pressed the numbers..xxx-xxxxx. First ringing...second...someone picked it! I turned to my friends...winking my eyes. "Someone answered?" Carmen whispered. I nodded. "Carlton Cafe." the voice spoke in. The voice was sooo.... relaxing...sorry, I couldn't find another word for such a voice. I was speechless for a few moments..and another word from him was just like brought me back to the real world. "Hello..anybody there?"the voice asked again for the second time. "Ooops..sorry" I was finally able to say a few words. "May I help you?" that voice again. "Umm..yes. Actually I'm looking for a job..and I wonder if there's any vacancy there in your restaurant..so maybe I could...." "Oh...yes..sure! There IS a vacancy here. Could you come tomorrow? So we can have a little chat." "You mean like...an interview?" "No..it's far too formal to call it an interview. I just need to ask you about some things. That's all." "Ok then...I guess I could come tomorrow. Thank you." I was just about to hang up when I heard him yelled "No...wait! What's your name? I guess you haven't told me." "Oh , sorry. It's Vada." Right at that moment, Carmen took the receiver from my hand and put it down. "What..are you crazy?"she yelled at me. "What?" I raised my eyebrows. "You've just told him your NAME!! How come you'd be so silly!" Oh no..she's right! I was under control of his voice... "What's gonna happen?" Jessica spoke up. "I don't know..and I don't wanna know! What if that guy calls you back and..."Carmen looked really upset but I cut her words "Telling you the truth.."I smiled "I wouldn't mind if he calls me back! I'm expecting it!" chapter three... I couldn't say that I just had a fantastic evening with my friends as usual...this time I had to admit that we didn't have a good-time at all. Carmen didn't say any single words since the 'phone call-accident' and she didn't happen to talk to me either. She affected Jessica too, of course. So we just stayed in my room for another hour after the accident..doing absolutely nothing. And honestly , I was relieved when it was time for them to go. Jessica and Carmen did say 'good-bye(s)' when leaving...but I still didn't feel good. When they were finally gone, Hannah closed the door and threw me a look. "Now , tell me the truth Vad. What happened?"she smiled nossily. "Oooh...Hannah! You know what...I was totally speechless when I heard his voice for the first time. It was so cute! And about telling him my name, it was an accident. Really!" "I know..there must be something's happened." "And..guess what? He asked me to come tomorrow to have a little chat with him! Come with me, Han!" "Aren't you going to ask Jess and Carm, too?" "I don't know. But I don't think so. It has nothing to do with them." chapter four... I waited for Hannah the next day..and we went straight to Carlton Cafe. "Hey, I just can't wait to see him!"I told Hannah. "Yeah..right. Whether he's blonde or brunette...blue eyes or hazel....and...." "Oh, cut it out!"I yelled at her. When we finally arrived at the Carlton Cafe , I just didn't have any courage to walk in. I felt like my legs were paralyzed at once...but Hannah pulled me in. A waitress came towards us as we walked in. "A table for two?"she asked. "No..no! I'm here to have...mmm...an interview with Mr.Shane Filan."I said , explaining to her. "Oh, I see. Have a seat, please. I'll go get him." she smiled and walked inside. "Han..let's get out of here. I don't feel like it..." "Vada...aren't you?" a guy came over us. "Yes..."it was the only word I was able to say. "Hello. I'm Shane. So..how are you?" "Fine, thanks. Oh...mmm, please meet Hannah, she's my friend." "Oh..hi, Hannah!"he smiled at Hannah...and I had to admit, I felt a little jealous. "so..Vada, I do need a new waitress for my cafe here, and you seemed to be a good one." "Thank you!" I really didn't mind to be called a waitress or whatever...I really wanted that job after seeing him a few moments ago. "So...maybe you can start tomorrow...?" he offered. "Sure...I'll be here after school!" "Great! Welcome to the Carlton Cafe!"he shook my hand. "Ok then..but I guess we have to go now. Right, Vad? We still have some stuffs to do...so excuse us?"Hannah spoke in. I didn't think we (me & Shane!) would have ever stopped looking at each other if Hannah hadn't spoken. "Oh...sure. See you again tomorrow." he walked us to the door and waved when we finally got out. chapter five... "Hannah! what have you just done? It was maybe the best look I'd ever get from him!" I yelled at her. "Sorry...but do I have to remind you that we have a Divas meeting in about half an hour?"she glanced at me. Divas is our club name...I mean me, Hannah, Carmen, and Jessica. We have somekind of a meeting every Wednesdays and Fridays...and today IS Friday! I totally forgot all about it. "Ooops..sorry, Han. I completely forgot...that Carlton stuffs were all in my mind ever since yesterday!" Even though I went to the meeting at last, I didn't feel like doing it. I mean Carmen and Jess and Hannah chatted a lot about all the stuff in that teen mag...and even planned the next prank phone calls. Tell you what...this time I wouldn't mind if they ask me to do another call! I had also asked Hannah not to tell anyone (esp.Carm 'n Jess) about Shane and the Carlton Cafe , and also me being waitress. The meeting was held at my room and it was supposed to end at 5...but we already finished discussing things before time, so we got downstairs and decided to watch MTV. Jess turned on the tv and I heard a song like 'can't believe that I'm the fool again, I thought this love would never end...' and then five cute lads appeared and said ,"Hi! We're Westlife and you're watching..." and oh my god...it was Shane..he's one of Westlife! "Hey! Vada...that's the guy we met today at..." it was Hannah. I quickly put my hand on her mouth, "yup Han! You're right..he looked a little bit like that guy on tv, didn't he?" I smiled at her..and at the rest of the group as well. Hannah nodded since my hand was still on her mouth. "You guys look pretty weird today..." Jess raised her eyebrows,"I mean who doesn't know those guys? They're Westlife , you see...and the one you pointed just now is Shane, right?" "Yeah..I guess you're right." I assured her, "it's just we don't keep up to date with all the gossip and news these days.." "Whatever."Carmen said , glancing at Jess. chapter six... "Huff...that was close!" I took a deep breath after closing the door behind Jess and Carmen, "next time, Han...I'll get'ya if you talk about him in front of them ever again!" "But , Vad...it was spontaneous! I never knew that Shane is one of the westlife lads!" "Me neither...and I felt even worse after knowing that. Just imagine if Jess or Carmen ever finds out, imagine if I ever fall for him, imagine if..." "Wait up! I think you've already on the second one!"Hannah said, smiling naughtily. "No way! But..maybe you're right!" I smiled, "but if those two (you know who I mean) ever find out, I wouldn't know what to do. They'd ask such questions like why hadn't it been me who got the chance of meeting him, of being close to him..those kinds of question...I mean, after all this call is Carm's idea." "Well...she asked YOU to do it...so blame herself!" Hannah said and excused herself to leave. chapter seven... Today was my first day as a waitress at Carlton Cafe. I went there after school with Hannah, of course. We chatted all the way to the cafe, talking about everything...like boys at school, teachers, seniors, and Shane for sure. Hannah was asking about the possibility about her working at the cafe as well. I mean...she couldn't just staying there all day, watching me doing all the jobs with absolutely nothing to do. But I never knew that we'd have a huge surprise when we got there today. Guess what? The entire Westlife were there when me and Hannah got there. They were not actually IN the cafe, they were in the kitchen...drinking colas and chewing potato chips, chatting! Me and Hannah got in through the kitchen door, of course. Waitresses never go in through the front door, right? I felt like my entire body had frozen when I stepped in...but Hannah didn't. She never felt nervous for even once in her life...at least, since I knew her...and I always wondered how she managed to do that! "Hi guys!" Shane put his glass on the table and walked towards us as he saw us coming, "come in!" Hannah pushed me, "I'm sorry, she often does this!" she smiled at them, "I mean..she often feels like her legs paralyzed, and if I don't hold her like this.." she held my arm, "she would feel down right that moment!" Those guys smiled and started poking at each other. Bryan got up and reached for me, "What if I hold her? Let me.." "No..no! She must be better by now!" Hannah let go of me and took his hand, "hello...I'm Hannah!" "Hi! I'm Bryan. "I can tell from his face that he actually confused by the way she behaved, but I'm sure he wouldn't be confused if he spent as much time as I did with her. I could never act like her. Shane took MY hand and pulled me in, "Ready to work?" he asked, "wait a sec, I'll go get your dress!" Dress he meant was my uniform, like an apron and stuff. "Wait!" Hannah yelled, "could you get two of them?" "What for?"he looked at her. "I'm standing for another vacancy here..."Hannah smiled. "Oh, I see! You can start by now as well!" he walked in. When he was gone, Hannah introduced me and herself to the other members ...Nicky , Kian , and Mark. Shane came back with two complete dresses..he helped me put mine on, and Bryan helped Hannah to put hers on. "You two look sweet in that stuff!" Kian commented. "You tell all the girls that they're beautiful!" Mark added,"even my gramms!" All of us laughed. "Wait a minute!"Hannah spoke in, "did that mean we have to work harder to pay for all the praises?" And she managed to make us all laugh again. Well, I had to admit...I wouldn't know what to say or what to do without her.... chapter eight... It's been a month since our first day at Carlton Cafe. Honestly, I enjoyed working there and wouldn't mind to work without any salary. We, I mean me, Hannah, Shane and the lads had become real friends. We often spend time together at the cafe, or walked to the town. Sometimes me and Hannah even invited them to our house. My house would usually looked like it had been hit by a tornado or some kind of ... if the guys paid me a visit...but it's ok though. But they wouldn't dare to do it if my mom was in... Today like usual, I was at the cafe...bringing people's orders...from the kitchen..and back to the kitchen again...all the time. And when I was back from the kitchen for the hundredreth time that day, I was really shocked to see Carmen and Jess were there...sitting in the corner. I hurried back inside, and quickly pulled Hannah from where she was sitting...beside Bryan! I don't think she'd make a good waitress as I did...because what she did was just sitting and chatting with Bryan, Kian, Nicky, Mark, Shane, and whoever were there. Shane never threw any comments at her, of course..'cos she's my best friend...actually he never threw any to me either, even if I did no job at all. So..back to the story, shall we? I pulled Hannah outside and closed the door so no one would hear us. "What do you think you're doing? I was this close to Bryan!" she grumbled. "Do you know what I just saw?" I wasn't paying attention of what she just said, "they were there! Sitting , chatting..uuughh!!" "They? They..who?" "Oooh..don't act as if you know nothing!" I yelled this time. The door opened and a head peeped out. It was Shane. "Something's wrong?" he asked, "I heard you yell so I thought..." "Oh , no..nothing!" I smiled, "excuse us, please?" "Sure...whatever.." he looked at me before closing the door. "You mean...Carm, The Royal Highness..and her nanny..Jess?"Hannah rolled her eyes. I laughed although I believe it wasn't a proper time to laugh...but like what I've told you before, Hannah never gets nervous! She pulled my hands "Lets introduce them to Shane and the lads" she said, "if he really likes you..he would never change his mind even if Pamela Anderson was standing next to him, right? That's what you're always afraid of, aren't you, Vad...that Shane would choose her instead of you?" "Well" I admit "honestly, yes! I felt like a dwarf compared to Snow White when I'm near Carmen!" Hannah laughed and stepped in. "Hey guys!" she called for the lads, "I've got two other friends there in the cafe...wanna come and meet'em?" chapter nine... So..there they followed Hannah to intrduce them to my so-called friends. Actually I myself never be sure that I can give them that honour of being my friends! And as I thought before, Shane was completely charmed by Carm's presence like any other guys would. I sighed,'this is it' I thought to myself. I looked at Hannah, giving her a 'look what you've done' look, and she gave me a sympathetical look...which I really needed by now, but not from her for sure. They (Shane & Carm) shook hands, Shane smiled, and suddenly Carm offered him a hug and peeked his cheek. "That was bad..."Hannah whispered to my ear. I shot her a mad look, "Umm...sorry, I think I've got to go..another customer, you see?" I excused myself and went back to the kitchen. "That wasn't bad at all..." I yelled ,"it was terrible!! She did it again!" She did it again...the first time was when we were at the highscool. I had fancied a guy for about a year and a half...and when Carm met him , he fell for her just like that. "Shhh..."Hannah put her finger on her mouth, "quiet...they're out there!" "But Han...what if it really happened?" "What..? Shane falls for her?" Hannah patted my shoulder, "that's what we call love...it couldn't be forced...you wouldn't be happy having him if he doesn't love you, trust me!" I hugged her. Just see how lucky can I get? chapter ten... A week later me, my friends and the lads went on a vacation for about two weeks. Carm became closer with Shane each day...and surprisingly Kian put a full attention on me these days. "You like Shane, don't you?" he asked me one day when we're at the pool. "No! I did't know you liked to gossip!" I giggled. "I'm not gossiping...it's just that I noticed your face turns red everytime you look at him , and also you often go speechless if he talks to you." "When? Well..I don't think so..right , Han?" I turned to Hannah. "I'm with Ki!" she said, "he's right, Vad.." "Is it that obvious?" I asked him. I got out of the swimming pool and took my towel which is hanging on the chair. "Hey, Vad! Haven't seen you around much lately," it was Shane, "you didn't come to Carlton as well. Where have you been?" "Nowhere," I looked at the floor, didn't dare to look at his eyes. I took a few steps back...when suddenly I slipped and fell into the pool! It made a noise, of course..quite a big one honestly..that everyone turned their eyes on me. Shane considered this funny and let out a big laugh. Kian smiled at me, "See..? What have I told you? It is obvious!" he laughed. "Careful , girl!" Shane giggled, "never take a step back...if the pool is behind you!" and then he left. Bryan came closer and teased me as everybody else did, "So Vad...wanna confess now , or wait till another accident happens...and give us some more fun?" he grinned. Hannah laughed and came over to me, "Leave her alone, you guys!" It caused me no hurt...but I felt mostly embarrased...fell to the pool in front of the lads! Luckily Carmen and Jess weren't there. What could've been more embarrasing? Hannah never stopped laughing until we reached our room. "Have enough laughing?" I asked her sarcastically. "Oh, Vad...it was funny! I didn't mean to laugh at you but..." "Was it funny that I fell...especially in front of Shane?" "All right, I'm sorry...but you know, all of the lads know that you like him, and that you don't dare to tell him about it and ..." "And that I acted silly in front of him all the time?" chapter eleven... I didn't have enough courage to tell Shane everything...but at least I know that I was in love. It's when I think of someone all the time that I can't even sleep properly. It's when I do silly things when he's near. It's when I smile to myself everytime I think of him. And the worst of them all, when you're in love you can't help yourself from showing it. Like today...first, I sang my favourite love song over and over again while in shower. Bryan heard me singing and he sang it from outside, but he changed every word 'you' in the lyrics into Shane. Oh , how I hate that guy! Second, I walked out from my room to have breakfast with jeans and slippers on my feet. This time, Nicky, Mark, and Hannah noticed me. "Vad? You..ha..ha...." Nicky let out a big laugh and I just stood there, staring at him like a total idiot. "What's wrong with you?" I asked him. "What's wrong with him?" Mark joined in, "it should be what's wrong with YOU?" and he followed him laughing. Hannah pointed my feet, "Wanna have breakfast with those slippers, hon?" Hannah used to call me honey since the first time we met. I looked down and I saw those slippers on my feet. I hadn't taken them off! I hurried back to my room, mumbled a 'thank you' to them. Third, and this is the worst...I was about to get in to the van when someone called from my back, "Hey, there! Is my camera there?" it was Shane again. I turned around to look at him and managed to knock the van-door with my head. Everybody laughed...and Shane too, of course! He always brings me great problems evertime he shows up, huh? The fourth was as great as the third one...we were at a restaurant and took a table for seven..'cos there's no table for eight , so someone's supposed to take another chair and drag it to our table. I was about to sit down when I saw Shane stepped in to the restaurant. I stared at him and forgot to sit down. When he finally arrived at the table I tried to sit down when Bryan yelled, "No! wait...". I didn't see any reason why he yelled till I realised that my bottom touched nothing and I fell to the floor. It hurt! Really! Hurt outside and inside...now that Carm and Jess were also there. "What I said.." Bryan laughed even harder than before, "here.." he gave me his hand to help me standing up, than dragged me a chair. It was really nice of him anyway! chapter twelve... Today was a faboulous day after all, even though with those accidents. At least I can see him laugh. I was in the bedroom, taking a shower, when I heard someone knocking at my door, calling my name. "Vada! Vada!..open the door..quick!" I knew it was Bryan. I put my clothes on and hurried to the door. "What's up?" I asked him. "Shane...he's sick. His temperature's high...I guess we should take him home right now." "He's sick? But he looked fine this afternoon. So..you want me to pack my things up?" "Umm...I want to ask you whether you're willing to accompany him or not...since Carmen and Jess don't wanna leave now. They still want to spend some more days here..and I'm sure you would!" he smiled. "Oh, sure..Bry! Don't worry...I'll take care of him!" I jumped on him and hugged him and kissed him. I myself couldn't believe that I'd kissed him just like that! And Bryan seemed to feel the same way as I did. He stood still and stared at me. "What?" I asked him. My words seemed to snap him back to reality, "Nothing. I just never saw you so...wild before!" I laughed and went back to my room to start packing. Bryan and the others help me packing a few minutes after. What a good friends, huh? The next day I left with Shane and Hannah. Bryan , Kian , Nicky and Mark drove us to the airport. I knew that they would surely love to come with us to Sligo...but they can't since Carm and Jess would like to stay! Shane's face turned red caused of his fever. I pitied him for that...but still wondering inside about his feeling for me. Hannah let me have a seat next to him on the plane, so I could always keep my eyes on him. chapter thirteen... Shane's house , Sligo... Shane was better by now. He was sleeping when I came into his room, bringing his breakfast. "Hey, Vad!" he called "thanks for taking care of me." he said. "It's ok" I smiled back at him" I love doing this." "So..should I pay you more for being a waitress and a nurse?" "Double!"I joked. How I enjoyed the time when we laughed together.... "Vad...these days I felt something I've never felt before.." he whispered. "What is it? Anything hurts?" I was worried. "No.."he giggled "it's a good feeling. I felt love...and it's for you.." I made my way to his bed, "Don't be proud...but honestly, I felt the same for you since the first time we met" I told him...and at exactly that moment I felt relieved. It was just like all the burdens I had carried all this time were taken away. It's a great feeling after all. "Why didn't you tell me then?" "Nah...I guessed you're in love with Carm...she's charming, isn't she?" "Yup! But she doesn't care for me and gives me affection like you do." he put his head on my lap. I looked at him for quite a long time then whispered, "thanks for loving me." "Back to you." he whispered back. |