Chapter 21

Tiana's POV

Today's the day of preparing for the actual competition tomorrow. Today was a bit cold so I decided to wear my warm and cozy clothes. (image above) Anyway, after we did our morning routines and getting ready, all the teams then gathered in Toronto University to start training within each teams.

"Okay guys, today's your training day and I know, our competitors are somehow difficult to deal with but I am confident that you can do this, okay?" Miss Hiddleston said as my team and I gathered in a circle with our pens and papers to take notes. "And, Tiana? Since you're the team captain, you start discussing about topics that can be useful for tomorrow's competition." she added.

Everyone then stared at me as I slowly stood up and walked towards the center of our circle.

"Ohhkaay," I started, scanning through my notes. "W-Well, I absolutely have no idea how to start this but there's one thing I know for sure---" I stuttered, not knowing what to say next.

Think of a topic, think of a topic! I was literally panicking that time until---

"Okay, so you're saying politics and the economy are the topics that are most likely to be the speech to be told?"

"Yeah,"

Politics!

"I know for sure that the topic or topics that are most likely to be the speech to be told are politics and situations happening in our economy." I said after I remembered my study session with Marcel.

"Yes! Politics! Very good, Miss Carter." Miss Hiddleston said as I smiled.

Thank you God for Marcel.

So yeah, we started discussing about good points and supporting details for our possible topics for the speech competition tomorrow and when a few hours passed by, we then took a break for lunch time and some ice breaker.

The teams headed to a local restaurant near the university so we all gathered there to eat. After lunch time, we decided to take a walk or go to the mall or just simply have a break time.

"Hey, Tiana!" Derek called out as I turned around to see him wearing a cool sweater, jeans, white converse and a nice beanie.

"Wow, you look--- casual." I said as he chuckled-- revealing his dimples.

Okay fine I'll admit I'm remembering Marcel again.

"Thanks," he said "You look nice," he added, smiling as I smiled back.

"So, where are you up to?" he asked as I shrugged my shoulders.

"I don't know," I said "I think you forgot that I'm not from Toronto," I joked as he laughed.

"You have a point there," he chuckled "Well, wanna grab some food?"

"We just ate lunch," I said, giggling as he laughed.

"Oh yeah right, but, it's just for a try. I know a place, really good food." he said, trying to convince me.

"How good?" I said, raising an eyebrow.

"Really good." he said, convincing me.

"Alright, Mr. Hampton. Where is this magical place with oh so delicious food?" I said as he smirked.

"You'll see," he said as he pulled my wrist.

We walked down the streets of Toronto until we reached this cafe called "Panera bread Cafe". When we entered the cafe, Derek kept on fixing the cloth behind his neck saying it itches so I decided to help him fix it.

"Aww, what a cute couple are you!" said the old lady on the counter as I pulled away from Derek.

"Oh, no, Ma'am, she's just my friend. I have a girlfriend." Derek said smiling as the old lady smiled and nodded.

"Wait, you have a girlfriend?" I whispered to Derek as he smirked.

"I'll tell you all about her later. Let me order us food first." he whispered back as I nodded.

After a few minutes, we got our order and so we started eating. When I first took a bite of this chicken sandwich, it's like my taste buds just burst out with a lot of flavors.

"Wow," I said, while chewing as Derek grinned at me. "What is this stuff?"

"That is Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread with Mac and Cheese, my personal favorite." he said as I stared at my sandwich and admired it not noticing Derek laughing at my face. "And I guess it's now yours too." he laughed.

While I was eating, I then remembered what Derek said a while ago.

"Hey, tell me about your girlfriend," I said as he smiled and looked down.

"Well, her name's Samantha and we've been dating for 2 years." he said as I nodded.

"Where is she now?" I asked as he looked down.

"She died from a drowning accident." he said which made me want to choke and vomit all of the food I have eaten.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry--"

"No, no, it's okay! I love talking about her." he said smiling as I bit my lower lip in embarrassment. "Don't be guilty, it's fine, really."

"You sure?" I said as he smiled and nodded.

"Really sure." he replied "Truth is, you remind me so much about her." he said as I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Really?" I said as he grinned and nodded.

"Really." he stated. "You're both really smart, simple and not to mention beautiful-- but don't take this on the wrong way, okay? I like you, but not like the couple kind of like." he said laughing as I laughed too.

"Yes I know, I wasn't assuming or anything!" I opposed as he laughed even more.

"How about you? Got anyone you fancy?" he said as I shrugged my shoulders.

"I don't have a boyfriend but I do like someone." I stated as he placed his chin on the palm of his hand.

"Tell me about that someone." he said as I chuckled.

"He's kind of like you, too." I said as he smirked "He's smart, he's talented, he's handsome-- but not that sociable like you though." I added, laughing as he laughed too.

"Where is he now?" he asked.

"At home probably since it's a Saturday today." I said as he nodded.

"You have a point there," he said "Well, that someone is very lucky to have you."

"No," I said "I'm lucky to have him."

Because I am. He's my angel. My missing angel though.

"That's sweet," Derek said "Hey, you know what? Let's take a picture. I wanna post this on facebook captioning 'made my favorite someone else's favorite.'" he added, taking out his phone as I laughed.

We then took a lot of photos together as we ate. After an hour or so, we then decided to head off back to Toronto University.

"See you later, yeah?" Derek said as I smiled and nodded.

When we parted ways, my phone then beeped signaling I received a text message.

From Marcel.

I quickly opened it and read;

"Good luck! :) Can't wait to have you back here. Miss you x."

He misses me.

Oh Marcel, you never fail to make my day.

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Very long chapter I hope you didn't bored while reading this haha loveyou!

Cara xx.