Part Four

Malik sat in his favourite booth at the The Latte Lounge, a cafe on the corner of Victoria Street, coffee cup beside him, staring at his laptop screen almost trying to **** the words out of his mind and onto the screen. It was as he was trying to do so, a woman with long brown hair, light-green eyes, a slender, petite body wrapped up in a blouse and a knee length skirt that highlighted hair medium-sized breasts and a toned ass approached the booth.

"Mind if I sit here? It's crazy out here for once." The woman asked.

Malik looked up, his gaze meeting hers for the first time. Her eyes were a piercing shade of green, and she had a smattering of freckles across her nose that seemed to dance when she talked. He closed his laptop with a soft click and nodded, gesturing to the chair.

"Be my guest." Malik responded as he looked up, closing the laptop before gesturing to the seat in the booth opposite him.

"You're a regular, aren't you? I've seen you around a couple of times." The woman asked as she slid into the seat.

"Guilty as charged," Malik smiled. "I'm Malik,"

"Lauren," The woman introduced herself, looking at him as she took a sip of her coffee. "So, what's the deal with the laptop? You working from home or something?"

"Not exactly," Malik paused before deciding to go ahead and admit the truth, "I'm a writer or at least I'm trying to be one. The universe just hasn't quite caught up with my plans yet. You?"

"Me?" Lauren replied. "I'm a journalist."

"No kidding? What do you write about?" Malik asked excitedly.

"Oh, you know," Lauren said with a shrug, "The usual - politics, crime, the occasional human interest piece. It's a grind, but it pays the bills. What about you?"

"That's not a question I'm willing to give an answer to a stranger." Malik told her.

"Fair enough. Well, I shouldn't distract you from it." Lauren said as she took another sip of her coffee.

"You're not. Believe me, the words haven't exactly been flowing today." Malik admitted.

"Writer's block?" Lauren asked knowingly.

"Something like that," Malik groaned.

"I know the feeling," Lauren smiled. "I've had my fair share of blank page moments. Sometimes, the best stories come from the unlikeliest of places." Lauren paused as she took another sip of her coffee. "Like when I was kid and my parents brought me to places like this, I used to look around at all the people, these strangers and make up all these stories about them."

"Like what?" Malik said curiously.

"Like him," Lauren said as she gesturing to a man in the corner booth. "He's a secret agent, obviously. His password is 'coffeeandsecrets'."

"And what's his mission?" Malik chuckled.

"He's here to exchange a USB drive filled with top-secret intel with the barista, the one with pink hair who's actually his contact.” Lauren leaned in as she whispered it to him like it was a secret. “Just don't tell anyone.”

"Okay, I won't,” Malik laughed. “What's the story behind the woman with the oversized sunglasses sitting outside?"

"Ah, her," Lauren said as she took a moment to study the woman. "She's a jewel thief on the run. She stole the crown jewels last week and is just casually waiting for her fence to show up in disguise."

"The crown jewels? No way!" Malik said, feigning disbelief.

"What? It could totally happen." Lauren laughed, something Malik silently couldn't help but think was vey cute.

"Alright," Malik said as he scanned the room before settling on an elderly couple, their heads bent over a chessboard. "How about them?"

"Ah, the couple by the window. That's easy," Lauren said with a smile. "They've been coming here every morning for fifty years. They met here when they were just kids, running away from school to play chess. Fell in love over pawns and knights. Now, every morning, they sit there, playing the same game they played on their first date, never getting bored of it, never getting tired of each other's company."

"You're a closet romantic, aren't you?" Malik said in realisation.

"Don't tell anyone," Lauren teasingly said. "It's bad for my street cred around here."

"Your secret's safe with me," Malik smiled. "But you do know how to spin a good story though."

"Why, thank you," Lauren said as she took a sip of her drink. "Now, it's your turn. Give it a shot. You might find it's the cure for your writer's block."

Malik took a moment, his eyes scanning the room before settling on a young man typing away on a laptop with stickers that covered every inch of it. "Okay, so, that guy over there," Malik said, indicating to the man he had his eye on. "He's not just typing away."

"What's his deal then?" Lauren wondered.

"He's a time-traveling poet," Malik said with a straight face. "He comes from the year 2300, where poetry is outlawed. He's on a secret mission to collect the greatest literary works before they're lost to time."

"A time-traveling poet? That's... Ridiculous." Lauren laughed.

"Hey, it's no crazier than a jewel thief with a penchant for oversized sunglasses." Malik shrugged.

"Touche," Lauren conceded, holding her hands up.

"So, you're saying I need to up my storytelling game?" Malik playfully said.

"Just a little," Lauren said, her eyes looking back at him. "I mean, you are the writer here."

"Fine," Malik said, his voice low and challenging. "Let's make it interesting. If I can come up with a better story, you have to buy me a sandwich and another coffee."

"Deal..." Lauren said as she glanced around to pick someone to base a story on however before she could even start, her phone buzzed insistently on the table. Lauren picked it up, glanced at the screen and her smile faltered as she sighed. "I'm sorry, Malik. I've got to take this. Work."

"No problem." Malik nodded and Lauren got up to take the call.

After a few minutes, Lauren hung up and let out a frustrated sigh as she walked back to him. "I'm so sorry, Malik," Lauren said as she grabbed her coffee cup. "I've got to go."

"It's okay," Malik replied. "I get it, duty calls."

"Look, I really enjoyed meeting you," Lauren apologised. "Sorry, I have to go."

"No worries," Malik reassured her. "Maybe I'll see you around here again?"

Yeah, maybe," Lauren said before turning around and leaving as she called out. "Good luck with the writing."

Malik watched her leave, however he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd missed his chance, that the universe had thrown them together for a fleeting moment only to snatch it away again. Opening up his laptop, Malik immediately felt a pang of regret as he realised that he hadn't even asked for her number.

Ashlyn stepped out of the crowded tube station, her heart racing as she reached the escalators that brought her to the exit of the tube station. Taking a deep breath, Ashlyn checked the time and confirmed she still had fifteen minutes to reach her audition. As she approached the address, Ashlyn took another deep breath and stepped into the building of the studio.

Once inside, Ashlyn approached the young woman sitting behind the desk who smiled upon seeing her.

"Name?" The receptionist called out, scanning the list of names.

"Ashlyn Munroe," Ashlyn replied.

"Just fill out these forms." The receptionist responded as she ticked Ashlyn off the list and handed her a clipboard with some forms to fill out.

Ashlyn took the clipboard and sat down, her eyes scanning the documents as she answered each question before handing it back to the receptionist. Sitting back down, Ashlyn waited until her name was called and made her way down a corridor and into a room where she met the three casting directors for her audition.

"You must be Ashlyn," One of the directors said, casting his eyes all over her and for a second Ashlyn thought he might be checking her out. "Come in, take your place.".

"Alright, Miss Munroe, we'll begin with the scene you were provided." One of the other directors told her.

Ashlyn nodded before taking a deep breath and began to act out the monologue she had been provided. She could feel the first casting director's gaze on her as she recited the lines and acted out the scene she was given, however the gaze of the first director continued and she was almost certain now that he was checking her out, a thought that caused her stutter with the words she was saying.

"Let's take it from the top," The first director said, tapping his pen against the script.

Ashlyn took a deep breath and started again, her eyes never leaving the directors as she started the scene from the beginning but all she could feel was the casting director's eyes on her, a feeling that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Ashlyn took a moment to regain her composure, her eyes meeting the casting director's smug gaze and she took a deep breath as she continued her monologue while his eyes raked over her body in a way that made her skin crawl.

"Thank you, Ashlyn," The third director said. "We also have a couple of questions relating to the audition."

"How do you feel about nudity and intimate scenes?" The first casting director asked as he leaned forward.

"I'm an actor," Ashlyn replied firmly. "I'm comfortable with it if it serves the story."

"Excellent," The director said. "We're looking for someone who can really immerse themselves in the role. You understand, of course, that this part requires a certain... Level of vulnerability."

"I'm an artist," Ashlyn said, gritting her teeth. "I'll do what's necessary for the character."

"Good to know," One of the directors murmured, making a note on his clipboard.

"But," Ashlyn continued. "I expect the environment to be professional and respectful. I won't tolerate anything less."

"Of course," One of the directors spoke up. "We're all about artistic integrity here," The director continued. “I think that's all. Thank you for your time, Ashlyn. We'll get in touch." The director told her, pointing to the door and Ashlyn turned on her heel and walked out of the studio without a backward glance.

Meanwhile at Number 7, Victoria Street, the front door opened and slammed shut behind Kat who sighed as she made her way to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the fridge where she discovered Freya already in the kitchen, her make-up and hair flawless, clearly evident that she had recently returned from the salon and had clearly gotten her money's worth since Kat couldn't help but take a second glance and check out the blonde.

"Rough day?" Freya asked with a smirk plastered over her face.

"You could say that," Kat said as she rolled her eyes at the blonde.

"Well, if you don't find something soon, Malik might just get his room back." Freya said as she leaned against the counter.

"Tell me, were you born a bitch or did you have to work at it?" Kat asked as she crossed her arms and stared at the blonde coldly.

"Oh, I assure you, it's all natural talent," Freya smiled. "But in all seriousness, you need to get your act together. You can't live here for free forever and your brother won't always be able to have your back."

"I know," Kat coldly told her. "I'm working on it."

"You're going to have to try a little harder, darling," Freya responded. "This isn't a charity and my father won't be happy if he finds out I've been letting you stay here free of charge because of your brother."

"I'm not asking for a handout," Kat shot back. "Like I said, I'll find a job. And Malik's not just my brother, he's family, something you wouldn't know much about clearly."

"Oh, I know all about family," Freya said as she took a sip of her drink. "And I know all about Malik. Yet in all the time I've known him, he never once mentioned you."

"That doesn't surprise me," Kat said, annoyed at the blonde who was clearly trying to get under her skin. "Malik keeps to himself. He's not one to gossip about family drama. And with our family there's plenty of it"

"Drama? Do tell," Freya teasingly asked, moving closer.

"It's complicated," Kat softly said.

"Isn't that just the best kind?" Freya replied, moving closer.

"Look, I don't have time for discussing my family history," Kat said, shaking her head. "I’ve got to get back out there and find something especially since I want to live here..."

"Oh, I'm not asking for details," Freya said, softly. "But a girl can't help but wonder what kind of secrets you and your brother are hiding."

"There's nothing to hide," Kat said as she took a step back. "And even if there was, it's none of your business."

"Where's the fun in that?" Freya smirked before also taking a step back and relaxed against the counter once more. "You know, my father is always looking for someone to help around the office. I could put in a good word for you."

"Your father's office?" Kat asked, skeptically. "What makes you think I'd be interested in that?"

"Because, darling, it's a job. And from what I've seen, you're running out of options." Freya added with a smirk.

"What's the catch?" Kat asked coldly.

"No catch," Freya replied, smiling. "Consider it a favour."

"A favour?" Kat said curiously. "What do you want in return?"

"Let's leave that for another day," Freya responded, secretively. “So, what's it going to be?”

"Fine," Kat sighed. "I'll take it.”

At Keystone Park, the local park not too far from Victoria Street’s Tube Station, Dexter strummed his guitar, the strings resonating with the tune he sang out loud. Enjoying the sight of the audience that had gathered around him and the young children rocking along to the song he was singing.

It was as he was singing, Dexter noticed a familiar figure belonging to a woman who had medium-length brown hair, amber eyes dressed in a tank-top and a pair of jeans that showcased her small-medium-sized breasts and curvy ass who approached the crowd and watched on as Dexter continued singing.

Eventually as the song ended and the audience slowly dispersed with some leaving some coins in his case, Dexter watched as the woman dropped a couple in his case before slowly making her way to him, a bright smile plastered across her face.

"Hey, Dex," Audrey Barton said softly. "It's been a while."

"Audrey," Dexter replied as he looked up to see Malik's ex-girlfriend. "How are you doing?"

"I've been better, but life goes on," Audrey said with a shrug. "What about you and Malik?"

"I’m good. Chantelle just moved in with me and as for Malik, his sister, Kat, just moved into our place. Apparently their parents kicked her out, and she needed a place to crash." Dexter answered.

"Really? Malik and Kat under the same roof? That's... interesting." Audrey commented. "I never met her personally but how's that going?"

"It's still early days, but you know Malik. He's got a heart of gold, hence why he couldn't let his sister stay on the streets." Dexter paused, looking at Audrey. "What about you? What's new?"

"Not much," Audrey answered. “Just working, you know, trying to keep my head above water." Audrey paused. "But my parents' anniversary is next week and I wanted to do something special for them."

"What did you have in mind?" Dexter wondered.

"Well, my parents always loved music. And, I know this is a long shot but I was wondering if you could help me learn their wedding song so that I could sing for them? It's their anniversary, and I want it to be perfect. I can pay and..." Audrey quickly explained.

"No need," Dexter said, interrupting her. "I'd be happy to help."

"Really?" Audrey said in disbelief.

"Yeah," Dexter nodded. "What's the song?"

"’It's Been a Long, Long Time' by Harry James." Audrey informed him.

"When do you want to start?" Dexter wondered.

"As soon as possible," Audrey replied eagerly. "Could we maybe meet tomorrow after work?"

"Sure, I'll text you the time and place." Dexter nodded.

“Great, I've got the same number,” Audrey excitedly told him. “I'll see you then.”

On the other side of Tower Hill, Chantelle took a photograph of the birthday boy running around with his friends and the young adult couldn't help but wonder if her own five-year old birthday was exactly like this, full of chaos and her running after her friends.

It was as she was thinking about the birthday parties in her past as she took more and more photos that one of the Dad’s of the birthday boy's friends approached, a charming smile plastered all over his face while holding a bottle of beer in one hand.

"So, you're the photographer. I've been watching you work. You're really good." The Dad said.

"Thanks," Chantelle replied with a polite smile, already sensing the direction the conversation was heading.

"No, really," The Dad insisted, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Do you do this often?"

"I've been a photographer for a few years now. It's a passion of mine." Chantelle said in annoyance as she attempted to look busy by fiddling with her lens in an effort to end the conversation the dad clearly wanted to continue.

"Well, you're quite passionate about it, I can tell. Maybe you could give me some tips later?" The Dad suggested.

Chantelle, ever the professional, remained focused on her job. She nodded, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Sure, I'd be happy to share some tips, but right now, I should get back to the party. The birthday boy is about to blow out his candles." Chantelle told him, turning to focus on the birthday boy.

"Your dedication is inspiring," The Dad said, following her. "Come on, we can chat while you work."

"Actually, I think my boyfriend might get jealous," Chantelle said, hoping the mention of a significant other would deter him.

"Oh, really?" The man asked before adding on. "Well, he doesn't need to know."

"Larry! There you are." The birthday boy's mother said as she entered the room. "Your wife has been looking everywhere for you,"

Using this opportunity, Chantelle slipped away, focusing on the children as they played and laughed as the party continued around her. It was as the party continued a young adult, she recognised as the birthday boy's older brother approached her, carrying his own camera in hand. He was a black man with short black hair, brown eyes and a muscular-body and was dressed in a t-shirt with a pair of jogging bottoms.

"Hey," The young adult greeted her. "I'm Jake?"

"Nice to meet you, Jake," Chantelle said with a smile. "I noticed you've got a camera. Are you taking pictures too?"

"A little, I've been playing around with it for a while now. So I thought I'd take a few. I'm trying to get better at it." Jake admitted.

"Well, you look like you've got the right eye for it," Chantelle said as she watched him take a photo. "What do you like to photograph?"

"Mostly landscapes and animals, you know, stuff around the neighbourhood." Jake shrugged.

"That's a great start. I love photographing people, but I've always admired those who can capture the beauty of the world around us." Chantelle excitedly told him.

"Me too,” Jake nodded. “Could I have a look at your work?" Jake wondered as he indicated to the camera.

"I've had it for a couple of years now, but it still does the trick." Chantelle explained as she handed it over.

"It's so much more advanced than my old point and shoot," Jake said with a hint of awe.

"It can be intimidating at first," Chantelle assured him, "But once you get the hang of it, it's like an extension of yourself."

"Do you mind if I try?" Jake asked.

"Not at all," Chantelle said, her own enthusiasm growing as she watched the young man take a photo before handing it back to her and she couldn't help but review the photograph. "You've got a good eye. You should definitely keep at it."

"Thanks," Jake mumbled. "I've been thinking about taking some classes or something."

"You totally should. It's a great hobby, and it can lead to so much more." Chantelle admitted. "You know, if you ever want to bounce ideas off someone or just talk shop, you can give me a call."

"Really?" Jake said in surprise.

"Here's my number. I'd love to see some of your work and maybe give you some feedback." Chantelle nodded, handing him a business card from her pocket.

"Wow, thanks," Jake said, his voice filled with excitement as he took the card. "I'll definitely text you some photos."

"Great!" Chantelle smiled. "And don't be shy about asking questions. I remember what it's like to start out."

"Do you mind if I ask you some now while you work?” Jake wondered.

"Fire away," Chantelle said with a smile, happy and excited to have found someone who shared her love for photography.