4. Unfold

4.

I find myself at a restaurant with cheap coffee. 

Was another cup in my system beneficial? I enter anyway.

"Hi! Welcome, for one?"

This guy is really happy. I nod and I am led to the counter a seat away from an elderly man who was there for the coffee as well.

He tries to hand me a menu, but I wave my hand.

"Can I get ya something to drink then?"

I read his name tag. Luke.

"Just coffee."  I said with a smile.

He looked about my age, dirty blonde short hair, and kind blue eyes.

He came quickly with my cup.

I take out my doodle book and doodle the cup, the restaurant logo, the old man, and Luke. 

He kept looking my way. Not in a flirtatious way, but as if he had something to say.

I stayed a good hour, and I couldn't stand the staring.

Any average person would leave. 

During my refill, I asked "Do I know you?"

Obviously I didn't, but I needed something to get the ball rolling on my questioning.

"Oh! No, not at all. Well, I've seen you before, but we've never met." he replied.

I must have had a puzzled look on my face. 

He cleared his throat, "I saw you this morning at school," he said in a hushed, serious tone, 

"And you're kind a big deal right now."

I couldn't help but laugh. Fantastic. Exactly what I wanted, to be noticed by people in a negative light.

Or even to be noticed by people at all!

I looked down into my cup, and shook my head. 

The humor of the situation subsided. My face became very serious.

"Look, I don't think any less of you. I'm not scared or concerned about my safety. Kids at school are stupid. S**t happens." he said.

I nod in thanks, take out my wallet to pay for my coffee, and head for the door. 

"No, don't go dude, I'm sorry, I should have kept my mouth shut."

He follows me out the door.

"Hey, I get off in ten minutes, let's talk!"

I finally turn around.

The thought of anyone wanting to talk or hang out with me kind of blows my mind.

"... Fine." I say, followed by nervously biting the inside of my cheek and crossing my arms, looking down at my feet.

It's ten til 6:00 pm. I am not in a rush to get home.. what have I got to lose?

Author's Note

Keep it light & friendly please.