4

Studies weren’t really hard for me. I had a sharp brain and I was good in getting grades. There was too much free time on my hand. Despite doing all my homework and extra studying, playing with the boys, walking the dogs and all I still had a lot of free time on my hand.

I just had to do something to keep myself busy and so I went on a search spree looking for jobs. Surprisingly, I got a call three days later. Guess what? I was hired a receptionist at Lavender and Honey Espresso Bar.

With this good news I ran downstairs to inform Aunt Cindy about it.

“I got a job” I squeaked and jumped.

“Oh my goodness, that’s awesome Aury. Where?” she asked, giving me her full attention. The boys were gaming but they were still listening.

“Lavender and Honey Espresso Bar” I cracked a smile.

“When do you start?”

“Monday. Day after tomorrow”

Her eyes were opened wide with excitement and she gave me a tight warming hug.

“So,” Jamie started off dramatically, “Will we like get free stuff?”

“Yeah cuz then what’s the use of you working there when we don’t get free food?” Mike added.

I gave them a sweet sarcastic smile, “I get money, darlings, from which I can buy food.”

Mike kept my gaze for a while before shaking his head.

Then at the same time Jamie said, “Free food is free food”

“Why didn’t you get a job at some place more interesting, like Jack in the box?”

I let out an exasperated sigh knowing I can’t win an agreement against these two.

“At least be happy that your sister got a job” Aunty Cindy rolled her eyes and left for the kitchen.

The boys didn’t respond because they were too busy focusing on passing the ball in Fifa.

A devil smile made it to my lips as I walked to them. I knelt down behind them and spoke, “You know, I can get you food with the money I earn so technically its ‘free food’ for you both so I’d be much nicer to me if I was you guys”

“We were just messing with you Aury”

“We’re always nice to you Aury”

They shouted as I left the house.  

I decided to walk my way to the bar just to check it out.

It was a small cute setup. Not too big and the people coming there seemed nice. There were mostly families.

Something strange happened that very instant. My heart picked its pace and my senses went dull. I could hear my own heartbeat. No, there were two.

What’s going on with me?

I took a few steps backwards and I hit something which caused me to nearly fall. Someone grabbed my arm and helped me stand straight. A pair of gorgeous grey eyes met mine.

The car honk rang in my ears and I blinked coming back to my senses. “I’m so-”

“Are you okay?” his voice came out deep and husky.

I nodded. I was at a loss of words. What the hell is wrong with me?

He was focusing too hard at my face. His deep grey eyes poured onto mine as if I he was trying to read something. I slightly frowned at him diverting my eyes away.

He licked his plum lips, “Have a nice day”

Before I could I reply he had already left. “You too” I muttered.

I took a deep breath and rubbed my forehead.

A drop fell on my cheek and I looked up. It had started drizzling.

Dark clouds huddled together as I walked back home in the slow rain. I love the rain. It’s not gloomy or depressing at all. It’s fun. I believe rain can get you on with whatever mood or state you’re in. If you’re happy you go play in the rain, jump in water puddles and dance. If you’re sad, you listen to songs and look out and cry. If you’re angry you just stand in the rain and the water cools you off. It works with me.

After dinner I went up to my room and sat by my window looking out. Lightening has always fascinated me. After the sound of the thunder a smile appeared on my face. I was good at predicting the timing of the sound of the thunder after lightening strike in the clouds.

I wouldn’t mind one bit staying up all night watching the rain and enjoying the wind and taking in that beautiful picture.  

Those grey eyes appeared in my head and instantly I held my breath.

Who was that guy?

Monday arrived and after College I went for my late afternoon shift. October evenings were the best; wet, cold and cloudy. Among these dark shades lie the riots of red, yellow and orange leaves on the streets and sidewalks.

It wouldn’t be that hard to guess I don’t have friends. I am an out-going person, I can talk to people it is not hard for me. I just don’t like to socialize. Besides, it’s been a few months since I’ve moved here to Pasadena. Ah yes, I stopped interacting with people too. Another change I’m going through.    

I handed the change to the young blonde girl, “Have a good day”

“Thank you” she beamed.

I watched her leave the shop and cross the street. My eyes landed at a tall broad figure. It was the same guy. He was standing with his head held high. I didn’t take my eyes off him. A bus crossed and he was gone.

I looked around but there was no sign of him.

“Excuse me?” a woman called getting my attention.

“Uh…yes?”

“Are you alright dear? You seem kind of lost.” She held a concerned look.

I gave a quick search again before turning to her. “Yes,” I shook my head and scratched my jaw, “I’m great. How can I help you?”

Did I just imagine him standing there?