{I recently realized that i haven’t attempted fiction in a long time. I used to find myself writing short stories, poetry, essays, whatever almost daily; I have journals filled with stories. Since i didn’t take any pictures of anything i did this weekend, i thought i would try my hand at writing again. Hopefully it isn’t too corny, or overly lame -but it’s been a few years so no promises. Maybe i will even start making this a monthly thing, exercising this part of my artistic brain, who knows. Happy Monday!}
The mug radiates warmth in her hand and she can feel the temperature shift each time she takes a sip.
The coffee shop is busy this morning.
The expected chaos of regulars and strangers; a sea of faces preoccupied with their own lives, rarely delving into the other worlds around them.
She prides herself on noticing the details…the hair clips, the untucked shirts, the lopsided smiles. She empathizes with the mother of three children, one who is currently having a melt down; and the college student pouring over books demolishing a tooth-worn pencil with frazzled hair.
This was her tri-weekly ritual; people watching and journaling while pacifying her growing caffeine addiction.
The truth is within these walls overflowing with beautifully unique individuals she feels alive.
Falling into a plethora of lifestyles:
A learner.
A musician.
A businessman.
Care-taker.
Parent.
Artist.
Addict.
Recovery.
Enthusiast.
Complacent.
…the tip of her pen connecting with the page; capturing each moment.
Every day bringing something different; unraveling a new story…
…but this morning caught her off-guard.
This morning she noticed another like her.
Mug pressed to his lips, eyes soaking up the lives brushing past him, scarf bundled next to his book, pencil tucked through dark shaggy hair.
People watching.
The more she reflected, the more she began to wonder if maybe this wasn’t her first recognition of him.
Yes, the lines began to appear, dot to dot, connecting this hazy revelation.
She had seen him before, maybe even a handful of times.
Writing in some journal, slouching in a chair with a book obscuring his face, nursing a warm mug, conversing with other regulars.
His eyes flicked into rhythm with hers.
She averted her eyes while feeling the heat creep up her neck and settling in the arches of her cheeks.
There are few more awkward moments than being caught mid-stare.
She battled with herself over stealing another look.
No, she thought.
Yes.
Her eyes won.
He was still looking.
…and what was that? She noticed that he was smiling…well i guess she would consider it a smile.
But over what? she thought. Ah yes, the inevitable rationalization that plagues the female brain.
Dissecting every noncommittal move to where up is down and left is right…throwing off the balance of the entire social norm.
Maybe he was smiling at someone behind her, maybe he didn’t even notice her catastrophic moment of embarrassment…or her ability to make things more dramatic than they really are.
Curse her eyes, she looked again.
His chair was empty…
…where did he…
She glanced around the shop to notice him sprinkling something, cinnamon maybe, in his mug.
She praised God for creating peripheral vision.
She noted the hesitant step in the direction back to his chair, she really noted the pivot of his heal that pointed his path towards her side of the room.
Do. Not. Stare.
Breath in, breath out.
He wasn’t coming over here to talk to…
“Hello”
Well i’ll be darned.
Her fingers betrayed her, sweeping strangling hair behind her ear.
*chmmf* awkwardly checking her vocal chords.
Feeling the sand paper effect of her tongue clicking against the roof of her mouth.
“Oh, um Hello…er…Hiii…..?“
Smooth.
. . .
d'awww 🙂 sounds like it has potential! Good job Amy!
You definitely have a gift girl!
I love this! Please write more!
That was good Amy! You definitely should do it more often.
I'm loving this and wanting more! You are a FANTASTIC writer!
More! I need more of this! The detail was perfect. They say the writing it on par when the reader can see the picture. And see it I did, my dear 🙂
Girl this is amazing!!! I would read the whole book if it's like this. 🙂
That's fabulous, dear! It's left me begging for more! 🙂
I thought this was very good.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?!?! 😉
Seriously though, this is really good! It would be great to read some of your stuff. Did you sit down and write this one for the post, or has it been in the works for a while?
This is SOOOOO good. And reading this makes me A.) want to read more and B.) write more. I so remember writing fiction and it's funny, since blogging, I haven't. Maybe I need to change it up.
Thanks for the great read and the inspiration to write! I can't wait for the next one. 🙂
But what happens next?! You are a great writer, Amy! Really!