Short stories

Make believe pt.1

Chapter one

I met her at the coffee shop on the corner. It had been raining that night, the city streets wet and the stars hidden. But even with a starless sky, the backdrop I opened the door to was breath-taking. I'd just closed up the shop, ready to head upstairs when there was a knock on the door.

"We're closed. You'll have to come back in the morning." I was tired and just wanted to answer the calls from my bed, its warm blankets and fluffy pillows a welcomed feeling, still just out of reach.

"I'm truly sorry, sir. But I'm lost." The voice was small and soft, weak against the thunder and rumble of the storm. Glancing up, I was met with frightened eyes and a rain soaked girl. Her hair mated to her forehead, her shirt, white and almost see-through. My face heated as I turned my gaze back to the counter I was wiping. I thought for a moment, of the million and one ways that letting her in could go wrong. Ultimately, I decided that, 1. I could easily stop her if she tried anything. And 2. That I would be a dick to let a girl out in the rain just so I could go to bed.

Sighing, I toss the damp cloth to the side and grab the door key. I unlock it in one swift motion, moving out of the way to allow the girl room.

"T-thank yo-you." She shivers as she enters the cafe. It must have been extremely cold outside, as the small draft let in by the open door indicated, sending chills up my spin. I quickly close the door, not yet locking it. I don't want to scare her, and quite frankly, I don't want to be locked in a building with someone I don't know. Even if she is small.

"M-my name is M-mason." Her arms wrapped around her small frame, attempting to keep any possible body heat from escaping. I turn towards her, giving her a once over before walking behind the register. Rummaging through the cabinet, I find a towel and hand it to her.

"Wyatt. How long have you been outside?" The questions began as I finished wiping down the counter and she got to work drying herself.

"A-about an h-hour or t-two." My eyes stay trained on hers, reading any expression that passes. I watched as the tension in her small body left, visibly relaxing into the seat in front of me.

"I was upset and stormed out, then I got lost. By the time I realized I was lost, I also realized I left my phone at my boyf- my ex's house." She played with the cuticle of her nail, pushing them down in an anxious manner.

That's bad for your skin. I can hear my mother's voice echoing in the back of my mind. Involuntary, my own hand reaches out stopping her motions. The action shocked both of us. She retracted her hand swiftly, leaving me holding nothing.

"D-don't touch me. Please." She looked so small and weak sitting there in front of me. Like a newborn kitten, unaware of the world. Not curious about it, only frightened.

"I'm sorry. It's just picking your cuticles is such a bad habit. My mom always used to grab my hands when I would do it. It was out of reflex I guess." I rambled on, hoping to put her at ease. I didn't want her to be scared of me, I meant her no harm.

She only nods, looking down into her lap where her hands now rest. The silence that settled between us was somewhat welcoming, being almost too tired to hold a decent conversation. The only thing that floated between us was stale air and silent thoughts.

I finished the late night cleaning in silence, almost completely forgetting my newly acquired 'friend'. She sat where I'd left her, silent and unmoving. Her eyes were closed and she looked to be focusing on her breathing. As not to startle her, I spoke as I got closer.

"Hey, do you have a place to stay tonight?" The idea of making her go back out into the storm was very unappealing to me. I had an extra room upstairs that no one used and it wouldn't hurt to let her stay the night. At least that way I would be able to rest easy knowing she's not out in the storm.

"I-..." she cut off, resorting to shaking her head 'no'. My eyes softened at the action, reminding me of how small this girl really was.

"There's an open room upstairs you can use if you want. The shower is also up for grabs. Though, a change of clothes might be hard to find." I don't look away when her wide eyes meet mine. Instead I stare back, watching for any tick or hint of emotion. I tried to read her between the silence, skimming the pages that were her facial expressions, or lack thereof.

"I...no. I couldn't. I don't wanna be a bother." Her eyes lose mine and I smile.

"Really, it's fine. No one is using the room. And I'll feel better knowing you have a place to stay and aren't out wandering in the storm." Giving my most friendly smile, I hope it's enough to convince her. I know the feeling of not wanting to burden anyone. But honestly it would be nice to not be only in this building for one.

I watch as she nalls it over, pulling her lip between her teeth as she does so. Wheels spinning as she argues with herself. I wait patiently, knowing that it's her choice.

"A-are you sure it's not a bother?" She asks, just above a whisper, after some time. I nod, still smiling.

"Alright then. I'll stay the night." Her expression set to determination as she hops off the stool she'd been perched on, scurrying her way over to find herself in front of me. I chuckle, looking down at her, realizing just how small she actually was.

"Alright then. Let me just lock up and then I'll lead the way." She nods, moving aside so I can get to the door. A few minutes and some key fumbles later I'm walking up the stairs, Mason at my feet.