Back in Play

Julian clutched the yellow rose tightly in his hand. He didn't waste any more time and went straight down here after talking to Cora, and man, he was not dressed for the cold. A polo shirt and a pair of trusty Converse were definitely not designed for winter. And it's practically November.

He stared at the café across the street. Even from this distance he could smell the strong aroma of black coffee wafting through the air, lending him a second's warmth.

It seems like nothing changed since the past six years: Same eclectic architectural design, white - washed wooden molding, and even the same neon OPEN sign. Still, the Cup and a Half was one of a kind. It was library themed, and you could just pick a book from the wall - to - wall shelves and start sipping your brew.

He squinted to take a good look inside. He was standing out here in the snow for quite some time now, and he wanted to make sure that it was worth it. Scanning through the crowd, and indeed, there she was. Seated near the wall was the reason he flew all the way from New York, back to Minnesota.

Then time moved in reverse. The snow fall obliged and ascended back, the ebony sky slowly changed to the shade of pink, then the inevitable bright blue; and the strong howl of the wind was replaced by the happy sound of robins chirping.

It was the summer of 2014, the day he first met her.

* * * *

"One black to go, please." Julian ordered as he paid a dollar. He glanced around the shelves for a book he might possibly borrow, and saw her. Her brown hair was tossed on one side, auburn highlights perfectly framing her sweet face.

"Thanks." He took the brown bag from the counter. He almost hesitated, but he can't help but be drawn to her.

"The Shining." He read the novel that hid her face. She glanced up. "You should totally borrow that. Great read."

"I just did." She smiled. "I think I can finish this up even before I get home."

For a moment, he was caught in a trance. "I'm Julian --- English major. Um, sorry, force of habit."

"It's fine." She reached out her hand, he shook it. "Miranda, Biology." She added, playing along.

Miranda.

He sat beside her.

"Oh, I thought you were going somewhere ---", she glanced at the brown bag and the flower Jamie was holding.

"Yeah, actually it's my mom's birthday. Yellow roses are her favorite. But I could be late just this once."

"Yellow roses, huh? Those are my favorite too." Her face lit up.

"Really?" She nodded, he continued. "So you said you were a biology student? What campus?"

"Carleton College, second year."

"I go there too! Third year." Julian can't help but grin. "How come we never met?"

She shrugged. "Well, Carleton is a huge campus."

Then, a familiar tune played over the speakers.

"Oh, I love this song."

It took a moment, but he finally got it. "Rivers and Roads?"

"By the Head and the Heart."