A Funny Thing Happened During The Battle of New York

ix.

It's been a week since Steve left and I'm a mess. He got called out on his first mission late last night. He sent me a text explaining he'd be unable to call or text for a few days and that he missed me. I couldn't sleep after I replied telling him to be safe. I'm a bundle of anxiety.

As if he knew how much I'd be worrying like crazy, a package arrived this morning right before work.

This time just a regular postman dropped it off.

I brought it into the kitchen, running my fingers over his neat handwriting on the front before opening it. Inside rested a brand new sketchbook and a pack of pencils and charcoals. On top rested an envelope with my name on it.

I couldn't help the goofy grin that was plastered on my face when I opened it.

Wren,

I realized we never got to get started on your drawing lessons. I still owe you for teaching me how to make a good cup of coffee.
Figured I'd get you started with your very own sketchbook. I hope you'll forgive me for taking up the first page. I couldn't help myself.
I miss you already sweetheart, I can't tell you how much it means to me that you support me in all this.
I'll still be missing your lips against mine though. I gotta admit, kissing you might be my new favorite pastime.
I'll miss your smile too— especially the one that crinkles your nose.
I'll also miss your laugh, the loud obnoxious one that makes my chest feel full.
Next time we meet, I hope you've filled this sketchbook, even if it's with stick figures. I know those doodles will be my favorite works of art.
Because you did them.

Always;
Steve

After reading his words twice over I scrambled to open up the sketchbook to see what he had drawn. When I pulled open the cover my eyes widened as I took in the art he'd left on the page.

It was a side profile portrait of me, leaning forward in the bucket seat on the Ferris Wheel on Coney Island. The light of the setting sun behind me.

He captured it so well I felt like I could reach out and touch the scattered freckles across my cheeks. My hair was pulled back from my face and I had a soft smile on my lips.

It was like looking at a photograph, but better; like seeing myself through his eyes.

I traced his scrawled title for the portrait on the top of the page as my heart pounded in my chest.

My Favorite View.

This man is literally going to kill me. Cause of Death: Swooning.

I practically skipped my way to work, and was walking on cloud 9 my entire shift. This man makes me feel things so strongly, it's pretty terrifying actually. How can I have made such a strong connection with someone in so little time? I feel like I've known him forever, like he's a piece I've been missing for so long.

I think I might love him.

I came to the realization as I glanced at his empty table every so often while I served customers. My heart ached slightly missing him (as it had all week) and I realized I'm in deep.

I don't know how to make myself worthy of his affection. I've said it before, but I'm just a coffee girl. I'm a girl with her G.E.D. and nothing to her name but a cat and an apartment I can barely afford. I have no family, I've been on my own since I was a kid.