Diary/Journal/Whatever is Manly

Chapter 38

Misty and Tyler found themselves walking in silence to the café were they were meeting, as per their routine. The pair looked odd together, an observation that was not overlooked by passer-by's judging from the stares they attracted. However, the two were unperturbed, as they continued steadily on their journey. In Tyler's case he was lost in thought, Misty just had little care. She had learnt to compartmentalise; to detach from worries on the rare occasions she had off from university responsibilities. So yes, the two made quite the pair as they made their way from one side of the campus to the other. Tyler was the epitome of heavy; weighed down and plagued by the brashness of Tyler 2.0. Whereas, Misty was floating by, her only thoughts being on the possible concoction the twins would try today. Complete polar opposites they were.

Even their dressing added to the effect. Tyler was decked down in grey sweats; a man who clearly would not have gotten out of bed, if he did not have the promise of a persistent knock. Misty was adorned in a little sundress, perfectly matching the weather around her, as she bounced around like a ball of sunshine. Clearly she was almost bursting from holding in conversation, but she had read the atmosphere. Talking would have meant talking to herself for, Tyler could not pay attention even if he tried. Though, she had no qualms with talking with herself she guessed however, they already looked like misfits and did not need the added 'mental' connotation. The day was beautiful and she was not about to let anything change her current mood. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, the wind was blowing steadily, the trees were glistening with raindrops, and a rainbow was arching over the sky as if perched up just for her. Yes, it had stormed last night but, the storm was over now.

"Jeez, what happened to you?" That was the greeting the two received as they made their presence known to the three bodies who had been waiting for them. When Tyler groaned and laid his head on his arms on the table, the twins turned their attention to Misty, who just shrugged her shoulders in response and sat down in her usual chair. 

"What are you two trying today?" Misty asked once she was settled and comfortable on her chair. Turning their attention from the the paradoxical, walking comatose in front of them, they proceeded to engage in conversation with Misty.

"Not sure yet. We're torn between a mix of a green smoothie and cookies n' cream frappe or, a mix of a mixed berry smoothie and a dirty chai. We were about to a tie-breaker game of rock, paper, scissors, then you graced us with your presence."

"I personally think they sound equal parts atrocious, so either way you won't go wrong."

"Yeah but, surely one sounds more atrocious than the other."

"Well, I always find the waiter slash waitress' expression, to be a key indicator in these situations. To which of the two did he or she cringe more?"

"The green smoothie and cookies n' cream frappe."

"She did more than cringe at that concoction didn't she?"

"Practically almost fell over, with how hard she flinched."

"Then, ding, ding, ding, we have a winner." Misty announced, adding a drum roll for maximum effect. 

"What will you be getting today?" The twins asked, once the matter of their beverage was sorted.

"A chocolate brownie. I'm salivating just thinking about it." Misty sighed out dreamily. 

"Oooo, a snack. We should get one." The twins exclaimed at the same, turning to look at each other excitedly.

"Suddenly feeling peckish?"

"I swear stomachs entice each other. You're hungry, welp so am I. It's like their afraid to go through the whole digestive thing alone."

"I want a ham and cheese croissant." 

"A carrot cake, will do me." After Stanley put forth his opinion, all eyes were on the slumping figure on the table. Tyler had not moved or, made any sound from the moment he sat down. Misty decided to poke him, to see if she would get reaction. The others proceeded to brace themselves, as if she were about to a bear. The pointed look she gave them when Tyler did not so much as flinch, caused them all to sheepishly return to their original positions shrugging. Not one to be deterred, Misty just continued to poke Tyler incessantly until she finally got a reaction from him.

"What?"

"What are you ordering?" She asked him.

"Surprise me."

"I'm not a psychic."

"Hmm, but I'm sure you're discerning."

"You know what? I'm just gonna let you starve and die of thirst."

"All I asked is that you order for me, not give me your kidney. It's a simple favour."

"If it's so simple, then why don't you do it yourself?" Tyler groaned and made to reach out for Misty, but pulled back before he actually touched her. Someone cleared their throat, causing them to turn their attention away from each other towards the waitress who had returned without them noticing.

"Your order?" She asked with a strained smile. Without sparing a moment, Tyler and Misty both answered the waitress at the same time:

"Large chai frappe and the biggest chocolate brownie you've got."

"A large cookies n' cream, cookie dough freak shake, and a toasted banana bread." After which they turned their attention back to each other, ready to continue their argument. However, before the wide-eyed, stunned waitress could back away, they turned back, "oh, and don't forget a large bowl of fries."

The waitress turned her attention to the twins hoping for an explanation to what see just witnessed, all she got in reply were shrugs. Shaking her head, she left the table feeling completely and utterly perplexed.