Lover's Quarrel

Chapter One- Anew

The sidewalks and streets had shovel marks engraved on them. The trees and buildings are covered in snow, creating a cold blanket. People were walking up and down the sidewalk, wrapped in coats. A snowstorm had hit last night, creating a beautiful yet miserable environment. One person among the crowd had sighed, hating the cold temperature. This person hurried into the nearest building.

The sound of a bell rang, announcing one's arrival. They heaved a sigh, taking in the new warm environment. They had entered a coffee shop. Standing in the kiosk, they noticed someone working in the back. This person was tall and had long dark brown hair tied into a braid behind their back. Something about the way the person stood reminded them of someone from their past. Reminded them of someone they haven't seen or thought about in years. They tried to push the thought away, not wanting to think of something so far gone.

Hearing their name called after five minutes, they went to get their drink. Turning their head up to thank them for their drink, they looked into eyes they never thought they would see again. They stood there stunned.

Is this him? Is it actually him?

"Oaklee? Oaklee Taylor?" the other asked happily. He finally turned his head to meet the other in the eyes again.

"Yes, it's good to see you, Lorenzo," he responded with a shaky voice. The man with the braid- Lorenzo- smiled at being remembered.

"Hey, I'm about to go on break if you want to wait," Lorenzo encourages. He motioned to a nearby empty seat. Oaklee slowly nodded his head; his eyes focused on the chair. Lorenzo's smile grew brighter as he watched Oaklee move towards the chair.

Oaklee had been waiting for ten- nearly fifteen minutes. He anxiously drank his coffee. He never expected to meet him again, much less to see him again!

Did he forget? Does he remember what I did?

Oaklee was nearly spiraling into insanity trying to figure out Lorenzo. It had been a while since they saw each other, but how could he forget what he did? How could he act as if nothing happened? How could he ever forgive him for that night?

"Sorry for taking so long," Lorenzo smiled sheepishly- forcing Oaklee out of his thoughts. Oaklee looked up to meet Lorenzo's eyes. The same eyes he never thought he'd see again.

Why does he still look at me like that?

-Half an hour had passed-

Oaklee and Lorenzo had caught up on events of the past ten years. By the end, Lorenzo had asked for Oaklee's number- having to force it from him. Lorenzo promised to invite him out, joking about it being a date. Oaklee had left the coffee shop confused. What exactly had he just experienced? He didn't know, but he was happy to see Lorenzo again- to see his smile again.

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Lorenzo had kept to his promise of inviting him out. Now Oaklee was getting ready for what? He didn't know; Lorenzo had not told him anything. All he got told was to meet him at the coffee shop at 4 pm.

Oaklee was sitting in the coffee shop looking for Lorenzo. He was beginning to think Lorenzo had not wanted to start anew. Then the sound of a bell rang, and Oaklee turned to look at the door. He saw Lorenzo wearing jeans and a tee- Oaklee now felt overdressed. Lorenzo waved hello to his co-workers before sitting at the same table as Oaklee.

"Did I make you wait long?" he asked, a smile plastered on his lips.

Oaklee looked him in the eyes, "No," he said directly. "Oh, no," he continued feeling an awkwardness arise in him. "I think I got here early," he tried to cover his stutter with an airy laugh. Lorenzo replied with a chuckle.