Fold Your Hands Child

Assembling Their Philosophies From Pieces Of Broken Memories

After what seemed like hours of wandering around the suburbs of Park City on foot, Emily found herself stepping into town. There was a bit of a chill in the air despite the fact that it was May, but the girl wasn't bothered in the least. She hadn't even begun to process her thoughts, let alone have time to think about the weather. She had come to the conclusion that she couldn't go home, at least not yet. Her parents were bound to be furious with her, and they had every right to be. She'd let them down, she could see that on their faces before she tore out of the house like a bat out of hell.

"That's ironic..." She muttered to herself. "That's what they'll think of me the second I step back in that house." Emily stuffed her hands into her jeans pockets as she continued down the empty sidewalk. Given the position of the sun in the sky, she knew it had to be about 7:30, but she couldn't know for sure. She'd left her phone at home as well. Granted, the small device was the furthest thing from her mind when she had left, but now it would be nice to have it. Especially with the clouds gathering in the sky and the gentle rumble of thunder in the distance. It wouldn't do to get stuck in a storm with no way home. Thankfully, she was coming up on a small grouping of shops and restaurants that she knew were still open, and even better yet, she had her debit card in the front pocket of her jeans. At least she wasn't completely without resources.

"Might as well get something to drink." Emily muttered to herself as she slipped into a small coffee shop, the strong but pleasant aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans immediately hitting her senses. She took a deep breath as she lingered by the door, glancing around to ensure no one she knew was in there, especially anyone from church. "Why would they?" She almost snorted, finding the thought rather preposterous. After all, Mormons typically frowned on coffee. Well, more than that, they weren't permitted to have it all, though Emily couldn't tell you why. There were mixed opinions on the reasoning among members of the church, but it was explicitly clear that they weren't to consume coffee or tea, whether it be hot or cold. That was only one thing about the Church that just didn't make sense to her. Though, that list was growing day by day. Nevertheless, she really had no business being here, if she told the truth.

"I should go.." She whispered, completely losing her confidence. What if someone saw her? Even worse, what if someone saw her and told the Bishop? It wasn't bad enough she'd told her parents she wasn't going on her mission, she didn't want to add another transgression to the list. No, that wouldn't do at all.

By now Emily was shaking, and she could feel every eye in the coffee shop on her, though she refused to look directly at anyone. This was a mistake. It was all a big mistake. "What are you doing, Em, get out of here." She scolded herself as she turned to rush out of the coffee shop as quickly as possible. However, instead of fresh air she was met with two hands gripping lightly at her arms as she ran into someone. As mortified as she was, she was thankful for the steadying hands, knowing good and well she'd be on her ass if the person hadn't caught her.

"Whoa, whoa, what's your hurry? You don't want to be rushing out into that." A male voice spoke, a light chuckle escaping his lips.

Emily's gaze flickered behind the man to the sidewalk outside which was soaked and puddled with the torrent of rain that was falling from the sky. Biting her lip, she looked up at the person she'd run into, her eyes meeting a pair of deep brown ones lit with mischief and an expression she couldn't quite place. Perhaps confusion? "S-sorry. I shouldn't be here." She said, "I'm sorry I ran into you like that. I wasn't paying attention." She offered as much of a smile as she could muster, but even she knew it wasn't genuine. "Are you alright?"

"Me? Oh yeah, I'm fine. Will be even better once I get a large coffee in me, but what about you? You look pretty distracted, Something on your mind?"

Emily's eyebrows scrunched in confusion as she looked up at the man, wondering just who he thought he was, and where he got the idea that her thoughts and concerns were his business. "I...excuse me?" She asked.

The smile remained on the man's lips as he gestured to her empty hands. "No, it just seems to me like you've got something on your mind. I know I just saw you walk in here and you're already leaving without a cup of coffee? I know I wouldn't be able to do that, just the smell alone is addicting."

"Yeah, well..." Emily started, her voice wavering as she thought of being caught by someone from church once more. "I shouldn't be here. Now, if you'll excuse me.."

Emily started to brush past the man once more, but was stopped by his voice again. "It's raining like hell out there...I know I wouldn't want to be out in that mess. At least let me buy you a cup of coffee? Just until the storm settles, no conversation is required.

Emily hesitated for a moment, opening and closing her mouth in an attempt to say something that made sense, all the while the man looked at her with an expectant gaze. "I'm..I'm not really supposed to be here." She admitted, "But thank you."

As if the man knew what she meant, why she was so uncomfortable in such a harmless setting, he grinned and nodded toward the menu. "You know, they have more than coffee and tea. They do have pretty great hot chocolate. Or does your church prohibit that as well? I know mine did. It's a gateway drug, once you're hooked on the chocolate you're on to tea and then before you know it you're hitting the hard stuff with a double espresso. "

Emily looked at the man in confusion, shaking her head, though before she had time to even open her mouth the man was speaking again.

"LDS, right? Mormon? I know it's Utah, but I don't want to assume. Though from your general discomfort it's kinda obvious."

"Who on earth are you?" Emily finally questioned, having backed away from the man quite a bit now, standing closer to her escape.

The man regarded her with a bit of a strange expression, but smiled nonetheless and chuckled a bit. "Sorry, I guess I forgot to introduce myself. My name's Brendon." He stuck his hand out for Emily to shake, which she did after a second or two. "What's yours?"

"Emily." She replied, some of the anxiety she'd been feeling before was beginning to melt away. This guy didn't seem dangerous, despite his bold and forward behavior. Still, the fact that he seemed to read her like a book was a bit unnerving. Don't be silly, he's not reading you like a book. He even mentioned that you couldn't be more obvious.

Brendon's grin brightened as he continued to shake Emily's hand, letting it go after a second. "Nice to meet you, Emily. Now that we're not complete strangers anymore, how about that coffee? Or beverage of your choice, wouldn't want to disappoint Heavenly Father." Brendon's tone wasn't condescending as it may have come across to most people, but instead understanding.

"No." Emily replied, allowing a small smile to tug at her lips. "We wouldn't want to do that anymore than I already have. But, um, sure. Why not? Just until the rain stops." Emily knew she needed to get home relatively soon before her parents sent out a missing person warrant, if they hadn't already.

Brendon held three fingers up and made the most serious face he could, though the urge to burst into laughter was evident. "Just until the rain stops, Scout's Honor." As soon as the words left his mouth he burst into laughter, which caused Emily to laugh as well as they approached the counter.

Maybe this day isn't a total bust after all.