someone special

Chapter One

Escaping the cold snowy evening behind me, I push open the heavy café door I've approached. There seems to be a small bell which rings above me as I step in. The door swings shut behind me and snow flutters in. Inside, its warm. I immediately feel an overbearing sense of comfort in its environment. I feel safe from the wind of December which chased me into these streets. I slide off my mittens, looking around for a place to set them rather than inside my pocket. Beside me, there is a table with an assortment of mittens and gloves rested upon it. From further inspection, I find a label that confirms that this table is for the purpose of sheltering "mittens and other belongings". The label is neatly printed, it's in a pretty font. The warmth and familiarity of the café causes a small smile to slip past my lips.

I had found this tiny cafe while wandering around town, I guess I never noticed it even after living here for years. It felt like a blessing, calling my name as I walked the streets. It was lightly storming with snow, an invitation to take a walk. But I found that the snow could've been over 2 inches above my ankle, I worked hard to lift up my legs and keep my pace. There was something about the cold wind on my face and the delicate flakes resting on my eyelashes brought me back to reality. I needed reality recently.

The café was brightly lit with yellow lantern lights, it seemed like the only source of light in the town besides the occasional street-lamps. The building was pretty empty, contrary from the piles of gloves on the table. Being only the busiest month of the year, full of different holidays and celebrations; it's hard for anyone to get out of the house. Everyone is always spending time with loved ones. But here I was. After my parents went on a last second vacation that left me alone for a little over a month. I had too much empty time to spend in Mid-December, not enough people to spend it with.

The café smelled like coffee and cinnamon. There was a few people scattered around the place, all enjoying their holidays with either busy projects or just a nice cup of coffee. As my overloaded senses finally became to focus, I found a jazz cover of Last Christmas by Wham! over the speakers. It was strange to hear such an iconic song without the voices and lyrics that truly made it what it was, but I could only shrug it off.

I turn around to place my coat on the somewhat empty rack accompanying the small table. I hum the missing chorus to the song which I had known by heart.

"Last Christmas I gave you my heart, and the very next day you gave it away."

I wipe some of the melted snow which has become liquid from my hands onto my baggy jeans unfit for the weather. I step back ready to turn around.

"This year, to save me from tears"

I spin around on my heal, my hair falls into my vision. I am blinded as I feel someone crash into me.

"I'll give it to someone special."

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" a voice apologizes quickly before I can even process what has happened. I have bumped into the only waiter in the café, he must've been gliding around because I didn't see him beforehand.

I laugh, "Oh, oh no! You're okay! That was totally on me." I further inspect the boy towering over me. He has ginger red hair, it's not curly, but it looks like it's softer than clouds. He has light freckles, they complement his pale green eyes and fair skin. He wears a red apron with a small name tag, it says "Gabriel"  in the same font as that cute label on the table. I believe that "font" is really just his handwriting.

He smiles at me and turns around, disappearing as fast as he fluttered into my life. Though he sparks an interest in me, I ignore my inquisition and go to sit at a small booth next to the window. I choose this seat so I can watch the quiet town.

Stepping over, I slide into the booth and place my elbow onto the table, resting my head in the palm of my hand. I let my eyes softly shut and go back to humming the tune of the song to myself.

"Give it to someone special."