The Bigger Picture

Chapter 3: Oh, That Kid

I stepped into the coffee shop and took a deep breath of the coffee smell. I looked around until I felt a pair of eyes on me. I looked towards the counter and there he stood in all his glory...

What am I saying I just met the dude!!! I don't even know one thing about him! His name doesn't count.I had to get a grip.

I walked slowly up to the counter his eyes not wavering from mine once. It's weird for me. I know I feel safe around him but I don't know why. I feel as if I could tell him all my secrets and it'd be like I told them to my teddy bear... Well not exactly but you know what I mean.

I reached the counter and we stood there for about 5 seconds before he spoke.

"What can I get you?" That's all he could say? I stared at him dumbfound.
Then I realized I looked like a freaking doe doe bird or something staring at him.

"um...can I um... Talk to you?" I replied frantically.

He seemed surprised but nonetheless nodded and came around the counter. I was really expecting him to say something like I don't even know you or why do you wanna talk to me? So imagine my surprise when he took off his apron (yes he had an apron) and said

"What's up" like we had known each other for years.

"Um..." I looked around seeing that there was barely anybody in here then continued. " would it be weird if I told you something... Since we don't really know each other?"

He looked at me and I looked at him. He was about to say something then he just laughed. I seriously thought he was just crazy. I went to leave but he grabbed my arm.

"Wait..." He said a hint of laughter still in his voice. "You seriously don't remember me?" His expression changed totally when I shook my head.

"You know, we were friends in like 3rd grade up until like 6th..." He paused waiting for my reaction. Nothing. " Oh come on really, I was the kid who always got you the Cheetos?" Realization hit me. I loved that kid he always gave me his wonderful hot Cheetos but that kid had braces and an awful haircut. This guy had straight teeth, wonderful hair, and those eyes are almost look like emeralds.

Then he held out his hand and instantly remembered what he wanted me to do. Our old handshake. Oh my God we spent days and nights working on that handshake. I grabbed his hand and tried to remember the steps. I was laughing by the end of it. I can't believe I forgot about him.

"Wow, you look super different. What happened?"
I asked.

"Puberty, time, I don't know a lot of things." He said shrugging." But anyway, what did you want to tell me?"

I stopped, this conversation was about to turn South. Why did all of a sudden I feel like I couldn't tell him. I pushed that thought away and blurted something out.

"I got chased by a drunkie" i said watching his expression change. This wasn't good. First it was surprise, then confusion, finally it stopped at anger.

"What do you mean you were chased by a drunkie?" He spat.

I don't know why he was getting angry. It was me who got chased, not him.

"I meant what I said. Now be quiet." I somehow felt like I had still been his friend all this time and this was a normal thing. Only it wasn't, I forgot about him. I know how bad that sounds but it's true.

"Okay, here..." He looked around. " Come with me."
He led me back to a door.

"What are you doing?! We're going to get caught!" I whisper screamed.