Flash Fictions by Benjamin D. Togate

The Coffee Date

"So, it's a date?" I cheered. She nodded. This was it. It was finally happening. I was off to a date with the woman of my dreams. She had the most beautiful eyes, rosy skin, long brown hair and a smile to die for. But that wasn't it. She was also hella smart, tough and simply amazing. My first impression was her when she stood up to some guy cutting in line. "Excuse me?!" she said in a tone that set the older guy in his place right away. She wouldn't let anyone trample over her.

And yet, when I finally took all my bravery to ask her out, it was the first time I saw another side of her. Shyness. She smiled and then swiftly looked away from me. But she said yes. Or nodded rather.

For a cool girl like her, I wanted to keep it casual. So I invited her to the coffee shop around the corner from our university. That is where most studens were hanging out in between classes. And that is where we went. On a bright and shiny spring afternoon. I got us both an ice tea and some snacks and we sat down at one of the small tables outside right by the street.

"So" she said as I was coming back with the drinks sitting down at our table "what moves you?"

Woah. I looked at her. And frowned.

"I don't like small talk" she said.

I laughed. I figured as much. I knew we weren't going to talk about the weather or gossip about our professors.

Nope.

Even though it was a casual date. I would really get to know her. And I would let her get to know me. If this wasn't meant to be - so be it.

"I... I will have to think about it" I finally said. And I thought about it and started telling her about my little sister, my dog, the divorce of my parents and how i astrived to do something that matters. I just didn't know what that would be yet. And she listened attentively.

And then she told me about her dreams, her family and her eating disorder. I felt empathy for her struggles and was in awe of her strength despite of them. It was weird to see her so vunerable, crossing her arms, talking without looking at me and seeming kind of sad.

"But I feel - for a first time in a long time - things are starting to get better. Don't you think so?" she said while turning to me with a slight smile.