Rena: Code 143

1.5

For as long as I could remember, I had always been alone. No parents, no siblings, and no family. Although I was put in a harsh system, I was one of the lucky few who didn't experience anything traumatic. I only wondered why I had to grow up with other children who didn't have families. Some I made friends with, others I never had the chance to. Once I hit eighteen, they left me to fend for myself. Due to high grades and a scholarship opportunity, I had no choice but to head to college. At least I would have a roof over my head. I couldn't say the same for the other orphans who didn't have my luck.

Although I was able to build a life for myself, I struggled. As an orphan, I didn't have as much of an education as other children. When it came to college, I had to take the most basic of classes which cost money I didn't have. Not only was I suffering financially, but I was also stressed about keeping my scholarship. My grades were beginning to tank, and I was anxious. Then, with a job I managed to get without experience, I was overworked and exhausted.

It wasn't until I had broken down into tears while my roommate had been away that someone managed to help me. As I was crying about my situation, I hadn't noticed someone walk into the room. It wasn't until I heard that person ask if I was ok that I turned around. Then, I met a man, who I now call my husband.

The sound of a bell ringing above my head as I opened the door greeted my ears. I snapped my eyes up to view my surroundings and was instantly shocked. What I thought to be a small run-down coffee shop could be considered a diner or such. The appearance on the outside made the place seem small, stiff, and old. However, the site had me gaping like a starfish. It was vibrant inside, filled with many colors. As soon as I stepped inside, I was faced with a bar that ran from the front to the side with a menu right behind it. The counter had marble and was decorated in blue with white chairs in front to sit on. There were lights above it on a ceiling that looked to be marble itself and was quite beautiful. It made the shop itself look brighter. The walls of the entire shop were decorated in red bricks and the floor was wooden. There were booths lining the left side of the shop and a few tables sitting on the other side with glass partitions separating the section. Of course, there were mini decorations such as plants in a few places, but what really caught my eye was the back wall. Unlike the rest of the walls in the shop, this one had a white background. Yet on it, there was a mural taking up the space and it was...breathtaking.

"It's gorgeous, isn't it?" A rough voice interrupted my thoughts.

Not wanting to take my eyes off the mural, I replied in a daze, "Yes it is."

"It doesn't quite reach your beauty though," the stranger spoke again, breaking whatever spell was cast on me.

Flustered, I could hardly come up with a response, "Well-I-um-" laughing awkwardly. I glanced up at the said stranger. Dressed in cream-colored slacks, a white long-sleeved shirt, and an apron covering his front, the white man before me held a smile on his face. Surprisingly, we were close to the same height, except he was about two inches taller than me. His figure was lean, but he had some definition of muscle. With brown eyes, dark hair, and a wide smile, he was attractive, especially with his aura of confidence surrounding him. Not having been complimented in years, I honestly felt flattered. I guess I did pick the right clothing for breakfast. If only Kenny thought the same.

"Thank you-" Before I could finish my sentence, the bell above the door sounded and in came Kenny. Suddenly a part of me felt ashamed for accepting the worker's compliment. He wasn't my husband and here I am excited that some stranger has noticed that I tried to look pretty. Although I wasn't attracted to the stranger, I just felt off for being happy. Even if it was just a moment.

While I was stuck in my miserable mind, I hadn't noticed that my head had lowered in shame. Or that the worker's smile had turned into a frown. I turned to face Kenny just to see if he would have the same reaction I had when I first walked in, but I was disappointed. To my dismay, his expression seemed...bored as he hardly glanced around the place. I tried not to let it bother me as Kenny walked in front of me. Effectively blocking my sight from the worker who spoke to me.