wish list | daerin

❛ Mulberry Avenue ❜

⌗ 24
riley  ✎ᝰ
_______________

The scent of freshly baked pastries fill the air as I make my way through the town centre. It's been a week since the drive home from the cottage. It's crazy how fast time flies. It's been a whole week since the best and worst weekend of my life. My avoidance could only mean one thing. I could come forward and tell her the truth or suffer the cold hard consequences I'm bound to face if I don't. The thought of doing either scares me to death. I've been trying to find a way to properly bring it up, but it's been far too difficult. I'm wearing her black oversized varsity jacket today—the same one she gave me that morning before we left. The scent of her perfume is starting to wear off. I don't know why it makes me so sad.

I take a left down Mulberry Avenue. My favourite coffee shop is just down the road opposite a record player store. I've always loved this street. It houses two of my favourite places in the world. They were two of the first places I ever stumbled upon when I moved here. I found the kind of comfort and serenity that I needed away from the bustling life at home or the chaotic environment that school brings. I can only imagine the look on my Dad's face when he sees the number of absences on my report card this term. Luckily, Mum had been super supportive of me staying home for as long as I needed to get through this curve. She believes that Maisie and I will get through this—"all couples do" she told me.

I took her word for it. I sincerely hope that it's true. I'd make a move and talk to her first but my pride won't let me. I'm the one who started this mess...it's only right that I learn to take charge and fix things when needed. A week is long enough. I have to see her soon. She's been on my mind all week. Absence surely makes the heart grow fonder. But who am I to say that when I created this mess all on my own. Great job, Riley.

The bell above the door makes a soft chime as I push through the door. The cafe is warm and smells like chocolate and freshly baked goods. A smile forms on my face when Emilio takes notice of me from the front counter.

"Isn't that a familiar face." He chuckles.

"It's been a while." I uttered with a smile.

He knits his brows together and tilts his head slightly. "Something's not right with you, Marsh."

My jaw drops slightly. "How can you tell?"

He takes my order without asking. A regular hot chocolate and a ham and cheese croissant. It's the only thing I ever order when I come here.

He clicks his tongue. "That glow isn't there."

I'm not sure what he means by that. I bite my lower lip as I pull my phone out to pay. "Glow?"

Emilio nods. "You've got this thing about you, Marsh. When you walk in you've got this glow to you that lights up the whole room. I'm not sure what it is but you're looking kinda dim today."

My phone signals that my transaction is approved and I tuck my phone away in Maisie's jacket. "That's not very good then is it?"

He shrugs his shoulders as he hands me a receipt. "Here. Your order will be ready soon."

I take the receipt from him. "I don't need this.."

Emilio chuckles lightly. "I know you don't. You never once asked me for a receipt since the day you walked in here when you first moved. I know that for a fact. But I think you'll need it today."

My curiosity gets the best of me as I look down at the receipt. I scan through it diligently from top to bottom finding nothing but the kind of details you see on any type of receipt.

"A hot chocolate... three fifty and a ham and cheese croissant at five thirty..." I read the contents of the receipt in a soft hum as I walk towards an empty corner table.

I'm at the near end of the receipt when I notice something odd. It's a note at the bottom.

You once told me to tell you if I ever read the little note you gave me that one afternoon in English class. I'm here to tell you today that I finally did. I know it's a long shot but I figured you'd visit at least one of your favourite stores today. I want to see you. Meet me at The Bay at 6:50 tonight. Save a croissant for me? - M

I turn around in a hurry. "Emilio, I need my order to go. I know it—"

He waves a brown paper bag in the air and my drink in a coffee cup. "Get outta here, champ."

I rush over to the counter. "How did you know?"

"Mason swung by this afternoon after school. Let's just say that she knows you really well." He smiled. "Go get your girl, Marsh."

I tuck my phone in my back pocket and take the paper bag and the coffee cup. "Thank you. I'd love to stay and chat but I really have to go."

Emilio nods and gestures me to go without another word. I leave the cafe in a hurry, being mindful not to run into anyone or spill my drink.

I run towards my bike. It's perched underneath a tree in front of the bookstore. I place my food in the basket and I peddle away towards The Bay.

The sun starts to set and the wind feels cooler.

"I really hope you're there, Maisie."

I feel my heart race against my chest. I can't fuck this up anymore. This is my one chance to tell her the truth. To be honest. No more lies.

I can't lose her.