With All My Senses

the right questions?

Charlie finishes his shift a little after six and takes me out to an old-fashion 50′s style diner. It's a funny place, resembling a very long, over-sized camper. Or like a giant tin can, it was hard to tell really. We sit in a booth in the middle by the windows, the seats covered in red leather - and we check out the menus. I glance at him from time to time, thinking about how he looked after walking out of the hospital. He had this strange expression as if he needed to get the difficult part over with, and at the same time... hmm, like he really wanted to believe the truths I was going to feed him with. Every part of him that was responsible for common sense and logic protesting.

Oh, how loudly it protested.

I look down at the menu again and frown. The prices were reasonable; however, I was really low on money. Plus, I think I didn't actually take any, too busy surviving the turmoil that was taking over my mind. Funny, I used to mock all of the telepaths in those lame TV shows before. Always saying how those actors overplayed everything. Really 'experiencing' the pain of those tortured souls. It seemed too forced for me. And now, as I hear the buzzing in my head growing louder, I just shake my head at my own stupidity and at how insensitive I was. I stare at the list of different hamburgers and my mouth literally waters. I swallow and start to look around in my pocket. I feel a few coins under my fingers.

Charlie, I'm kind of low on cash, I think I can still offer the coffee but...

No problem. I am the one thirsty for information, so let's say I am inviting. Plus I did have tea in your flat, so it's only fair that I buy the food.

Well, unless the tea I made was filled with gold leaves, which it wasn't, I think that's a bit too much.

Nora, relax. It's just some burgers at a diner. I might not be a Rockefeller but this I can still afford. Even with what I earn.

I stare at him, my eyes narrowed. My moodiness mixing with hunger. I clear my throat.

You do remember my full name, Doogie*? Or is school and medical care too much for you?

A part of me feels satisfied seeing his expression, the other part snaps like a rubber band and sends a painful sting to my conscience. Guilt. I haven't felt that in a long while. I watch his features soften as a crooked smile replaces the scowl.

Call it a payoff for the food, There will be more to come. Now pick something, and let's get this show on the road.

I gaze at him for a while, lifting an eyebrow but then just do as he says. I was too old for playing the sweet idiot or a damsel in distress. I stopped being shy when I was ten, and other people proved to me, that there was no place for such foolishness.

Fine, big spender. I will have two cheeseburgers, double fries on the side and a strawberry milkshake to top it off.

He seems amused as a waitress walks up to us. She's tall, has brown hair pinned up and glasses with a silver chain. She looks like she could be in her mid-forties. She also seems bored and exhausted from just breathing, not to mention serving the customers. I look at her apron, it has a minty color with white edges, just like the rest of her retro outfit. Charlie looks up at her and gives her a warm smile. She seems to relax a bit and takes our order. It's the thing I wanted and the same for him but he goes for a vanilla milkshake instead.

As the waitress walks off in a much better mood, I recall what Susan said to me not long ago. "So another one infatuated with Mr. blue eyes?" I gaze at him for a moment while he searches for something on his phone. He takes a napkin and writes something down. I frown as I judge his looks. Hmm, I guess that he was handsome. Tall, muscular shoulders. Great hair and kind, blue eyes. What could a girl want more, right? Hmm, the waitress sure seemed to agree with that.