Evan Peters Imagines and One Shots

Shine A Light - Charles Decker

Most people think the world moves faster in California. I was once one of those people until I came to this rural town after graduation. This one interested me the most out of the many towns I had passed through. Everyone seemed to live their lives instead of worrying about others; this small town was peaceful, and I'd contemplated making this place my last stop before settling in and calling it my home. Even the motel I was crashing at was calmer than the others I'd ever experienced, which says a lot, considering it connected to a truck stop.

The shop was tiny compared to a 7/11, but it had just enough variety, and the coffee was the best my tongue had ever tasted. Plus, I was a night owl, so it's nice to have something close by to supply my nocturnal cravings. Besides supporting my caffeine addiction, the store had one other thing that drew me back to it- the boy who worked behind the counter. The curly-haired brunette made my heart stop every time I entered the place. We rarely spoke unless he gave me my total. He worked throughout most nights, so my body prepared itself to not hyperventilate upon seeing him; I'd never had this problem before, although I'd also never taken an interest in someone. Something about him was unique.

The overhead bell rang throughout the shop as I entered. The brown-eyed guy stood behind the counter, flipping through what seemed to be a photo album that he'd always carried around. Looking over, he greeted me with a sheepish smile.

"Hey," I greeted.

"Hey," he stammered.

He was always so timid; his voice often shook whenever we spoke. Sometimes, I'd thought he liked me too. But then I'd return to reality. I tried not to glance at him as I made my beverage at the machine, but nothing else could grasp my attention. Everything was so silent; no radio playing, no trucks stopping by, and the friendly red-headed lady who'd made the coffee wasn't around either tonight. On instinct, I gazed in his direction, and to my surprise, he wasn't focused on his book anymore.

His face was a creamy pink as he tried to pretend he hadn't gotten caught staring at me, looking at the ceiling. Small chuckles escaped my lips as he pretended to be intrigued by the light fixtures. Times like this were rare, and time did everything but stand still. I had no idea where I was going with my life, but when an opportunity like this is given, the only correct answer is to take it.

"I don't know if lights usually interest you like this, but if you have to burn your eyes to stay awake, I'd suggest you just get a cup of coffee," I joked.

He grinned as his eyes fell from the light onto me, his dimples deeper than a crater. Warmth grew over my face as I looked back at the machine and poured a new cup for him.

"Don't worry, it's my treat. You have to customize it, though. I was the only barista back home who could mess up the best coffee, and I don't want to leave a bad impression," I confessed.

He was hesitant but moved from behind the counter and over to me. I handed him the fresh cup.

"Thanks," he stammered.

"It's no problem. I'm Y/n, by the way," I introduced.

"Charles. Charles Decker," he responded.

"Well, Charles. If you don't mind me asking...," I responded.

"What happened to my leg," he interrupted.

I hadn't recognized his paralyzed leg immediately until he brought it up. This was the first time I'd seen him come from behind the counter, and I was too busy entranced by his cuteness. The way his curly hair bounced against his forehead, the nervous look on his face whenever he looked in my direction, and the way he hesitantly answered any of my comments raced around in my mind. I could care less about anything else except one thing.

"I'm guessing you get that a lot, but no. I was going to ask if you had a girlfriend," I questioned.

"Oh," he choked.

The surprise on his face made me chuckle as I sipped my drink.

"Is that a yes," I questioned.

"N-no. I don't," he stuttered.

"What about that blonde girl that comes by to say hi every once in a while," I asked.

"Oh, Vicki. No, she and I had something at one point, but we're friends now. She doesn't even live around here," Charles answered.

"Okay, well, if that's the case. I wanted to ask if you could drive around and get to know each other when you're off. Grab a bite to eat, preferably in the morning," I offered.

"Yeah, I'd love that. I don't have anything planned tomorrow," he responded.

"Great. How much do I owe you," I exclaimed.

I grabbed a fifty-dollar bill from my pocket but froze as he responded.

"It's on the house," Charles answered.

"Well then, take this as something to remember me until our date," I declared.

He was smitten as I walked out of the store. I could still see him watching me walk away through the window. Still, I was unsure what I wanted to do with my life or what path to take, but this rural town seemed to be my last stop.