Heartstrings

Numbers & Nerves

Edith's pov
I wake up the next morning, stretching out like a starfish while yawning. I fall back into my original position, not wanting to get up just yet. A knock on my door gets my attention and I know it's my mom so I mumble for her to come in. "Morning. Just letting you know I've got to run, I'll probably be gone most of the day" she states and I just hum in response.

She closes the door, after letting me know breakfast is in the microwave. I lay there for a few more minutes with my eyes closed until they snap open. "Shit" I mutter to myself as I remember I agreed to meet Diane today. I quickly grab my phone, almost snatching the charger out the wall. I quickly disconnect it from my phone, the screen lighting up to show the time.

I sigh in relief as it's only a little past 9 in the morning. I see a message notification and as my phone recognizes my face, it expands so I can see who it's from. Diane. I smile softly as I click on it to actually open the chat. She texted me good morning around 7, guess she's an early riser. I text her back quickly, getting up to brush my teeth and wash my face.

I grab my phone again as I head to the kitchen; opening the microwave to see a plate of eggs, ham, and pancakes. None of that seems appealing to me at the moment, mostly because I know I'll eat when I see Diane and that's a bit much since we agreed to meet around noon. Actually, we never discussed a time but I assume coffee meets are usually around noon?

My phone buzzes before I can dwell on it anymore and she asks if it's ok to meet around 1. I let her know that's fine, it gives me around 3 hours to get ready which is doable of course. I make myself a little smoothie, wrapping the plate of breakfast and putting it in the fridge. I know I won't eat it later but my mom might.

After watching a bit of tv to kill time, I wash the few dishes I used and head back to my room. I pick out an outfit, that taking the longest amount of time. Then I get my things ready to take a shower, my nerves surfacing as I truly think about what I'm getting ready for.

2 hours later

I barely made it out the house on time, underestimating my ability to procrastinate. I pull into the lot, rather I speed in, like a bat out of hell. I try my best to catch my breath, pulling down the mirror to check myself. I stare at the building, realizing I'll have to get out at some point. My phone buzzes and I see a text from Diane saying that she's here.

"Ok. Just... act normal—what the fuck is normal?" I shake my head, pulling myself together and turning off the car. I get out, trying to walk a normal pace to the door. I open it and the smells immediately work to calm me a little. I may not be the biggest coffee fan but I can't deny that these places smell amazing. I look around and I see Diane wave her hand at me so I go over, taking a seat in front of her.

"Hi" she says softly, "hey" I mumble in reply as I look anywhere but at her. "I almost thought you weren't coming" she chuckles and my gaze snaps back to her, a worried look on my face. "I'm sorry I- well I tried to get here as fast as I could—I swear I'm not always late—I'm usually early and-" "sweetie, it's fine. I was just joking" she promises as her hand moves to rest over mine on the table.

"Right" I sigh to myself, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry. If it helps at all... I only just got here, I thought you would be here first but I'm glad you weren't I mean—what would it look like if the person that chose the time was late?" she teases and it makes me smile. "Anyways, what are you getting? I know you said you loved it here so I figured you'd have a favorite drink" she prompts and I glance down at the menu as I think of my next words.

"Well... I uhh usually get the chai or matcha but I'm not sure today" I admit, "oh... why's that?" she asks and I glance up to see her eyeing me intensely. Well, at least it feels intense to me so I look away. "I don't know" I shrug and I hear her hum in response, "I don't mean to be... well I don't mean to pry but—are you ok? You seem... jittery" she says and I chuckle humorlessly.