Mismatched Socks

Sophia - Chapter 31: Themis's Return

A month after I ran into Renée at the wedding, I make my way to the bookstore. After years of writing, I finally finished my book: Themis's Return. I started to write it around the time I met Renée. It's about the Greek gods and how they are lost without the order of Themis, so they try to find her. The book isn't popular, but it's okay. The owner of the bookstore asked if I wanted to sign some copies.

As I enter the store, I am greeted by the owners. Their cat lays on the counter, purring in the sunlight. 'Hi,' I greet them back. 'We put up a table on the first floor, you can sign the books there.' I nod and make my way to the table. As I take a seat, a voice startles me. 'So you finished it?' Renée asks. I nod. She takes a seat in front of me. 'I'll guess I have to read it then, I only read the first few chapters,' she says and takes one of the books. 'Let me sign it first,' I say and take the book out of her hands.

I sign the first page and give it back to her. She mumble a thanks. She's silent for a while as I sign the other copies the owner put on the table. 'I am sorry if I was a little harsh at the wedding,' Renée apologises. A smile forms on my mouth. 'It's okay. You had every reason too.' Renée nods, thankful.

'Are you still feeling lost?' I carefully ask. 'Yup,' she says and opens the book to look at a random page. 'Do you need someone to guide you?' I ask. 'Why? Do you have someone in mind?' Hope fills her eyes. 'Me.' Renée doesn't answer, she looks like she doesn't know what to say. 'We can just be friends.' I regret saying that. 'Ah. Okay,' she chuckles a little nervous. 'Thank you,' she says and closes the book.

We talk a little about things when I finish signing the books. 'I am sorry about Molly,' she says, referring to my cat whom died two years ago. 'I saw it on your Instagram, I never really unfollowed you. I am sorry, that's weird.' She moves to stand up. 'No, it's not weird. Thank you,' I say and close the last signed book. We get up and go to the counter where Renée buys my book. I feel bad, I could just gift her the book.

We walk out of the bookstore and look at each other. 'Does your offer to hang out still stand?' Renée asks. Her light brown eyes search mine hopeful. 'Of course. I have time now,' I say. I want to start jumping around in happiness, but I keep myself composed and just smile softly. Renée starts smiling. 'Me too.' We start walking to a little café on the corner of the street, they have the most delicious coffee and tea. There are also sandwiches, Renée like sandwiches.

'So did you move to the city or are you just here for a day?' Renée asks, looking at our feet that matched the same pace. I notice her socks and how they are the same, not mismatched like I know her. 'Yeah, I rent an apartment with Simon and Jennifer,' I say and look at her. Renée nods. 'Cool,' she mumbles and walks into the café. She picks a table and takes a seat. I sit in the chair across from her.

'Why did you change your socks?' I blurt out as Renée takes the menu. Renée looks up, startled. She then proceeds to look at her feet and the white socks. 'Don't know,' she says and looks back at the menu. No wonder she is feeling lost. 'Did someone make fun of your socks?' I ask and take a look at the menu myself. Renée puts down her menu to look at me.

'I got made fun of. I wasn't taken seriously. They called me a child, not supposed to be there. So yes, people made fun of my socks. Not just my socks though, my whole being.' The waitress stands next to our table, ready to take our order. 'A latte macchiato and a ham sandwich, please,' Renée says and puts the menu down again. 'A green tea and a piece of cherry pie,' I say. The waitress smiles friendly and nods before disappearing again.

'You eat meat now?' I ask surprised. Renée looks down at her hands. She looks like she is going to cry. I can't help but feel guilty. If I would've been there for her, maybe she would still be Renée. The Renée I know is completely gone. 'You have changed a lot, you don't seem like yourself anymore.' I blurt it out. I don't care if she is going to be mad at me. I want the old Renée back. 'I know,' she whispers. 'Why do you think I am so lost?'