I graduated high school at 16 and I was ready to take on the world. I have a good steady job so I was looking to move into my own place for college. My mother thought I was crazy but I had a fearlessness about me then. I search online for hours in between shifts at work and college applications. I felt like I had so much time in the world. Especially when on a Saturday night at 17 years old Ant came ducking theu doorway. But this wasn't Ant, this was Ton, the scary pit bull of man. He didn't acknowledge me once again but he gave me this intense look. I served their table but stayed away, only coming by when called with polite, quick service. They look to be a part of some serious business, the two older men where dressed in suits, one burdandy and the other in a dusty blue tinted gray. I thought the color were a bit interesting but they wore them well. Ant, I mean Ton, was wearing a collared shirt with dress pants and leather shoes. I was impressed, I knew he liked nice things but this was a big step up.
His "meeting" wrapped up and as I sat a bucket and rag to clean the table I felt this large hand gently place itself onto the middle of my back. I jump.
He leads in close and says soft, "Sorry if I startled you" I get butterflies and deja-vu from our very first encounter.
The bucket water slashes onto the table and forms a little puddle around the bottom rim of the bucket. "No, no. I wasnt that scared. How's Life Ant?" I try to keep my cool, I forgot how dominanting his presents was.
"It's Ton now, and life's... really good now. I'm basically my own boss in a way." He give a sheepishly smile while looking down to admire his shoes.
" I'm happy for ya, ..Ton" "I graduated back in May!" I belt out.
"What?! No way?? Are you some genius or somethin?! That's great!" His tone grows in excitement and he hugs me, lifting me feet from the ground.
"Wow, I'm so proud of ya, seriously So. Or do you go by Kalypso? But you gotta let me take you out or somethin!" He smiling and animated in a way I never thought I'd see out of him. Ton is getting to live, not just survive.
"I'm always So. But we should catch up! I haven't enrolled into college yet, I wanna take some time to my self.", I lie, my dream school didn't want me.
"That's really great you deserve it! Well I'm busy today and tomorrow but how is Monday night? I can pick you up here!" He reaches in his pocket for his phone and offers it to me.
Two years ago he was pushing me away and now it almost seemed he was flirting. I give him my number and return his phone with sweaty palms.
"Nice! So I'll get you at 7, just wear a dress. I gotta get outta here but I'll see you" he leans in for hug and I return the gesture. His cologne is sweet and woody. He kisses my cheek and we depart
