Thomas Sangster (a collection of short stories)

Melancholy

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Oh darling why are you always surrounded by gloom. Bags under your majestic eyes, skin paler than milk, tell me love will you ever show the world your smile?

It's another quiet afternoon at Latte Escape, it was almost too silent except for the calming jazz music playing through the ceiling speakers. It was almost 5 o'clock and Thomas is very excited- not because his shift will be over (it ends at 7) but, instead the lad is excited due to a certain customer. Thomas fancies the girl who always comes in Latte Escape at 5 pm.

The blonde lad stared at the door, until finally a girl walked in causing the bell to rattle. She walked in ignoring Thomas' presence and sat down at the very corner of the café, her usual spot. Thomas could only smile and hope that she'll glance at him someday. He hollowed his cheeks with air before huffing it all out and walked towards the girl.

God, Thomas thought, she's always pretty-  she looks so delicate and fragile just like a snow flake.

You can do this Tom, you've been asking her the same question  for weeks. You can do this. You can do this.

Finally he spoke up, "hello would you like something to drink?" Thomas bit his lip nervously.

The girl titled her head towards at Thomas, but didn't name eye contact. "Yes I would, can I get a medium coffee au laité please." She smiled slightly.

Tom turned back and smiled and went to make her order. It didn't take him too long to make the drink and he was now again standing 1 feet away from her.

"Um, here you go. Enjoy." Thomas nervously said while he placed the cup on the table.

"Thank you Thomas." The girl replied with no emotion whatsoever.

She knows my name! Holy crap she knows my name!

He turned around and speed walked to the kitchen where Dylan is. He has got to tell him the big news.

"Dylan guess what." Tom cheerfully said. Dylan looked at him and immediately cocked his eyebrow, "what is it mate?" The love struck lad giggled and said, "she knows my name! She thanked me and said my name. Isn't that bloody amazing!"

Dylan couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Bro have you ever looked at your apron?" Thomas furrowed his brows and immediately  looked down at his apron. A frown appeared on his face. "You have a name tag written in bold letters. Have you even thought that she might have just read your name tag? And not just randomly knowing your name." Dylan patted Thomas' back before walking out of the kitchen.

Thomas sighed. "Maybe I shouldn't have told Dylan, maybe I'd still be leaping in joy, but I guess reality is better than dreams that won't come true."

The next day Thomas was at his usual spot at the café, behind the counters. It's currently 4:57 pm- 2 more minutes until the girl comes in. Thomas is already staring at the door patiently waiting.

The lad is obviously hopelessly love-struck, stuck in a one sided love situation. He knows that he just doesn't care at all.

Moments later the bell rattled and the girl walked in, but again she ignored Thomas. The boy would be lying if he said that his heart didn't drop. He sighed and walked towards her to grab her order.

Days passed and the same routine continued, until one day the girl came in Latte Escape and Thomas wasn't there. She sat down at her usual spot. Moments later Dylan asked her the same question Thomas asks her; "hi would you like something to drink?" The girl nervously tapped her fingers on her lap knowing that it's Thomas who was asking her. "No uh... Sorry not today."