The Search

Chapter 2

It was the end of Dan's shift. Everyone had left the coffee shop and Dan was cleaning up the place. It wasn't his job to do so, but he felt like it would be a nice thing.

His day had improved a lot since Phil had come. Everyone was a bit nicer and didn't order such specific things, which always had annoyed Dan even when he didn't work here. He felt like he had started being nicer, too.

He grabbed his bag and left the small coffee shop.

After several minutes of walking among the cold, crowded streets, he finally reached his apartment.

He opened the door and dropped his bag on the floor. He got to his room and changed into an outfit that would actually not let him freeze. He then put on a big coat and walked out.

He made his way happily towards the park, which was only a few blocks away.

It's good, to not always be by yourself. Make some friends, Dan. Come on, he thought quietly.

He reached the park and quickly spotted Phil sitting on a bench with his phone.

Is he taking pictures?

Dan stood in front of Phil and crossed his arms.

"Oh, hi!" he said as he put his phone away.

Dan smiled.

"Should we get started?"

"Absolutely!" Phil said excitedly, getting up from the bench. "I saved you the trouble and rented the bike already."

Phil went over to the tree behind the bench and pulled the bike over.

"Oh, that's great! Okay, so first I'll ride it a bit, and you can watch me so you can kind of understand what to do before you do it alone."

Phil nodded and Dan got on the bike.

He rode a few feet and then came back.

"Okay, now you try it."

Phil got on the bike, but then stopped and looked at Dan.

"That's all I know how to do," he laughed.

Dan smirked and walked over next to Phil.

"Okay so first you have to put your hands on the steering wheel, yeah like that. Now put one foot up on the pedal and start pedaling slowly, then put your other foot on the other pedal. Yes, okay, now start pedaling with both feet. Don't worry, I'll help you steer."

Dan grabbed the steering wheel and put his hands over Phil's. Phil looked at their hands but quickly looks up.

Dan grinned.

"You're doing fine! Now I'm going to let go, but don't worry I'll be right behind you."

"I'm scared, Dan. What if I fall?"

"I'll catch you, you have nothing to worry about."

Phil smiled, and with confidence he started steering the bike by him self when Dan let go.

"Look, Dan! I'm doing it!"

Dan laughed and jogged a little to catch up with Phil.

Suddenly, Phil made a wrong turn and headed for the grass.

"Not on the grass, Phil!"

But it was too late, he started to panic.

Dan ran up behind Phil and grabbed his hands on the steering wheel and put his leg against the wheel. The bike stopped but it didn't fall over.

Dan looked at Phil and they both laughed.

"I think that's enough training for today," Dan said.

Phil giggled and got off the bike.

"I liked that. Let's do it again tomorrow. Maybe I'll know how to steer a little better," Phil laughed.

"Okay, same time, same place."

"Thanks for that, it was nice of you to volunteer. I hope you get your own bike soon."

Phil smiled and walked away.

Dan sat on the bench Phil was sitting in earlier. He look at the couples walking by and smiled.

Maybe that will be me some day. Walking side-by-side with the one I love.