Sunshine

Capítulo Uno

                  

"Thanks." I say to the man helping me get my bags out of the car.

I haven't been in this town in three years. That doesn't seem like a long time but it feels long enough that the environment no longer feels familiar. I look around the streets trying to find out what direction I should go towards. I make a right turn and hope that I find what I'm looking for.

About four blocks later, I stop outside a small coffee and tea shop, happy that I remember where I'm at. I take a deep breath and walk in to the warm and familiar place. It looks almost exactly the same as how it was before I left with the exception of new paint.

It's weird, how comfortable I feel here. I thought after all that happened that anything connected to this town would just make me feel empty but that's not the case here.

As I look around the small area I see faces I don't recognize, that's when I realize how awkward I must look standing in the middle of the room just staring. I make my way towards the counter, figuring that who I am looking for will be right inside the small back room.

I'm about to ring the bell on the counter when I hear someone clear their throat. I look over to the man sitting in the booth, eyeing me.

"Uh?" Is the only noise that leaves my mouth.

"Is this your first time here?"  The man with may I say, gigantic hands around a mug asks me.

"Um, yeah. Is it that noticeable?" I ask, hoping the answer is no.

"Just a little." He replies with a small giggle. "Well, the tea is great. The coffee though? It could be better." He says laughing.

"Oh really?" I ask mentally laughing.

"Yeah, but don't tell, the owner is my neighbor." He says bringing his index finger to his lips.

As I'm about to reply, someone calls out my name.

"Alex?" Ah, just the person I came to see.

"Harley!" I reply, a little too loud. Multiple people in the shop turn to look at me. I can tell I'm interrupting their study time. "Sorry." I say apologetically.

"So, I see you've met Ashton." She asks motioning towards the boy whose name is apparently Ashton.

"Uh, yeah. He was just telling me how great your coffee was." I say smirking.

I look at him and his face turns red, shutting his eyes, he must feel embarrassed right about now. I bet he didn't know the owner was my very close friend.

"Bullshit, he hates my coffee." She laughs.

"Well, anyways. I'm done here so I can take you to the apartment." She tells me.

I look around, the shop is packed with people right now, is she just gonna close early?

"What about all the people? Are you just gonna kick them out?" I ask, I don't want her to do that. All these people will hate me if they know she closed early because of me.

"No, of course not!" She says in a mocking tone. "I have employees, duh."

"Oh yeah, sorry." I say. Now it's my turn to feel embarrassed.

"Oh, and Calum is here too." She says in a soft tone.

"He works here? Why didn't you tell me? I don't want to see him right now." I say with a pout.

"Alex, he's your brother. He hasn't seen you since, you know." Oh, I definitely know.

Harley and Calum had started dating back when we were in high school. They were super lovey dovey and all but I honestly just thought it was just a phase and they'd both move on. Obviously, I was wrong since they're still together four years later.

"Yeah well, maybe I'll see him later." I say, looking away from her. I just got back, I'm taking small steps. Seeing Calum right now, would be like taking a giant leap.

"Alright." She says in a soft tone. I can tell she just wants both Calum and I to be happy but I just can't see him right now.

Harley goes into the back room and comes back out a minute later with her jacket and purse in hand.

"Ashton, do you want to come?" She asks.

I had forgotten that he was sitting right next to us.

He looks at me, like if he's asking permission to come with. I softly nod my head, silently telling him that it's okay. I don't mind if he comes along, he seems like a nice enough guy to hang around with.

"Okay." He smiles back at us.