just write it all out

30

Five People - 01/30/16

A typical day in the grocery store.
A normal Thursday night.
I just need a couple things.
Milk, ice cream, chocolate.
Turning the corner, I bump into someone.

Scott.
"Look, it's Lisa! How've you been?"
"Oh, good, I haven't seen you since-what?"
"Eighth grade."
"Eighth grade."
"How's—"
"Mrs. Bram?"
"Yeah."
"She's good. Retired two years after you moved."
"Huh."
Silence.
"Well—"
"I gotta go—"
"Yeah, my sister—"
We stop, smile at each other.
"It was nice seeing you."
"Yeah, yeah! Until next time?"
"Of course. See you later, Scott."
"See ya."

We brush past each other.
Another corner turned, and another familiar face.

Kirstie.
"Oh my gosh! Kirstie!"
"Hey! I didn't expect to see you here."
"Me either. Just a quick run-through?"
"Oh yeah. Ice cream, for movie night."
"With Jeremy! Have fun, girl."
"I will, I will. I'll call you later?"
"Yeah! I won't be doing anything super important."
"Great. Still planning on our lunch tomorrow?"
"Yup, I'll be there."
"See you then, Lisa!"
"Buh-bye!"

I grab two tubs of fudge swirl.
My sister and I indulge ourselves.
Make my way in front of the aisles.
"Lisa?"
Stop, maneuver the cart around.
Peek into the cereal aisle.

Kevin.
"Hey, I thought it was you!"
"Kevin! Are you in town for long?"
"No, I'm just visiting my parents. Still clarineting?"
Laughter.
"Nah, I had to sell it after I quit."
"You quit community band?"
"Yeah, I had to choose between it and choir."
"Aw, that stinks."
"Yeah, but I deal."
"Man, you were good."
"You were better!"
"Okay, maybe a little bit."
"A lot a bit! Stop lying to yourself, Mr. Cello-Boxer."
"I'm not lying, but all right, all right. Go on your merry way, I won't bother you anymore."
"You're not bothering me!!"
He chuckles.
"Thanks for stopping to talk, though. I'll be sure to come see you soon."
"You're welcome anytime. Bye!"
"Bye bye!"

Steer out of the aisle and head to the dairy section.
Roll up next to the refrigerator... things.
Grab a gallon with a blue cap.
Turn around and lock eyes with someone.

Avi.
His intense stare is supposed to be intimidating.
It's not, to me.
He's standing a few yards away.
A tub of sour cream in his hand.
For a second we just stare.
Surprised more than anything.
I fake a smile at him when he doesn't deserve it.
He nods at me and I turn away.
Out of his eyesight, I shudder.

Make a quick stop at the candy.
Opt for gummy worms instead of chocolate.
"Lisa, girl!"
The voice comes from right behind me, and I jump.

Mitch.
"Mitch, do you have to do that?"
"I don't have to, but you know I love to."
"Mmhmm, you just love giving me heart attacks."
"So are you still coming over today?"
"...Wait—"
"Oh my god, you forgot? We have to film for our video!"
"Yeah, I know, I know! I'll be there, promise."
"You better. I'm counting on you, Lis."
Start making our way to the register.
"I've gotta tell you something later, too."
"About?"
"Um, just like, usual brain drama."
"Gotcha. Before or after we film?"
"After? After. Definitely."
"After it is. Don't bail out on me."
"When have I ever bailed on you?"
"True. Okay, bye, queen. Leave some ice cream for me."

I wave him off.

So this was kind of from writing camp last summer. The prompt was distinguishing relationships- writing something about bumping into two good friends, two old friends, and an enemy, somewhere, without saying the relationships outright.

It was only half done, so I decided I'd finish it and post it. :)

The drawing is just me adding angel wings to a photo of Scott taken by Genesia Ting!