Maple Park
Present
"Well, we picked a great night, huh?" Em says. "Heh..."
The Maple Park GoSpresso is the go-to place on a Thursday night. Walking in, Stephen's bombarded with the ambiance of the coffee shop. The line's a mile long. Machines crank at full blast. That and the chatter drown out what might be a jazzy piece playing over the speakers.
"So, I said..."
"...Ha!"
That couple by the window.
"What? That's not what you use a fork for!"
The couple in front of them in line.
Stephen thinks. What's with the couples everywhere? It's not normal. It's the universe, teasing him during his early birthday celebration.
Stephen, stop zoning out.
I'm...fine. Shut up. It's loud in here. Where is my chill pop?
It's normally like this at night.
No. Date nights are Fridays and Saturdays.
"Go save a table," Em suggests. "I'll wait."
Em has the patience to wait in this?
"I can wait," I hear Becka mutter.
Em leans in and whispers something in Becka's ear, all while looking my way. She smirks at me as she pulls back. I know why. I'm not dumb. I wish she'd stop it because it's not helping.
"What do you want?" Em asks.
"...What?"
Wait. Was that meant for me?
Hot chocolate with mini marshmallows.
"That," I say.
Em's head fizzles. "What?"
Try again.
"Oh. Uh, large hot chocolate with marshmallows."
Em points to Kenzie. "You?"
"Ditto," she squeaks. "Same."
I wonder. How is Kenzie? I've seen her get quiet in crowds, so that's nothing to worry about. She'll stick close to me and whisper funny stuff. But, with Em and Becka? She's gone mute. My drink instead of hot tea. Not texting Arbourton. Is this night as awkward for her as it is for me? Has...has she caught on to Em's hints?
You're both fine. Loosen up. Joke around with her.
Why is Em shooing me away with a smirk? Can she look any pushier?
Go find a seat with Becka, Stephen.
Becka, Kenzie and I manage to nab a window seat near the back, where it's somewhat quieter. The shop's bright. Why is the entire suburb in here? Couldn't we take this to go and go to Darwin, or something? The swings should be free of kids. It's a school night.
Stephen?
What?
Deep breaths.
In and out. The table's quiet. The three of us stare down and around. Nobody knows what to talk about. We're a lively bunch of introverts. Em's showing the patience of a saint at the counter.
Funny work story? ...Stephen?
***
Downtown Portersburgh
YOU ARE READING
Earhart & Noonan: An "Us Club" Novel (#1)(NaNoWriMo15)
Teen FictionFor the first twelve years of Stephen Vaughn's life, just trying to get others around him to pronounce his first name the right way ("Stee-vehn Vawn") has felt like the hardest task he's had to try and cope with. That is, until his perfect life with...
