Paper Hearts

Chapter 1

I stepped out into the cool autumn air, my heels clicking quietly against the grey pavement. My hair was being whirled through the air, the fresh wind carrying with it the season coloured leaves that had fallen from the trees.

Casting a glance at my wrist watch, I hastened my step. Eve despised tardiness and would surely be drumming her fingernails against a table top in the small, quaint coffee shop we'd agreed to meet up in.

I had to smile as I imagined her cool, reserved eyes scan the shop, eventually settling on her fingers once more as she realised that I, once again, had managed to run late.

I disentangled my sunglasses from my riotous locks of hair and pushed them onto the bridge of my nose as I passed small shops and boutiques. 

I stopped at a red light, rubbing my palms together to warm them up. My gaze flitted across the sidewalk where people bustled around. I watched in mild fascination at the multitude of expressions on their faces. Some looked eager to get home, while others had a forlorn look in their eyes, their steps slow, almost sluggish. I watched a small kid slip her hand out of her mothers and bend to retrieve something from the ground. When she straightened again she was clutching a small rose in her palm.

Her eyes shone a bright blue in the autumn sun, even from afar. She stuck her hand up and presented the flower as a gift to her mother. I smiled slightly at the sweet gesture.

The cars whizzed by me in the usual chaotic manner of a Friday afternoon. I caught a glimpse of my own reflection as a car slowed down fractionally to turn. Eve will be disgruntled when she see's me - wind swept hair, cheeks flushed from the cold.

Straightening out my pea coat and buttoning up the top button I finally crossed the street, the familiar, tastefully decorated facade of the coffee shop coming into view.

I passed the small girl who had her hand safely clutched in her mother's once more.

The small golden bell made a delightful tinkling sound as I stepped into the cozy shop, breathing in the delicious smell of roasted coffee beans.

I slowed as I greeted Mary behind the counter - a slightly plump lady with bouncy curls who had accompanied Eve and I throughout our childhood as our favourite shop owner, and acted a stand-in mother when ours were busy.

When I stepped further into the shop I caught Eve's gaze across the room and gave her a cheeky smile.

Her mask of annoyance was nearly perfect, save for the small tell-tale twitch of her lips that indicated a hidden smile.

She was happy to see me after all.

I moved past the tables, narrowly avoiding a waitress balancing a tray with an impressive amount of coffee cups on it before meeting Eve in a hug.

"You're late." She said as she stepped away and held me at arm lengths.

"It's nice to see you too." I popped open the buttons of my coat before shrugging it off and sitting down.

"I've ordered for you already." Eve said, finally gracing me with a forgiving smile.

I grinned, "Thank you Evie."

She delicately clasped her hands together, resting her chin on them as her eyes scanned my face.

"You look good. Hawaii did you well." I said, leaning back in my chair and sighing contently.

Her eyes sparkled a vibrant shade of green as she proceeded to fill me in on her honeymoon in the enthusiastic, almost child-like manner reserved only for me.