The Peacock

The first exchange - Chapter 2

After class had adjourned, I made my daily round to the vibrant streets of the city to grab myself a take away dinner. Not a lot to expect for a February except for the floods of valentine stalls and balloons promoting the concept. The DVD rental shops had its own merchants in display showing all the rom/coms and dramas. As I strolled ahead, to my right were the candy shops sales associates outside giving away free samples of their heart chocolates. To my left you have some of the clothing stores with their mannequins flaunting all red scarves and chequered red skirts and black leather jackets.

It was a cold February as I clasped my hands together, rubbing them as I walk towards the front of a trendy high street store for men, Walter and James. I needed gloves and I wanted some leather ones and this was one of my favourite places to be. The quality of the clothing was perfect, the details, the colours; the atmosphere was scenic and calm. To the main degree, it fit me, I was at ease here. The store itself was spacious, the colour scheme of the whole place was brown and cream, with each area divided into sections, the knitwear, the trousers, the suits, the shoes, the bags. Each area was accommodated with a staff member that actually looked like mannequins themselves when they stood still.

I made my way to the corner where the coats were as I knew the scarves and gloves would be near there. I stood next to one of the sale associates that were restocking the shelves, folding the new line of knitwear winter scarves. The gloves that had caught my attention were solid brown, carefully stitched with the finest leather which was lined in with faux fur at the ends. This would make sliding my fingers in quite easy. It had an additional tapered wristband which I knew would ensure that no heat will escape. My decision was instant and I began making my way to the cashier counter with the bold statement pair.

"£31.99 sir", the cashier girl looked at me with a solemn expression. I swiped my card over the card machine as it had the contactless functionality and as she was about to wrap the item, I waved my left hand as I grabbed the pair, "No need thank you". I tore off the price tag and wore them as I nodded to her in a gratitude manner.

"Please come again", she smiled before turning back to do what she was doing previously had I arrived.

They had fit perfectly, walking out the store, looking at them covering my hands. It was tight but wearable and I could already feel the warm merge inside with no sight to get out. I realised I still hadn't got any dinner to take home but then a part of me contemplated the idea of either eating out at a quiet restaurant. Would that seem weird since I was alone? But then again, it's not like I would bump into anyone I know, so what if I did, why would anyone care?

There was a great Thai place I knew which was mainly quiet most of the time whenever I did go in to grab a takeaway. I never understood why when their food was so good and it was affordable. After a few minutes of walking and entering the low lit restaurant, I stood in front of the counter. A small, slender woman, who looked in her late 30s, came over to take my order. For some reason her relaxed and rather friendly demur made me nervous, plus she had given me no time to actually think of what I wanted. I lowered my head as I mumbled, "I need some time to think sorry", I muttered. She nodded slowly with an open smile and turned her gaze to the next customer that had appeared beside me. Before I turned to glance, it was the scent that had caught me first. It was a sweet, mixed fruit like smell with hints of flowers such as rose and violet. For some reason, I recognised the scent and as I gazed up, I definitely recognised that face, or the side of it should I say.

"I've come to pick my chicken and sweet potato soup with seeded crackers and sticky rice please", the girl had said with a lively smile. I didn't notice her actual height until I stood next to her. Her head had just reached passed my narrow shoulders and when she had noticed my frozen glance, she tilts her head to the side and smiles nervously to be polite. I blushed and instantly turned to face the counter and the huge menu board ahead of us. Shit she caught me. What was worse, I wanted to stare at her again and those beautiful dark brown eyes. She grabbed her packed and bagged food and nods at me again with a cheeky smile as I shyly stare from the corner of my eyes. Fuck she caught me again. So much for the straight haired bangs covering myself.

The door closes behind us leaving me alone with the lady at the till and the emptiness around us. I gulped; food wasn't on my mind anymore. "I'll get the same as that girl", my eyes beamed as I spoke, "I'll be right back sorry"

What am I doing? Why am I rushing out? But my legs were already on the move, when I had stopped I couldn't find her in the crowd that pushed on through the streets.

"I know you from somewhere, right?"

I blinked, turning my head to the one place I hadn't thought she would be and that was by the side window of the restaurant. Did she know I was about to come out after her? Am I that predictable?

I laughed nervously, rubbing my gloved hand over the back of my head.

"I think we go to the same college", more like I know we go to the same college.

"I knew I recognised you from somewhere. You picked a good place to eat", she smiled as she stared ahead ready to move on.

"I'm Isaac" damn, I did not want to say my introduction like that. As my eyes widened, staring at her.

"Hope to see you around Isaac", with such endearing smile, she began walking, closely blending off into the crowd.

I turned back, heading indoors. It seemed like my food had already been cooked as I saw the bagged item on the counter.

"£12.99 my love", the lady by the counter had ushered.

I pulled out the correct amount of change from my pocket, one of a £10 note and another £3 in coins. Guess the idea of sitting in was out of the cards, but it didn't matter, I wanted to go home by this point and tell Jay about my second encounter or my first word exchange.