The walk wasn't far and we soon made it to a small corner cafe.
The place was nearly empty when we got there, so Chad was able to snag a seat under the heater.
I was starting to warm up as a kind middle-aged woman took our orders. I chuckled at how similar they were--soup and sandwiches, a coffee for him and a hot chocolate for me.
The food was quick to arrive and we didn't waste any time digging in. I'm glad we got out of the escape room so quickly otherwise I'd be much hungrier than I already was.
I studied Chad's face as he leaned over to take large bites of his Philly steak sandwich. I wasn't staring for long before I got caught.
"Enjoying the view?" he asked, giving me one of the cheekiest smiles I've ever seen.
I wanted to say something witty back, but I had nothing. So, I just gave him a little wink and returned to my cheddar broccoli soup.
I wondered if the date was over after this or if he had more planned, but I didn't want to ask and make it seem like I had high expectations or something.
The conversation over dinner was light. Chad made fun of me for being so scared earlier and asked more about my friends and family. I told him more about how my parents split up, and about how Zac and I had been best friends since third grade.
I wanted to ask about his family, but I was afraid he'd put his guard up again--I liked this carefree Chad much better. Maybe another time, I told myself, baby steps. But I just couldn't shake the image of a young Chad crying over his broken telescope.
I finished off my second hot chocolate and decided to just do it.
"What about your family?" I asked, trying to make it sound like I wasn't prying too much.
"I already told you," he shrugged it off, swirling his spoon around the bowl of chilli, but there was a slight edge to his voice.
"Oh, okay." I said, looking down embarassed. Maybe I shouldn't have asked.
"Well what do you want, my biography?" his voice dripped with arrogance.
I gasped. "No.. I just thought.."
"You thought that just because I took you out on one date means you get a free pass to nose in my business." He didn't ask, it was clear that he was sure of my intentions.
Chad's voice had risen and the waitress was eyeing us from the front counter.
I didn't say anything for a moment, just taken aback by how the evening had shifted, I sat there frowning.
"Don't look at me like some damn lost puppy," his volume lower, but cutting all the same.
Instead of giving him the earful I wanted to, I grabbed my purse and got up from the table.
"Where are you going?" he asked, rising too.
"I'll take the train home," I said. "See you around."
I didn't wait for him to reply, but I half-hoped he would follow me. I made it a half a block before I looked back.
He wasn't there.
The train station was only a street over, so I walked hurriedly. Though it was a short walk, I had never been in the city by myself at night, something that made me a bit nervous.
Thankfully, no one bothered me, and I made it inside the station without an issue. I quickly bought a one-way ticket home and waited for the next train, which the clerk said would take about ten minutes.
The train arrived ahead of schedule and I found a spot on the upper level. I was thankful to have headphones in my purse and I drowned out the sound of other passengers, and my own toughts, turning the volume much louder than I usually would.
It was only a 25 minute ride to the station in my hometown, though it seemed to drag on. When we finally arrived I realized I had no way of getting home. It occured to me that these are the situations in which I usually called Chad.
I dialed Zac's number and prayed he wasn't at a party. He picked up on the third ring.
"Hey! How was your date?"
For the first time tonight, I struggled to hold back tears.
"Please come pick me up. I'm at the train station."
Zac didn't ask any questions, but I could hear shuffling in the background, "I'll be there in 10."
I decided to sit on the curb and wait for him but the terrible, nostalgic feeling was too much. I need to stop getting into these situations. I stood instead.
A minute later, a car pulled infront of me, headlights shining in my face. The person didn't even bother to turn the car off as the driver's door opened and someone stepped out. Chad.
He stalked toward me I backed up instictively. I didn't want to see him.
"What the hell?!" He yelled once he was a few feet away from me. "You just left!"
I was confused, how did he get here so fast?
"I told you I was leaving," I said dissmissively.
"Well I didn't think you'd actually get on a fucking train--"
"Well it's not like you came after me," I pointed out, my voice rising to match his volume.
"What the hell do you call this?!" he motioned between us.
I knew what he meant, but the tears started pricking in my eyes again and I just wanted the conversation to end. I wanted him to feel like me.
"Nothing, Chad. I call this," I mimicked his motion, "Nothing," I spit.
And just like clockwork, Zac's car pulled in next to Chad's
He tried yelling after me as I opened the door and got into Zac's car, but I ignored him, leaving Chad dumbfounded in the empty lot.
"What was that?" Zac asked, pulling away.
"It was a shit show," I answered honestly.
