Worlds Apart

Chapter Ten

I woke the next morning, later than usual, to the smell of coffee beans in my bedroom. Groggily rubbing my eyes with clammy fists, my eyes found a fresh cup of coffee sitting on my nightstand, still steaming. A short yawn escaped my mouth before being filled with a warm milky espresso, and sighing contently, I murmured,

"Morning, Jess."

"Morning, sleepy Sam. Pleasant dreams, mm?" I nodded groggily, then, taking my cup again, sipped idly before saying,

"Yes, tons. And you?"

"Of course! Concerts are one of my favorite activities, so I had a blast. How'd you like it?"

"It was fantastic! The whole thing felt like a dream, and the music was almost magical." Memories filled my head of last night's adventure; the music, the emotions all flooding back. Grinning in remembrance, I took another sip of my coffee before getting up and heading to the kitchen.

Steam soon filled the kitchen as eggs sizzled and jumped in the pan, and chatting with Jesse, my face began to lock up in a small grin. I tested my jaw tentatively before grabbing a fork and napkin, and beginning to eat. As Jesse rambled, I glanced out the window at my view. My apartment was on the 5th floor, and from here, the cars looked like miniature toy cars. Trees dotted the landscape, and the usually vibrant emerald leaves were darker, and part of me wondered if it was the weather. The sky was like a blanket of grey stretched across the sky today, and my eyes scanned it in wonder. The only time I had seen weather like this was when I first visited Twin Tree Cafe, and that was enough for me. Still, as I gazed out the window, a sudden thought struck me. A slow smile crept up my face, and as I thought of my plan, I was interrupted by a worried voice asking,

"Sam? Are you there?"

"Yes of course! Sorry, I got lost in my train of thoughts... But um, are you free to hang out today? I know it's early, but maybe we could hang out here for a while? We could watch TV, play board games, or read if you want..." I inquired, anxious for her answer.

"Yeah of course! It's the weekend, silly, so I get two days off. It's nice to finally get a break from work, and stress, and of course, get to hang out with you." My hands flew to my face, already blushing, and I shyly burrowed my face into my hands. Mistaking this for chills, however, Jesse exclaimed,

"Are you cold? I didn't even think of the weather! Ugh, I'm so stupid! You're probably freezing and it's all my fault... Here I'll get the fireplace going..."

"No no, it's ok! You made me blush is all..." I grinned, picturing her face, red as a tomato. The edges of my mouth trembled, then released as I giggled loudly, and was joined moments later with rumbling chuckles. Beaming up at the ceiling, I let my mind wander before coughing and asking timidly,

"So, what exciting adventures do we have planned for today? Anymore concerts?" At this, I looked up hopefully, but was disappointed when Jesse said,

"Actually, I was going to leave that up to you, since I chose last night. What would you like do?" My eyes glazed over, and I stared in a daze at the wall, spaced out, then shook my head and exclaimed,

"Oh! Um... Let's see... It's kinda cold out, so nothing out there, but nothing really in here... That reminds me! What month is it exactly? I don't believe you ever told me..." Silence bounced listlessly off the walls, flooding my ears with the roar of stillness, the absence of sound. Finally, after several moments of waiting, she replied with a subtle,

"I actually don't know... I didn't really plan that out I guess... Sorry..."

"No no, it's ok! I was just curious..." I laughed nervously, and was about to continue when I was interrupted with,