「 The Professor & I 」VOLUME II

(169) The Booth

Lynn's POV

Are you alright? Jean probed nervously as she paced by my side, taking smaller strides than usual to ensure I could keep up.

Fine. Let's just go, I urged in frustration and forcefully propelled myself forwards, focusing my gaze on the huge signage atop the mall that was barely two junctions from us.

Abnormal stares were surely yielded even during our short trip, albeit most of them turning empathetic and pitiful after several more moments of scrutiny. Although it was anticipated, I had never quite been out amongst strangers this much with my current condition blatantly exposed, and it was something I definitely had to be accustomed with in my new home. Nonetheless, I was utterly glad that I had Jean dyed my fringe before we left the mansion to reduce the level of conspicuousness radiating from my already outstanding appearance.

Arriving at the uncrowded arcade on a late weekday morning, Jean scanned the area for a restaurant and we ended up in a quaint diner on the ground level. Being on the inner side of the building and especially in a secluded corner, the main road was obscured from us, enhancing the calmness and serenity of the almost empty establishment.

"Good morning! The menu's up there. Just place your orders with me here when you're ready," the bubbly Eurasian teen behind the cashier announced energetically, gesturing to the boards above her, as she registered us entering.

Jean was totally delighted by their wide selection of breakfast items but my appetite seemed to have been diminished after the provocation by my newly acquainted neighbor. Deliberating for probably five minutes, Jean eventually opted for a stack of three blueberry pancakes with slices of bacon and scrambled eggs on the side as well as a cup of latte while I simply chose a light snack of toasted bagels and a serving of hot chocolate.

Although Jean was only joking when she demanded for me to treat her to a meal and had volunteered to pay, I rejected her offer only because I wanted to trial and familiarize myself with the procedure that would invariably be an essential in the future.

Footing the bill from my height was slightly difficult with my vision mostly hindered by the objects on the counter top but the young female attendant with a bright and kind smile was more than patient with me as I fumbled to hand her the Canadian notes I had painstakingly dug out from my purse. Clumsily passing the money over a wall of display merchandises, she accepted it and carefully returned my change into my palm, ensuring I had them well stored before she continued.

"It's free seating. Just take this and I'll serve your orders in no time," she gladly informed, handing me a tall metallic number stand which I laid onto my lap.

There were a couple of small round tables that were more cafe-styled scattered around but I instinctively halted my chair beside a vacant booth, frowning at it apprehensively. An intense irony stirred within me, yearning to sit in it yet utterly doubtful of my own abilities and clearly unwilling to appear like a fool even in a foreign land.

"Do you want to try?" Jean whispered as she leaned down from behind me.

"Do you think I can?" I sought with hesitancy, still having my eyes fixed on the glittery crimson cushions.

"I know you want to. And I think it's worth a shot," Jean urged confidently.

"Besides, I'll be here if you need anything," she reiterated, rubbing my upper arms in encouragement.