Two Years

Lawrence - Chapter 15

I was at work when I saw her again. She was with her friend and the panic that had risen within me the past few weeks subsided somewhat. At least she wasn't with Jared. I sort of expected her to run to him after what she saw at the coffee shop, but obviously I didn't know her. She wasn't petty like I was.

She looked happy. The smile she gave her friend was unguarded, raw. I'd never seen her look more beautiful.

We didn't get many students here, mostly tourists, and although I didn't need to communicate much, the rush of bodies always made me feel uncomfortable. Especially on a Friday night. But today, looking at her face alight with excitement, I decided it was worth it. As the line advanced and I let people through, half my brain at work and half on Jade, I decided it was well worth it. Just for that moment, it was worth it.

She hadn't seen me yet. Her attention was to her taller friend and the people screaming, laughing. She didn't look scared. She was excited. The brightness in her eyes was so strong, it was everything I could do not to reach out and touch her. She was so close, and as the line progressed she came closer and closer still.

I closed the line in front of her and finally she looked at me. Her shock showed clearly in her eyes and suddenly she went quiet. The world disappeared for just a moment as our eyes met. I felt all the unsaid apologies in my eyes and I hoped she could feel them, too.

Her friend looked from me to her but didn't say anything. She'd noticed the change, too. 

 A tap on the shoulder made me turn, ripping my eyes from Jade.

"I said I'm taking over, Lawrence," Emily said and pushed me out of the way, laughing. "Go," she said making hand gestures in that lighthearted way she always talked to me. Like if I was fragile.

"Okay. I'm going, Sarah. Thanks." I moved just out of their view, but I needed to see Jade. I had to. It wasn't long before the line moved again, and I watched as she sat barefoot next to her friend, feet dangling. Their shoes left on the floor in front of them. They hadn't said anything I could hear but just looking at her was perfect. Sarah walked to them and checked their belts and harness. Mark said the same thing he always said over the microphone and the engine turned on, lifting her up. When they came back down her hair was in jumbles. I wished I could smooth it out for her.

I went home after that because I knew nothing could make my night better.

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