I'm Not the Protagonist

The Rose

I wiped a bead of sweat from my brow. Today was a very busy day at the café. It happens every Sunday: people come in just to relax and enjoy themselves for a bit in a simple place. I readjust my apron and my name tag, my name engraved into the metallic object, "Justin." Just before walking out from the back, I run a hand through my slightly disheveled, brown hair in attempt to make it look nice before I go out to take more orders. 

Satisfied with my reflection in the slightly tinted window on the door, I walk out, seeing my coworkers handling two different lines. One of them was open for me. I sighed and walked over, thinking about how much I wanted my shift to end. I was supposed to meet with my girlfriend at the park so we could have a picnic for dinner and watch the sunset. I looked down at my watch. 5:30 p.m. Just a little longer, I told myself.

I looked up and instinctively said, "Hello. Welcome to Kate's Coffee Corner. How may I help you today, sir?"

"Just two lattes, please," the costumer replied in a shaky voice. 

I studied the black haired man a little closer and noticed that he was trembling and his eyes were darting around the room rapidly, looking everywhere and anywhere except into my own eyes. "Is everything alright, sir?" 

His brown eyes met mine suddenly, raising his eyebrows in surprise. "Y-Yes! Everything's perfectly fine! I'm sorry, I-I just-"

"Oh, you don't have to explain," I stopped him quickly, thinking that I shouldn't pry, and punched a few buttons on the touch screen in front of me.  "That'll be three dollars, sir."

He quickly pulled out his wallet from his recently pressed dress pants... wait. He seems a bit over dressed. I internally shrug, and take the three bills he hastily hands over to me. "Thank you. Take whatever seat you'd like, sir. Your lattes will be ready in a few minutes or so," printing out the receipt and giving it to him.

"Thank you," he nods gratefully and goes off to find a table. 

I turn around to brew his order when I heard the door to the cafe open and the bell jingle. I turned my head around  to see the new costumer. A woman with brown, straight hair braided into a bun walked in, wearing a floral dress that flowed with her every movement. She looked around, as if searching for someone, then suddenly focused on something and broke into a smile that could warm anyone's heart. I followed her line of sight and noticed she was looking at the man I was a taking an order for, and he was pulling out a chair to a two seat table, gesturing for her to sit.

She waltzed over to him and took her seat, and I could see her nod her head in thanks while wearing her dazzling smile.

Of course, it wasn't nearly as dazzling as my girlfriend's smile.

Anyway, I saw the man take a deep breath as he turned around, his back facing the woman, as he took out a small box. He opened it up gingerly, and I could see just a small glimmer come from within.

No way. He's going to pop the question, isn't he? He's totally going to pop the question.

I mentally face-palmed. No wonder he was dressed like that! And the trembling... the poor guy must be nervous! 

He snapped the box back shut and casually sat across from the woman, engaging her into a conversation quickly like nothing happened.

I turned around and prepared their drinks carefully, suddenly wanting to make it perfect. Just as I was about to take the lattes to the pick-up counter, I realized something. Quickly, I put the lattes down and rushed to the back, looking for my stuff. I spotted my pile almost immediately, and saw the very thing that I needed- or rather, the thing I wanted the man to give to his soon-to-be fiancée if all goes well- my rose. It was meant for my girlfriend, but I decided he needed it more then she did. I grabbed it- gently, of course- and speed walked back to the lattes. I put them in a tray and held them with one hand and hid the rose behind my back with the other.

I went to the mic and said, "Order number one-oh-six. One-oh-six." 

The man looked down at his receipt, excused himself, and walked over to me, hiding his anxiety to the best of his ability. 

"Here you go, sir," handing him the lattes, then lowering my voice and saying, "Go get her," giving him my rose. 

He looked at me with wide eyes. I just winked.

I watched him walk away, ignoring the people still waiting in my line. He sat down, gave the woman her latte, and they each took a sip. He smoothly hid the box and the rose behind him as he continued to converse with her. Then, after a bit, he got up in front of her and got down on one knee.

I sucked in a breath. Here goes nothing.

He took out the rose and opened the box in front of her, and I could see him form the words  with his mouth, "Will you be my bride?"

She covered her mouth with one hand for a moment, and then I could see her mouth the one word I hoped she'd say: "Yes."

As her eyes filled with tears of joy, and the man slipped the ring on her finger, and they embraced,  the costumers around them who I realized were also spectating began to clap and cheer saying, "Congratulations!"

I think I even heard one guy yell, "I ship it!" Maybe it was me. I don't know.

But I know one thing: I biked to the park happier than I would've been if I had kept that rose.

_________________________

AN: Soooooooo, what do you guys think? I hope you like it!

Special thanks to my older sister for reading this over for me!

Vote if you liked it! I'm looking for 5 votes before I write another short story.

Remember: Suggestions, requests, and constructive criticism are all welcome! 

Thank you, my awesome readers! ^-^