It was a rainy night and I had nothing to do. It was my day off work, and all my chores on my to do list today were completed. I mean, living in a small apartment means little amount of work need to be put into it, but I digress.
Christmas was right around the corner. A day for celebrating Jesus that's overlooked by commercialism and gifts. Then it's it New Years, a day when you start a resolution you'll never complete no matter how hard you try. I don't get why people wait until New Years to start a "promise". You can start any day of the year.
I managed to survive the hectic part of the season; Christmas. It's harder than it looks. All the shopping, yadda yadda, and all the having to spend time with estranged family that you kind of don't want to even be in the presence of.
11:55. Five more minutes and I'll be done for the night.
A figure approached me and asked for a drink, "Can I get a Mike's Hard Original please?"
"Coming up." I replied.
I grabbed the cold drink from the fridge, and asked they if they wanted the drink in the can or in a glass, but there was no reply, so I simply just gave them the can.
As I hear the sound of the can being opened, I hear the person ask me a question I thought I'd never be asked ever in my entire life; "Is love alive?"
I had to stop and think on that one. "It depends on the situation, I guess. I-I wouldn't know because I've never been in a relationship." Damn it, that was definitely NOT supposed to come out of my mouth... Oh well.
"I was referencing that Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson song "Winter Song". You should listen to it sometime. It's a lovely song." they takes a sip and swallows it, "I highly recommend it."
"I'll look into it for sure. Have a nice night! Oh, and make sure you get yourself home safely."
They looked at me all confused, "Home? I don't have a home."
Oh shit, I thought. Was not expecting that. "Maybe I can help you. Do you have any family we can contact?"
"Yeah, but they probably don't care about me anymore." Okay, my heart literally just broke into million of pieces. Why wouldn't anyone in their family care about them? Something doesn't add up here...
"What do you mean?" I sat down, ready to listen to them.
"Well I recently came out to my mom, who is homophobic. She, uh, kicked me out as soon as I said what I did. I haven't even thought about telling my dad because I'm scared that he'll think of me as a fuck up." They looked down, tears threatening to leave their eyes.
I sat there in silence for a second, not knowing what to say. After a moment of silence, I finally came to my senses, "I think you should let them know that you're you, and that you're not changing to make both of them happy. If you need a safe place to stay where you'll be loved and accepted for who you are, my doors are always open." I smiled, making sure that my point got across.
They looked happy for a moment before sulking back into the once more, "I-I don't want to be a bother to you, though..."
"As I said, I'm offering you a safe space. But know that I'm not forcing you to do anything or to come out. It's your privacy, and I respect that. Coming out is hard, and I commend you for that."
We spent probably around another hour talking about this super sweet person's life and why they are the way they are. Not long after that, we said our goodbyes.
They were walking out the door when, "Wait!" they stopped and turned around, "I never got your name."
"Jay. Yours?"
I pointed to my name tag like an idiot, "Alex. So... I'll see you around, Jay?"
They nodded before walking off into the night.
It's been a month since that night, and Jay has come in every night for a nice chit chat before heading off into the night once more. It's become a tradition, and I love it. I've actually quit the bar, and I'm now working at a local cafe. It's so enjoyable because Jay got a job there, too, so I get to see them everyday.
I never thought I would ever say this but, I think I have feelings for Jay. Being around Jay gives me those butterflies that I hate.
I was on break when Jay approached me, "Hey Alex, can I talk to you?" They seemed a little nervous.
"Yeah, what's up?" I looked up, not sure what to expect.
"I'm just wondering if your first name is shortened or not" It hit me hard that I never did bring that up.
"I've been wondering the same thing about you." I thought for a second.
"Well...?"
"Right, I guess I should tell you. I'm Alexandra. What's yours?"
Jay smiled and happily said, "Jaymie. Alex, would you like to go out for coffee or something with me?" I got caught off guard on that one.
"Are... did you just ask me out on a date?"
She nodded, "Yeah, I've been thinking. You've been there for me at my worst when we were total strangers. Hell, you got me clean. I-I want to be more than just friends. Will you become my girlfriend?" Jay looked like she was expecting no from me.
My heart literally just skipped a beat and I am not okay. I need Life Alert. I finally got the courage and said, "I've never had a girlfriend, but you know what, don't care. I've always felt like we've had a special bond since the night we met. I feel like we were meant for each other. Yes, I will be your girlfriend." I have never seen a face light up so quickly.
I guess that's why it's called Cafe D'amour. Love.
