A Debt Unpaid (Original)

Walter

I took the train ride into the deeper part of the city, away from the suburbs and into town. Walking, unnoticed by the crowd, as they walk in their own separate lives.

There was a strange beating in my chest, as my hands started to get clammy. I cupped them onto my mouth and exhaled, letting my breath warm up my hands, then adding friction onto the mix, it added heat to my palms. But it didn't felt enough, so i dug them deep into my pockets, clenching my teeth and moving forward.

Its been a while since I've been to downtown. Ever since high school days, I never really found much of a reason to go here. Just a couple of times during errands, and the handful of dates I've been to. But, that's it.

I checked my phone.

2:30pm

The set meeting time was 3:00

Which gives me enough time to go there through a leisurely stroll. The leaves on the trees that lined the streets started to turn into red, yellow, and orange. Some few started to sway and ride onto the wind. Those on the concrete floor crunch with every step. I even watch my step, stepping on one leaf to another, enjoying the sound of leaves crunching under my weight.

One of the few side effects of being clinically depressed is that something's can creep a smile on your face.

And, after 95 crunches (believe me, I counted), I made it to the coffee shop. I took a deep breath, swallowed hard, and looked through the glass panels, looking if Angeline came before I have.

I scanned the people inside; sipping coffee, chatting, some typing away in their laptops, and even a young looking man getting his first bitter taste of an espresso shot.

My heart felt heavy in my chest: She isn't here yet.

I checked the time on my phone.

2:50

Its still 2:50...I just came a bit early...she still has about 10 minutes till she comes.

A new feeling came flooding over me. I don't know what to call it though. But, I was insanely nervous whether or not she'd come.

What if she won't come?

I mean, why wouldn't she? Its just a project?

Then again, it is a project, so she should come?

But, maybe she came late. Or, maybe not at all.

Probably she's putting on make up.

But, wait, did she ever wear make up before?

Voices spoke in my head, fighting against each other. My brain thought up of almost every possibility on why she was late.