Latch {Short Story}

Chapter Three

~ September 7th, 1996 ~

Waking up the next day felt so much easier knowing that the beaming brown eyed boy would be there for me to wake to.  I gently flutter my eyes open to adjust to the light of day, though an instant strike of disappointment flushes through me when I realize Finn isn't by my side. I get up to scour every inch of my house, but he's still nowhere to be seen. How could he leave without saying goodbye? Or not inform me! I know I shouldn't expect so much of him considering he has so much on his plate; but not having the decency to use his manners is a let down.

I let out a large sigh as I collapse onto the large corner sofa in the lounge. Feeling sorry for myself, I cocoon myself in blankets and pillows as I watch 'Pretty In Pink,' while swigging gulps of day old milk from the carton. 

I don't need to rely on Finn. I've made plenty of other friends besides him, (that I've avoided,) because my mind has been consumed by him. Damn him and all his perfectness.

After a therapeutic rant in my head, I stop moping around with my typical brood expression, and instead occupy myself by stimulating my brain. I begin with an intense de-clutter of clothing.

My wardrobe has gotten so full that my clothes are literally pouring out of it. My guilty pleasure is Charity Shops. But this time, instead of buying the clothes, I am the one donating them. 

Three trips into town with a hefty amount of clothing; I reward myself with a coffee break in a quaint cafe named "All Things Nice." I slot myself in a corner seat by the window, flicking through a battered magazine as I wait to be served. With "How to drop a dress size in a week" Being the main headline, I can't help but regret ordering a chocolate muffin with my latte. I stare down at my stomach that is slightly poking out of my crop top and feel a flush of shame rush through me. My eyes are constantly darting between my stomach and the magazine as I decide which one is more important. I don't need the muffin, it's only going to make me fatter. And before I can debate with myself any longer, I've skipped to the weight loss article. 

- Take a sip of water between every bite, it will fill you up more and you'll eat less.

- Chew gum instead of snacking throughout the day.

- Instead of having meals, fast on cup a soups as they are low in calories, but are still extremely filling.

"You don't need to lose weight." A deep voice booms down my left ear, shocking me back into the real world.

A young waiter with dark blonde shoulder length hair and beaming blue eyes is stood by my side. He's holding a steaming latte in one hand, and a chocolate muffin in the other,- indicating that he's a waiter. He gestures towards the table with his head, nudging it at a slight angle. I move my bag to the floor so he can place my orders on the confined table. Without permission, he sits on the love seat opposite me and studies me deeply.

"What's it to you?" I reply, my eyes darting back at his.

As he analysis my answer, a slight grin appears upon his face. He tilts his head in defeat and falls further back into the chair. He points to my lunch and replies, "it would be a waste of a valuable muffin. A muffin that I, or one of my co-workers made."

I can't think of a clever answer to fight back with. For once, someone has out smarted me.

"I've always been taught me not to speak to strangers. Why do you think you're an exception?" I hiss, followed by a large gulp of the boiling caffeine. Within a split second, I can tell that he's already got an answer prepared.