Partnered Up☕︎

#40 The kindness of some people can feel abr'up't.

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#40 The kindness of some people can feel abr'up't. 
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Fay

Each and every day the visits get longer, and more friendly. I've come to know around the exact time when I'll hear the Café entrance doors open, when the known sound of the little bell above the doors ring, and then he appears. In the same seat, by the same window, he sits, staring out in the distance with a faraway look, watching as people come and go. And that seat happens to be in Eli and I's area of the cafe, at that exact time of day.

I'm a coward. I avoid every day the same way, by asking someone to switch tables with me, and sadly Eli's picked up on my routine, and has been taking that table for me, every day.

The fact that he would wait on one of my tables for me, every day, just because he knows I'm a coward; not wanting to speak to my own father, simply shows he's too kind. If I get in trouble for breaking a dish, because my mind is somewhere else, or make any mistake, he'll always explain and stick up for me when talking to Shelbe. I haven't ever asked him, or made any signs. But he always volunteers to help me with anything and everything.

He really is such a good person.

"You need to woman up Fay! People are picking up your slack! And you're falling apart!"

It's true. For the past two weeks my life has been crumbling down in more ways than one. I haven't been doing my work properly, my grades are declining to a B, I can't sleep because I keep having dreams, I can't eat because my stomach always feels anxious. I'm starting to go crazy. I don't know what to do. When it comes to anything. I'm completely lost. I've never felt this way before.

"Hey weirdo. You want a ride home?" My thoughts are interrupted by Avery's calm voice. I look over to see her wearing another worried expression. My classes have ended, and I haven't even noticed how long I must have been standing here in the hallway!

"Uh, n-no thanks. I feel like walking today," I state, digging my hands deep into my coat pockets. She nods, with a small, sad smile.

As I walk down the busy New York pavement, my eyes stay glued to the walk way, here and there a few bright crunchy autumn leaves coming to view. It's getting quite cold here now, since it's mid-November. I never imagined a place being so cold. The only winter I've ever experienced is in California. 

"I wonder if it'll snow," I think to myself, looking up at the grayish sky above as I walk. Snow would definitely cheer me up a bit.  Although, It looks like it'll rain at least. The gray foundation above me is splotched with white string like clouds, it smells like rain too. It's a nice, calming smell.

"It really is."

My thoughts are broken once again. Was I speaking out loud? Spectacular.

I allow my eyes to look at the ones of the person who just spoke. They're kind, and a deep green. I quickly realize who's they are.

Maybe it's my expression, but he states quickly. "You don't have to run. I know you've been avoiding me, and that's completely understandable. But Fay, I just I want to at least speak with you. All I want is for you to hear me out," He explains. I can tell in his deep voice that he means his every word.

But do I trust that?

"No more running Fay. You've burdened enough people along the way."

I take in a breath. "W-why all o-of a sudden?"

He smiles kindly. "Because now I actually have a chance. And now you're mature enough to understand."

I swallow, dragging my eyes to the ground. "B-but that doesn't make sense! You just randomly showing up! After everything I-I've heard, e-everything I've known!"