Forevermore

2

My eyes slowly open and I groan sitting up. I look over at my clock and rub my face. I guess I zoned out. I roll out of my bed and walk over pulling on a heavy coat. I've gotta get out of here for a little bit.

~~

My hood drops from my head as I step into the town's coffee shop. I shiver from the cold then rub my arms as I walk toward the front.

"Cold out, huh?"

"God, this has been the coldest winter we've ever had." I say to the lady at the counter.

"Maybe we'll have a white Christmas this year." She says and I smile.

"That would be incredible." I say leaning against the counter and she smiles back.

"So, what can I get ya, hun?"

"Hmm, mmm white peppermint hot chocolate, please." I say and she smirks.

"It's the best. Great choice. I'll get that right out for you, feel free to take a seat at one of the booths." She says 

"Thanks." I say and she nods as I turn and walk over to a booth. I take the one in the corner and sigh pulling out my book and starting to read.

"The Polar Express huh, haven't seen that one in a while." I look up at the male voice, meeting kind eyes.

"Yeah, it's one of my favorites." I say with a smile as he puts down my hot chocolate.

"It is great. You should check out The Christmas Train." He says and I nod.

"I definitely will. Thanks." I say and he nods

"Enjoy your hot chocolate." He says and I smile.

"Thank you." I say.

"Of course." 

I smile as he turns and walks away and I reopen my book and dive right back in.

The time continues to tick on as I continue to read and feel the peace I always search for during this time of the season. The Polar Express always finds some way to pull me in and make me forget everything around me. Books in general have always given me an escape when I needed it most. 

"Hey bookworm." I look up at the voice and see the older lady smiling down at me. I look around realizing nobody is in here anymore, and all the seats are up on the counters.

"Oh gosh are you guys closed? I'm so sorry, I was so-

"It's okay dear." She says and I smile standing up and grabbing my bag as she walks back over to the counter.

"Alright Melinda, have a good night, I am off." I turn around as the guy from earlier turns the corner.

"Hey, you're still here." He says and I laugh.

"Yeah, I lost track of time. Got trapped in the story." I say and he smirks. I walk over to the door and look over my shoulder.

"Thank you for letting me hang around. The hot cocoa was great." I say and the older woman smiles.

"We love the company here darling." She says and I smile.

"Bye." I say to the guy and he nods as I turn and walk out of the door. I pull my hood up and stuff my hands into my pockets then go to take off.

"Hey!" I turn at the voice.

"Hey." I say as he shuts the door behind him.

"Want some company on your way back?" He asks and I bite my lip and then smile.

"Sure, yeah, that'd be great." I say and we start walk.

"I'm sorry, but you just seem so familiar. What's your name?" He asks