SWEET NOTHINGS - S. LILLIS

"you're beautiful"

the first time we went to the coffee shop-our coffee shop-together was by accident. we had spent the day walking around new york together, the wind and our conversation both light and breezy. however, on the breath of that wind, was a storm. and with that storm, came a pouring rain. the two of us were stuck in what seemed like an unrelenting storm, until we took cover inside the shop nearest to us. once we had stopped shivering, sophia looked around and seemed pleased with herself.
"this is cute," she said appreicatively, taking in the muted jewel tones of the small cafe we were stood in. "do you want anything? i'll pay," she offered, reaching for the wallet she always kept in her coat pocket. i nodded and told her that i would pay her back, but she simply shrugged me off. we went on a lot of outings for coffee, mostly for sophia i might add, as i was a tea drinker- but not once had she let me pay.
"chai tea," i reminded her softly, but she gave me a pointed look that said she already knew. while she was up at the counter, i sat down at a small table by the window, looking at the water running down the window pane. it was quite pretty, once you looked at it from a distance. standing in the heart of it wasn't so nice, though.
"tea for the lady," i heard the voice of sophia say, and i looked up to see the playful smile on her lips. i returned the smile and took the steaming cup from her hand, muttering a small thank you as she sat down.
"it's pretty, isn't it?" she asked, her eyes following my gaze outside the window.
"it seeems quiet when you're looking at it from here. peaceful," i said, and i felt her gaze linger on me as she sipped her coffee.
"yeah, i suppose it does." we sat in comfortable silence, enjoying our drinks and the soft music playing behind us, accompanied by the rain. "that's kind of like you, you know," she added, and the look i gave her must have reflected how confused i felt. "the rain. you're quiet and peaceful from a distance, but when you speak your mind, it's beautiful." her gaze was steady and crystal clear. my heart sounded a lot like the rain outside. "you're beautiful," she finished, barely above a whisper.
"no, i'm not," i told her sadly. she shook her head, holding up a finger to stop me.
"this isn't disputable," she stated. her eyes held a challenge, and i backed down. it was never any use arguing with her. we sat for a few moments, sipping our drinks before i found the courage to speak again.
"thank you, soph."
"don't mention it," she responded, her smile bright as her eyes looked into my own. and for a moment, maybe i was beautiful.

-oakley