Unravelling My Past

3. Can I Help You?

I sit down in front of the barista as he focuses on the espresso he is making. Once he finally finishes his drink, he notices my presence and his eyes go wide. In embarrassment, shock, and curiosity, might I add.

"How long have you been there?" He asks.

"Long enough." I reply with a smirk.

He curses slightly under his breath, earning a glare from the boss, Amber. He mutters an apology and looks me back in the eye, which makes me want to back down, but I didn't want him to know that he, a new person, has that kind of impact on me, a woman who is scared for her life at the moment.

"Sorry, would you like anything?" He asks again, with sincerity laced in his voice.

"One mocha, please." I say.

"Coming right up, ma'am." The barista says. He grabs a cup and begins to make my drink as I read my favorite book.

"Here you go." He says.

"Thank you!" I reply.

"Have I seen you before?" He asks. "You look familiar."

"Hm?" I question as I sip my drink.

"Are you Hazel, the valedictorian? Y'know, the one from John Hopkins University?"

"Why may you be asking?" I question.

"I want to get to know you." He smirks.

"Maybe. Here's the money, keep the change." I say and leave with my items, all except for a paper with that says 'I'll come by another time'.

~•~•~

I unpack my two boxes, revealing my lamp, books, photo albums, basic toiletries, some stuff for the kitchen, some work supplies, and most importantly, my sleeping bag with my charger. :) Why so little stuff ? Let me tell you, I have $1500 in cash in a compartment and the rest of my savings in my account, which I bimonthly send to my family.

Did I really have to leave that note? I looked like I was flirting with him!! Aghh!

I question myself over and over as I am trying to reason why I even left that hot barista a frickin' note!

Woah woah woah.

I just said hot.

Oh I did, didn't I ?

Cue face palm.

I set up my sleeping bag near the window and place the lamp and my books next to me. And place my kitchenware in the drawers, sorting my bathroom necessities and putting them where they belong, along with skimming through the photo albums. I looked at a photo that was taken when I was 13. I placed my fingertips at the fond memory that appeared before me in my head as I remember everything...

A light drizzle of the rain started as I was drawing on the driveway. I drew a really nice Pikachu with the wrong colors, but beautiful nonetheless. I let out a slightly frustrated sigh, but I understood that it was bad timing and being mad or crying wasn't going to fix anything. I grabbed my chalk box and placed it inside the house, taking off my shoes, and walked into the kitchen.

"Dad! It's starting to rain! Can the kids come out to play?" I shout through the household.

"Yeah sure! Make sure they are wearing their raincoats! Aiden can't go! He's sick!" He shouts back in reply.

"Thanks!!" I exclaim in excitement. "C'mon kids! Time to get out!"

"YAYYYYY!" They all shouted with happiness. They all quickly scrambled for their raincoats and boots and waited in front of me like eager puppies wanting to go outside! It began to rain slightly harder, but I didn't have to worry because I knew it wouldn't get worse than this.

"Be back in fifteen minutes!" I reminded them. I turned around to see Aiden, his eyes yearning to go out.

"Hey buddy? You wanted to go out huh?" I asked him as I bent down on my knees. He nods his head.

"Sis, why can't I go out?" He wonders.

"Because you're sick and if you go out in the rain, you'll become even more sick and then you won't be able to go out for a long time." I explained as best as I possibly could.

"Really?!" He asked in shock, afraid to go out.

"Yep but once you're all better, nothing can stop you! You'll be like... Superman!" I encouraged.

"I want to be like Batman," he pouted.

"Then be like Batman and go to your room and rest! That's what he does when he is sick!" I say with encouragement.

"Ok!!" His eyes no longer yearning, but shining with hopes and dreams. I turn around to see my father and mother smiling.

"That was nice of you to talk to him, I didn't think we would ever be able to persuade him that way Hazel. Great job kiddo. You're setting an amazing example for your brothers and sisters." My Dad says with a smile full of pride.

"Thanks Dad!" I thank him. I rush out after fifteen minutes and call them in, telling them to go shower as the day went on. They rain cleared and a beautiful double rainbow appeared.

"Aiden!!!!" I shouted. He came out of his room running with a Batman blanket. I pointed at the rainbows and told him that he can go out. We spent a good while staring at it in awe as the rest of my siblings trickled in to sit on the damp pavement to look at the sky, staring like a bunch of idiots, but we were happy. All 8 of us.

"Whew, those were the days." I smile as I wipe the tear that escaped. I place the picture close to me.

"I miss you Papa..." and I doze off to sleep.

A bit of her past was just exposed. But a little more will come along soon. Promise! So what did you think of the quick encounter with Adam? Was it good?

Please vote, comment, and continue to read please! I really hope you enjoyed this chapter! I know I might not have that many people even reading this, but for those of you who are? Thank you so much! I really appreciate every moment you spend reading my work. It's been really fun, and there is only more that is going to happen!