In Need Of Romance

Unexpectedly

I was sitting in my favourite café on the corner of Mane and Cherry, enjoying my time off work. I was in the middle of writing a novel but was having a hard time adding a romance scene between the main characters. I knew the fans of my books would gush about this and it would be a topic most talked about within the series. But why was I having such a hard time thinking of something?

The tap tap tap of my fingers hitting the keys of my laptop were music to my ears. I was letting everything come naturally, typing what came to mind.

I sighed and saved my draft, closed my laptop and decided to head home. I packed up my belongings in my shoulder bag and headed out, waving goodbye to the workers who knew me well. I was a regular customer after all.

Pushing open the small glass door I stopped and looked up to the sky. It looked clouded and dark. Was it going to rain? I fumbled in my bag to find an umbrella. Shoot. Nothing. The closest corner store was next to the public library. Just a few streets away. I just hoped I could make it in time before it started to pour on me.

I made my way down the streets. It wasn't as busy as this morning and probably less crowded because of the forecast of rain. I should have packed an umbrella I mumbled after I checked the forecast. 80% chance of rain. I felt frustrated with myself as I heard thunder. I wasn't going to make it. I quickened my pace and made sure my laptop was tucked safe away. All my valuable work. Couldn't risk it.

It started to rain on me, sprinkling at first then harder. I had no choice but to seek shelter under a closed store that had a canopy above the doors. I was a little wet, thankfully not soaked. I sighed in relief. My laptop was safe!

I watched people rush to their cars, some with umbrellas, some with folders and briefcases trying to cover the top of their heads. I giggled for a second then realized my state. I wasn't going anywhere until the weather died down. I shook my head and then noticed a tall, handsome young man headed my way.

He didn't have an umbrella or anything to protect him from the rain. Poor guy. He rushed under the shelter I was under. I tried hard not to stare at him but I couldn't help it. His wet hair fell perfectly around the frame of his face. His thick frame glasses had water on them, his clothes slightly soaked from the downpour. He must be cold. I wished I had something to offer him. He looked like he had gotten off work from the office of something like that.

He was fumbling to get his glasses dry with his wet shirt. Ah! I had some cleaning cloth, I thought quickly and searched my bag til I found the pink cloth. I slowly approached him and offered it to him, my arm stretched outwards towards his firm frame. A warm smile on my face. He seemed to notice me and looked up at me with his beautiful, soft brown eyes. The reminded me of a puppy. He seemed surprised, a slight blush covered his cheeks. How adorable.

"Thanks." He nodded and took the cloth from me, our hands brushing against each other's for a moment. Enough to make my heart skip a beat. I nodded and backed away. He proceeded to clean his glasses and I watched from the side for a second before turning to back towards the now empty streets. The rain looked pretty falling onto the pavement. Then he spoke.

"Terrible weather we are having, huh?" His voice was more noticeable than before. It sounded soothing. I could feel my face heat up.

"Is it?" I turned to look at him.

He nodded and fixed his gaze out into the streets. Seemingly focused on something. I tried to follow his gaze but couldn't figure out what exactly had his interest. I cleared my throat. Nervousness plainly noticeable. What was making me act this way? Did I like him? But I just met him! I don't even know him!

"I actually think it's quite lovely. It's God's way of cleaning the earth. It's also calming and helps clear my head." I smiled. I could feel his gaze now fixed on me.

"Oh?" He paused for only a moment before continuing, "I like the way you perceive things."

My eyes widened a little and I slowly turned to look at him. He was closer than before and his smile was so warm, it made my heart melt. What was this feeling? I've never had it before.

"My name's Leo, and yours?"

I had struggled to remember my own name before spitting it out, "Sadie..."

"Such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl."

There it was again. My heart had skipped another beat. His expression seemed so soft, and his eyes made me feel like I was falling into a warm embrace. It was almost as if this wasn't real. I could feel the thump thump of my heart against my rib cage. It was so loud I was scared he could hear it.

"May I borrow your phone for a second?" He asked me politely.

I just nodded and handed him my phone from my pocket without realizing it. I didn't even question why he needed to borrow it. I watched as he opened my phone and typed something in. Could it be his number?

"Would you look at that!" he pointed to the street as he handed me my phone back. I look in surprise, the rain had stopped. Once again, he smiled warmly, "May I walk you home?"

"S-sure... That would be nice." Could this be a new beginning for me? We started to talk and laugh at things together. The streets were busy again now that the rain has stopped. God seemed to have a funny way of bringing people together, didn't he?

As the pages turn a new chapter begins. May this one be filled with friendship and maybe romance? That would be another chapter. For now, let's focus on this one.

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Author: Michaela Dunmon

Editor: Caleigh Manning