The Many Faces of Edmund Fig (ManxMan)

Chapter 4: If looks could kill

Warning: if you do not know how to read or do not understand the concept of ManxMan please do not continue reading past this. This is a romance between two men. If you do not like this I highly suggest you exit this story immediately. If you do then please keep reading. I hope you enjoy :)

Chapter 4: If looks could kill

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

"Joseph!"

I trudged over to the barista and nodded taking my coffee. I finally caved in and came down to the coffee shop. I avoided looking across the street. I sighed turning around and slamming into a hard chest.

"Sorr..."

Cool grey orbs glowered down at me.

"E-Edmund." I rasped.

I swallowed dryly. Of all the damn days I would run into him. Although I probably couldn't have avoided him forever. It was a matter of time before we ran into one another. I just didn't expect it to be so soon. My eyes darted around nervously as I tried to form a coherent explanation.

"Unless you are made of air, you are blocking the way."

I met his harsh gaze, a shudder running though me. I quickly stepped out of the way, my head lowering. Why wasn't I expecting this? He has every right to be pissed. I never showed up to explain or even apologized. I bit my lip, my throat aching. That warm autumn scent enveloped me as he walked past. My hand reached out on its own accord.

"P-please let me explain."

I released his arm flinching under his gaze. If looks could kill. He walked past me towards the corner table and began removing his coat. I took the hint and sat across from him not bothering to remove my coat. He looked up his lips in a thin line.

"Explain."

I took a quick sip from my coffee. I need a drink but this will have to do.

"M-my boss needed me to c-ome in a-and forced me to stay the entire day. I-I tried telling him I had plans and h-he threatened to fire me. I-I'm really sorry Edmund! I w-wanted to explain but I figured you wouldn't e-even acknowledge me. I w-was too chicken shit t-to come f-face you. To a-apologize. I know I'm a piece of shit and you have e-very right to be pissed and call me every name in the book."

I peeked up at him. He sat perfectly still his eyes catching mine.

"Do I intimidate you so much that you were scared to even come and explain?"

There was no anger, surprisingly, in his voice.

"I-I'm not sure...I just assumed that you would bite my head off."

His brow creased ever so slightly, his eyes flashing.

"Exactly. You assume. You don't even know me. You had no idea how I would react." He growled.