The Forgotten Queen

The Cafe

Pulling myself off my bed, I dragged myself to the bathroom and got ready for the day, throwing on a black short sleeved shirt and a black short pants, passing the mirror I stopped short of the door and looked at my reflection, “You got this, look good, feel good, be good,” I prompted, “leh go,” I said with attitude and started out the door to the stairs, I slid down the rail and glanced at the clock on the wall as I made my way down. “11:30, damn, I slept for a while,” I grabbed my keys, bag and slung my jacket over my shoulder as I made my way out the door. Happily, I strut down the street and tipped my head at the neighbor, a pleasant old lady. Walking down the street on my way to the café I heard music blasting from a radio, people were singing and dancing to the Spanish song, I didn’t mind it, in fact I started dancing with them young girls and boys circled me as I swayed my hips to the music, I clapped with them and danced as I made my way to the café, the festival went all the way to the café. Children followed me, dancing along with me. By the time I reached the café the festival died down a bit and the café wasn’t to far from my sight, a childish smile spread on my lips as I made my way to the doors of the café. I noticed a familiar face, his body was leaning against the wall of the café, walking closer, I realized who it was, Mark. He had the stupidest grin on his face, I wonder if he saw me dance on the way here? I stood upright and slowed my pace, “Um, how much did u see?” I said embarrassed, “Enough,” he said slyly. “Anyway, let’s get to work,” I said looking at the ground, my ombre hair, covering my cherry red face. I walked in, mark not far behind, “Ill grab us a seat, you go ahead and order something, I don’t feel for anything,” I said trying to get away from Mark, my face felt hot with blood, “No problem,” I felt him walk forward and get a spot in the line, I went to the far back of the café and sat  in the corner. Tapping my fingers against the table, I began thinking to myself. ‘Come on Claire, snap out of it, focus on your task, he doesn’t like you anyway, I mean come on.’ The thought a bit saddening but I tried to keep my smile. As if not on cue, Mark sat in front of me, my smile a bit faded now and I feel like someone just punched me in the gut. For some reason I felt to vomit, it seemed as if it was just the thought made me sick to the stomach, “hey, you okay?”
“Huh? O yeah, I’m fine,” i said flashing him a bright smile. “Okay…, so I’ve been doing a lot of research, on the topic and I’ve found some interesting facts,…”  his voice trailed off, and I blanked, the area surrounding him darkened and the image of Mark became distorted and my vision became blurry, I felt like I couldn’t breathe, I struggled for breath and stood up, rushing outside for fresh air. ‘178960 find the code, find the way, find the way, find the code!!!’ a screeching voice inside my head. I slumped on the wall and gripped a ball of hair. Pain scorched my head and I felt to pass out but i stayed strong, trying to fight the pain, my sense of sound and sight was restored and eyes felt filled with tears of pain. I found myself on my knees with Mark trying to comfort me. His warm embrace around my fragile, aching body. “Its okay, everything’s okay, I’m here,” my panting slowed to deep, paced breaths and a tear slowly streamed down my cheek soaking the man's red flannel, he got up slowly bringing me up with him. “Come on we have to get you back home, we will talk there,” he said in a deep, reassuring voice. “S-straight down, the s-s-street. White h-house on the ri-ght,” I found it hard to speak from my shaking voice, he covered me with my jacket and helped me by draping a hand on my waist and slinging my hand over his shoulder, I felt dizzy and sick.