What Comes Next

Chapter 13: Leonardo

Chapter 13: Leonardo

The second I am out the door I know I made a mistake, but going back means I'll have to confront the situation and why do that when you could run back to the youth center, get in your car, and cry. But, why am I crying? I haven't lost anyone. She's not dead. She's my best friend.

Was your best friend. How many times can you abandon someone at a McDonald's before they give up on you?

Probably no more than once. But I can fix this.

Do you want to fix this?

I like her.

But you can't ask her out.

Because I'm a coward, I know.

And it's not like you know how anyway.

Does she even like me?

If she has a thing for guys who abandon her.

I slam my face against my hands. I'm scared of something bad happening.

You are the bad that's happening.

I can't let her go.

And what if she doesn't say yes? 

Then we can just be friends.

Cause that's not awakward.

"SHUT UP!" I turn on my car and crank the radio up.

No more broken hearts

We're better off apart

Let's give it a try

Tell me, tell me, tell me lies

I know what I have to do.

~

Reaching the front of the line it becomes time for phase one.

"What would you like today?" says the man behind the counter.

"Actually, I wanted to order for someone else. There's a girl. She's a little shorter than me, brown hair, name's-" "Nellie." He finishes. "Do you know her?" I ask. "Yes, you can consider this talking to the father. Even though I'm more like a brother, except without the same DNA. Anyway, I'm Max and if you plan on doing anything you must request my permission." Annoyance was building up in me at his response, but I suppress it and calmly reply, "I'm going to ask her on a date, if you let me, and wanted to know if I could pay for her coffee and write this note on the cup before she comes in."

"Intentions?" Says Max cocking an eyebrow. "I don't know. I just want to be closer to her." I say honestly. He narrows his eyes at me. "You pass, but mark my words if you hurt my child in any way, shape, or form you will regret the day you were born. Seriously, she's been through enough. Now give me the note." He says holding out his hand.

Upon approving my request, Max told me to take a seat. I arrived at nine thirty, unsure of when she'd arrive given the newfound lack of employment. It's almost eleven when I hear her motorcycle pull up. I sink down in my chair to avoid being noticed. Max glances at me as she reads the note on her cup, then winks before prancing off like some kind of gay fairy godmother.

After what feels like an eternity Antoinelle looks up from her cup, turning in circles until she lays eyes on me. It feels as though every organ in my body has floated from its proper position, my face is numb, and I realize I should probably stand up now.

"So?" I say, not so smoothly.

"I don't know." She says, clearly hesistant.

"That's good." What.