Insane - Who Are You To Judge? (Gripping Psychological Thriller)

Chapter 10 - Avery

She strides towards the counter where Heidi eagerly awaits and begins to address her quickly, saying, "can I please have a black coffee?" Quickly, she adds, "to go."

Her loose curls glisten in the sunlight as she brushes them over her shoulder, revealing her softly bronzed cheeks. The sheer cobalt blouse hugs her hourglass figure. She twists her neck to view the entrance, allowing me to see her eyes. At first glance they appear a deep hazel shade, but the longer I study them, they become a rich hunter green splashed with golden specs of dust that reflect the light shining through the shop window as if they are a mirror.

The warm glow to her gaze lowers as she catches sight of him shuffling in after her, only a few moments later. He reaches her and grabs her wrist as she tries to turn away. Heidi witnesses this and shoots her with a concerned look, but she smiles politely and dips her head, giving reassurance.

They are a young couple, barely out of their teen years (or maybe they're just blessed with good genes). Yet, their expressions mirror those of two adults with the weight of life's worries placed heavily upon their shoulders. Young people nowadays really do worry far too much. Then again, who am I to judge?

She sighs and glances down, avoiding direct eye contact as he pleads. They hum under their breaths to prevent their words from being overheard. Though, their efforts are in vain since this café is only small and I am seated close by.

"We've been through this so many times," she declares to him, "I'm not going to tell you again."

He hangs his head low, resembling a puppy being scolded by its owner. "I'm not going to give up. You know I'm not going to give up."

She is handed a coffee and she hastily pushes past him, aiming for the door. She is a strong character, I can tell that much, but he is strong too. His persistence stops her from leaving and she puts her cup down on the table next to mine.

I turn back to my computer and pull up a few more files, clicking them open and closed. The burning need to let my eyes fall so that I can stare at them is intolerable, and it takes all of my will power to only observe them with my ears.

He is rambling continuously and at the speed of a rocket, whilst she avoids saying anything at all and gives only one- or two-word answers.

With my peripheral vision, I see him reach out and caress her hand. Though he has attempted this multiple times, this is the first time she does not retreat back into a folded position.

"Please," he begs, "what do I have to do? Just tell me what I have to do and I'll do it. I would do anything for you, you must know that."

This time she takes his hand in both of hers, surprising both him and me equally and gazes straight into his eyes. For the first time in twenty-eight minutes, he is completely silent, and so is she.

One agonizing minute later she shrivels back, sitting upright in her chair and a good two feet away from him. With her eyes returning to staring at her jeans, she murmurs, "I just don't think it can work. I don't think I can risk everything for this."

"You mean for me." His tone is no longer desperate and insecure. Suddenly, it grows cold and harsh. As if he had just had a complete character-reboot.

I purse my lips and suck in a quick breath. Oh that's got to sting, I think, kicking myself for not bringing some snacks to this show.

She dabs a finger to her eye and shoves the chair back as she hoists herself out of it, scuffling her way onto the street.

Unfortunately, the evolution of his character doesn't stick since when he sees this he immediately hurries after her, apologising copiously.