A Thousand Words

2.

Ella's POV

It felt weird to walk the streets of this city that I once called home. When I moved back here, I expected to feel some sort of comfort and familiarity. Now that Jenna was gone, I felt like stranger in this crowded place. I walked past shops that were unfamiliar; ones that weren't here during my younger years. These small shops no longer had any sentimental value to me. 

A sense of relief filled my body once I saw a black sign with bold blue script. George's Cafe remained untouched since the last time I had been here. This coffee shop held so many insignificant memories during my teenage years. I spent so many hours sitting in the back corner table, studying for exams and writing lengthy papers in high school. I could even taste the peppermint on my lips from the endless amounts of holiday drinks I would order in the winter. My steps lengthened as eagerness filled my body. 

I opened the door to have the smell of coffee grounds consume my senses. My eyes trailed to the counter, hoping to spot the old man that had once greeted me with such enthusiasm and joy. My heart dropped when I spotted a young man with shaggier chestnut brown hair. What was he doing here?  

It wasn't that I disliked Tyler. I just didn't know him. From the interactions that we've had, he seemed cold hearted and rude. Not someone who I expected Jenna to end up with. I gave him the benefit of the doubt that he was dealing with grief, but he has yet to show me another side of him. 

Part of me wanted to turn around and walk right out of this shop, but another part of me told me to stand my ground. This was my spot for as long as I could remember. It only felt right to start off my quarter at a new college in the store that helped me struggle through my high school years. I realized that I had been standing at the entrance for a little longer than expected when my eyes locked with cold green ones. Disapproval and maybe even despise was evident in his face. 

I refused to give him the satisfaction of leaving and walked up to the counter. 

"What could I get started for you?" he muttered. There was no cheer in his voice. There never was. 

"Could I get a medium peppermint mocha and a garlic cheese bagel?" I spoke unwaveringly. Tyler simply nodded and took note of my order. I handed him my debit card without looking him in the eye. 

"El!" A voice boomed from side room. I looked to my right and recognized the short, gray haired man. A smile erupted on my face as he made his way to me. 

"Long time no see, George," I said with open arms. He pulled me into a brief hug. 

"What are you doing here? How have you been?" the old man asked. I stepped back and rested my arm on the counter. I forgot about the grumpy boy that stood behind the register. 

"I transferred to the University. California didn't feel right. I miss the cold weather...and your coffee," I winked. George stifled a chuckle. "But I've been better," I added, hinting toward the sadness that still lingered in my mind. 

George quickly looked at Tyler and back at me. He pursed his lips, knowing what I was referring to.

"Ah. I heard about what happened." The man pulled me back into a comforting hug. George knew how close Jenna and I were. I spent a lot of my time here alone, but also with my best friend. George was like another grandfather to us. He gave us advice on boy issues and helped us with our literary assignments. He was an insightful man that I had grown fond of. 

"I'm so sorry, El," George whispered. Hearing these simple words tugged at my heart strings once again. It was a reminder that Jenna was truly gone. 

A cough emerged from behind the counter. My head turned and I noticed my bagel and coffee were waiting for me. 

"Thank you," I said to the boy. He didn't acknowledge my gratitude and made his way to the other side of the counter. 

George motioned me to the empty table that I used to always sit at. I placed my things down and sat across from the old man. 

"He's not always like that," George informed me. "He just doesn't know how to deal with any of this. He loved her. He loved Jenna with all his heart."

I nodded in understanding. It was hard to not love her. I know I loved her, even though we lost contact throughout the last few years. When we were little she was my partner in crime, my best friend, the sister that I never had. I was like her pessimistic, insecure half, while she was like my optimistic ray of sunshine that always knew how to get me out of  my own head. It was hard to believe that she had taken her own life. From how I remembered her, she was so full of spirit and happiness. I wish I was there for her when things changed. Maybe I could've stopped it. Maybe I could've helped her, just like she helped me. 

"Well, now that you're back and a college student, would you like to work here? Just like old times?" George asked, changing the subject. 

"George..." I started off. I had only worked here briefly my senior year of high school. It felt like I stood behind that counter in a black apron ages ago. George had offered me a job here multiple times, but I always refused. It was only until I realized I needed some pocket change for college did I accept his offer. 

"I'm growing old, Ella. I can't stand behind that counter for very long without my hip acting up. I've been thinking about hiring someone, so save me the agony of interviewing random people. Plus, I know college isn't cheap. What do you say?" He persuaded. 

I did need money. Living in the city without a job wasn't possible. But, also, I didn't know if I could stand working alongside Tyler. He has been nothing but rude to me, and seeing him on a day to day basis would most likely tear me apart. 

I looked up at the disheveled boy. He faked a smile while talking to a customer. I couldn't help but think that maybe his attitude was temporary. There was a good chance that he'd eventually fall back into the character he once was. 

"I'd love to," I finally spoke. This job meant more than dealing with a sulking boy. I wanted to help George out and I was looking for a way to make money anyway. I was grateful that I would be working in a shop that I was familiar with; one that I had already been planning on spending so much time in. 

George gave me an enthusiastic grin. 

"Great! When can you start?"