Journey of Change

"Here you go, Jase. It is your usual, black coffee and a bagel with cream cheese. You need to spice something up in your life." Sara the waitress said while setting down the cup and plate. "Time is a cruel thing. Before long you could forget what you did ten minutes ago."

"Well, for your information Sara, I am only twenty-seven so I still have time." Jase laughed. "What kind of spice do I really need to make my life even better?"

"Jase McWilliams, I have known you for what, six years now, and your routine is so predictable. You get here at seven o'clock on the dot, have coffee and a bagel, read the comics in the paper, and then go to work. On the weekends, you are still here at seven on the dot and read, and then you go off to the gym for your weekend routine. I think it is time you branch out and find yourself a partner." Sara is the first friend Jase made when he moved to Georgia. To be fair, she is his best friend. She does not sugar coat her opinion one bit and that is why Jase loves talking to her. She says what is on her mind but with Jase she's a little more careful because of his life story.

"Well doll, I will think about it. I'll get back to you on some spice if I can figure something out." Jase said sticking his tongue out. Sara just giggles as she walks away. As the time slowly passed, Jase ate his bagel and drank his coffee as he read the comics. He loved reading the Charlie Brown parts along with Garfield. By eight o'clock, he is heading back to the counter to get a to-go cup of coffee so he has one at work. However, when he turns around to walk out he bumps into a man standing behind him spilling the contents on his shirt.

"Crap, I am so sorry. I didn't realize you were right behind me. Great work, Jase," he said as he grabs some napkins off the counter.

"Oh, it is quite all right. Sure it is hot, but it is no big deal." The man was calm as Jase handed him some napkins to dab the coffee stain. "I shouldn't have been that close to ya to begin with. Lemme take the blame for this."

"I should have moved to the side before turning around. I'm sorry, wasn't thinking honestly."

"What is your name? Mine is Henry but I go by Hen."

"Jase. Nice to meet you, Hen," Jase said extending his hand.

"Nice to meet you too Jase, Don't worry about the stain. It will come out in the wash. Sara, can he get another to-go, and I will have the same?" Hen shakes Jase's hand with a smile. "I think I have seen you here before. So you are not new around these parts. How long have you been in town? Better yet, what do you do for work in a small town like this?"

"Yeah, I come here daily. I guess I have a predictable routine from what someone informed be this morning. Thanks Sara, I will see you again tomorrow morning!" Jase grabs his coffee and runs through the door.

Hen looked at Sara with a confused look. Did Jase completely ignore what he had asked him or was it his imagination. Sara knew Jase to well to know he was ignoring the questions Hen had asked; so she lead Hen to a table and told him Jase's story. Meanwhile, Jase was driving to the park on the other side of town to meet his clients. He was a photographer who primarily did photos for special events and whatever else he could for his clients. Pulling into the parking lot, he sat there taking deep breaths to calm his nerves from the encounter at the shop. Finally getting a grip, he climbs out of the car with his camera case and coffee in hand.

You could smell the fresh cut grass in the summer air. Birds chirped as they talked to one another. For a summer day, this was a great day to get photos done. It wasn't scorching hot but warm enough that went the wind blew rustling the leaves, you weren't chilled. The sun provided the best light to make the photos even more real and enjoyable. Flowers of all colors lined the edges of the park by the sidewalks giving it a cheerful look.