Finding Myself [Markson]

Chapter 1: Rain and Coffee

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Chapter 1: Rain and Coffee
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Mark looked out the window and admired the yellow, orange, and brown leaves that fell from the tress that danced in the autumn wind. He closed his eyes and imagined himself walking down a path as leaves littered the ground. A small smile almost graced his lips, but just as soon as it had arrived, it was gone. "Here you go, the cream has already been added. Honestly Mark, how can you handle that much sweetness in a cup of coffee? That's just asking for more caffeine."

The young male blinked out of his daze and turned his attention to his best and only friend, Bambam who was currently taking a seat across from him. "You should know by now that I don't like my coffee bitter," Mark replied with a small grin. Bambam was the only person he showed his emotions to. The two have known each other since middle school.

When they first met, Mark was this shy and quiet guy who couldn't hold someone's gaze for more than three seconds. Then Bambam came along, so full of life and excitement. He was the complete opposite of Mark. All smiles, outgoing, he was the type of guy who wouldn't have trouble fitting in. But what surprised Mark the most was the fact that Bambam decided to talk to him, to hang out with him and he was grateful for that. He was the one to help Mark out of his shell.

"Yeah," Bambam replied returning the grin, "You also hate black coffee, and you like to wait until your coffee is lukewarm before drinking it which still confuses me. Isn't coffee better when it's nice and hot?" To prove his point, he picked up his cup of coffee and took a small sip as to not burn his tongue before setting the cup down. Mark shook his head, "Are we really going to have a debate about this again? When the coffee is lukewarm, it makes the flavors stand out more. To me it taste more rich in flavors and the after taste."

Bambam playfully rolled his eyes, "Yeah? Well it sounds like a horrible way to drink coffee." Mark chuckled as he wrapped his fingers around his cup of coffee. By now it was lukewarm and ready to drink. He shifted his gaze to the window and took a sip, watching the usual routine of people walking by on the sidewalks of New York City. Mark remembered the first time he moved to New York, he was only twelve at the time but it almost felt like yesterday. Since he came from a house in the country, you could imagine his surprise when him and his parents moved to a city. It was something out of his comfort zone but he learned to get use to it. After all, he had to for his mom who received a job transfer.

His mom, a beautiful and independent woman who worked hard to get her job done. She was a nurse and enjoyed working with children. She was always the sort of woman who was never afraid to go out and do what she wanted which is the thing Mark looked up to her for. He wanted to be just like her, but he was lacking the confidence....he was lacking the woman who could help him in that area. "....listening to me?" Mark blinked and looked over at Bambam who was raising an eyebrow in question. Mark felt hear rise to his cheeks for being caught daydreaming more than once today. "N-no sorry... What were you saying?" Bambam sighed through his nose as he threw his hands up. "I can't believe you weren't listening to me. What kind of friend are you?"

Mark rubbed the back of his neck, "The kind of friend who goes out with you to those horrible concerts every Saturday night." Bambam shot him a playful glare before humming. "I suppose you're right, but that doesn't explain why you were in la la land just now. What were you thinking about?" Mark lowered his gaze, moving his coffee cup from one hand to the other. "I was just thinking about my mom," he replied.

Bambam nodded in understanding, "How.... How is your dad doing?" Mark knew he was actually asking if his dad was still drinking, and sadly he was. He only started after the death of his wife. "He's....handling it the only way he can. Drinking long into the night," Mark answered meeting Bambam's gaze. Mark found it easier to talk to him rather than someone else he didn't know, like a therapist for example. Mark didn't need knew of those when he had his friend to rant to. "I'm sorry to hear that," Bambam mumbled. "Your mom....she was....an extraordinary woman."

"The best," Mark added with a nod. He cleared his throat and removed his hands from his cup. "Anyway...how's life been treating you?" Bambam didn't comment on the change of topic, he understood how hard it was to talk about someone you loved. Instead he chuckled and shook his head, "Life is a butch you know that? My boss wants me to work double the shift tomorrow night just because I was two minutes late, can you believe that? But hey, it's not all bad. Remember that apartment I was telling you about?" Mark nodded, "Yeah the one that's been for rent for a month now?" Bambam hummed as an answer. "Yeah well guess what? The women who's renting it out has finally offered it to me. So I was thinking why not move in with me? It's got two rooms, one bath, a kitchen, the utensils are already there. We'll just have to set up the furniture."

Bambam's eyes glowed with excitement. Mark frowned slightly, "That's great really but....you know I can't leave my dad alone...he needs me there." The light in Bambam's eyes slowly dimmed. "Mark he barely noticed that you're there. I'm sure he won't care if you move out. You're a twenty two year old young man and you're still living with your dad." Mark hated to admit it, but Bambam did have a point. He was suppose to move out a long time ago but he could never bring himself to do it. His dad lost his wife and he just.....he didn't want his dad to feel like he lost him too. Sure he barely notices Mark but he's the only family his dad has left.

"I'm the only thing he has left Bambam...I.... I can't." Bambam nodded in understanding, "Well the offer still stands. I've got your name written on the extra room. You can come over any time alright?" Mark nodded with a smile, he was lucky to have someone like Bambam. "Well now that that's all sorted out, should we head to work?" Bambam asked. Mark downed the rest of his coffee and nodded. "Let's get to work."