Broken | Wattys2019

Chapter 4

When I awake the next morning, I find Oliver gone and the door locked.  He must have locked it behind himself, that was thoughtful most guys would have left it unlocked.  Pulling myself from the comfort of my bed I decide to get dressed for the day.  As I pull on my light wash mom jeans, I debate changing out of Oliver's black t-shirt but decide I like how it looks with my jeans and keep it on.  However, I tuck it in cutely and finish the look with a black belt with a simple gold buckle. 

While walking out the door I grab my phone and drop it into my purse before heading to the campus café.  To my surprise the café is relatively crowded despite the hours of partying everyone seemed to have enjoyed last night.  As I wait in line I scroll through my phone, when I notice the date at the top.  My hands begin to shake so I shove the device back into my purse before stepping out of line and hurrying into the restroom. Once I am safe from prying eyes, I anxiously walk to the sink and splash my face with water before gripping the edge of the counter.  When I look up into the mirror, I see my younger self staring back, I swallow hard suddenly aware of the thorns present in my throat.

I wave my hand in front of the automatic towel dispenser, my eyes never leaving my reflection. With a sigh I push away from the girl staring back at me and dry my face before returning to the lobby of the café.  My appetite is gone but I decide to ask politely for a cup of water.  I walk up beside the counter without returning to the line.

"Um excuse me."

"Yes?"  a young man responds.  By his boyish features I assume he is close to my age.  He smiles at me wide once he turns to face me.

"I know you're trying to make orders, but can I just get a cup of water?"  My eyes rake over his body as I take in his appearance.  He's cute but I'm sure that's just a front, no guy is as innocent as he looks.

"Of course."  He quickly grabs an empty cup and shovels some ice in before filling it with water.  "Here you go."

As I take the cup from him, I spot the purity ring on his finger and mentally roll my eyes.  He most likely isn't faithful to his word to God, what guy would be?

"Thanks," I whisper before accepting it and turning in search of a quiet spot to read.  I notice a comfortable chair near the large window that is empty and quickly claim it.  Once I make myself comfy, I reach into my purse and pull out my current religious study, The Old Testament.  I become lost in its words, only stopping to scribble my thoughts in the margins.

"I love your boldness." My gut tells me the statement was directed towards me, so I look up.

"I'm sorry what?"  I furrow my brow when I realize it's the guy that got me water.  What an odd thing to say.

"I just mean reading your bible in the middle of a café, most would not read something so comfortably when surrounded by strangers.  I admire it. I'm Christian as well and I have read that thing," he points to the book, "at least six times."

"Oh," I say plainly. "Um, I'm not Christian."

"Catholic?"  He looks at me clearly confused.

"Nope.  I actually don't classify with any religion."  I see the curiosity in his eyes peak as he slides a chair out to sit with me.

"Then why read a bible?" He tries not to laugh.

"I have studied many religions, this just happens to be one of the books I had on me."  I smirk at him.  "You find that odd, don't you?"

"Odd?  No, but I am curious as to why."  He smiles at me and I can tell I have his full attention; his eyes lock onto mine as he waits for me to respond.