The Space Between Us

Chapter 16

In every relation we are in, we think we just need more love or more attention. But what we really need is peace.

Firstly the peace of mind. Then the peace that comes with being with that person.

We need peace in our relationship to feel at ease. To feel comfortable. To feel free to do and share everything with one another. We need the person who comes to you first to make up when you get angry with each other.

It's easy to find a lover, but it's hard to find a peace maker.

******

I sit at my regular table at the café, waiting for Sydney to start her shift.

I couldn't come up with something, but she mentioned that she starts at shift at 5, and i thought i could keep her occupied until her shift finishes at 2 then we could go for a walk.

Sydney walk in with her uniform and an apron tied around her waist. Her hair is a mess of curls and a scowl takes place on her beautiful face. She walks behind the counter and begin wiping it down furiously.

I get up and walk to her. I stand on the other side of the counter and tap my fingers on it twice before she notices.

"Oh, hey. You're here." She smiles

"Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

Her smile fades and she sighs. Then she shakes her head. "My boss is being a bitch. We had a deal. I told her no wiping or washing just waitressing. But when i came today she told me that one of the girls at the counter called in sick and i had  to fill in." She huffs. She links her hands and rests them on the counter and just stares at them.

"Don't be angry. Please. It's just a shift."

She sighs again and closes her eyes. "It's not that. I already hate this job."

"But if i want a black coffee, would you bring me one?"

She walks backward and holds the ends of her apron in a mock curtsey.

I lean against the counter and rest my elbow on it. And i watch her as she prepares my coffee.

Maybe it's wrong. But for a moment i see her in my house, walking around the kitchen in her pajamas and dancing around while preparing breakfast.

And I'm brought back to reality when she says "your coffee is here, sir."

I look at her and see the smile on her face. And i think it's the most mesmerizing sight.

I take the coffee from her hands and my fingers brush against hers. And it's like thousand fireworks exploded in between.

By the time her shift ends, i'm sitting in the corner writing. When she disappears into the locker rooms, i tuck my notebook in my pocket and go to meet her at the back door.

When she emerges, i immediately notice something is wrong. She looks exhausted and she can barely stand on her feet.

I walk over to her and i take her hands in my mine.

"You okay?" I run my thumb against her wrist repeatedly in a soothing motion

"Yeah, yeah. I'm just—" she closes her eyes and sighs. "Tired."

I link my fingers through hers. "Let's get you home, then."

We walk to her apartment in silence, just the occasional sound of Sydney sighing.

When Sydney opens the door, she goes immediately to the kitchen table and she sits down, elbows on the table and her head in her hands.

"Are you hungry?" I ask when i walk in after her.

She looks up with hopeful eyes and nods.

"Should i order pizza?"

She shrugs. "It will take time, and i'm tired i want to head to bed."

"I'll make you something then. Why don't you take a shower while i cook you something?"

She gets up without looking at me and heads straight to her bedroom.

I make her a quick mac and cheese. I take the bowl and i knock on her bedroom door which is slightly ajar.

When she doesn't answer, i push open the door gently to find her sprawled on the bed, on top on the covers, with her shoes on.

I put the plate on the night stand. I take off her shoes and socks. I debate taking off her jeans but that would be disrespectful.

I pull the blanket from underneath her and cover her. Then i turn on the heater.

I put the food in the fridge and leave her a note, telling her that there's food in the fridge, and to text me when she wakes up.

                                  *******

Have you ever felt that,
When you're in the depth of darkness,
You want to be saved,
But you don't have anyone to save you,
And you don't have the ability to do so all by yourself?