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Autumn Storms

Autumn Storms

Storms were cold. Storms were dark. Storms were relentless. But the absolute worst things about storms, was that they cause you to get stuck in the closest dry place wish a bunch of strangers who were all seeking some form of shelter from the icy rain.

That was where PJ currently found himself. Stuck in small coffee shop full of random people he didn’t particularly wish to know whole outside the rain pounded on the windows. He didn’t mind the fact that they were strangers, or the fact that he was pretty much stuck there for a while; what he minded was the face that weather always affected people’s moods.  And rain made people unsociable, snappy and overall unpleasant to deal with.

After deciding he may as well buy something whole he was there, PJ joined the back of the queue, behind a black haired man with headphones on around his neck. He looked roughly the same age as PJ and was surprisingly the same height. PJ wouldn’t have given him a second glance had he not heard the music coming from the guy’s headphones. It was the Pokémon backing track. He was sure of it. Sure enough, when he leant around, he saw a Gameboy colour in the man’s hands. PJ smiled to himself, he was fan of vintage video games himself and just couldn’t help it. He paused for only a second before tapping the man on the shoulder. In an instant, the man turned around, pausing his game and smiling at PJ. “Hi,” PJ smiled back.

“Hey,” the black haired man greeted, stepping backwards as the queue shortened. PJ took a step before explaining himself, “Sorry, I just couldn’t help but notice you’re playing Pokémon.”

“Yeah,” the man chuckled, “Pokémon Red actually- thought I’d go vintage today. I’m Phil by the way.”

“PJ,” PJ said, shaking Phil’s hand. “I think Red and Blue are some of the best.”

“Yeah, although I do like the new Black and White one.”

“Excuse me sir,” the woman behind the counter said, trying to sound chirpy but obviously feeling impatient.

“Sorry,” Phil turned to her, “Just a latter please. Do you want anything?” PJ was surprise when Phil offered, taking a moment to register what he’d been asked.

“Er, just a cappuccino please,” he replied. Phil turned back to the counter,

“Do you mind adding two of those chocolate cake things too please?” The woman blatantly did mind but did as she was asked; after all, it was her job.

                PJ followed Phil over to a table in the back, drink in hand. “How much do I owe you?” PJ asked as they sat.

“Nothing,” Phil replied with a smile, handing PJ one of the cakes.

“I definitely do; you just brought me a drink and a cake.”

“I’m just being friendly,” Phil explained as if that was enough. PJ sighed and slid three pound coins across the table,

“I know it was something around that so just take it.”        

“Alright,” Phil shrugged, “but it was only 2.50.” PJ couldn’t help but laugh. The whole café was dull and reflections of the weather appeared on every face, and yet this stranger, with his bright blue eyes and pale skin, didn’t seem to notice any of it. Suddenly there was a loud crash which caused both Phil and PJ to turn to the window, assuming it was thunder.

“You’re looking the wrong way,” a voice said from beside them. The two turned the other way to find a tall, slim male with tanned skin and rich brown eyes on the floor next to their table. He was soaked from head to toe with rain and there were broken pieces of china on the floor around him. He didn’t look embarrassed, just worn out, as a shop assistant hurried over to clear up the mass he had caused.

“Do you wanna sit with us? We have cake,” Phil offered. PJ smiled at Phil’s kindness, especially on such a stormy day when it was so easy to be short tempered.

“Ok,” the man said slowly as he slid into a chair, “Why?”

“You look like you’re having a bad day and I like to cheer people up,” Phil told him. It was another explanation which didn’t really explain things. “I’m Phil, and this is PJ.”

“Dan,” the brown haired man introduced. “What does PJ stand for?”

“Oh, er-” PJ started but was interrupted when someone on his left cleared their throat. The three of them looked at a another young man, his skin the same tanned shade as Dan’s but his build shorter and his hair a little lighter. “Sorry,” the man cringed, “but would you mind terribly if I sit here? There aren’t any other seats and I just need to sit down right now. I won’t disturb you.”  The three of them nodded.

“Doesn’t matter, we don’t know each other anyway,” PJ told him.

“Oh, well I’m Chris.”

“Dan.”

“PJ.”

“Phil.” They spoke at the same time.

“Nice to meet you,” Chris said with a smile as he sat.  “Is that a Gameboy colour?” he asked noticing the object which was still in Phil’s hand.

“Yeah, I was playing Pokémon.”

“You like Pokémon?” Dan sounded surprised.

“Who doesn’t?” Phil replied. The others agreed unanimously.

An hour later, the storm had passed, a light drizzle and a few lingering grey clouds were all that remained of the thunder and lightning that had caused a sudden increase in business for the small café. And yet the four young men that had met completely by chance were still sat in the same place, fresh coffees in their hands and laughter ringing from their table. It was weird how much a little autumn storm could do when you thought about it. 

So this is my first published work on here, hope you like it :) Any comments would be greatly appriciated, espiecially constructive criticism. I will update as regularly as I write basically- hopefully that will be every couple of weeks x