cole & evangeline

04 - a new side of them

Cole refreshed his page.

Still no new messages.

He leaned back against the counter, careful not to bump into any of the coffee machines.

Earlier, his parents had arrived home, promptly awaking him from sleep at an ungodly four in the morning. Why they hadn't let him sleep for a few more hours, he couldn't really say. However, since Cole had work at 8, that was the only convenient time to talk with them before he had to leave. He recalled their reunion.

"Coooole! We're home!"

His mother's voice.

"Come down already, you don't want to keep us waiting, especially after a long flight!"

His father's.

As much as he wanted to close his eyes and travel back to his unconscious, his heart, which was fighting back against the fatigue, wanted to see his parents again.

And so, a disheveled Cole lumbered down the stairs. Upon seeing his unruly appearance, his dad was the first to speak. "You made it one piece, eh?" he commented. Cole didn't reply to that. He didn't have the energy to. He managed a "mmm" instead.

Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around his waist. Cole smelled hints of vanilla. His mom always told him that smelling clean and fresh was a sure sign of good personal hygiene. Well, he hadn't had his morning shower, so he couldn't imagine what his mom thought right now.

"Sorry to wake you up this early," his mom professed, "but we wanted to see our beloved son as soon as we arrived!" As to make up for it, she revealed multiple large shopping bags behind her. "Look what we brought back from our trip! More things to add to your closet and a bunch of snacks you can't get here in town!"

With some effort, he took them, feeling the weight of each. Leave it to his parents to go absolutely crazy when given the opportunity to buy things out of town. "I'm glad you guys are back," he said at last. For a moment, Cole could pretend his parents weren't going to leave for a long time. He could pretend they were staying for good. He could pretend they didn't have jobs all across the world, only right here in town. He could pretend...

But for how long?

The rest of the morning before work, the Prescott family caught up with each other, sharing stories over toast and cereal. 

Cole checked the time: 7:29 AM.

"So, Cole, how is work?" his dad asked, taking another bite of toast.

"It's going as usual," Cole provided, then continued, knowing what his dad was really asking for. "I'm getting a steady wage and the work environment is fine."

"That's good, that's good," his mom commented. "But just so you know dear—"

"Mom," Cole interrupted, knowing what she was going to say next.

"Butjustsoyouknow, you don't have to work there forever. Father and I can always support you with whatever you need. After all, this is just temporary, right?"

That last part stung. Cole gripped his spoon. Glanced at the clock. 7:30. 

"I gotta go. Work," he said, clipped, standing up abruptly. His parents were silent in surprise as he made his way towards the door. Turning around, Cole saw their expressions of confusion and bewilderment. He added, "I'll be back early afternoon. Text me if you need anything." Cole shut the door.

Back in the present, Cole looked over to his right, spotting Evangeline sipping her cappuccino while wiping down the counters. She paused, taking a moment to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.