Broken People

5. Arby's

Clara's POV

Arjun led me to his car, never taking his eyes off the floor. He let other people get ahead of him, stopping suddenly and sidestepping. And I thought I was bad.
He didn't bother to ask me questions as we walked to his car. He opened the passenger door for me, waited for me to get in and shut the door before going to the driver's side.
We rode in silence which gave me time to look at him more clearly. He had a black leather jacket over his white t shirt, and faded blue ripped jeans. He had a cut over his eye, but that just added to his look.
''So, where do you want to eat at?'' He asked glancing at me

"Anywhere, it don't matter.'' I say quietly looking out the window.

''Arby's?''

''Yeah sure''

''We don't have to if you don't want too.''  

I think about it for a while. I know I don't have too, but he makes me curious. I'm curious about his past and his issues. "I want too." I say quietly, still not looking at him.

"Okay." There was something about his voice that made me turn and face him. He was smiling a little.

"Why are you smiling?"

"Because normally no one listens to me."

"Am I listening to you?"

"I guess you are because you're not fighting with me."

"Oh. Makes sense. I'm just not good at this whole socialing thing."

We stop at a red light and he turns to look at me. "Me too" he whispers. He turns back around just as the light turns green. We rode in silence for the rest of the way to Arby's.

Arjun's POV

Clara is a interesting girl and sad one at the same time. I can tell that she likes silence, which I am totally fine with. But I guess people like us, love the silence. 

I can't tell if black is her favorite color or if she just likes to wear it because of the darkness she feels. The only thing that was not black on her was her blonde hair.  Which I am surprised that she hasn't dyed her hair black yet, but I'm glad she hasn't. She had on slim black sweat pants and a black hoodie with the thumb holes. I can tell that she's a small girl. She only maybe weighs one hundred pounds.

"I think you just passed Arby's." Her small quiet voice told me, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Oh, yeah. Thanks." I did a quick u-turn and pulled into Arby's parking lot. I got out to open the door for Clara before she got out. 

"Thank you" she smiled at me a little and got out of the car. As we walked in I opened the doors for her. What can I say, my mom raised me to be a gentleman. She looked shocked after I opened the second door for her, but she still said nothing. 

"What can I do for you all today?" The cashier asked us.

"I'll take your buffalo sandwich and a large fry and medium drink." I got out of the way to let Clara order but she was still looking at the menu. "Need help?" I leaned down and whispered in her ear. She jumped back a little and looked me. Her eyes were huge with surprise and a tad bit of fear.

"You scared the chickens out of me."

"Chickens?"

"Yes, chickens." she said quietly and looked down at the ground.

"Maybe, you should order before she gets upset at us."

"Yeah. Uhm..... what should I get?"

"Anything. I don't care."

"K." she turned around to the cashier. "Hi, I think I'll take you roast beef sandwich and make it a small."

"Yes ma'am. Name for the order?"

"Arjun." and we walked away to go get our drinks. 

We sat down in silence waiting for our food to get ready. She doesn't talk much and I don't talk much either. But surprisingly it was a awkward silence it was a comfortable silence. Normally people wants me to talk with them, like small talk and then I'll get uncomfortable but with Clara, I don't feel out place and I just met her.

"How old are you?" her quiet voice asked.

"Twenty-eight. Why?" I asked back.

"Just curious." then she looked away as if I just chastised her. 

"How are old you?" I ask trying to lighten the mood some.

"Twenty."

"Really? Because you look way younger. No offense." I put my hands out in front of me to prove that I wasn't trying to offend her.

"I know." 

We got our food and ate in silence. She doesn't even drink when she eats and she eats one thing at a time. Is it weird that I'm noticing these things about her? 

"Hey, my uhm.... church is having a event. And normally I don't go, but with Dr. Grace thinking that it's a good idea for us to hangout...... will you like to go with me?" I ask uncertainly. I don't even know where the idea came from.

"I'll think about it." she replied not looking at me.

"Great. Can I have your number?"

"Sure....." she got her phone and handed it to me. "Just put your number in there so that way I can know who you are."

"Oh yeah sure." After I got her number and she got mine, we got up to leave. The car ride back to Dr. Grace's office was quiet, as usual. When we got in the parking lot, I got out to open the door for her.

"Thanks for taking me to lunch." she smiled at me.

"No problem. So, where is your car at?"

"Oh I walk home or Dr. Grace will give me a ride."

"Do you want me to drive you home?"

"No, and if Dr. Grace can't drive me back then I'll walk."

"But I don't want you to walk home." I stated firmly, wondering where this is coming from.

"I can and I will." she said, she pointed her eyes at me. Like a challenge.

"It's not safe for you."

"Oh and you are?"

Sorry it took so long to update. I've been busy with school, work and the Covid-19. Random fact, I ate a 32 oz jar of pickled okra while writing this chapter. Please comment and vote if you like the story.