serendipity [h.s.]

three

Song for the Chapter: Come A Little Closer by Cage The Elephant

(This song doesn't really go, I just love it a lot)

I wake up the next morning- tired and dreary. It seems that no matter how long I sleep, I am always tired. I always feel sleep deprived, it seems like I can never sleep long enough. I don't remember the last time I woke up and actually felt refreshed. My eyes are blurry and I try to blink away the haze. Soon, the realization hits me that I have work soon and even worse, school tomorrow. The first day of school. The last year of high school. My senior year.

I swallow the lump that forms and I try not to breath-attempting to suffocate the butterflies in my lungs. I had never felt the tingles in my stomach, I always felt them higher up, tickling my body as I breathed. Annoying things, really. I climb out of bed, pulling on my outfit. Soon, I leave the house for work.

***

The coffee shop is crowded, but knowing I need my daily dose of caffeine, I wait in line. Caffeine isn't good for anxiety and people with history of panic attacks- which is myself. It's a stimulant and activates your "fight or flight" response. Its jittery effects can actually cause an anxiety attack, and one day it did. I think about the memory and order a decaffeinated beverage. The beverage warms my mouth as it slides down my throat. I exit the shop and collide with someone entering.

I hear a deep chuckle and apologize as I try to move past them, but they grab my arm and stop me. I gently pull my arm from their touch. "I knew we'd see each other again."

The voice sounds so familiar, I lift my eyes from my shoes and see his evergreen eyes just under the brim of my hat. "Harry," I say.

"Josephine," he tips his light fedora at me, nodding. I nod back to him and trail my eyes down his outfit. The purple, plaid button up has left a few undone- exposing his tanned skin to me. I see swirls of ink and I look away.

"Where are you off to?" He questions and I watch his lips twitch up, a smirk adorning his face.

"Work."

"Ah," he nods again. "Let me walk you."

"That's not necessary," I politely decline.

"I insist."

"Harry-" I try to decline again, but he interrupts me.

"I'm coming with you." He commands smirking slightly. I nod and begin to walk- Harry right by my side. "So, where is it that you labor."

I watch my heeled oxfords tap against the pavement as I answer his question, my grey skirt flowing against my knees. "Jay's records and videos."

"The vintage store? With all the classics?" He asks, voice raising with interest.

"Yes," I nod. My knee high socks cling to my legs, fighting off the wind.

"Why there?"

"My father always adored the classics; I suppose I grew up loving them too."

He looks at me and smiles, his cheeks rosy. I sip the drink in my hand and smile slightly.

The rest of the walk is easy and I find myself a little reluctant when I end up at work. Harry bids me goodbye and walks away, leaving me on the doorstep of the shop, a little weight added to my heart.

***

The work day is slow and only a few customers trickle in and out. I leave around six, my boss giving me permission. The air whips around as I pull my coat tighter around my body. The sun is just beginning to set and the pink blends perfectly with the cobalt over the horizon. Cars slowly pass on the street next to me and many people move by me on the sidewalk. Nearly everyone walks around here- getting where they need to go. It is a small town.

As the voices quiet down and the sun falls further, my head begins to fill with all the conversations I'll have to have with "acquaintances" tomorrow. Seeing new teachers and getting new classes, what fun. It was time for the fake enthusiasm and the fake "I miss you"'s.

"Why didn't we hang out this summer?"

"Where were you?"

"You look so different!" or "You didn't change at all!"

"I hope we have classes this year!"

"It's so good to see you!"

I decided I was going to count how many times I heard one of those things. I reach my house and slide inside. I hear the crackle of oil in a pan. Rita is making dinner, but I decide to sneak upstairs. I'm not very hungry, considering winged-insects have invaded my body. I reach my room and flop onto the navy comforter. My phone buzzes in my bag and I lean over, grabbing it.

Harry: It was nice seeing you today. xx

I feel the lightness return as I type a reply.

Me: Yes. It was. I enjoy talking to you.

I set my phone down as I change into my pajamas. I slide under the comforter, knowing I need strength for tomorrow. My phone buzzes once again.

Harry: I'm thrilled to read that. Well, I'll see you soon, Josephine.

Harry: You know what... I'm going to call you Joe.

Harry: Joe is a nice nickname.

Harry: Well, good night, Joe. Sleep well. xx

"I'll try," I mutter to myself. I read over the texts a few more times and thinking about it, no one has ever called me "Joe". I don't know why. But imagining my new nickname sliding off his tongue makes me want to see him soon.

Me: Good night, Harry. Sweet dreams. X

I turn off my light and soon fall asleep to blazing eyes and cheeky smirks.

***

Author's Note: Super short, I know, but I felt like I needed to update. The second semester has just started and it's becoming stressful. Anyway, enjoy! Much love to you all!

-Alli.