Coffee for Two

***Now it's my turn. Here's my own version of a "sparks fly moment" - this actually is the story on how the characters in my other story "INFINITE WORLD" met. Please do bear with me and my a-little-bit-longer-than-usual post though. Hope you'll like it. :) ~ jhun

“Finally rest day, we meet again” she thought, as she slipped through the doorway of her workplace. While strolling through the cobbled streets on this dark and gloomy afternoon, she thought of the books waiting for her from the bookstore near home.  She can’t help but feel excited to pick it up and start her weekend reading list. That’s how she usually spends her off days. Wake up, grab a bowl of cereals, play one of her LPs, pick the first book from the stack and spend the rest of the day on her favourite reading spot – by the windowsill.

Near the subway station, she noticed a busker playing the guitar on the sidewalk and, being a sucker for good music, she stopped a few meters away from the crowd forming around him as he played a couple of songs requested by the audience. She enjoyed listening to him, blown away by his talent in making complicated riffs seem easy as his fingers flew gracefully on his guitar, which somehow made her wish, “If only I could play it as good as him”. She was about to leave when suddenly, she recognized the intro to the *song that he was going to play next. 

This made her stop on her tracks and turn around, as if his music was pulling her in. She pushed her way through the now bigger crowd until she reached the front and just stood there, her gaze transfixed to the guy playing her song.  And when he began to sing, her heart jump-dived to her stomach, tears brimming in her eyes as the memory of her father flashed across her mind. His heartfelt performance made her think that maybe he too had lost someone, or if not, then he’s just a really, really good performer. As the song ended, she felt that she too must give him a little something in return for his wonderful gift, so she opened her purse and grabbed a couple of bills and laid it on the open guitar case on his front. Feeling that it wasn’t enough, she looked at him and waited until she caught his eyes and when she finally did, she mouthed a soft “Thank You” and suddenly left as she beat her way through the crowded station.

Still a little bit shaken from her unusual detour, she ran to the platform so that she could catch her train. The doors are starting to close, but she’s pretty sure that she can make it. She was surprised though when a hand suddenly grabbed her from behind and pulled her away from the closing doors, leaving her speechless, as she watched the train leave without her. She turned around ready to strangle the person who made her miss her train, but was dumbfounded instead when she recognized that the person was no other than the guy who was playing outside just a little while ago.

source

“Where did you get that?” he asked in between huffs, trying to regain his breath. Confused and a little bit irritated she answered, “got what?”

“That.” Pointing to the necklace she was wearing.

Her hand flew to the locket, gripping it tight as she replied, “I bought it. What’s your problem by the way? Didn’t you notice that you just made me miss my train? Now I won’t be able to pick up my stuff from the shop before it closes. Thanks to you.” she said irritably.

“I’m sorry. This won’t take long I promise. I know this may sound weird, but can you just please let me buy that necklace from you? Just name your price and I’d gladly pay for it.”

This confused her even more. She stared at him and noticed that he wasn't just only out of breath, but he looked like a kid who was asking a gift from Santa. Afraid that she was getting assaulted by a crazy man, she moved a couple of steps away from him. She jumped to her feet though when his hand shot out of nowhere and grabbed her closer to him. 

“Are you trying to kill yourself?” he said angrily as he looked over her back. 

When she turned her head, that’s when she noticed that she almost fell to the rail tracks. Feeling chastised yet irritated at the same time, she pulled her arm away from his grip and was about to leave when suddenly he spoke again, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have shouted at you. It’s my fault that you got scared. It’s just that, that necklace is really important to me and I’ve been looking for it everywhere. Please. I’d pay anything just please give it back to me.” His eyes pleading, making her heart melt and skip at the same time.

“How can I be sure that this really belonged to you?”

“Inside it are pictures of a man and a woman. That is if you still haven’t changed it. If you look at it closely, I’m sure you’d notice why.”

Her mind racing, mentally looking inside the locket, and sure enough that’s when she remembered the face of the woman. But then she realized that the same face now also belongs to the stranger standing in front of her. He noticed when she finally understood his reason and pulled her to a nearby bench.

source

As they sat down, she was still in shock as she kept on staring at his face. Feeling a little bit uncomfortable by her reaction, he took out his wallet and flipped it open to pull out a small picture and gave it to her. Snapping out of her daze, she took it and noticed that it has three people on it. Looking at it closely, that’s when she realized that she was looking at the same couple in her locket, only now they’re accompanied by a little boy. It’s a pretty little picture of a happy family enjoying the sun by the beach.

Opening the locket, she looked at the pictures again and lets out a shaky breath. Turning her gaze back to the guy sitting beside her she asked, “How is this possible?” this time, with awe in her voice

Now it’s his turn to be confused with her question, “how is what possible?” he replied

“You. Here. Telling me that this couple are your parents. Am I right?”

“Yes, you're right.I know this is all surprising. I myself didn’t expect that I’d see that again after a mugger snatched it away from me. But why are you asking me why is it possible that they’re my parents?”

“Nothing. It’s just that I’ve been wondering about their story for so long. That’s the only reason why I even bought it in the first place. And now, their son is here, talking to me. Everything just feels so surreal.”

Letting out a soft sigh, she removed the chain around her neck. Giving it one final longing look, she took his hand and laid it out on his palm and closed his fingers around it with hers. She gave him a small smile and said “There you go. Now take care of it. Thanks for lending it for a little while.” Grabbing her things, she was about to take her leave when he asked “But what about your money? How much did you pay for it? I’m sure you didn’t buy this cheap. I’ll pay you back for it.”

“You were right. It wasn’t cheap. I was actually broke during that time when I bought it.” she said, laughing at the memory “But don’t worry. It was all worth it.” giving him a little smile.

“How about I take you to dinner instead? That would make me feel better. You don’t know how much this means to me. And I still feel bad for making you miss your train by the way.“

“You don’t have to, believe me it’s okay. I’ll probably just take the bus and pick my stuff out tomorrow morning.” “And I for one as a rule, don’t go out and talk to strangers because that’s what my mother taught me while I was growing up.” she added with a little wink

“Hey! You already met my parents. Does it still make me a stranger?” he quipped, then he thought of something that she couldn't probably resist

“What about I tell you their story over a cup of coffee? What do you think?”

The offer surprised her, and unexpectedly, she found herself thinking about accepting it. This coming from a socially awkward girl, who’d rather stay at home with her books rather than going out with her friends, was quite surprising. But then again, what the hell, she wondered. She’s been dreaming about their story for a long time and, now that the opportunity presented itself, who was she to refuse? Giving herself a little push on the back, she let out a sigh and said “Where are we off to then?”

*****

They took the bus and walked the rest of the way to the best coffee shop in town, near the bookstore that she was supposed to go to earlier. Noticing her look of longing to the “closed” sign on the window, he made a wild guess “Is thereby any chance that that's where you were rushing to?”

“Yip” she answered. She was surprised though when he pulled her to the door and he removed a set of keys from his pocket. As he fumbled with it she asked “What are you doing?”

“We’re picking up your stuff” he said simply, as if it was that obvious

Still confused, she asked “How in god’s name did you get a key for this place? I’d gladly sell a limb, even my heart out to the devil just to get one.”

Laughing at her statement he replied “First things first, ‘thou shalt not use thy god’s name in vain’, second ‘be always careful on what you wish for, third ‘never make a deal with the devil, you’ll always lose.’ and to answer your question, I have a key because I live here.” he replied nonchalantly.

Her jaw dropped as he pulled her into the premises of the store.  She was still in awe when he released her arm and moved to the back of the counter and browsed through the stacks of book lined up on the wall. Turning back to her he asked, “Which one is yours?” Still speechless, she moved closer and looked across the counter, recognizing the titles on one stack; she pointed it to him without uttering a single word. Wrapping her books in brown paper, he tied it with a ribbon and handed it over to her. Closing the lights inside the shop, he led her outside, to the chilly night once more.

*****

They took their seats across from each other. Their coffees sitting patiently waiting on the table, as they stared at each other for a long time, both mulling over the string of coincidences that happened today, when finally she asked “Do you really live in the book shop? How did that happen? I haven’t seen you once since I moved here and that was over a year ago. I thought you’re just an ordinary street performer.”

Taking his first sip, he set his cup slowly back to the table before he answered, “Yes, I do live there. That bookshop belonged to my mother’s family and was passed on from generation to generation. It just so happens that the present generation is only me. So I guess you could say that it’s now mine from the moment my mother died.” He took another sip before he continued, “And about my busking, it’s just my past time. I have regular gigs though, just in case you’re interested.”

“Really? Then why haven’t I seen you there? I’m always stopping by that shop after work.” 

“Let’s just say I’d rather pay other people to manage the place rather than do it myself. And I’ve only been back a week ago so I guess that pretty much answers your question.”

Still feeling a bit dazed, with goosebumps crawling across her skin, she warmed her hands on her cup as she replied “Yeah, I guess so.”

After a short awkward silence, he clapped his hands and said “So, are you ready to hear their story?”

As the rain began to pour, he told her the story that she’s been wanting to hear for a long, long time...

source

*****

“There. That’s it. Well I guess, you could say that the rest was history. They had me, they lived a happy life together, then they faced death together.” he said as he concluded their story a couple of hours after they sat down.

“I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine losing my parents at such an early age. At least I got to enjoy my childhood with my parents. Although up until now, I’m still missing my dad. Even if three years had already passed, when I think about it, it still feels like yesterday. ” her eyes clouding over the memory.

“Don’t worry about me; I do still get sad from time to time over losing them.  But when I think about the time I spent with them, even if it was cut short sooner than I wanted to, it was all worth it. At least I grew up knowing that they loved me until the end, unlike some of the kids who had parents, but then was battered and abused by the same people who was supposed to take good care of them. Besides, I still have my aunt and she gave me all the love and care that I needed while growing up.”

“I suppose so.” She answered, although her eyes remained downcast. Without thinking, he leaned across the table and took her hands in his, both of them surprised by the sudden contact, as if electricity from their joined hands shot across their bodies, making them more aware of each other’s presence. Not letting go, he looked at her intently and said “Believe me, I’m happy. To tell you the truth, this could probably one of the best days in my life since it happened.”

Thinking that he was referring to the moment when he finally found the necklace she nervously replied, “Then I’m happy for you. After a long time, you’re lucky you found it again.“ talking fast due to uneasiness because he’s still not letting go of her hand, she added “Me too, this could probably be also one of my best days. After all, one of the greatest mysteries in my life was finally answered.” This time giving him the best smile that she could muster through her nervousness.

Without breaking the contact, he shook his head as he said “No, that’s just not it. Yes, I’m glad that I found it again. But what made this day better was because I met you.” this made her gasp, but he continued  “I know you probably think I say that to all the girls I meet, but to tell you the truth, this is the first time I’ll ask out a girl that I’ve never met before. I’m not one of those guys who usually slide next to a random girl in a bar and ask for her number. I’m the type who’d rather nurse his beer alone while sitting on the side lines.”

Taking a deep breath, as if he too was feeling shaky because of this moment he said, “And you, you’re practically a stranger to me and yet, there’s something about you that made me want to know you better.”

Her mind still reeling from his words, he asked her “So, would you give me the honor of taking you out in a proper date?”

“Date?” she repeated, still unbelieving that this is happening to her, “You’re asking me out on a date?”

“Yes ma’am. Yes I am. You don’t have to be that nervous.” He added laughingly, “I’m not asking you to marry me...well, not yet anyway.” giving her that familiar smile that for the past few hours made her stomach flip and turn.

Could this be it? She wondered. Should I say yes? What if he was only affected by the events of the day? What if in the end he’ll realize I’m really not his type? What if he was just being nice to me but in the end, he’ll decide to just go on his own way? Would the risk be worth it? Would it –

He tugged the hands still clasped in his, bringing her attention back to him, his stare making the rest of her numb as he said “Stop overthinking it. Just go out with me and let’s see what happens.”

*****

“Wow, I still can’t believe everything that happened today.” she said with a shiver running through her spine. It's already close to midnight, and as they’re walking down the street to the stoplight, the heavy rain finally softened into a drizzle. She’s still thinking about everything they talked about while downing their second, third and fourth cups of coffee – from music, to books, to playing the guitar – he even offered her a tutorial, free of charge.

“Yeah, me too. I really didn’t expect that I’d find this again.” He said as he reached for the locket that he’s now wearing around his neck.

“Let me tell you a secret.” she whispered, as they stood by the stoplight, waiting for the light to change.

Tucking the necklace back under his shirt, he moved his now smiling face closer to hers, suddenly making her heart slam against her ribs, making it harder for her to breathe. Feeling unnerved by his proximity, she tried to step away but found herself instead backed against the light post.  - Damn that smile. How is he doing this to me? – she thought

“What is it?” he whispered back

“Well, I was kind of expecting these things from the moment I woke up.”

Now curious, he raised an eyebrow and gave her a little nod so she went on,

“I know you’ll find this weird. It’s okay with me if you want to break our date.” She paused, as the word ‘date’ made her stomach flip out once more. “But you see, I have this belief that something weird always happens to me during full moon. And even though you can’t see it because it’s cloudy, well tonight’s the first night of full moon.”

“When I said that I expected ‘these things’, it doesn’t mean that I know what would happen. I just know that it would be something weird.  And I guess you could say that this day has been full of it.”  She dropped her eyes to floor as she felt a blush slowly creeping up her neck.

As the drizzle slowly turned to a heavy downpour, she noticed on her periphery that the lights had already changed. So she took all the courage that she could muster to look up, expecting him to turn around any moment because the rain is now pouring harder. But when she did, her heart beat against her chest wildly when she realized that he was still looking at her eyes. 

His lips moving slowly closer to hers, he murmured "Does this also count as a weird moment then?"

What happened next simply caught her off guard, as suddenly, she felt a pair of warm lips pressing softly against her trembling ones. With eyes still open, his hands moved to her back, pulling her away from the light post, moving her body closer to his.  Unknowingly, her hands moved to his neck, gripping him tight; and when that too felt as if it wasn’t enough, she moved it higher until they’re now combing through his hair and that’s when she lost herself to the feel of her first real kiss.

link for the original picture

*****

Running across the pavement until they reached her porch, she turned around and found him still standing down the steps, out on the pouring rain. “Why don’t you come up?” she asked.

Giving her a devious grin, he answered “I thought your mother taught you to never talk to strangers, and now you’re inviting me in? Is this a sign of teenage rebellion?”

Laughing at his answer, she replied “When I said come up, I meant here on the porch so you could wait for me on the outside, while I go in and come back out with the umbrella that I was planning to lend you.”

“Well, I guess that means I struck out huh?” his smile now turned into a boyish grin “Never mind with the umbrella. I’ll be fine, I'm wet anyway. See you tomorrow then, I guess. Goodnight m'lady” he said, with a small bow

“Yeah, see you tomorrow. Goodnight to you too...m'lord” she said, while doing a little curtsy of her own

She stood there as he walked down the street back to the direction of his place when suddenly, he stopped and took something out of his pocket. Wondering about what he was doing, she waited until he turned around and walked back to where she was standing.

“I forgot to give you something” he said as he reached her.

Taking one of her hands in his, he put something cold on her palm and what she saw surprised her.

It was a key. The key to the book shop.

Without a word, he planted another quick kiss on her lips before he ran down the porch steps and after a few seconds, turned around once more as he shouted 

“Now you don't need to make a deal with the devil. But I’m planning to collect the payment soon and I don’t want any of your limbs. You hear?” And with that he turned around and ran the rest of his way home.

Her heart still pounding as words from one of their conversations earlier bounced back at her...

“How in God’s name did you get a key for this place? I’d gladly sell a limb, even my heart out to the devil just to get one.”

With that memory putting a smile up on her face, she went inside and closed the door, but not before she murmured a soft “Thank You” while looking up to the rain filled sky.

* just in case you're interested with the the song that he played outside the station, here's the link : Leader of the Band by Dan Fogelberg 

**original post can be found in the Moon Sister's Blog :)