Short Stories

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/42214816

(I’m not too good at writing)

Here I stand behind the counter of Java Delight, the local café in my town, Oakburn. It’s my first, and so far, only job. I started working at age 16 and all my friends thought it an honor to work there.

I pull out my phone to look presentable even when I’m getting tired. It is midnight already, after all, and the store’s about to close in 45 minutes.

I run my fingers through my hazelnut-colored hair, the blue-gray eyes of my reflection staring back at me. I pinch my pale skin a little to give less of an impression that I’m really tired and to give some color to my cheeks.

Suddenly, I hear the bell ring, as it does each time a new customer enters. A young woman, or girl, around my age comes through the door. She has tan skin, waist-length, straight black hair with a blue streak in her bangs, and round glasses that sort of give her a cute nerdy vibe. She also wears a blue hoodie, black leggings, and white Nikes that give her a comfortable sort of look. I don’t think I’ve seen her in Oakburn before.

“Just a mocha, please.”

“One mocha coming right up.”

I turn around to prepare the drink.

“…Jaiden.”

I whip around again. “Yes?”

“It really is you.”

I squint my eyes at her. “…What?”

“We went to school together.”

I turn around to finish adding all the stuff. “I don’t remember you, though.”

She sighs, walking over to the end of the counter. “Ah, I thought you wouldn’t. I’m Luna. Luna Maxwell-Flores.”

“Luna Maxwell-Flores??”

I walk over to the end of the counter and give her the drink, feeling stupid. How could I forget my sophomore crush?

Luna looked different back then, but I suppose a lot could change in three years. Her hair was shorter, pure black, and she didn’t wear glasses. I’ve always been faceblind, so I suppose even those changes threw me off. She was cute then, and I must say, even cuter now.

I wonder if she’s just as nerdy… I clear my throat. No. Stay focused. She’s not your nerdy high school crush. She was your customer.

Rather than leave, Luna decides to stay and talk, I suppose until someone comes in again.

“I haven’t seen you in Oakburn.”

She shrugs. “I moved to the neighboring town, Pineview.”

“Ahhh. How is it?” I can’t find anything good to talk about or respond with.

“It’s good.” She fidgets a little. “A lot of trees and stuff. Pine trees.”

“Ah.” My face gets a little warm. She seems just as awkward as I am, maybe slightly less, but obviously cuter than I remember.

Silence.

Luna looks away, playing with her hands and tapping her foot.

I look away, too, a slight warm feeling rising in my chest.

“I, uh…” She starts to speak. “I should get going now. It’s already 12:30.”

She digs in her pocket, handing me a folded strip of paper. “Here.”

I wave. “Bye.”

She leaves, I get ready for closing time, and I unfold the paper.

“555-6789”.

I would definitely text her in the morning. Or well, in several hours.