Chapter Three

I did not want to wake up early on a Friday, but Penny refused to take that as a legit excuse. Everyone had been excited for this P. A Day-- myself included-- for the prospect of sleep and relaxation. Penny turned the tables on my glee when she planned her party on that day--even though her birthday had occurred three weeks prior to this day-- and demanded my presence at the Rabbit Hole at the dreadful hour of eight in the morning. Work at the department store the night before had basically murdered me by forcing me to stay up until two in the morning cleaning and waiting for the overnight manager to arrive. They arrived an hour later, and I did not arrive home until four in the morning. This appeared to happen most days, but today I was already prepared for the day to end. In anticipation for this glorious event I booked both Friday and Saturday off--which would not sit well with Doug and my mother--but now I was regretting my decision. Hauling myself out of bed I threw on some random clothes that consisted of jeans, a baggy black long sleeve and a red plaid scarf wrapped around my throat. A foreboding feeling washed over me and I shuddered in response. Incidents like this had been happening for a few months so I brushed it off as nerves or exhaustion. I was tying my messy hair back into an even messier ponytail with my wallet and keys secured in my pocket. Smoke hung in the air and I already knew Doug and my mother were awake. Trying to avoid as much conflict as possible from the abusive couple I quickened my pace. My mother barely noticed my presence, but Doug sure noticed when I slipped on my black boots.

"Where are you going?" His rough voice called out. I opened the creaky door and craned my neck around to see the large man rising from the stained slate sofa.

"I'm planning on becoming the mayor of Sodom and Gomorrah, take over the world and become a pirate. I should be done all that by lunch." I said, a smug smile resting on my lips as my heart hammered in my chest, "It's Penny's birthday party. I'll be home late." I added before my legs switched into a sprint. I could hear Doug yell from behind me, but my legs kept going. I ran downstairs-- almost falling in the process-- to the glass door that separated the interior and exterior, I flung myself outside, the morning rays washing over me and spotted a familiar yellow Volkswagen Bug idling in one of the handicap parking spots. Penny stuck her auburn head out the window, her hazel eyes sparkling.

"Get in!" She squealed. The balcony door swung open and an enraged Doug stood there, my mother right next to him with a simmering glare.

"Get back here you little tramp!" He barked. I scrambled into the car, heart racing like a jack rabbit. Penny sped away, laughing maniacally as she did so. Just like our new weekly routine Penny drove around and picked up Lindsey and Hannah before changing her course to the Rabbit Hole. When Hannah entered the car, however, she hoisted a large backpack onto her lap with a loud bellow. A chuckle bubbled in my throat, as my expression became quizzical. Penny saw my perplexed face, as I stared at the backpack from the rearview mirror.

"We're having a sleepover at my house, remember?" She smirked, poking my ribcage. I snorted, and shook my head in exasperation.

"No, I forgot." I chuckled and flung my arm over my eyes to block out the sun.

"Stupid." Hannah silently mocked, so I flipped her the bird with my free arm.

"Yes I'm stupid. I'm stupid because I allow you to stupid… to be able to allow… to-- ah hell. I'm giving up on talking, I'm too tired for this." I sighed in frustration, causing my posse to giggle at my antics. Lindsey was retrieved next from her home and hoisted a similar yet smaller backpack onto her lap.

"Glad to know I'm the only one who didn't pack." I winced as my hand ran over my wallet and keys. I pressed my forehead against the car window and watched the world fly by as she drove. Autumn had swallowed the trees; some were bare of leaves and some glittered warm hues of gold, crimson and orange as we passed. Leaves fell like soft rain and floated in the wind, littering the sidewalk and crisp grass when they reached the ground. The sight of leaves was then replaced with glass windows, wood and stone as we passed through the downtown area. After performing a perfect parallel park in front of the store, we all hopped out of the car. My movements were sluggish and slow and my eyes were caked with sleep. I looked like a zombie walking in time with my friends to the counter. Some of the regulars saw me and looked bewildered while Polly visibly frowned.

"What's wrong sweetie?" She asked when we reached her counter. I saw my face reflected in the glass and could see the dark bruises under my eyes, my face slack with exhaustion.

"Tired." I croaked.

"Salayria, just sit down. I'll bring it out for you." Lindsey pointed to our usual booth. I felt the now familiar sensation of eyes burning into me. I turned my gaze to meet the Rabbit Holes new regular and resident Beetlejuice-- aka the boy who had been here on Penny's birthday and had been popping up around me ever since. Since I did not know his real name I called him 'Behemoth' because of his overwhelming and intimidating height. I gave him a small nod before my face flushed the same red as my scarf and I rested it on the table. I waited a handful of minutes until three pairs of feet shuffled towards the table. There was a click of porcelain on wood and the chorus of cardboard of wood as well. When I lifted my weary head I saw a fluffy croissant and a large coffee placed before me like an offering. I grinned and leaned forward. Not even using my hands I clamped my teeth down on the croissant which bent under my will. The flaky pastry melted in my mouth as I ate like a horse from a trough.

"You're a savage." Penny cringed at my unladylike behaviour. I straightened my back after three bites and began to pick it apart how I usually did,

"Thank you whoever got me this." I said through pastry. Penny smiled and nodded to me, indicating she had made the purchase.

"I thought I owed you." She said before taking a sip of her tea. Hannah jabbed her elbow into my side.

"It's that hot guy again." Hannah whispered. Penny stiffened and her face flushed while both Lindsey and I rolled our eyes in annoyance.

"Here we go." Lindsey grumbled before sipping her own beverage. Penny grew increasingly more flustered when I made eye contact with him. After my previous encounters with the man, I had grown more accustomed to his piercing stares.

"Yeah, he's still staring over here." I grumbled before tearing another piece off and chewing it. I continued making eye contact as I did so and I saw his hands twitch. I offered him a small smile and a polite wave. His face rose into a smirk until his body rose with it.

"I think he's coming over here." I said as my own face flushed. I redirected my attention to Penny who was now fidgeting in her seat.

"Good morning ladies," A husky voice hummed beside Hannah. My shoulders tensed, raising themselves to my ears as my head turned to face the voice. The man stood there, with his crooked half-grin adorning his face. My stomach felt like concrete and I turned my attention to my plate. My throat felt dry, and my croissant was hard to swallow. I took a swig of my coffee to down the pastry.

"H-Hello there!" Penny squeaked, turning scarlet at the boy's presence. Hannah ogled, but didn't touch as she had a boyfriend and Lindsey looked disinterested in the good looks, but appalled by his height. I on the other hand, stared intently at my plate, squishing myself closer to the window. He was tall, at least 6'4". I wasn't the only one who noticed as well.

"How tall are you?" Lindsey blurted, raising one eyebrow.

"I'm six-five." He chuckled, scratching his head mindlessly."Would you mind if I sat with you?" The man asked, leaning on the table. His overwhelming height intimidated me, with a foot and two inches difference between us. My friends all nodded simultaneously, Penny scooting over to accommodate the large man. In doing so, she knocked over her ice coffee, which spilled all over her designer blue jeans. She gasped in surprise and shot up like a rocket, knocking over Lindsey's tea. The disaster was quick, and I was just as quick to react. I grabbed a handful of napkins and pressed them to Penny's thigh, while I caught Lindsey's cardboard cup, some of the liquid shooting out and spraying my glasses. It burned, but I ignored it and brought the cup back. Penny looked apologetically to Polly, who just chuckled ad beckoned her.

"Come on sweetie, let's get you cleaned up." She cooed. Penny grabbed the napkins from me, shooting me a grateful smile. I sat back down, wiping off my face with my hand and I began to clean off my glasses.

"We'll go with you." Lindsey smiled, coaxing a flustered Penny out the booth. The man just smiled and Hannah and the others left, grabbing some nearby napkins and mopping up the mess on the booth.

"They seem interesting," He hummed, looking up at me with a devious twinkle in his eyes. I avoided my gaze and focused on getting the green tea smears out of my lenses. The next thing I knew, someone's skin brushed against my hand. I looked over, and saw the boy gently take my glasses away. Even just sitting beside me, he was a giant. He sighed onto my glasses, fogging them up before wiping it away.

"How is your sister?" I asked as he cleaned my glasses.

"She's doing well. She's been seeing my grandparents for the past two days," He chuckled with a dust of pink on his face, "Here you go." He grinned, placing them back in place. My legs trembled in anxiety-- I had never been this close to a boy before, and the experience frightened me.

"Thanks," I muttered and sipped my coffee.

"My name is Michael,. I'm twenty, a virgo-- although I am not a 'virgin'-- I enjoy long walks on the beach, and--" I spat up some of my coffee, a bit of it trickling out of my nose.

"What are you doing?" I scowled, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand while blushing furiously. I could feel the heat radiating from my face from my hand.

"I'm introducing myself, calm down Peanut." He snickered, any hint of the courteous and charming young man disappearing.

"Don't call me Peanut, you freaking Behemoth!" I hissed, picking at my croissant. I was not going become 'buddy-buddy' with someone I had just met, no matter how kind they were.

"Awe, cute little Peanut is getting fie---Ack!" His mocking baby tone was silenced by me shoving a chunk of croissant down his throat.

"I told you not to call me that!" I hissed, flicking the strange man in the ear in annoyance. He whined and grabbed his appendage. His tone and actions reminded me of that of a child-- if a child was a giant, and choked on a pastry. It was then that I realized something, that I didn't even know this man. I only knew his name-- Michael-- but he did not know mine, and yet I sat here treating him like I would a older brother. In fact, this was the same boy that I had been catching glimpses of in random spots for the past few weeks. There was no sense of awkwardness, and no fear. Just an eerie sense of familiarity, as if I had known this man my whole life. I was pulled back to reality by a pinching pain on my cheeks.

"You're kind of mean Peanut," Michael pouted, pinching my cheeks and stretching them out. I yelped in pain and grabbed his large hands, trying to pry them off my face. He just giggled at my actions and flattened my face, forcing my mouth to squish into a deformed kissing face. The face forced my glasses to fall onto my lap, my entire body burning with embarrassment. He laughed, placing his thumbs on my nose.

"You're a funny Peanut!" He cooed. I slapped his hands away, taking a deep breath, and grabbing my glasses once again.

"You're blushing! Your face was really warm!" He chuckled, ruffling my ponytail.

"I'm not use to people who I don't know touching me, and treating me like a rag doll!" My attention was brought back to my friends, taking seats in the booth across from us. Hannah-- who had originally been beside me, now sat across from me with the other two. I now sat juxtaposed to the Behemoth beside me, who grinned wider than the Cheshire Cat.

"Sorry about that," Penny mumbled, her face the same color as her hair. Lindsey cocked her head to the side.

"What's your name?" Michael seemed taken aback by the question, as if he had never been asked it in his life.

"Michael. Michael Black. And you four?"

"Hannah."

"Penny!"

"Lindsey." All eyes turned to me after my companions quick introductions. I glanced sideways to see Michael staring at me as well, a smug smile pasted on his face.

"My name is Salayria. Salayria Jacobs."

Michael had left shortly after our uncomfortable greeting, but not before he demanded my number.

"I'm not giving you my number," I sneered, shoving my coffee mug into my mouth. A sharp pain shot through my leg and I yelped in response, rubbing my shin under the table. Penny had an even sharper gleam in her eyes, like broken glass. A shiver rolled up my spine and I managed a tight grimace. Reluctantly-- and to avoid the wrath of Penny-- I pulled out my Samsung and opened up the contacts. Michael gingerly took away the old cell and punched in a name and number. Placing the phone on the table, his hand reached down my arms and grabbed my wrist. His skin was warm, and his hands like vice grips. Hidden under the thick leather jacket he looked gawky and lanky, but perhaps that was an incorrect assumption. He tugged my wrist, pulling me to the side and diving down to place his mouth next to my hair. His warm breath fanned over my face as his lips ghosted my ear.

"If you need any help-- any help at all-- call me. If you see anything suspicious or strange, call me." He whispered, before pulling away and gracefully walking out the door. My trio of companions let out a loud squeal of delight, while Hannah then slammed her hands on the table.

"Yo, that guy is fine!" I rolled my eyes and smirked at Hannah's brazen outburst. Something dark began to grow in the pit of my heart as my friends chattered mindlessly about me. As if Michael had opened a window into the darkest parts of my soul that I had hidden, locked away into the abysmal crevices of my mind. My fingers itched in anticipation. The foreboding feeling from earlier that morning washed over me, and I knew that I would need Michael's help very soon. It was then that someone yanked me out of the booth and from my cloud of thought-- an occurrence that seemed to happen often with my wandering mind. Hannah practically dragged me to the car, while I clutched onto her arm and my coffee for dear life.

"Shot gun!" Hannah squealed, throwing me against the back door of the car while she hopped in the passenger seat. Without protest, I opened the back and slid into the car,

"Girls, we're going shopping!" Lindsey announced when she took her seat beside me. I was the only one who groaned in annoyance rather than cheering in delight. The car jolted awake as Penny lit up the ignition and sped out of her parking space. I took the opportunity to fish out my phone and scroll through my contacts. I snorted in amusement as I immediately found Michael's contact information labelled 'Behemoth'. I shot off a quick text, letting him know what my number was. Two seconds after I sent it, he replied--

Hey Peanut! R U busy 2night?

Taken aback by the question my heart started to race. I had just met the man, what could he possibly want.

Yeah, it's Penny's birthday today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PENNY!

Thanks.

No but seriously, we need to talk.

What is there to talk about?

What are you doing tomorrow?

I'm working.

Are you free at all?

I'm only working until two.

Would you mind grabbing lunch with me afterwards?

I suppose not.

Great! How about the cafe at about 2:30?

Sounds like a plan.

The car lurched forward abruptly and I stopped my texting, to see that we had finally arrived at our destination that haunted my dreams. A horrid haven for the most vile creatures this world-- or any other for that matter- ever spat out. Packed full of broken dreams, dirty liars, adulterers, abusers, addicts, and bullies wrapped in a thin coating of marble, glass and plastic. It stunk of vanity, envy and fried food.

The mall.

Both good things and bad things come to a close. The day had flown by unusually fast, and soon I was left to my own devices at work. The night felt like a blink and then the sun was up, and the slow walk to work went by faster than the speed of sound. Every time I looked up at the stores water stained clock chunks of time has already whizzed by. Two laid just beyond the horizon-- only fifteen minutes away. I stood behind the dull counter, counting the bright Kinder eggs lining the aisle in front of me to pass the time. The store was so quiet I could almost hear my coworkers breathing from three aisles away as the lanky teen put away new merchandise. My eyes dragged over to the clock once more, the bright computer screen beside me straining my eyes. Five minutes remained.

"Tim!" I called out into the empty store. I heard a soft gasp before something fell against the polished floors. I cringed at the metallic sound as Tim scrambled out of the aisle.

"Y-Yes?" He stammered. I shucked off the ridiculous orange vest that counted as 'my uniform' and grabbed my wool cardigan.

"I'm leaving." I sighed as I pulled the cardigan over my tank top.

"B-But you have five minutes left! What if a customer comes in?" He squeaked like the children's toys we supplied. I just shook my head in annoyance and punched out.

"Goodbye Tim." Without another word I left the store. The sun pierced my eyes and I instantly narrowed them to escape the feeling. It appeared to be a lazy Saturday, only the odd person walking in the cool air. Cars zipped by despite the lack of people and I followed in their lead. My legs carried me without another thought, down the street and around the needed corners. The air was crisp and clean and I relished in the cool autumn air. There was almost a small skip in my step as I merrily made my way towards The Rabbit Hole.

It's going to be a good day. I'm going to grab lunch with Michael, and-- My legs twitched and jerked before I came to an abrupt stop. My hands began to shake and my stomach felt like a brick of cement had replaced the organ.

I was going to grab lunch with Michael. Would that of been considered a date? My face blanched at the thought and my legs joined the shaking.

"No it's not a date. It's just two acquaintances grabbing food." I chuckled nervously out loud. Luckily, no one was around to see my little loopy episode.

"Good job Salayria," I muttered under my breath as I started to walk again, "Talk to yourself so everyone thinks you're crazy." I began to rub my upper arms nervously as I continued on my way. My phone buzzed in my pocket as I edged closer to the cafe.

Hey Peanut, I'm already here.

I cursed under my breath and picked up my pace. The time on my phone read quarter past two. I nodded a bit at his overwhelming punctuality as anxiety crept in again. Not even five minutes later the glass door came into sight. The familiar ding announced my arrival, but this time I offered no theatrics. Polly lifted her eyes and gave me a knowing smile before jerking her head to the side.

"Peanut!" A voice called over the silence. I turned to see Michael peeking out from behind one of the booths, two cups and croissants on the table. I was about to head over to Polly until I saw the extra food.

"What is that?" I asked the tall man as I walked in his direction instead. He looked me in the eyes in bemusement, scratching his cheek as he pondered my words.

"What's what?" His eyes stayed on me as I lowered myself onto the other side of the booth. My chin motioned over to the spare cup and pastry. His brilliant eyes sparkled at my question.

"Coffee flavoured cream and sugar and a croissant," My head dipped down and my eyebrows raised, "I heard your friends call it that yesterday. I mentioned your name to Polly and she made it." He reached out and grabbed his cup, bringing it to his pale lips and taking a swig.

"I owe you three-fifty." I muttered under my breath as I began to fish my wallet out of my jeans. Michael reached across the glossy table and grabbed my upper arm to stop me.

"No you don't, it's my treat." He released my arm rather quickly and sat back. The warmth from his hand had seeped into the fabric of my cardigan and remained there after he left.

"Okay," I choked, the nervous energy returning. My leg began to shake under the table, and quickly the shake turned into a rapid yet quiet bounce. Michael took no notice of it until my body started to twitch from the movement.

"You okay there?" He chuckled as he twirled his coffee around. Some of the dark liquid dripped from the side and over his fingers. My own fingers wrapped around my cup as I brought it to my lips.

"Yep." I let out a shaky breath before I took a tiny sip.

"You look a little pale."

"That's just my face." I chuckled as I set the cup down. Michael smirked at my retort before wiping the fallen coffee off his hand.

"Black?" I inquired as he wiped the drops on his leather jacket.

"Like my soul," His smile was infectious and I felt my mouth form a small one. Some sunlight pooled on out table, beams of light outshining at as they passed through the crystal windchimes hanging outside. The beams danced on our table, creating an intricate pattern as they twisted and dipped.

"So, tell me about yourself." I smiled up at him, picking at the croissant as I tried to steel my nerves.

"I love photography." His eyes were sparkling as he said the words.

"Looking or taking?"

"I like to take pictures. It's my hobby." I nodded in appreciation at his answer.

"What are your hobbies?" I pondered his question, rapping my fingertips quietly against the surface of the table.

"I enjoy reading, and that's really about it. My favourite to read is Shakespeare." Michael looked almost amused with my answer.

"Oh really?" I nodded and fiddled with my cup.

"Can you quote anything?" A small yet sheepish smile rose to my lips.

"Name a play."

"Hamlet."

"Okay, anything in particular?" I rolled my neck back and forth to crack it.

"How about the big part?"

"The big part? The 'to be of not to be' soliloquy?" I stopped rolling my neck and Michael nodded. Searching my head for a moment I relaxed and spoke.

"To be, or not to be: that is the question: whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; no more; and by a sleep to say we end the heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; to sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub; for in that sleep of death what dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil, must give us pause: there's the respect that makes calamity of so long life; for who would bear the whips and scorns of time, the oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely, the pangs of despis'd love, the law's delay, the insolence of office and the spurns that patient merit of the unworthy takes,when he himself might his quietus make with a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear, to grunt and sweat under a weary life, but that the dread of something after death, the undiscover'd country from whose bourn no traveller returns, puzzles the will and makes us rather bear those ills we have than fly to others that we know not of? Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; and thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought, and enterprises of great pitch and moment with this regard their currents turn awry, and lose the name of action.-- Soft you now! The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons be all my sins remember'd." I was gasping at the end of it and took deep breaths to catch it once more. Michael was awestruck and still.

"Midsummer nights dream." I glared at him in barely thinned annoyance.

"If we shadows have offended, think but this, and all is mended, that you have but slumber'd here while these visions did appear. and this weak and idle theme, no more yielding but a dream, gentles, do not reprehend: if you pardon, we will mend: and, as I am an honest Puck, if we have unearned luck now to 'scape the serpent's tongue, we will make amends ere long; else the Puck a liar call; so, good night unto you all. Give me your hands, if we be friends, and Robin shall restore amends." After taking a few more breaths I raised my hands, "Okay no more."

"Tell me something else!" He was starting to grow excited and I was slightly worried about his sanity.

"That's really all about me." He frowned and furrowed his brows.

"That's all?"

"What? I'm a boring person." We both snickered at my words, but deep down I had meant it.

"Come on, there had to something else you like down. Sports?" He began to lean against the table, resting his chin against his large hands. I crinkled my nose at his words.

"I'm allergic to physical activity."

"Really?"

"I get out of breath climbing the stairs." Michael blew out a breath before he laughed wholeheartedly.

"Alright then, how about science?" I knew my entire face lit up because his face softened.

"I like dissecting things." I knew the other patrons were staring at me from my outburst. I half expected the Behemoth to recoil but he only smiled wider.

"When I was younger I use to go into the woods and find the remains of animals. I would take them home and try to figure out how they did-- I even kept journals of what I deducted. Then I would boil the bodies and remove the skeleton before putting it back together with glue." One of the customers stood up and left the restaurant. I cringed and gripped my hands tight. I peeked up to see an expression I doubted would be there.

"Do you still have them?" Michael asked, his face filled with wonder. He looked genuinely intrigued in my odd hobby.

"Y-Yeah, I do." I gripped the cup and took another sip.

"Can I see them sometime?" I choked on my coffee, some of the liquid pouring out of my noise. Michael grabbed one of the tissues from the dispenser as I held my hand against the lower half of my face. I grabbed the tissue and began to clean myself up; feeling the burn of embarrassment creep into my cheeks and down my neck.

"Y-You actually want to see them?" I coughed, flabbergasted and humiliated. Michael pulled out more tissues from me while nodding vigorously.

"Yeah! I'll even make you a deal, if you show me your collection I'll show you mine. Not today though," He reached over the table and began pressing tissues against my face gently. I froze, my hands lowering to the table to clean the droplets there.

"What are you doing?"

"Helping you clean up because you're bad at it." I could not help the eye roll that came when those words left his lips.

"Sure, keep wiggling those eyes at me." He snorted playfully, wiping away the remnants of coffee from my mouth.

"Now all I smell is coffee." I sighed as I took a deep breath, the scent of sugar and grounds becoming overwhelming. We placed the used napkins in a small pile on the side of the table and resumed our choppy conversation. It became light, laughter intermingling with the words as we continued.

"No word of a lie, Hannah tried to show us a pirouette. She tripped on her carpet and landed face first into the glass sliding door," I laughed with Michael in tow, "And her face slid down slowly like a cartoon character!" I was gripping my stomach in pain from the laughter. My breathing was heavy and uneven from the fits of giggles, and Michael reflected the same symptoms I was exhibiting. His face was flushed and the odd tear would roll down his cheek as we exchanged comical stories.

"I think the dog running through the screen door is funnier." He giggled, wiping away the oncoming tears.

"Because he took the door with him?" We both exploded into another fit before calming down. A manic grin was still pasted on my face with the odd giggle leaving my lips. Michael crossed his leg and his foots accidently brushed by my leg.

"Sorry." I giggled and retracted my legs.

"No need for apologies, it was on me." He giggled with me and clasped his hands together. The door to the cafe opened and closed as shoes shuffled in.

"This has been fun." I grinned, downing the last few drops of my coffee. The emptiness was confirmed by the sound the cardboard cup made hitting the table.

"I just finished mine, want me to get you a refill?" He pointed to my cup.

"Yes please," I nodded thankfully as he stood up.

"When I come back, I'm going to tell you about the time I went hunting with my brother and he got caught in a snare." Grabbing both cups he sauntered over to Polly. Just as I took in a breath someone squealed loudly as my table shook from a sudden impact.

"Holy hell on a cracker!" I squeaked as I turned to face my attacker. Penny stood there with a manic grin on her face, her porcelain face flushed.

"P-Penny?" I stammered as her crazy eyes settled down on me.

"Are you on a date with Michael?" She wiggled her perfect eyebrows at me, making my body burn with embarrassment.

"N-No! It's j-just two friends grabbing lunch!" Her face rested in a smug expression as she stared me down.

"Why are you here?" I hissed as the door opened and closed again.

"I've got a hot date myself." She winked at me before cocking her head over to the counter where a tall blond man stood.

"Is he in college?" My face turned severe as I glared at her. Two girls joined him at the counter before locking eyes on Michael and muttering. My attention momentarily diverted from Penny--who was speaking about some guy named Ben or Brian, I was not paying attention-- to watch the girls. I recognized the both of them from my school and my body began to shrink. The girls in question were two of the girls who bullied me; Mikayla Shore and Heather Hawkins. They edged closer over to Michael, before their voices-- one sugary sweet and the other rough and quiet-- carried over to my table. I could not hear the exact words, but I did hear Michael laugh. My stomach dropped as the interaction continued and Penny noticed my clear discomfort.

"What's up?" She craned her head around to see the girls hanging around him like a group of vultures. Michael was clutching the cups in his hand, and his darkened eyes showed he was uncomfortable with the girls. Mikayla had started running her fingers up and down is arm while Heather played with her short hair.

"Should I save him?" Penny mused with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Please," I croaked and pressed my hands together in an attempt to crack my fingers. Penny nodded with a wicked gleam in her eyes as she sauntered over. I could not hear the exact words she used but the group chattered furiously. Eventually I saw Heather and Mikayla peel away and Michael nodded in thanks before saying something low and snapping his head in my direction. The girls turned to me before their faces darkened and they sped away. Michael moved back towards the booth with a smile on his face.

"Sorry about that Peanut." He chuckled and placed the cardboard cup down in front of me.

"No problem, and thank you Behemoth." The nickname rolled off my tongue and Michael's face brightened.

"So what was I saying?" He pondered.

"Snare," He grinned at the word.

"Oh yes! You're going to love this story!" His eyes sparkled as he spoke and he began to wave his hands animatedly as he spoke. I felt myself falling in line with his words, giggling and grinning as he spoke. It was the most laughing I had done in years, and it felt good. Time marched on, and soon it was time for us to part ways as the sun began to fall past the buildings. When I looked at the clock my jaw quivered.

"We've been here for over three hours," I smiled at the tall man who barely seemed fazed. His smile did waver though at my words as we both stood up to leave. We exited the cafe together, and learned we would both be travelling opposite directions. Saying our goodbyes and promising to text I began to walk away, the cold nipping at my skin.

"Hey Peanut," He called as I pulled my cardigan close. I turned around our faces both masked in bemusement.

"Would you of qualified this as a date?" I immediately turned pink at his words, and I swore he did too. His face was covered in shadows, so I was probably mistaken.

"We barely know each other." I clutched my cardigan as I tried to calm my rapid heartbeat. Michael reached up and rubbed the back of his neck as he searched for words.

"When we know each other more… do you think you would want to do this again? But that time, it would be a date?" My body no longer felt the cold because it had heated up in embarrassment. I smiled at his sheepish expression and gave a soft nod.

"I would love that."