Something Different, 96: Grateful.
“Hey, guys.” I greeted my friends the next morning as I arrived at Starbucks.
Nat, London, Penelope, Eva, Jesse, Eric, Dan and Paul were sitting down next to the window revealing the slightly sunny morning and people walking down the pavements in coats and umbrellas.
I took a seat next to Nat and asked, “Where’s Dash?”
“He’ll be here soon.” Eric replied for me.
I smiled him thanks. “So, you guys, Finn will be here soon, just ought to let you guys know.”
“You seem a bit tense.” Nat told me.
“No, I’m not.”
“Your legs seem to have a mind of its own, then.”
I looked down and noticed that my legs were fidgeting non-stop. ”Don’t be ridiculous. I’m just excited to meet him, that’s all. It’s been months since I last saw him.”
“You met him last night.” Nat said as a matter of fact-ly.
“Oh, shut up.” I rolled my eyes at her.
“Hey.” I heard a familiar voice call out from behind.
I turned around to face my boyfriend, Dash. It’s been 2 days since I last saw him or talked to him. I felt butterflies in my tummy.
He pulled out a chair and sat next to me and gave me a small kiss on the forehead. “Hi.”
I gave him a small smile and forgot that I was mad at him. “Hello.”
“Hey, Eva.” He said, “Happy belated birthday.”
Eva looked up to him and said, “Fffffanks.” her mouth full of chocolate cake.
“Eva, really,” Nat rolled her eyes, “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”
“Whatefferrr. Yor nawt muh moffer.” Eva snapped.
“PMS, much?” Penelope giggled.
Dash smiled, “Sorry I missed it. Loads of work, yknow dad. Hope you liked the surprise. Wish I was there to see how priceless your face looked like.”
Eva clucked her tongue, “Thanks again. And I didn’t like it, though.”
“What?” Everyone at the table blurted.
Eva smiled angelically. “I loved it.”
Everyone at the table sighed in relief.
“Good.” Dash said.
“And plus, there’s always next year!” London said.
“Omigod.” Eva gasped, “I feel old.”
“Stop complaining!” I clucked my tongue.
Everybody smiled and giggled, but it suddenly stopped as their eyes were wide open, staring at whatever was behind me. I looked to see that only the girls managed to smile after a few seconds of letting their jaws drop.
I turned around to face my best friend Finn.
“Hello.” Finn said.
“Hi, Finn!” Penelope greeted him.
London did the same, so did Eva.
“Hey there, outsider.” Nat joked.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Finn winked. “May I?”
I stood up and glared at him nervously. “You should have texted me that you’d be here early.”
Finn shrugged, a smile playing on his face. “Surprise?”
I heard someone cough. I turned around to look down at Dash, his face stern.
“Umm, Finn. This is Dash.” I said as Dash stood up. “You know, my boyfriend.”
“Sup?” Dash said as he held out his hand.
“Nothing much. Jersey’s pretty cool.” Finn said, “I’m Finn.” he shook Dash’s hand.
“I know.” Dash said and smiled reluctantly, “Welcome to Jersey.”
“Thanks.”
I smiled, “Oh! This is Paul, Eric and Dan.”
The three of them stood up and held out their hands for Finn to shake.
“Glad to meet you.” Eric said.
“Likewise.”
“Grab a chair and sit, Finn!” Penelope said.
“Thanks.”
There was a moment of silence.
“So, what now?” Eva asked.
I shrugged. “I’m starving. Fettuccine, anyone?” I gave my friends a smile, the smile that I haven’t put on for the past few days and feeling grateful to have my closest friends that I love here with me.
