Alright lets begin the short story. This was written for a group that never read my poems. So the twists will probably be less surprising for you.
-Rose B.
Roses are Red
1
I see you've found another girl. Is she like the others, the ones you just picked up off the street, the ones whose lives are extinguished a couple hours after meeting you. Or is she like me where you "hoped things will be different."
I remember when I met you. I had just received my drink from the Starbucks barista and was in a rush. You were crouched down grabbing a bag of coffee grounds when I tripped over you. I don't remember what drink I ordered or why I was in a hurry but I can still see that moment clearly. Your chocolate colored eyes widening as I begin to fall. The looks of amusement and pity from customers and workers as my drink leaves my hand. You reached out to catch it but you only grazed the cup. I caught myself but the drink splashed all over the floor.
"I'm sorry," You said as you stood up, "Are you okay?"
I nodded, "I'm alright but my drink..."
We both looked down at the mess. I sighed and turned to an employee who watched the whole thing from behind the counter, "Do you have paper towels?"
He produced some and I mopped up the liquid as best I could. When I had thrown away the dented cup and soaked sheets, you handed me another drink. "It was partly my fault so take this as an apology."
I smiled and accepted the drink. I almost forgot myself and stopped to chat but my reason for hurrying weighed on my mind and I left with a thank you. I didn't see you again until a couple weeks later in that same Starbucks. You were chatting with a barista, holding a bag of coffee grounds when I walked in. I didn't know if you would remember me or if I wanted you to remember. I moved into line and pretended to look at this year's Christmas cups so I could watch you.
You looked like you belonged in this space. Clean shaven and well dressed in a button up shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbow and pressed jeans. Your hair was the color of the coffee beans and was well styled. As I was paying for my drink, you turned and caught me staring. You smiled and behind the black frames your eyes melted. I blushed and looked away. As I tried to walk past you to get to the pick up counter, you stopped me with a hand on my arm.
