6

Adjusting

Mariel

“Hey…you made it” Ethan said, “yeah” I replied with a smile, so we sat down and the meeting began, I loved being there and everyone was so nice to me, I felt really comfortable because I was in my element, a place where I was my most authentic self. The meeting came to a close around 8ish and Ethan offered to walk me back to my dorm room and I agreed, “so…did you enjoy the meeting?” Ethan asked, “yeah I loved it” I replied, “well I’m glad to hear“ that he said with a smile, we finally arrived home and Maya wasn’t back yet so I invited him in “no no I’m fine, you must be tired and I would just be an obstruction to you” he said slowly shaking his head, “what, obstruction?” I laughed, “okay I should get going, uhm can I have your number? I mean just to check on you and I don’t know maybe if your late for a meeting I could just like text you or something” he said scratching the back of his head with a nervous smile, “yeah sure” I said and called out my digits to him, “Thanks, I’ll text you when I get home” he said taking my hand up for a handshake, “Bye” I laughed and entered the room, locking the door behind me

Ethan

I walked home feeling lighthearted, and my thoughts centered on Mariel, She was so beautiful, and yet she seemed oblivious to it, Watching her talk and laugh made me feel so satisfied, “like having pancakes ” I laughed to myself, I just hope she doesn’t have a partner. I got home and sighed to myself, looking at my big, lifeless apartment, I wondered if it was worth it when I told my dad I wanted to stay alone freshman year, waving the thought away I pulled out my phone and typed “Mariel” my hand hovering over her number, wondering if should call or text and what I’ll say if I did.

Mariel

I lay on the bed and stared at my phone screen waiting for his text, soon enough I got the message alert sound and looked, the text read: I had a great time at the meeting, you seemed really comfortable, did you enjoy too? I smiled and texted back: oh yeah, definitely, I loved it, if felt so natural being there and everyone was so welcoming, I’m actually anticipating next Friday.

Ethan: That's awesome to hear! I'm glad you felt that way. By the way, I was wondering if you'd be interested in grabbing coffee or something sometime? Maybe we could chat more about the meeting and get to know each other better.

Mariel: I'd love to! That sounds like a great idea. Let's meet at Riele’s diner for coffee, it'll be a perfect place to continue our conversation.

Ethan: Sounds perfect! I'm really looking forward to it. When are you available?

Mariel: How about tomorrow afternoon? Around 3 p.m.? Does that work for you?

Ethan: That works great for me. I'll see you at the coffee shop tomorrow at 3 p.m.

Mariel: Alright then, see you tomorrow Ethan, good night

Ethan: You too, Mariel. Sleep well. Good night! ?

I dropped my phone and lay smiling on the bed, my thoughts running wild.

*****

l walked into the bustling coffee shop, scanning the room for Ethan. I spotted him sitting at a corner table, a warm smile on his face as he waved me over. I made my way through the crowd, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, “Hey, how’s it going’”I said shyly,

“Hey Mariel” he said with a smile, Come on, sit down.

I settled into the seat opposite Ethan, and we both glanced at the menu, pretending to be deep in thought. “So, what would you like to order?“ he asked, “Oh, you know, the usual dilemma. Do I go for the fancy-sounding latte or stick with good old black coffee? Decisions, decisions”, I said in mock seriousness, “I feel your struggle. Sometimes, I like to imagine I'm a coffee connoisseur, but in reality, I'm just a guy who can't resist a good cup of cappuccino” he replied’ “Well, in that case, I might have to join you in the cappuccino club. It's a guilty pleasure, but the foam on top is just so tempting” I said with a smile, “Excellent choice! We can start a secret society of cappuccino enthusiasts. We'll call ourselves "Foam Fighters." Ethan laughed , “I love it! But be warned, Ethan, membership comes with great responsibility. We must defend the honor of our beloved foam against all those who dare to scoff at its importance” I said between fits of laughter.

So, Ethan, what's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you? He looked up at me and smiled ”Oh, where do I even begin? Well, there was this one time when I tripped over my own feet during a talent show rehearsal and accidentally knocked over the entire set. Let's just say I became the star of a very unexpected comedy act. “Ouch” I said (grinning) That sounds like a priceless moment. But hey, at least you entertained the audience, right? “Absolutely. I figured if I couldn't impress them with talent, I'd make them laugh with my clumsiness. Mission accomplished, I suppose.” He said with a smirk. “Okay, now it’s my turn to say something funny:

‘Why don't skeletons fight each other?

They don't have the guts!’ , “I think I’ve heard that one before”, he laughed, “Alright, how about this one, Why don't scientists trust stairs?

Because they're always up to something, Ethan burst out laughing and said “now that’s funny”.

We continued swapping funny stories, exchanging jokes, and teasing each other playfully throughout the conversation. The coffee shop atmosphere seemed to amplify the connection, and time flew by without us even noticing. You know, Ethan, I have to say, this has been one of the most entertaining coffee dates I've ever had.

“Likewise, Mariel. I don't think I've laughed this much in ages. It's refreshing to meet someone who appreciates both good coffee and good humor.” “Well, what can I say? I aim to please“, I said grinning, but excuse me I have to use the bathroom, “yeah sure “ he replied. I walked over to the bathroom and peed, then proceeded to rearrange my makeup, On my way out i wasn’t looking and I bumped into someone causing my phone to fall, I bent to pick up my phone but a pair of hands snatched it from the ground before I could reach it “you should watch where you’re going when walking”, you ran into me so you should be the one to watch where your going, I had started to say when I looked up.