Forever Finding You

3.

I was glad to hear the final bell ring at the end of the day. I was sick of hearing introductions and going over thesis after thesis. The first day of school was so exhausting. School was never an issue for me. I got good grades and I never gave my teachers a problem. My favorite class was Art. Mr. Montross was familiar with me now and since it was my senior I expected more challenging projects. I sadly only had Art for this semester. Next semester Ill have to figure out something else since theres no other Art classes available. Maybe I could try a different form of art. Web design or some type of computer arts.

Even though school was over my day wasnt over yet. I still had to go to work. Luckily I had permission for a bus to drop me off near work so I didnt have to go home then run to work to make it in time.

The bus ride was quieter now that everyone had already got the first day over with. So the ride to work wasnt too bad.

I thanked the bus driver awkwardly as I climbed off the bus, pulling my work shirt and apron out of my bag. I was greeted by the familiar aroma of roasted coffee beans. I took in a deep breath allowing the scent to warm my soul as I dashed into the rest room to change my shirt.

I tied my apron tightly around my waist and my hair into a bun on the top of my head. I smiled confidently into the mirror as I put on my work visor. It was like I became someone else when I came to work. Like it was just another piece to my uniform. I became more confident and clear headed. No one expected much from me other than just serve coffee with a smile. My coworkers and manager liked this about me and it made me feel...wanted.

I threw my bag into the break room and hurried to clock in.

"Layla," My manager, Bernie spoke as I walked by. "Youre in your usual spot today."

I smiled at him like usual, "Got it." I told him as I punched my assigned number into the computer. He gave me a nod and a sheepish smile back and turned to walk away. Bernie was an older manager. I never asked his age but the few gray hairs appearing in his black hair made me guess he was in his mid 40's.

I was making coffees today and handing them out to the customers. It was an easy enough position. Just make the coffees and call out the name the cashier written on the cups. I always did my best to make sure I made each cup correctly. I didnt want my co workers to get yelled at by a customer over my mistake.

The first few hours into my shift went by quickly. There was usually a rush after 3 from people wanting coffee after a long day. Sometimes I would hand coffees to people I went to school with but they never seemed to notice it was me. I made a cold brew topped with cold foam and cinnamon.

"Isaiah!" I called out as I read the name off of the cup. A college age boy approached the counter and took from me with a smile. I smiled back as I handed it to him telling him to have a nice day as I turned to make the next order.

I grabbed the next cup by the cash register and read the order on the sticker.

Medium coffee with 2 creams and 2 sugars.

Basic.

I finished the drink in 10 seconds and approached counter reading the name.

"Wes-" I stopped short as I reread the name. Wesley. What a coincidence.

I looked out into the lobby at the only person standing near the pick up counter.

My heart thudded inside of my chest as I stared at him. A smoothing comforting feeling washed over me and all I wanted to do was jumped over this counter and sprint to this man but I was frozen in place. His dark chocolate wavy brown hair framed his face. He had a perfectly sculpted jaw with a barely noticeable dimple on his chin. His dreamy brownish hazel eyes were on me.

I felt like I had seen him before. I felt like we were no longer in a coffee shop but somewhere familiar. He was watching me with a shocked expression almost like he knew me to. But Ive never seen this man before. Am I actually going crazy? He took a step closer to me and I forced myself to blink.

"Im sorry." I quickly blurted out trying to get a grip on myself. "Wesley?" I said trying not to look directly at him while I held up his order.

He slowly reached up taking the drink into his hand without a word. I felt myself blushing uncontrollably. He must think Im a weirdo or something.

"Have a nice day." I said quickly and turned around. My chest aches wanting to look at him again and something inside of me was trying to force me to. But I wouldn't let myself look at him again. I couldn't.

My hands were shaking as I grabbed the next cup and I tried to even out my breathing. I made the order and called out the name at the counter. The man was gone now. My eyes tried to swell up with tears but I fought it off. What the hell was wrong with me?

Wesley's POV:

Did she recognize me? No thats not possible. I argued with myself as I sat inside of my car, watching her from the window. I knew it was her. She always looked exactly the same, beautiful and radiant.

She's never looked at me like that during the first meeting. The attraction was always there but she wasnt shocked by my looks. She looked at me as if she wanted to run to me, like shes been waiting for me to find her again.

There has to be a logical explanation for her reaction. Maybe I reminded her of someone else that scared her in this life time. I sure hope not. That would make this time around a lot more difficult.

I watched her for awhile longer as she puttered around her working station. She kept absent mindedly looking out into the sitting areas as I'd she was looking for someone. She would then shake her head as if she was upset with herself.

Maybe I came back too soon this time. If my math is correct its been 19 years since...I lost her last. But I knew I wouldn't have the strength to stay away from her. Now that I found her and we locked eyes, her death clock has started ticking.

I will have to stay close by to keep her safe.