Just another Tumor

Mall Day

Samantha Type  

“So, what are we going to do today?” His one hand on the steering wheel was giving me anxiety. Two hands on the wheels at all times, 10 and 2, 10 and 2 or wait it’s 9 and 3? Just put your hand back on the f*****g steering wheel please, “Are you okay?” he says.

“I’m good.” He must have noticed I was staring at his hands because he moved them both onto the wheel.  

“You sure?” He glances at me and I catch a glimpse of his dark hazel eyes.  

“Yup.” 

“Okay then, what are we doing? Robbing a bank, driving to the ocean, maybe the moon? I heard it only takes an hour to get there.”  

“The moon sounds nice then.” His laugh is low but bubbly, is that even possible? Low and bubbly? 

“I’ll take you to the moon, if that’s really where you want to go.” 

“Well I was thinking the mall or something? But if you want to take me to the moon I’ll happily accept that offer.”  

“Maybe we will shoot for the mall and if we land in the parking lot we can just walk.” He’s funny, a face with personality is a good sign. I haven't been to the mall in forever. I think I miss it, all the bustle of people walking and the noise pollution of people's chatter.  

"So, what do you do in your spare time?"  

"I mostly work or go out with friends. I'm not really a homebody kind of person." 

"Where do you work?" 

"In the mall actually, at East 59?" 

"Oh, cool beans, I don't really go into that store very much." 

"Now you'll have an excuse." His smirk looks like a warning but I like it. The thrilling of being around a normal guy makes me feel like I'm... somewhat normal and I can't help but smile when I feel like this. He finds a close space and I guess it's not very normal to be coming to the mall on a school day morning. The parking lot is probably just employees and a few mall joggers or something. We get out of the car and while were walking side by side his hand grazes mine and then flinches away as if he was trying to hold it and remembered about just being friends. I wanted to grab it and tell him it's okay but, it wouldn't be. The smell of the food court is intoxicating. "Did you already have breakfast?" Honestly, I can't even remember but when in doubt. 

"No, I didn't. I usually just have an apple or something." 

"Do want to grab something? I mean your choices of breakfast food isn't that much but if you're fine with a burger or Chinese food I'm down." I can't stand having breakfast food. I hate bacon and sausage, ham is okay sometimes but I wouldn't be able to eat it every day like some people do. Crepes are pretty good, not really filling but good. Pancakes and waffles are too damn heavy. Eggs are fine in a limited quantity or else they start to taste weird. I wonder if he'll judge me if I go to the pasta place or the burrito one? 

"Wouldn't mind some pasta but it's up to you." 

"Pasta? At nine thirty in the morning? Sounds good to me." Oh, my lord he is so good. Why can't I be okay. Why can't I just act like a normal undamaged person and be with this guy? He looks around the mall with a purpose, I don't know what purpose but it's hot. His lips curl down at the corners of his mouth, when he smiles too. I wonder if that's just his face or someone's made him like that? I love this place, it's like a make your own pasta place? He gets green peppers and onions in his spaghetti. He likes flavor which I admire but I guess no trying his food. 

"I'm going to get... tortellini, alfredo and both mushrooms and both cheeses." His face turns crooked and I can tell he's not okay with my choices. "What's with the face?" 

"Mushrooms, sure okay but double cheese in a cream sauce? That's a lot of dairy."  

"I live off dairy, if there was such a thing as a Milk-ivoire I would be it." 

"I'm not a fan of dairy, I'll drink a milkshake once in a while and sometimes ice cream but it's rare." 

"Stop talking." 

"Why?" His face softens into a calmness. 

"Because you're going to make me hate you over cheese and milk." His chuckle is loud and it makes me warm knowing it's genuine. 

"Just think if I have any cheese on my food you can have it." f**k, I think I’m going fall in love with this guy.