Chapter 5: Coincidence or Destiny
1187 Words
It’s been raining a lot lately, so I can’t walk Waffles to the park.
My book was delivered! I was anxious to open it because it's a limited edition copy by my favorite author. This book hasn’t been released yet, but I got it by participating in an online quiz about the author. Only ten people own it—and I’m one of them.
I carefully opened it, and I was shocked to see a ticket to a meet-and-greet with the author for all of her book signing events this year.
"I got it! I'm so lucky!" I screamed, jumping back and forth.
My mom ran to me and asked, "Are you okay?"
"Mom, I'm more than okay—I got a golden ticket from Loury, my favorite author!"
"How about you read that book at the new cafe in town? I was invited to try their food, but I'm swamped with work right now. Your dad and I are also going to a seminar later," Mom added.
"Sure, I’ll go!" I exclaimed, changing my clothes and grabbing my umbrella. I was really excited to read that book.
I happily ran downstairs and knocked on my sister’s door.
"I’m going to the cafe. You coming?" I asked.
"No," she answered.
"You couch potato! Bye!"
I went to the cafe.
"I’m here on behalf of Hazel Grace," I said to the waiter.
"Is it okay if someone sits beside you? The café has been packed all day, and some of our guests haven’t arrived yet," he asked.
"It’s okay with me. But I hope they stay quiet, because I’m going to read a book."
"Sure, miss," the waiter said with a smile.
I sat.
"I’ll get your order in a minute," the waiter said.
"Okay," I responded. I opened my book and started reading a few chapters when the waiter approached me again.
"Miss, do you mind if this young gentleman sits beside you? He said he’ll also be reading a book," the waiter asked.
"It’s fine," I replied without looking up.
"Here’s the menu. What would you both like to order?" the waiter said.
I set my book aside and picked up the menu. It was at that moment I realized—the boy sitting in front of me was the same boy I’d been thinking about these past few days.
He looked so dreamy while reading the menu.
"I’ll take a hot cocoa and a chocolate muffin," we both said at the same time. We looked at each other and laughed.
The waiter looked surprised.
"Two hot cocoas and chocolate muffins for the young lady and gentleman," he said with a smile.
I continued reading my book when he suddenly pulled out a copy—the same book as mine.
I was surprised to find him reading this book—a modern love story about a commitment-phobic girl and a communication-challenged boy. It's clearly a romance novel geared towards women. I glared at him, wondering what he was doing with it.
He seemed to caught me.
"Wait a minute," he said, "aren't you the dog owner I met at the park and pet shop? How's your dog doing? And look, we're reading the same book!"
This boy is starting to annoy me. He's still talking about my dog, even though I'm right here! But, honestly, the fact that he remembered me has my hopes soaring.
"Thanks for the leash," I said. "But isn't this book…a little feminine? Why are you reading it?"
"You're welcome," he replied. "It's not my choice, though. My mom made me read it. Said it would teach me the basics of being a gentleman."
Wow, his mom's pretty cool. My sister Harper, a girl, wouldn't touch this book with a ten-foot pole; she'd say it's way too cheesy. But he's reading it to become a better gentleman? This guy is full of surprises.
"What chapter are you?", he questioned me.
"I just got this book earlier. Chapter 3", I responded.
"I'm already in chapter 48", he said.
"Can you give me a little sneak peek?" I asked him. I like to get a feel for a book before I start reading.
"No spoilers," he said, returning to his book.
Our order arrived.
"You two know each other?" the waiter asked, a sly grin on his face.
"Just a coincidence," he replied.
"Coincidence, or destiny?" the waiter murmured under his breath before leaving with, "Enjoy your meal."
We ate our food while reading the book.
"I finished it," he said.
"Spoil me".
"I won't spoil it for you," he said. "If I did, you might not even read it".
"I like spoilers".
"Can I ask what's your name?"
"Are you interested in me?"
I was about to say, "Well, my name is..." when my mom called—it was an emergency. Auntie Izzy had accidentally cut herself while pruning flowers, and her son had rushed her to the hospital.
I knew mom wants me to check on her.
"I'm so sorry, but I have to go. A friend of mine is at the hospital."
"Okay, let's meet at the park tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.," he said.
I called Harper to meet me at the hospital; Mom and Dad were out of town for a seminar.
When we arrived, Isaiah, Auntie Izzy's son, was sobbing by the door. "Where's your mom? Is she okay?" I asked anxiously. Harper comforted him while I went inside.
I found Ingrid and Auntie Izzy; a nurse was cleaning and bandaging a small cut on Auntie Izzy's hand. It was a much smaller injury than I'd imagined.
"Auntie Izzy, are you alright? Ingrid, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at training?" I asked.
"Hey, bestie! Did Isaiah call you, saying he was rushing Mom to the hospital? Look at Mom now—she's fine! That boy really had me scared. I took the bus straight here, missing a whole day of practice."
I hugged the both of them. We went out and saw how Isaiah cried a lot while Harper is comforting him.
"I'm fine," Auntie Izzy said. Harper hugged her, then muttered a few choice words under her breath at Isaiah for overreacting.
Isaiah said, "I'm sorry, you know I'm terrified of blood. Look on the bright side—we're all together."
Ingrid replied, "You son of a... You made me miss a whole day of training!"
Ingrid's been attending a free dance program for aspiring dancers in another town, which is why we haven't hung out much lately.
"Since we're all here, let's have dinner together. I'll cook," I offered.
Isaiah mumbled, still sniffling, "Do you even know how to cook?"
"I'm the best chef you'll ever meet," I declared.
"How about fast food?" he suggested.
Ingrid chimed in, "Well, some of us are trying to stick to a healthy diet."
"Don't worry, Isaiah," Harper said. "Heather's cooking skills have improved. You should have seen her almost burn down the kitchen when she was following YouTube tutorials!"
Auntie called mom to assure that she's safe.
We all ate dinner laughing and recalling memories.
- Writer
