My New Phone
1165 Words
After walking a few blocks, we arrive at the café. It's a little hole in the wall café. It's practically empty. We enter and grab a seat.
Me: I'll have a caramel latte and the nachos.
Kai: Ok. I'll go order and be right back.
He gets up to go place our order. I watch as he leaves and then turn my attention to the interior decoration of the café. It doesn't look like much from the outside. The inside is really nice. He returns shortly.
Kai: So what do you think?
Me: I like it. Its cozy.
Kai: I am glad you like it. So what's wrong?
Me: Nothing. Why do you ask?
Kai: I could hear it in your voice over the phone. Also, the vibe you gave off when I arrived. So what happened?
I sigh. I shook my head and started laughing. I start rambling about Monica showing up, threatening me like Michelle from the burger joint, and how she and Leon hooked up that night. He silently listens. He grabs the bridge of his nose. His other hand balled into a fist. He looks over at the register.
Kai: Our orders up. I'll be right back.
Me: Ok.
He walks away. He returns with our food and sits down. He slides my latte towards me. I grab it and take a sip.
Me: Wow. This is the best latte I've ever had.
Kai: I'm glad.
We go back into silence. I fidget with my coffee, not sure how to approach the topic again, but he starts to speak.
Kai: So about what were taking about. I knew something had happened between them, but I didn't know what. I had to collect a few things from work the next day and she asked me about you and Leon. I thought it was weird. She said she had a great time getting to know Leon and told me to give him her number. I told her he was in a relationship. She came by before we were headed over last night and gave it to him herself.
Hearing this breaks my heart. I thought we had something special. Every day was great. I never thought he would do me like that. I can feel the tears starting to burn my eyes as I try to hold them back. Kai looks at me and grabs my hand.
Kai: Melanie. I'm so sorry. You should've never had to deal with that. I should've said something.
Me: It's not your fault. I just thought I actually meant something to him.
He rubs the back of my hand with his thumb. I move my hand away. I want comfort right now but I don't want him to get the wrong idea.
Me: I'm sorry Kai. I still need time.
Kai: I understand. Just know I'm here.
Me: Thanks.
We eat and finish our drinks. He offers to pay the bill, but I insist we split it. We go back and forth, and finally he agrees to get half of the bill. We leave and head back to my job. We talk about anything that comes to mind. When we arrive, I handed him some money for my phone.
Me: So get me something good. And I want a-
Kai: Blue case and something with a butterfly.
Me: How did you-
Kai: Leon.
Me: Yuck. Don't remind me. Actually, anything with a baby Siberian husky will do.
Right. The mention of his name is gut-wrenching. I nod my head. I let him know what time I'd be off.
Kai: Ok. I'll be here.
I waved him off and headed back to work. Time seems to fly by. Before I knew it, my coworker Val and I were closing up for the day. I say my goodbyes and meet up with Kai. We walked back to the apartment. As we get closer to the building, we notice Leon is outside.
Leon: I see you wasted no time going after my girl.
Me: I'm not your girl anymore.
He ignores me and glares at Kai. He does the same in return. I don't want any more fights to go down. I grabbed Leon's hand and pulled him away. Kai stays in place.
Me: Look. I want nothing to do with you anymore. Friends, fine. Boyfriend and girlfriend, no. You hurt me.
Leon: I'm sorry. Can't we talk about this?
Me: No. And even if I did want to talk, not right now.
I walked away and headed towards the apartment building. Kai follows and we head into the apartment. Upon entering, Lilly is playing the game with her man.
Lilly: How was work?
Me: Interesting. Monica came by.
Lilly: Oh really?
Me: Yeah, but only to gloat about her and Leon.
Lilly rolls her eyes. I sigh and shrug my shoulders. I grabbed Kai's hand and headed to my room. I drop my purse on the table and sit on my bed. Kai sits down next to me. He hands me a bag.
Me: Oh goodie. My new phone.
Kai: Here's your change. I hope you like it.
I opened the box. The phone is still untouched. Leon opened the one he gave me. He then hands me another bag.
Kai: This one has your case.
I open the bag. The case has a baby wolf standing next to its mom or dad, howling at the moon. Sparkles and swirls surround them. I looked up and gave him a hug.
Me: I love it. Thank you so much.
Kai: I'm glad. I couldn't find huskies but thought they were just like wolves. I probably should have called and asked you--
I threw my arms around him and gave him a hug. I loved the case. It was perfect.
Kai: It can hold your credit cards and money.
Me: That's going to be convenient. Like a purse minus all the unnecessary digging.
He smiles. I'm still staring at my new phone. I feel him look at me. I turned in his direction. His eyes are filled with affection. But I'm still not ready.
Me: Thanks again. I'll have to treat you to lunch.
Kai: Today was enough for me. I had fun. We're doing a movie night here tomorrow. So I'll see you tomorrow.
Me: Ok. Hey, do you have a cigarette I can buy from you?
Kai: I do, but I'm not giving you one.
Me: Why not?
Kai: It's a nasty habit. Name one princess that smokes.
Me: What type of question is that? Princesses don't smoke.
Kai: Exactly. So neither do you.
I grumble. He laughs as he leaves. He tosses me a cigarette, and it hits me in the head. I turned around.
Kai: That's the last one you'll ever get from me. Good luck lighting it.
He closes the door. I grab the cigarette and head outside. He and Leon are still outside, both smoking. I sit down and wait for them to notice me.
- Writer
