I walked through the door of the cafeteria, making sure I don't push the door, marked 'Pull'. I was always conscious about not embarrassing myself in public, among a crowd of people. They stare. Different faces, all eyes on you. It feels weird.
I sit at the corner table alone, take out my laptop and start typing out something. Something meaningless, absurd, vapid scribbles - just not in a diary. My hazelnut cappuccino stood motionless on my table, the froth tempting me to finish it in one gulp. I could, but no. I wanted to scribble something more.
The cafeteria was filled with people. A couple sat on the table adjacent to mine. Probably they were on a date, both intending to hold hands but ended up in pretentiously accidental touches. A kid sat on a table with his mom feasting on his burger and cold coffee - and Shit! The sauce from his burger drips on his light blue t-shirt. His mother babbles something sternly at him. Poor boy! A group of friends enter the cafeteria - two girls and three guys. I wonder if they're two couples and one single or all friends. Okay, I'm weird.
My white screen stares back at me. I think about what to write. I start looking around searching for ideas. I do this always, or do I? My searching eyes fix on a man. A man dressed in a formal suit, probably on a video conference on a table beside me. Suddenly I start debating on the idea of Love at first sight with myself. Bleh.
He's handsome. His hair's perfect. His stubble, perfectly trimmed. His glasses added seriousness and sternness to his already handsome face. His red striped tie matched perfectly with his light blue checked shirt and dark navy blue suit. He occasionally pulled up his tie and set his hair. His eyes were greyish-blue with lashes that would make any girl jealous. He looked majestic. Suddenly I became aware of my surroundings and noticed him staring back at me with a confused smile. His laptop was shut, his elbow rested on the table lightly and he stared directly at me. I looked up, down, sideways and lastly banged my head on my laptop. Damn! I'm Embarrassed again.
The screen reflected a series of haphazardly typed letters, just like the thoughts in my mind at that moment. I wondered if he was still there, staring at me. I peeked at his table, but he wasn't there. I sighed relief and a certain regret dawned at the back of my mind.
"Hey!"
I almost jumped off my seat.
"Do I know you, by any chance?"
He was there! He was standing behind me! Anxiety hit me hard. I fumbled and searched for words.
What should I say?!
He sat on the chair across me, with two cups of coffee placed on the table. He looked calm. I finally blurted out, "No! But you're handsome! I'm sorry."
I felt like thumping my head on the table. What the fuck did I say? He laughed. He laughed hard. I stared at him. Lost again. He clicked his fingers saying, 'Wow'.
Oh no! He clicked his fingers. I apologized again.
What the hell is wrong with me?
His phone rang.
"Hey babes, I'll be home in an hour. See ya."
He hung up. And I cursed my stupidness. Was he was fucking married?
He said, "My mom. Don't worry." ; smiling mischievously.
Stranger's good, I thought.
He stood up to leave, 'Number please, please!' I thought to myself. He picked up my phone, typed out his number and left with a wink. His shoes thudded loudly on the wooden floor. I stared behind him as he slowly turned around and left.
Stranger?
Love at first sight?
Dream?
All of the things in the list I created in my dreamy mind finally ended up with a 'Check'.