I used to dream of being popular and having so many friends who really cared about me and were always there when I needed them. With them, I was a strong girl, able to take care of myself, be around people. Dreams. That’s all they were. I learned the hard way, more than once, that some dreams weren’t meant to come true. So, I studied, hid in a library or my room and if I wasn’t doing homework, I was pretending I was someone else in a romance novel. Sigh. My short life has been so boring.
I’ve been working at the coffee shop almost as long as I’ve been here. I love it there. The atmosphere is so cozy, and the different coffees are out of this world. Secretly, I love them better than Starbucks. Gasp! I love this small town. Everything is so close, and the only reason to drive anywhere is to go to class. I’m not a health nut or anything, but I love to jog or just walk along the beach. It’s so peaceful. I just put in my ear buds and crank up my iPod and get lost in the music. I don’t have a bad body, kinda too skinny for my liking, but I can’t really afford to join a gym to workout. My hair is naturally blonde. I used to be teased that I’m definitely a California beach girl because it would bleach out to almost white from the sun. It hangs down almost to my lower back and definitely needs a trim. Not my highest priority with my meager earnings and tips at the coffee shop. I think my eyes are boring. They’re blue and look flat to me. Sigh. I guess some may think that I look okay. I sure get looks from some of the guys who come into the shop, sometimes. Maybe they have an eyesight problem?
Today is Sunday, the only day I get to sleep in. So I enjoyed relaxing in bed until I had no choice but to get up to use the bathroom. This is also the day that I catch up on any homework or projects I wasn’t able to get done during the week. But I also have to work late this afternoon. I try to work as many days or nights as possible, leaving enough time for my studies. After a long, hot shower, I towel dry my hair, brush my teeth, and throw on a tank top and jeans shorts. Walking to the kitchen, I prepare the coffee pot and hit the switch as I make myself some scrambled eggs, toast and bacon. Soon my apartment begins to smell heavenly. I decide to turn the news on the TV and sit down on the couch with my breakfast, setting my coffee down on the table in front of me.
“This Monday. Come join us at Johnny’s for a cold one, kick back and enjoy the sounds of DJ West, or have a few spins out on the dance floor. You’ll love the atmosphere, it’s home of the best beer.”
Putting a loaded forkful of eggs into my mouth, I look at the screen.
“On Wednesday, join us for dance lessons with our Johnny’s gang. Learn all the latest and greatest line dances. Thursday is Open Mic Night, where you can show off your talent singing, playing an instrument, or both. You can also have a round of Karaoke, or you can sit back, have a drink and enjoy the show. Friday through Tuesday will be hopping with DJ West’s tunes. Requests are welcomed.”
Johnny’s. It’s the new bar opening up across the street. I’ve never been a “party girl” or even hung out with a lot of people. Some would classify me as an introvert, but I would’ve rather read, studied or gone to a museum or art gallery. Okay, so I might be a little bit of an introvert. I seem to be okay at the coffee shop though. Maybe it’s because I only talk to people long enough to take their orders and thank them. I’m behind a counter and other than cleaning the tables or the floor, I don’t have to get close to them. Once I got out on my own, I swore I would try to live a little, get out there and mingle – well as much as I’m able to. Maybe I should go check out the bar.
“Grand opening is Monday! Come check us out. You’ll never want to leave.”
I let out the most unladylike snort. I’ll be lucky if I stayed there the entire time. Hmm, classes don’t start until noon on Tuesday. Maybe I will go check it out, if I can make myself. Still, I dunno. I finish my breakfast, take the plate and fork to the kitchen, rinse them and put them in the dishwasher. Then go back, grab my cup along with my sketch pad and walk out onto my deck. It will never get old sitting down on my own deck, off my own apartment, and taking in the scenery before me. I scan over the beautiful blue water, the rush of the tide coming in, and the sandy beach. Over to the left, I see the trees blowing in the distance, looking back up toward this way, I take a deep breath and look around. A guy jogging on the beach. A couple walking hand in hand and…