Saving Styles

Strange Encounter

I sat in the corner of the small cafe I discovered on my way back home form my first day at my university. It was quaint and smelled of fresh coffee grounds and old newspaper. The young boy that stood near the cash register played a lot of indie music, mostly The Neighbourhood and The Vaccines. I like how the place looked kinda run down, the bohemian patterned wallpaper was slightly peeling off the walls, and the only source of light were from the small paper laterns scattered all over bookshelves filled of old classic stories like Moby Dick and Tom Sawyer printed onto ripped, dog-eared paperbacks. The place was like my own little haven, I felt safe sitting in the corner on a cushion, reading my book.

Although saying I found it on my way home is an understatement, (I actually got on the wrong bus after class that took me to some ratty old neighbourhood.) It was pretty worth my while, because at least now I have found my own little studying corner to work on assignments or just to lounge around when I don't want to go home.

This entire week has been filled with rain and today was no exception. The sky was gray with a gloomy overcast and baby drops of waters gently hit the window before racing each other down the glass. I was reading The Fault in Our Stars while listening to the cashier hum along to the song playing on the radio. I have to say, I was quite content. Classes today at school were pretty calm and I didn't get lost once. I will admit starting at a new university wasn't easy, but after two weeks I was starting getting used to it. I haven't made new friends yet (which is fine by me) but I do have a few friendly classmates that invite me to sit with them at their lunch table even though I sit there quietly reading.

I felt a buzz come from my back pocket, realizing it was probably my dad trying to get a hold of me.

Dad: Kara, I'm coming home late. Please be home by 10, call me if you have an emergency. Xx

I checked the time on my watch and it read quater to nine. I decided to pack up my belongings and head out. Who knows how long it might take me to get back home. I placed my earbuds in my ears and began to play Running For Cover by Ivan and Alyosha as I pushed the cafe door open and felt the raindrops hit the top of my head, slowly dampening my blonde hair.

I anazlyed the run down houses as I walked down the street: the paint was chipping off most of them, some were branded with gang symbols while others had old cars with duct tape holding onto one of the tail lights. I had to admit, this place was much worse than the neighbourhood we moved into. I swear if it wasn't for the sun still being out, I would've gotten jumped.

I sat on the bench near the bus stop, waiting for it to arrive. I felt a bit nervous like I did back in primary school when I'd wait for the bus all by myself at the corner. I tried to keep myself occupied with my a game on my phone but the growing darkness of the sky began to make me anxious. I checked my clock and it read 9:30, I texted my dad already saying I might be late but he didn't respond. I felt the hairs at the nape of my neck lift up when a car screeched loudly behind me.

Be calm... Be calm.... Be calm...

"Oye, I think we've missed the bus! Damn it!" A boy's voice appeared. I heard the crunch of the loose gravel behind, signaling whoever these people were, were walking closer behind me. I tried to look busy on my phone but I don't think staring at Temple Run's main menu was productive. "Excuse me miss," the same voice began. I looked up and saw a boy with extremely dark brown hair and chocolate eyes and another one with typical blonde hair and blue eyes.

"Yeah..?" I replied, raising my left brow a bit. The brunette took a seat next to me, a bit too close I might add.

"Eh, has the bus arrived yet?" He asked, looking intently at me.

"Obviously not dumb ass, she'd be on it if it was!" His blonde friend answered for me, slapping the boy on the back harshly. He blushed and chuckled nervously, mumbling an apology. I continued to sit there quietly as the boys made awkward small talk between themselves.