Shattered

15: For You

  Dusk was approaching, and the weather was pleasant. Brooke was just outside the city limits, heading toward a local cafe that she went to occasionally. Though not technically in Jennings, it was owned by a local couple, and a majority of the customers lived in the town as well.

  Having walked there in complete silence, the low conversation inside the small coffee shop was a relief as Brooke went inside the building. The warmth engulfed her, and the smell of steaming fresh beverages was a soothing fragrance. Looking around as she walked toward the counter, she recognized a few people from her classes. She ignored them, as she was almost positive that they did not recognize her. It was nothing new; she had never been well known amongst her peers. It did not bother her, and slipped from her mind in an instant, as she stepped up to tell the young woman what she was ordering.

  The door opened, letting in a small draft, and ringing the bell that was tied to the handle. Brooke turned casually to see who it was, and was immediately transfixed by the man she saw enter. 

  "For here or to go?" asked the young woman taking orders. "Ma'am?"

  "Oh, sorry," said Brooke, flushing red from her obvious staring. "For here, thank you."

  The woman nodded, and went to make her drink. Not wanting to have to speak to the man, Brooke quickly took a seat in a red leather armchair, awaiting for her order to be ready. Feeling uneasy, she could not help but glance at him. His dark hair was parted down the middle, falling in managed curtains, and hiding part of his face. His facial hair was neatly trimmed, and he wore a simple dark pair of jeans, with a loosely fitting white button-down shirt.

  They made eye contact, and Brooke quickly grabbed a magazine that was resting on the table next to her. She stared at the page; holding it too close to her face to actually be able to read it. She looked down, and saw a pair of brown cowboy boots right in front of her. Slowly, she moved the magazine from its obstructing view of her face, and came closer than she pleasured to Andrew Kline. 

  "Mind if I sit here?" he asked, leaning down to look at her; his long falling in his eyes. 

  Internally screaming "no!" Brooke nodded timidly, and put the copy of Seventeen a more natural distance in front of her, as she continued "reading."

  "I have your coffee," said Andrew, causing Brooke to jump at his sudden speaking. She closed the magazine, and put it back on the table next to her.

  "Thanks," she said, smiling awkwardly, and accepting the drink he handed to her. He kept strong eye contact with her, even after she looked away. It was hard to sit there, knowing that someone was staring at her. Unsure of what else to do, she uncomfortably sipped her coffee, and looked anywhere but at him.

  "Listen, I was uh wondering," said Andrew, looking as uncomfortable as Brooke felt, "did your - did your brother mention anything about me before he left? I think he left because of me."

  "No, we didn't speak about it, or anything to be honest," said Brooke, staring down at her coffee. "And don't worry, it wasn't you that ran him off, but if it was, I thank you."

  "You and your brother-"

  "I'd rather not touch the subject," said Brooke, getting angry. "Besides, wouldn't you already know about this stuff? I thought you guys were friends."

  "Well, we kind of are," said Andrew, fiddling with his hands. "But I don't know the whole story, no."

  As he stared down, he began looking slightly upset. Brooke almost pitied him, as it dawned on her just how many people Bradley had hurt.