I Need You

Chapter 3

New York has a way of making you feel so small. It's easy to lose yourself in all of the hustle of the exciting city. I walked through some side streets, and I could feel the cool fall air on my face. I could smell cigarette smoke and car exhausts. But I could also smell foods from sub shops and cafes. This in essence was not a good combination of scents, but I was just so excited to finally be in the big city that I didn't care. I found this quiet little quaint cafe on the busy corner of 28th street.

The name of it was "Mimi's Cafe". Inside of Mimi's was much different from the outside streets. It was a slower pace and more peaceful. It had two floors, and a spiral staircase in between them. There were murmurs coming from people in conversations, and there was music playing from an obscure band that I had never heard of. Probably underground nothing mainstream. I ordered a tall ice coffee, and sat in a little corner next to this grand record player. I sat there and looked out the window. I could imagine myself spending my time here. Late nights writing papers, early morning cram sessions. Maybe a potential date with Cyra. Immediately I start to smile at the thought.

It felt like I was in an alternate universe. People here were so eclectic, way different from back home. People in my home town were bland and plain, but here, everyone seemed to be themselves. I want to get to a point where I feel comfortable in my own skin here. I keep telling myself now is the time for reinvention. But how can I reinvent myself if I don't even know who I am let alone who I want to become. I stare out the window until a tap on my shoulder interrupts my thoughts. A tall man stands before me. He isn't bad looking according to beauty standards. He had hazel brown eyes and curly dark black hair tucked underneath a long brimmed hat. His complexion was a pale white, but it was flawless. Not a trace of acne was on his face. And when he smiled, his cheeks formed dimples. "I can tell your new here." He says.

"What gave me away?" I asked.

"I come here a lot and I've never seen your face here before. So what's your deal?"

A little intrusive much. I don't even know this man's name. It's beyond me how he can just be so comfortable diving into a conversation with a complete stranger. A personal one at that. He didn't even ask my name first. How rude.

"My name's Olivia, thanks for asking." I say as I sip my coffee and roll my eyes. He seems to find that funny and chuckles a little.

"Daniel." He says and reaches out to shake my hand. I shake his rough hands. "Sorry I didn't mean to come off so forward. I'm just used to speaking my mind."

"Yeah, well maybe let's introduce ourselves before you ask what my deal is." There is silence between us for a minute before I say. "I'm here for college at NYU." Daniel looks at me surprised then says. "Wow, what's your major?"

"Cinematography and film." I said. And before he can open his mouth to ask another question I ask him. "Why are you so inquisitive? Do you ask every new person that comes in questions?"

He smiles and those dimples show. "No, only people who I want to get to know." He noticeably blushes. He's cute, but ultimately he doesn't do anything for me. I don't feel any type of way about him. And it's clear by his red cheeks that he's trying to flirt. So I play along.

"Is that the line you use on all the girls?" I ask mockingly.

"Oh yeah, and they all fell for it." Daniel says sarcastically.

"How many girls fell for those lines and that charm."

"To many to count." He smiles playfully knowing that I'm not buying anything he's saying.

"You're pretty funny." I throw out my empty coffee cup, and before I get to the door Daniel gives me a napkin.

"Forgot this." He said.

I look at the napkin for a second and say. "Why would i want thi-" My voice trails off and I see writing on it. His phone number.

I smile one of those ha-ha-you-got-me smiles and say. "You're slick." I put the napkin in my back pocket and then I left. I don't know if I'll ever call Daniel. I don't really know what to feel about him yet. But whatever the feeling is, they're nothing like my feelings toward Cyra. It's just something about her.