Caution! Fragile

Chapter: 2 I Just Wanted Coffee

After a 4 hour delayed flight in Pennsylvania, I finally made it home to Sarasota. When my flight landed, the flight attendant brought my power chair close to the seat so I could transfer myself in. "Need any help?" she asked kindly.

"No thanks, I got it." I replied as I secured my seatbelt and positioned myself. "All set?"she questioned. I nodded as she handed down my carryon.

I drove down to the baggage claim where my parents were. As soon as they caught sight of me, they came rushing forward-hugging and kissing me saying they were so excited to see me. "Are you okay? Are you sore from your flight? Were people rude to you-" My mom rambled.

"Mom! I'm fine I'm 22 years old, I can handle myself" I cut her off.

"Okay, I know you're right, I'm sorry. I just missed you so much." She appeased. I chucked and hugged her tightly. The truth is, my parents have done anything in their power to make sure I was okay and always kept a watchful eye on me during my entire childhood. Some parents say that mine are overprotective, we normally burst out laughing at comments like those and say, "We wish!" If that was the case, I wouldn't have broken so much and definitely would've lived in a sheltered bubble.

The ride home was silent yet memories all started coming back as my dad listened to his classic Bob Marley album while my mom read a book. Everything seemed to be just the way I had left it four years ago. I dosed off in the car until my mom announced that we'd pulled in the driveway of our old 1970s house I'd never think I would miss it I said to myself. When we had gotten out of the car, I saw my van parked at the side of the house; oh how I'd missed that van everyday while I was gone and had been counting down the moments until I could drive it again. At that moment though, I was too exhausted to drive it so I maneuvered into the house to get a much needed snack and then a nap. As soon as I passed through the threshold, I immediately smelled something I recognized, dad's spaghetti sauce, my mouth started watering. It'd been four years since I'd last tasted heaven and oh how I'd missed it. I easily scarfed down 2 bowls while also licking the bowl clean. Yes, I'm a 22 year old who licks the bowl clean, all I can say is- get used to it. After a few minutes of visiting, I was so tired I fell asleep before my head even hit the pillow.

I woke up the next morning craving coffee; after a brief stretch, I got up, got dressed, and grabbed my car keys. Everyday during senior year, before school I would go and grab a Starbucks Frappuccino as a nice pick-me-up. Ever since, It'd become a part of my daily schedule. I drove my chair up into my car, put the keys in the ignition, and slowly pulled out of the driveway. My van is a handicap accessible car that fits my power chair right into the drivers side and because my legs are to small for the gas pedal, I use joysticks to pedal and steer. On my way to the local Starbucks, I heard a strange noise come from the engine. Suddenly, the engine backfired and the car started slowing down. "No no no no no...." I pleaded but the car stopped. "Aw crap! YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" I growled under my breath as I punched the steering wheel a couple of times (yes, I can actually punch). With a dejected sigh, I pulled out my phone and dialed AAA.

The tow truck came and brought my van to the nearest garage, which happened to be a "Dawson's Auto". I fidgeted impatiently as the repair guy inspected the car. I was already pretty ticked off by the sudden change of events so I wasn't in the mood to hear bad news. "Well I'm gonna have to bring the specialist in to look at this, I'll be right back" the guy stated as he rubbed the back of his neck. Go flipping figure, leave it to me and my crappy luck. After waiting 15, agonizingly slow, minutes I pulled out my phone and texted my mom, asking her to come pick me up as the "so called" specialist was probably going to be a no show. I was putting my phone away when someone finally walked over to me. "Sorry for the wait lets take a look here, shall we?" A deep, honey smooth, voice said.

"Well it's about time" I snapped irritably.

"Ouch, someone's ticked" he teased with his hands held over his heart like I'd wounded him. What a jerk.

"Well I just wanted coffee and end up with a broken car." I hissed while glaring at him.

He smiled down at me and cooly responded back, "I bet that's the least of your worries." I couldn't help but roll my eyes as he chuckled, he seemed to be enjoying this way too much. At that moment, I took a good look at him: he was tall, fair skinned, had light brown hair, dazzling blue eyes, and was well built but thin. He turned to look at me and I quickly averted my gaze. What's your name?" He asked.

I looked at him again and sighed, "Look are we gonna play 20 questions or are you gonna fix my car? Because if it's the first, I seriously don't have the time"

He just smiled and just kept talking, "Well it's a pleasure to meet you too, my name is Nate." This Nate guy was starting to really get on my nerves. We were silent for a moment as he went to look in the hood of my van. At last, Nate turned around and said "Well it looks like you need a new battery and your oil is leaking pretty bad." I hit my head with the palm of my hand and groaned, "perfect just perfect."

"Don't worry, it should be done in about three to four days. Five at the absolute max."

I sighed, "Alright, at least my insurance should cover it." He kept watching me with those big blue eyes, a look of puzzlement creasing his face.

"Why are you staring at me?" I asked, slightly annoyed. I hated when people stared at me because of how I looked or because I was in a wheelchair.

"Why haven't I seen you around before?" he questioned.

"I was at college for the last four years, I went to Harvard."

He looked stunned at my response. "Harvard? smart school for a smart girl- what are you studying?" he asked.

"Well I was in pre-Law but I decided to come home for law school. I want to become a lawyer." I replied with a shrug. He looked impressed. "So did you meet anyone there-" he asked with his hands in his pockets and a slight smirk on his face. Wait hold up... What? Is this guy trying to flirt with me?

"No and I want it to stay that way, I don't have time for a relationship." I responded curtly. A look of disappointment flashed across his face but was gone before I could be sure. Silence filled the air until Nate spoke again, "Hey, do you need me to give you a ride home?"

"Uh, no that's okay, my mom is coming to pick me up, thanks anyway." He smiled down at me again and I couldn't help but to smile back. My mom finally arrived, I looked up at him and said "Well thanks again, call me when my baby's fixed." He laughed as I started heading towards my mom. "Hey, wait up." I heard him call as he ran up to me. He put his hand on my shoulder and stopped me, "Are you even going to tell me your name?" he asked as he smiled. He startled me when he had placed his hand on my shoulder- most people were almost afraid to touch me and it was a nice surprise that this guy was treating me like I was normal. I sighed teasingly before responding, "It's Kelly," I flashed him a small smile and then continued to drive up to my mom. It's Kelly, just Kelly, and let's hope it stays that way. I thought to myself. This guy better not get any ideas.

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Hey guys! thanks so much for reading this I'm having a lot of fun writing it I really hope you like it too let's hope Kelly starts warming up to Nate lol

By the way there's this other writer, who's also my amazing editor, her name is lgirl36 she is writing her own book called "The reader and the musician" she's an awesome writer and you should check out her book. Thanks again for reading this guys, I really appreciate it! :)