Defeated (D.J.S)

Out of the Ordinary

Walk straight, ignore almost everyone, and get to college.

This was my motive every day. A normal morning consisted of me speed walking out of my apartment, because I am normally late, then walking straight towards the small and unnoticed coffee shop next to my apartment complex. I was blessed to have a good pay and scholarships that helped me to afford a nice apartment in L.A. which I share with my best friend, Kelly.

The small bell chimes as I walk into the small café. I am immediately greeted by the smell of freshly baked cookies and coffee. I always enjoy the peace of this small coffee shop, with it's cozy feel.

I walk up to the barista, Isabella, who I've known for a while. I had always loved her dark curly hair, even though at times she would complain that she hated it. I come to this cafe almost everyday, so she knows my regular order like the back of her hand.

"A caramel macchiato with an extra shot of espresso, and a chocolate chip cookie?" She half asks and half tells me.

"You know it!" I smile as I go up to pay for my food, and set my phone down on the counter.

Normally I am very shut off with people, and most strangers. But I've known Isabella for quite some time, and she makes me feel comfortable around her, like I can let my guard down. I haven't put it ALL the way down with her yet, but progress is progress. She can always put a smile on my face.

"Here you go sweets!" She says, handing me my food over the counter, and pushing a loose curl from her face.

"That was quick." I say, putting the cookie in my bag for later.

"I already knew you were going to be coming in, and surprisingly there wasn't a huge rush this morning, so I started your food before you got here." She says with a smile on her face.

"You're the best!"

"I know, I know. Like you haven't told me a million times!" She says stressing the word million.

"I'm just being nice geez"I say as I take a sip of the steaming coffee, closing my eyes to savor the flavors of my coffee.

She chuckles, "So how's your day going?"

"It's going good. Nothing out of the ordinary, so I am happy about that."

She sighs and softly shakes her head.

"You know, one day you are going to regret not taking chances and doing things 'out of the ordinary." She says while putting 'out of the ordinary' in air quotes.

I roll my eyes and shake my head.

"You know that's never gonna happen."

"But I wish it did Isabel! You have never told me why you're so closed off, and I'm happy that you are somewhat open with me, but you really need to start living life!" She says non-jokingly.

I look down at my shoes and rock gently back and forth on my heels.

"Listen, I'm not trying to be mean, you know that! All I'm trying to say is don't take life for granted." She says softer.

"I know." I mumbled.

"Then do something!" She said, but still having a smile on her face.

After a few moments of silence and me drinking my coffee, I answered her.

"I know you mean well Isabella... but you really don't know what I've been through! I have had some time to get myself together, and to be quite honest with you I'm doing better than I thought I would be! I... I just don't want to get hurt again." I said softly.

She nodded and looked at me with sympathy. She started to walk around the counter towards me and I looked at her confused.

Before I knew it she wrapped me in a hug.

"Don't try pushing me away, because I'll always be here for you." She whispered in my ear.

I loosened up, let my guard down, and returned the hug. When we finally pulled away I wiped a stray tear on my face. I didn't realize how much she meant to me.

"Thank you. For everything."

"No problem mija." She smiled.

(For those of you who don't know what that means, it's like a term of endearment when talking to a girl, who is a friend or family, in spanish. You pronounce it me-ha).

"I should get going now, I'm running a little behind." I said as I prepared to head out the door.

"Of course! Just don't get in too much trouble!" She yelled at me and chuckled while walking back behind the counter.

"I'll try" I said, laughing back, because we both know that I never do anything to get myself into trouble.

I walk towards the door with my half drank coffee in one hand and my wallet in the other. I push the door open with my back and head down the sidewalk to the bus station, passing a group of laughing guys.

Halfway to the bus station, I check my phone to see if I have any new emails from school or work.

Wait. My phone!

I frantically search my book bag and pockets to see if it was there. No luck. Great.

I put my wallet back in my bag, and turn on my heel and start speed walking back to the cafe. A lady walking a black Labrador looks at me weird as I pass her.

I cannot believe I left my phone at the cafe, and I might miss my bus. That can't happen. It needs to be a normal day!

When I can see the cafe, I start running to the door with the coffee still in my hand.

I fling the door open, and run inside, not looking at my surroundings. I run straight into someone, the collision making me close my eyes for a split second and falling back on my butt. My coffee, and theirs spilling. I gasp as the warm liquid of both coffees seeps through my shirt.

"SHI-OOT!" I say loudly. Hey, don't judge me. I'm not one to curse. Sure I do it in my head all the time, but I can't get myself to say them out loud. It feels wrong.

"Oh my god! Are you okay? I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention! Let me help you." A voice says quickly.

"I'm... I'm fine". I mumble and look to see a hand being held out. I take it and am pulled up to my feet. 

I finally look up to see the stranger, and my eyes meet an ocean of blue.

A/N: Woohoo! First real chapter out! I'm actually really excited for this book. Let me know what you think in the comments! Don't forget to vote! Love you all!

-Ari