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[anonymouse]

Zeke felt his shy smile turn into a quirky grin as the girl began to stumble over her words. He knew it was stupid of him, but he thought it was kind of cute. She seemed so shell-shocked. He knew that he wasn't going to hurt her but she seemed unsure as to whether she could trust him or not. She just stood before him, those eyes seeming to widen every second. But what was he suppose to say now? He was suddenly curious about her. Who wcas she besides Julianna? He noticed a sketch book in her hands, something that hadn't fallen from her arms. So she draws. That's pretty cool... With seeing this girl, he felt a feeling he hadn't felt in what might have been ages: Butterflies. Julianna didn't seem common in the slightest. To Zeke, it was alright obvious that he was intrigued by her. The way her dark hair fell from her hat, the way her lips had stumbled to form a handful of words, it was all very exciting. Ezekiel loved meeting new people that weren't caught in the flow. They were entirely more interesting for they had deeper thoughts that how well the latest famous couple looked together. And no one wanted to meet someone just like themselves and it seemed to Zeke, that he wouldn't have that problem with this stunning girl. He brushed his hair from his eyes and struggled with what he should say next. He knew her name, she knew his. That was the first step to socializing, right? So what was the next step?
"Would you like to grab a drink at the cafe with me? I know it's kind of sudden but I figured after running into you I could make it up with a cup of coffee." He smiled softly, his voice sounding foreign even to himself. How was it that he could have felt one way just moments before but as soon as that girl looked so... curiously at him, he felt all nervous and flustered. Was it possible that he might like her already?

Yes, I think it is. Zeke told himself, any areas of him being cold vanished. He had been and talked with girls lately, yes, but they didn't give him this warm feeling. He didn't get a full idea of this girl at first look. It was like a mystery. A mystery that he planned on finding out. Maybe he was rushing into something 'blindly' but it seemed like the risk Zeke was willing to take. He would never forgive himself if he didn't do something daring, unthinkable. Nothing someone would expect. It wouldn't be the last of his teen years unless he did something. It wasn't as if he had all the time in the world to be young. So he was going to live in the moment. He wasn't going to dread about the future. He wasn't going to let the impossible worry him. Ezekiel gently switched the book from his one hand to his other, a different kind of nervousness going through him. Why was it that he had simply said a few words to this girl and he felt like a little kid again. It was like he had forgotten how to talk to girls again. They were suddenly a contrasting species. And Zeke wasn't sure how to handle it. What would she think of him as he thought of her? But- what did he think of her? Julianna was gorgeous, she seemed like no other girl, but what else? What was behind those doe-eyes? All yet she did was stare at him and he just wondered what could be behind those eyes? What was she thinking about him? And what if she had somewhere to go, someone else to meet? Could it be that she didn't want to have a coffee with him? Maybe she didn't like coffee, he hadn't thought of that. But he knew the cafe had more to offer than coffee, so all hope wasn't lost. True or false? Zeke couldn't answer any of his own questions.


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Her tea spread warmth through her body and she was glad to know that it brought feeling to her toes. There wasn't a day that she didn't enjoy the cold in the winter. Something about it made her just smile. Maybe it was the snow that fell lazily through the skies and gave that smile extra brightness. But not as much today. She felt so tired and fragile. Like she was a thin glass vase, tipping percariously over the edge. A small nudge could either send her over or bring her to safety. A small sigh escaped Brielle's lips as she watched the siblings she had seen before enter the shop. The girl was happily holding a toy store bag and through the sides Bri could see a tuff of golden fur even from what seemed so far away. She wasn't quite sure why he was giving her more sugar when she already seemed so hyperactive. And even as other people walked in she found that she only had eyes for the older brother. Something about him... She propped her chin up with her hand, her sleeve pulled down to cover her hands with more warmth, and studied the two. They were ordering a couple of hot drinks for themselves and the little girl was just hopping up and down with excitement. It brought a little giggle to Brielle's mouth. She would never get tired of watching little kids. They were adorably simple but even with their easy thinking and actions, it was still a laugh. It was refreshing as to how they weren't as complicated as the real world. Bri twirled a lock of her hair absentmindedly, all of the rushing thoughts weighing heavy on her mind. What did it all mean? Surely nothing important. She never got to enjoy anything important anymore. She had to talk only about cliques and how 'hot' the other girls looked in their new jeans. And she really, really didn't care. It was boring. Bland. Bri always had a bad taste in her mouth after all of the mindless chatter. It was hard to want to call out for a distraction, a savior to pull her away from it all. Except, she didn't say a word. She never let her guard down. But that day felt different.

Before her eyes, Brielle saw the sibling separate after the boy speak a few words too quiet for her to hear. Just as she was pondering what he could have told the young girl, she suddenly came running over. Her long hair bounced around her shoulders as she slid into the seat across from Bri. It was so unexpected that Brielle felt her heart stutter for a moment and her eyes widen with surprise. The girl was as friendly as a puppy and it was obviously they weren't going to hurt her, but still. Bri couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. She faintly hurt the young girl's voice but it didn't register too well for she noticed the older brother began walking over in that strange but interesting way boys walked. Being a teen girl, she wasn't afraid to admit to herself that she was boy-crazy. And the boy - Nick as the young girl called him - wasn't half-bad looking. She blinked in surprise and shock, her mind turning, trying to find a way to react. Then he slid next to his sister and stared intently at his coffee.
"Hello," She smiled softly at the girl, wrapping her hands around her cup of tea once more. With the girl's radiant smile and his uncomfortable body language, Brielle figured that maybe she could have some fun. After all, it never hurt anyone to live a little. "I'm Brielle, but you can call me Bri." Her voice was just loud enough so that they could hear her for Bri rarely raised her voice. Relieved, Brielle noticed that her voice didn't sound... awkward. It almost sounded pretty. Pleased with the way things were going thus far, Brielle looked up and over through her bangs to catch a glimpse of the boy, Nick. But just as quick she turned her attention to the little girl, her curiosity growing to almost an overwhelming level. Her the boy's name was Nick, what was the girl's name? What made the girl decide to sit next to Bri when there was a number of tables open? Yet, for Brielle, there was an unmistakable spark of hope.

[lorreli.]

Jules bit her lip caustiously and tried to avoid his eyes...stunning eyes, actually. Julianna always noticed certain things about people, and th first thing she noticed about any person was their eyes. Sometimes they were odd color combonations, sometimes they turned a different color when the sunlight hit them. So, she simply cheated out by staring at his forehead, while it seemingly looked like she was making eye contact. Juli just had a problem looking people in the eye. But, her eyes didn't linger there for long. She let them snap back onto his. He seemed to be assessing her, just as she had been assessing him a few moments ago. His eyes seemed to linger on her sketchpad, which she had originally put back into her bag, but taken out again before she got up to leave. She always liked to keep it close to her, in case an idea struck and she had to scrawl it down before she got to the cafe. She wondered what he thought it was - did he know it was a sketchbook? Did he think it was a notebook? Her eyes searched his face slightly, looking for any signs or emotions that would give away what he was thinking about. Julianna always wanted to know what people were thinking, nosy her. But she was always afraid that people were judging her. Then, what he said next surprised her...asking her to go to the cafe? She almost felt a shiver go down her spin. Was he...asking her on a date? That was what it sounded like. Well, wasn't he jumping the gun just a liiiitle bit? They had just met...kinda. Oh jeez.... Julianna thought. There really wasn't a way out of this. She couldn't lie and say she had errands...Juli was a terrible liar. And then, she wouldn't even be able to go to the cafe. Something she had been looking forward to all day. And plus, what other obligations could she possibly have? It was a snow day for God's sake. But...what would she say? What was there to say anyway? Julianna found that, for most of her life, she always had trouble communicating with the opposite gender. So...what did she say to him? Well, sure, he was pretty good looking and all, but all she could think of is how awkward it would be. She hadn't really been out on a 'date' since the eighth grade, when her friends forced her on a blind date that winter, ice skating. She barely uttered two words to the guy that night, and when trying to hand her a small cup of hot chocolate, he had slipped on the ice and ended up dumping it...all over her. She had the burn marks for the next two weeks, and not many people were interested in going out with her after the story circculated the school. But maybe she was just making this whole thing into a big ordeal. Maybe he wasn't asking her on a date - maybe he was just being friendly, like his words suggested. But, if there was anything Julianna had learned in her life, it was this - don't pay attention to words. Pay attention to the actions behind them. And, just in the way he was smiling at her gave her an indication that he wasn't simply being friendly.

"Uh, yea, sure." she said shyly, rocking back and forth on her heels and tugging on the string that was dangling from her knit hat. She tried to tell herself that the only reason she was saying yes was because she would feel guilty if she did say no. But, deep down, she had a feeling that wasn't the reason that she was agreeing to this. This realazation sent a bout of butterflies sommersaulting in her stomach, something she hadn't felt in a long time. But, she tried to ignore the butterflies. She looked back at him, seeing that he was seemingly uncomfortable. Julianna held back a sigh - she could easily do that to people, make them feel uncomfortable when they talked to her her. She could guess that it was because, in a way, she was intimadating. Not intimadating in a way that you'd be afraid to talk to her, but intimadating because she didn't talk a lot. And most people didn't really like to do all of the talking, therefore feeling uncomfortable. And Juli had been used to this for almost all of her life - she was just the quiet background noise. She felt as if she would be doing him an injustice, giving him a boring afternoon. There were a million other pretty girls that he could get coffee with, that would probably actually talk to him. But her? She guessed he was in for a very quiet afternoon.

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Nick stared at his little sister, an angry spasm flashing in his eyes. Why did he have the brilliant idea of taking her out on the town today? Of course, something embarrising was going to happen. Audrey didn't understand that you just couldn't waltz up to someone's table and sit there. Especially when you're with your older brother, who doesn't enjoy social discomfort, much. Audrey didn't react at all to his glare, because her eyes were focused on the girl across from them, a sweet smile fixated on her lips. Nick sighed softly and then turned his glance from his younger to the girl. He watched her face first - shock, surprise, then amusement. He felt relieved - at least she wasn't all that creeped out by his younger sister. When she introduced herself as Brielle, he racked his brains. Didn't he know a Brielle? She went to his school, probably, unless she was an out-of-towner. A smile was playing on Audrey's lips still. Bri's gaze didn't waver from her, and she paid little attention to Nick. He rolled his eyes mentally. Leave it to your adoreable little sister to steal the show. "Brielle? That's a very pretty name." Audrey said with a flattering smile. Nick just rested his chin on his hand, and directed his gaze back to Audrey. Maybe a little peak in her mind to see what she was up to..."I'm Audrey. This is my brother, Nick." Audrey was beaming as she looked at her older brother. Of course, before Nick had checked in on her thoughts, he would've guessed she was just kissing up. It was typical Audrey. But, what he found in her mind was different. Obviously, his little sister was having a little fun...playing match-maker. If she wasn't beaming up at him in that way, he would've scowled at her. But, of course, she had no idea about his...gift. So, she wouldn't understand what upset him. And, of course, the girl across the booth would think he was sadistic and bitter, scowling rudely at his little sister. So, he forced a smile lightly and managed a soft, "Hey." before turning his focus back to Audrey.

Obviously, from her thoughts, she had an idea that she could get Nick a girlfriend. He should've known - it was so her. She had recently been complaining about not having an older sister to play with. Then, Nick's mother got the brilliant idea to explain to her that if Nick got a girlfriend, it would be like she had an older sister in a way. So, of course, Audrey jumped right on the bandwagon. She hounded him about it constantly. And now, she was searching for canidates. Of course - he should start giving her more credit. She was a pretty clever six year old. But, still, that didn't mean he wouldn't punish her once her 'canidate' was out of sight. Audrey, still, was just all smiles, sipping her cocoa innocently and looking from Nick to Bri, as if waiting for some magic to happen. Then, something dawned on her, and her face looked as if a lightbuld had just gone off. Oh no... Nick thought frantically, trying to read Audrey's idea. But, it came out of her mouth before Nick could read her properly. "I'll be right back, I have to go to the bathroom." Audrey said pleasantly, sliding out of the booth and heading for the door with the female sign on it. Nick was left in the awkward situation. If Audrey had been a boy, he could've made up some excuse about his parents always wanting him to be with his sibling and followed. But, alas, Audrey was a girl. So, he couldn't follow her. But he wanted to. Nick hated awkward situations more then anything in the world. At first, he sat silent, staring down at his coffee, then his eyes casually flicked up to hers, offering a weak smile. "Sorry about my little sister. She's a little bit..." he paused and searched for the right word. "Eccentric." he offered with a chuckle.

[anonymouse]

There was a hesitant pause between him and this girl that had so suddenly slammed into his life. Literaly. Zeke mused over what she had said, how she had seemed as curious as he was. Except she almost had this look about her as if she was struggling with a deep choice. And that didn't settle well with Zeke. He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable about him asking. It was rushed of him and maybe she wasn't a girl who would take the chance for a coffee. And that was alright. If she wanted space, he would give her space. If there was something he knew, it was that he didn't want to upset Julianna.
"You don't have to if you don't want to, ya know." He gave a small shrug of the shoulders. "It won't be the end of the world if you say no." Somehow, if he had ever imagined a meeting like this, Ezekiel didn't see it going the way it was. It almost felt as if they just weren't communicating as well as they could. Zeke's worries began to rise. He had been too quick. He was scaring her off. It was a terrible feeling to think he had messed up so soon. It was embarrassing. But somehow he had to come off this strong, right? His fears quieted in a way, Zeke tried to figure out how in the world he was going to get himself out of his hole. Unless he was jumping to conclusions...? Already Zeke was tired of asking himself questions that never got answered and they didn't help the problem at hand. He kept his demeanor even and calm for showing that he was suddenly panicking wasn't going to be a plus. All of his 'excuses' weren't going to work. None of his friends was here to pull him out of the conversation. He had no where to go. He had purposefully screwed himself in a few moments with this girl. He hoped she would understand that he wasn't too good with talking to girls her.

The book in his hands felt like it weighed twenty-five pounds. It felt like she could read him too easily and she was just amusing him. He felt entirely uncool. Zeke was going to be honest to himself, it was not a happy feeling. In the middle of a blank, Zeke let the silence stretch. It was awkward. It was nerve-wracking. It was annoying. But what could he do about it? He didn't know this girl therefore he didn't know what to say to ease the tension. Was that a bad thing? That he didn't know a certain girl from his small school? He hoped not. I seem to be hoping a lot lately. Well. This has been fun. I think I should just walk away and avoid all former shame. I mean, I could probably do most of the talking if I just knew what she liked or even what to say! Note to self: I am not good with girls that create their own flow. They are too confusing in the first minute of the conversation. A thought caused Zeke's mind to darken. Was he being shallow? It seemed entirely logical. He'd rather not get mixed in with Julianna, a girl who is different than his 'norm'. He was shallow. It was horrific. How could he be so shallow? Determinded to not be shallow, Zeke promised himself that he would get out of his - or further into it - in a reasonable manner. It couldn't be that hard right?

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[color=#80BFBF]Brielle noticed Nick was staring intently at his younger sister. He didn't appear to be too pleased with the latest turn of events. That made Bri smile. Not fully but close. Very close. She knew that if she had had an older, or younger, brother she would have gladly teased him like all sisters should. So she felt like giving the little girl a word of praise. Sometimes, from watching and listening, Brielle knew it was almost too easy. It was obvious that girls had boys - whether friends, boy friends, or brothers - wrapped around their little finger. One word and a boy was speechless. One phrase and they were hurt. One sentence and they couldn't breathe. One action and they were furious. It was all too exciting. Even if the cumbersomeness from first encounters was still hanging on every word, Brielle was planning on cheering herself up. Or, in this case, letting a little girl do it for her.
"Why thank you. I've always thought so, too." Bri had heard of less fortunate names before and she was glad her parents had the wisdom to give a sweet little girl a very fitting name. "It's a pleasure to meet you Audrey, Nick." Brielle inclined her head towards the elder sibling, a small taunting smirk across her thin lips. If Nick was going to try so hard to be a downer, she might as well take that in stride. Brielle had always thought she was quite clever. Now was the time to test it. Taking another small sip of her tea, Bri listened with evidant amusment as Nick muttered a single word of greeting. It could have been taken as rude. It could have been taken as shy. But Brielle took it as neither. She had yet to place Nick. Audrey was just a bright little girl - at least for her age. She was certainly something. But then the events turned; and not neccisarily for Bri's benefit. When Audrey declared she was going to the bathroom, Brielle's heart lurched for a moment. Audrey was the one person of the two that was keeping Bri strong and confident. She could talk to a little girl, but to a teen boy with silver eyes? Forget it.

The tip of her fore finger sliding across the edge of her tea cup over and over, Brielle took a deep breath and made herself socialize with the silent-Nick. It was the least she could do instead of making him sit there, uncomfortably. He wouldn't meet her eyes nor even look at her and the fake-Brielle felt annoyed because of it. If she was 'in character' she would have practically gasped that he wasn't 'falling head over heels for her beauty'. But no. Not today. Brielle was bored of her popular act. Why couldn't she just be herself? Whoever that was?
"Indeed." Brielle laughed softly, remembering from moments before Audrey's lady-like attitude. Though, it was nice to hear something rather than a mumble from Nick. An almost laugh. "She's smart. I don't quite know in what way but I can tell." Brielle looked up from her tea cup and gazed over at Nick. Some have told her she has an intense stare and suddenly Brielle felt like proving it, if it could be proven. She nodded slightly towards his waiting cup of coffee. "Coffee person?" She inquired. Bri was a tea-lover 110% though coffee was nice once in a while. She also loved sugar. Except... There was so many rules if she wanted to 'keep her girlish figure'. Salad for almost every meal was a bland choice after a while. And with tea, and when she was alone, she could add as much honey or sugar as she wanted. None of that fake sugar either. Real calories. But, that was unimportant as of the matter at hand. What made Nick so... stiff? Unsure? Quiet? Was there an answer? If so, how soon could she find it?

{ Sorry for the spelling mistakes, I wasn't on the Mac so no red squiggly lines to help. xD }

[lorreli.]

Jules automatically felt guilt sweep over her. Why had she been so hesitant? Why had she answered in a way that made it seem like she was simply agreeing? By the look in his eyes, she could tell he was feeling cold towards her, maybe a little annoyed. She began to regret overthinking it. Why hadn't she just said yes and then smiled? Well, at least she had an answer to that. That would make her seem like a normal, flirty girl. Something she was not. The answer she gave was typical her, and she could tell that was causing much discomfort. Maybe she should stay silent and let him walk out, and then maybe she wouldn't see him again? But there was still a big part of her that maybe did want to spend the afternoon at the cafe with someone else for once, instead of just sitting in the corner, isolated. She blinked up at him, gently biting her thumb nail. Words were failing her at the moment as she looked up at him. All she could see was disapointment, annoyance, discomfort. Was it a talent of hers? Able to turn people away from her within only five minutes of meeting them? She sighed softly and looked up at him. As she tried to think of something to reply with, she began to lightly shake her head back and forth sorrowfully, indicated that, by her blatant answer, that was not what she had meant. As she continued to muse with things she could say to him, she was also trying to think of a way to reassure him that she would be happy to join him, and wasn't just guilted by it, and simply agreeing. So, she guessed she's have to turn on the smiles. "No, I would like to go get coffee with you. She said quietly, letting a small half grin play on her lips. Usually, she didn't really smile for people. She always made excuses for it, things like she didn't have anything to smile about, or she didn't like her smile.

"Well, I have to warn you though...I'm not much of a conversationalist." Julianna said softly, letting herself giggle a little bit. And, it was the truth. Many people got easily tired of Julianna because she didn't talk very much, and mostly she let the other person talk, while she simply nodded and gave small replies just to show that she was listening. If you needed someone to just listen to you, Juli was your girl. But if you wanted someone to talk to you, well, she couldn't help you there. "If you can honestly put up with me for that long, I would love to get coffee with you." Julianna finally let a full out grin spread across her face, something flickering in her eyes. Was she flirting? Well, didn't really matter - she was trying to lighten up the mood and at least ease his discomfort a little bit. She could tell that he was worked up about her previous answer and she felt extremely guilty about making him feel that way in the first fwe minutes that she had met him. She at least had to make it up to him some way, right?

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Nick just watched Bri intently, trying to figure out what she was thinking from her facial expressions and actions before peaking into her thoughts. She looked...contemplative, as if she was lost in thought. But what was she thinking about? "She can be pretty clever when she wants - beyond her age. Butthat doesn't stop her from being a little girl." Nick said with a grin, picking up the bag from the toy store and pulling out the dog inside, smiling at her before putting it back in the bag and laying it down on the booth next to him. He eyed her drink after she asked him about coffee - what was she drinking? Cocoa? Tea? Coffee? "Yea, coffee is definatly my main drink - it's pretty much what keeps me going everyday." He confessed. If Nick didn't get his coffee, he probably wouldn't make it through the day. He wasn't an energy drink guy, so coffee was his lifeline. "How about you? Coffee too? Or are you one of those chai tea people?" he asked with a grin, taking a long sip of his moccha. He began to softly focus on her thoughts - just to do a small background check. He almost wrinkled up his nose when he heard - she thought he was stiff? Well, that was basically his fault. When he first came to sit with her he acted awkward and closed up. So he was the only one to blame for that charecterazation. Quiet? He almost laughed out loud. One thing Nick wasn't was quiet. But, again, his fault. If he hadn't spent all his time scowling at Audrey, he could've given her a better first impression. Nick was usually great with first impressions. He was good at showing people he was bold and outgoing and...well...a bit of a flirt, even though he never admitted that. But, her first impression of him was closed off, quiet, stiff. He had never really been described as that. So, he was hoping that, if he had screwed his first impression, maybe he could make it up to her with a good second impression? It was worth a try, and he just felt like she was worth a legitimate second try. Maybe it was because she caught his eye the minute he walked in the shop.

"So, hmmm..." he said, propping his hand on his chin on his hand and looking at her, trying to think of some topics to talk to her about it. "Tell me about yourself." He said with a grin. "Like, ah, do you go to school around here? What do you do in your free time? Coffee or tea?" He just continued to smile at her. Now he was showing his true colors - being random and simply funny. These were random things that he would simply say to start conversations with people - he liked to learn about people fast, just so he would be able to relate and talk to them. And, he guessed Audrey wouldn't come out of the bathroom until she was sure she got her way. Which meant, she wanted Nick to ask this girl out on a date. Well....he guessed he would see how this went. Then, maybe he would thank Audrey later. "Sorry for the random questions. I guess if we're stuck in this booth together for awhile we might as well get to know each other, ya know?" He joked, laughing goofily and smiling at her. Maybe she wouldn't think he was so stiff anymore. Or at least he hoped - that was his intention going down this road.

[anonymouse]

When Julianna replied, almost as if she was trying to fix this somehow, Zeke let himself be at ease. She seemed just as confused and unsure as he was. It was just a strange moment, was it not? He hoped they wouldn't have to be misunderstanding each other for the whole time. It would be quite awkward if that happened. But he had a good feeling that as soon as the coffee arrived - or something similar - they would be able to relax and enjoy each other's company. It was a known fact to just about anyone that when you first met someone there was at least the first few minutes were hard to feel comfortable. There was a handful of people who could easily work with that situations and find out what interested the other person but Zeke didn't think it would work well today. He usually could be pretty good at most situations but this girl was different. She most likely caused everything he used to know to be different. It was hard to explain but Zeke could tell that Julianna was going to be worth getting to know, to hear her voice. He was possibly a lot like a child. He got excited often and usually by things no one appreciates. It was a sad truth yet, how was Zeke suppose to stop being himself? If people didn't like him, that was their problem. But he wanted to impress Julianna. Make her laugh or giggle sweetly again. Ezekiel gave a small smile to Julianna and led the way to the cafe, racking his brain for something to say.
"That's ok, I'm good at filling the silence." Zeke felt his brown bangs flop into his eyes with his large foot steps and with a flick of his fingers it helped his vision. He didn't want to miss anything that came upon them. "I mean, I don't mind doing the talking because technically I have a lot to say it all just depends on the subject at hand or even the question. I also like to answer my own questions but some people think that's weird. And they also think that its geeky to spend a good part of your free time thinking about a deep question. I don't see why. You only live once, why not do something useful? Like, I've always wanted to be a scientist but I don't think I'm smart enough to be. And there's the possibility of a teacher too, I just don't now which subject. I can't pick just one thing I want to do. And to think that I'll be heading off to college soon... It's almost a scary thought. I've been waiting to grow up ever since I was old enough to talk and now I wish I could just slow down..." The cafe smelled of warm coffee and a faint scent of mint. Being it winter Zeke figured there was some candy-cane-flavored coffee of some sort. Then again, he could be wrong. He could always be wrong.

"One cup of hazelnut coffee, please. With a splash of milk as well." Zeke let his gaze drift over the cozy cafe. It was decorated in warm colors of browns and oranges. It was all very... abstract. Modern. 'Popular'. There was a few plush couches, a few booths, and a handful of tables. It seemed you could either lounge or do work if need be. It was quiet enough - as all libraries are. The menu wasn't too long that it was tacky but not too short so you had a good selection. Zeke was never one for fancy lattes or cappicinos, he was more of a plain-coffee-man. He didn't need a drink that just tasted like sugar - to him - he actually wanted to taste what kind of coffee it was. He had yet to taste Brazilian which he had heard amany raves about. But maybe later on in his life he could run a coffee shop and only serve what kind of coffee he liked. It was a charming idea but with no backup. He hadn't even decided 100% on a college... Ezekiel pushed that depressing thought away. There would be time for that kind of thinking later. Not when he had a nice girl to talk with, or just talk to. He was genuinely interested in this girl. And not all in a romantic way. Talking to someone about anything always made Zeke feel better, so how would this time be different? In a good way or bad?


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With a soft smile Brielle swirled the last sip or two of her tea. So, maybe she was wrong about Nick. He was asking questions left and right but nothing Bri couldn't handle. She looked up at him, studying those eyes and the curve of his lips. What could she say? She was prone to just watching from afar when she could. It was different; being in a scene or watching it. Being a part of the action gave you rights to know everything, but looking on? That was where the questions were asked, the answers rarely received, and the guesses made.
"I don't like chai tea much but I am into tea, yes. I wouldn't be able to meditate or anything but I do enjoy a cup of black tea every once in a while. The energy that comes with coffee isn't my favorite. Though, I do love the smell of coffee. That's usually why I choose this place over others." Bri tilted her eyes slightly, her large eyes meeting Nick's. What was he thinking? He seemed to be amused, but over what Bri hadn't a clue, and that off-put her for a moment. Was it something she said? Her appearance? Bri wasn't one for the jeans but she adored the boots. There was a moment of pause between them as she thought over his other rapid fire questions. Why was he so curious? And why did he look familiar? It was highly possible he went to her school but wouldn't she have seen him around? No. I'm too busy at school talking with my 'friends'. Brielle thought bitterly. A common rule of someone popular was that you didn't mingle with the lesser rankers. There had been many times when Brielle had longed to talk to a 'geek' that looked a little down but could she? No. Her reputation would have been ruined and all her hard work would have gone down the drain. Brielle set her tea cup lightly on the table and folded her arms together for warmth. Being so petite and slim, Bri felt as if she got cold faster than anyone else. Yet she still refused to wear a puffy jacket for protection. Pondering all these thoughts and more, Brielle felt a small smile touch her lips.

They were silly questions and could be taken meaningless for those who didn't think as deeply as some. But Brielle found them thoughtful and kind of Nick to suggest when they were both a tad uncomfortable with talking to a stranger.
"I go to the high school. I love reading and listening to music even though I highly doubt I could make any myself. Tea all the way. And it makes sense, asking questions. Ever since I was little I've always wanted to just burst out questions but soon I realized no one likes being questioned. So I gave up on the practice. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who feels that way..." Brielle looked away from Nick for a change, her eyes finding her hands. A bit of a blush filled her cheeks as she realized what she said. And it wasn't something she was suppose to say. "I guess I'm trying to say that I've always been too curious for my own good. It's gotten me in trouble more times than I can count." The image of her bruises flashed into her mind for a split second. Sometimes Brielle's emotions would get the best of her and she would confront her father or even ask a simple question. Those nights were worse than if she had let it go and just taken it like a man. Which didn't make any sense on account that she was a girl and all... Bri stopped thinking about those terrible nights. They would only make her sad and frustrated. And Brielle didn't want to burden Nick, or anyone, with her problems. They were hers to deal with, right? A small shrug lifted Bri's shoulders. "Mindless rambling." But she didn't believe that. Not at all. Why she said it Brielle was unsure herself. Maybe because she was caught inbetween the fake Bri and the real Bri, whoever she was. Brielle twirled a lock of her hair around her finger thoughtfully. What was she doing? She didn't figure that you could be two 'people' at once but without meaning to, Brielle was. She was saying one thing that a popular girl would and another that someone entirely different would. It was a mess that Brielle wasn't going to bother with solving. She had just to listen for Nick's reply, whatever it might be.

{I feel like I keep repeated and rambling with Zeke D: }

[lorreli.]

Julianna let out a soft sigh of relief as he smiled at her. She could feel the previous tension melting away, and she could tell he felt more relaxed as well as she did. Juli watched him start out to the cafe, and she followed him, keeping pace with soft, small steps. As soon as they left the warmth of the library, she felt cold and began to shake. But, she tried to ignore it and focus on Zeke as he began to babble. His talking put a smile on her face - she loved when people just talked. It just got her so interested when people just let out a stream of words that she could simply stop and listen to. She couldn't keep the smile off her face as he talked about how he liked to talk. Perfect. Since Julianna hated talking to people in general, she enjoyed hanging around people who were nonstop talkers. Most of her friends always had something to say, and mostly they just babbled on and on for hours about their relationship problems while she simply sat and listened, knowing they needed on small nudges from her to keep the conversation rolling. "Well, it's good you like to talk, since I don't." she said humorously. She raised her eyebrows when he talked about college. So, he was probably a Senior, while she was only a Sophmore. But, as they said, age was but a number, right? "I know how you feel." Juli said softly. "About time slowing down, I mean. Once you get older...everything just moves so fast when you get older." she explained. And, that was true. It felt like, up until three years ago, everything just went slow and she felt like nothing would ever change. She thought she knew where her life was going, and she thought that she would never be doing anything other then what she had been doing at the time. But, when her dad brought her to live with him...everything changed. New windows were opened to her once she didn't have to continually take care of her mother. She was able to focus on her art, and she discovered that she was a decent writer as well. And then, that's when time began to fly. But, it wasn't that she didn't miss her mother...of course she missed her mother. It was just...

"And I don't think it's geeky to think about a question. Because that would probably make me a geek, unless I already am." she softly laughed at herself and then just smiled lightly up at him as they walked into the cafe. She instantly felt warmth and familiarity fill her up - she had worked this room if not once, but a thousand times. She had been coming to this very place since she had moved here when she was thirteen. She felt confident, and much lighter. She would probably actually be more talkative in this enviorment. It was simply all in the setting which she was in. "Um, can I have a small cappechino please?" Jules asked the person at the counter, who happened to be one the people who usually waited on her, a Junior from her school. He nodded and smiled, going back to take care of their orders. Julianna then began to dig into her bag on her shoulder for her wallet, finally pulling it out and grabbing the usual three dollars from one of the pockets. She held the money between her too fingers, watching the guy put together their orders. She was anticipated the warm, delicious liquid racing across her tounge, as it had so many times before.

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"Ahhh, I see. I just know so many girls who are obsessed with this chai tea, and I have no idea why. I mean, I've tried it, and it just tastes like...pumpkin cinnamony...I don't know." he rambled on, just simply being goofy. "And, I do love the smell of coffee, it's energizing in itself. You don't even need to drink it to be energized." he explained. "And, this is a probably one of the nicer cafes in the area, I can see why you would choose it." Sometimes, Nick wondered if he was talking too much. Maybe she wouldn't like him as much talkative as she did stiff and unsure. But, this was who he was - extremely, annoyingly, desperately loud and out going. He was a talker - and the funny thing was, he never ran out of topics. When with him, if the conversation began to go south, he would bring up something random, like China, or maybe Jello. He could always keep the conversation rolling, never one to be in awkward silence situations. But, of course, there were sometimes when he had no idea what to say. He was determind to make sure that wasn't going to be one of those times. He didn't want to seem stiff to Brielle, as she had previously thought. He wanted to be his goofy self, make her laugh and smile a little. "Well, that's good, because I go to the high school too. But I've never really seen you around much. What grade are you in?" he asked. Truthfully, he had never really seen her before. But maybe it was because he was a Senior, and this year he realized Seniors were...in their own little world. They had things to think about, like colleges and jobs and life after school. Leaving behind life in small town Ohio, leaving behind family, friends, boyfriends and girlfriends. Many didn't have time to assess people in lower grades anymore, like they had in years before. Of course, Nick had been right along with those Seniors. He wasn't exactly sure what he wanted to do when he graduated. If he went far away, he knew his family would miss him very much. Audrey would be crushed. So, should he go somewhere near here, and risk not following his dream of film making? Or go pursue his dream and leave his small town life behind? But, of course, right now was not time to think about this. He had a while, and he didn't need to be letting it distract him from his conversation with Bri.

"Music and reading, huh? Well I have to admit, I'm not much of a reader. Never really been good at it. Don't judge me though." He said with a soft laugh. "But music..." he paused. "Music is a big part of my life. What kind of music do you listen to, like any favorite bands? Singers?" He was hoping slightly that she wasn't one of those girls who was enthralled in mainstream music, or had the evidently contagious 'Bieber Fever', like his younger sister had caught. It was just annoying, the genre that was on the radio all the time. He was rock and roll all the way, and couldn't really stand the hip-hop rap evoulotion of today. Just hard to accept. "Sounds like Audrey...curiousity and asking questions." He said with a grin at her. "And I don't really mind the mindless rambling...I'm doing it right now, actually. Mindless rambling is good." he told her. He hoped she would continue to ramble - even though he loved to talk, he didn't want to be the only one talking.

( sorry for Nick's fail D; )

[anonymouse]

Zeke watched the young boy make the coffees as he thought about what Julianna had said. She seemed very thoughtful like she was thinking something over so he stayed quiet for the moment. He didn't want to interrupt a deep thought so he ran his fingers gently through his hair. The grinding sound of the coffee, the bright white of the whipped cream, it all added together to make Zeke smile with pleasure. It was hard to stop smiling. It wasn't like it was the best day ever, but he was certainly enjoying it. Now that he thought about it, he couldn't say what was his favorite day. He had a handful of perfect days - and more than enough terrible days - but when had he experienced the greatest day in his whole life? But, brought back to reality by the boy handing them their coffees, Zeke quickly pulled out enough money for Julianna and himself.
"Nu-uh. I'm paying, remember? I did run into you after all. Have you already forgotten?" Zeke grinned, pushing Julianna's hand playfully away. He wasn't going to take her money, even if she was paying for herself. After all, Ezekiel liked to call himself a gentleman - a species that had almost vanished completely. He usually didn't forget but sometimes it slipped his mind. Holding his coffee close so as to warm up his hands, Zeke turned to figure out which table they were interested in. A couch? A booth? A table? "Take your pick of either the couches that smell like coffee, the tables that smell like coffee, or the booths that smell like coffee. It's a terribly hard choice but I think you'll be able to manage. And geeks can be pretty awesome people sometimes. I don't know about myself, you'll have to tell me, but so far I'm not sensing much geek-ness radiating from you." Truthfully, Zeke didn't really care. All of the seats were fairly comfortable and it was about making the girls feel comfortable themselves. Chivalry couldn't be dead. Not when there was still boys like him out there. He respected girls at a high level. They were most certainly not boys play-things no matter if they wanted it or not. Zeke had kissed a girl before, yes, but they still often made him nervous if the options were right. And they were as of late. Julianna made him a bit nervous with her dark hair and large eyes. She was quite beautiful yet that shouldn't mean a thing for he had yet to figure out what was behind the beauty. Hopefully she would let him stick around long enough to find out.

Zeke took a hesitant sip of his coffee only to burn his tongue. He gasped slightly in surprise, his eyes watering before he blinked it away with an annoyed huff. That was the bad part about hot drinks. He always managed to burn himself in some way when he was drinking coffee or another hot liquid. By splashing it on his hand, taking a sip too fast, or some other way that he couldn't even think of. One time he had set a cup of coffee on his table as he went to grab his cell phone which had been ringing loudly. When he returned to his drink there was an strange hole in the bottom, causing the burning coffee to spill on the table. And Zeke hadn't noticed. So he had burned his fingers all for a freak accident. It was a sad thing but Zeke loved coffee too much to let a lot of accidents stop him. Besides, he would probably freeze if he didn't have something warm every hour. His burning of his tongue a bit embarrassing, Zeke felt a blush touch his cheeks and he hoped Julianna would see it as since they had been warm, then cold, then warm again. But he had a feeling of doubt. Julianna was a smart girl, at least he thought so thus far, and she probably wouldn't be fooled by his clumsiness. As he thought about it, Zeke wondered if maybe all the accidents weren't just accidents. What if his... gift was interfering with the coffee? Someway he wondered if his attraction to heat was the source of all his burns he gained over the years. It sort of made sense in a way. What if the heat-loving part of him just couldn't resist? It was possible. But then again, maybe not. It was hard to tell when his 'power' was something so supernatural, no one had any answers for it. But Zeke let it slide, his mind gearing up for more talking. He didn't want to leave Julianna to have to deal with the awkward silence alone.


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"My theory is that girls most definitely have different taste buds than guys. Everyone has different likes and dislikes but I'm thinking that maybe some girls have the tea likeness. Or maybe it's genetic. I know my dad doesn't like tea but I don't know about my mom..." Brielle trailed off, thinking. She hadn't spent enough time with her mom to get to know her well. She knew a few things but Bri regreted not being able to know the bits and pieces of her mother that would make her such a special person. She actually didn't know a lot about her father either. She knew the basics but she was almost scared to get to know him. Well, she just didn't really want to know. She liked to try to isolate her father as much as possible. He wasn't really her 'father' anymore, more as an adult that lived in her house. But she knew she had to face facts someday. Not that she wanted to make this day that 'someday'. It sounded like too much pressure and not enough time to really think about it at all. Brielle was used to planning just about everything. What she said, what she wore, when to laugh, when to put people down, when to build them up, so when something unexpected happened, it sort of freaked Bri out.
"Eleventh. I feel like I don't seem many people either. It's almost like there's always another thing to do so that's why these snow days are so welcome." Brielle grinned, wondering how she was going to present herself to Nick. Was she going to be the in-the-flow girl that she almost always was? Or was she going to be the real her? Weak, fragile, and afraid was what Brielle thought described the real her. She could never pick herself back up again. And if she managed to, she would always fall right away again. No rest for the weary of heart. Brielle moved lightly and smoothly - she was not going to reveal the part of her life that was affected by her father to Nick in the slightest - though it pained her, and leaned up against the wall with her legs tucked against herself for an added layer of warmth. She had, sadly, finished her tea so the only thing they could do was talk. And Brielle was unsure as to how she felt about that.

"How can you not be good at reading? Technically, haven't you been practicing for years and years? If you mean you aren't the faster reader, that's irrelevent (sp)." Brielle hadn't said it, but she was quite a speedy reader. She could finish a couple hundred-paged book in a couple of hours if she put herself to it. But if she didn't like the book or just wasn't in the mood, reading was not her favorite thing to do. But then as Nick talked of music, she felt her heart beat pick up. This was the make it or break it moment. Did she tell him her lies or the truth? Her fake music was so much different than the music she adored while she was alone. "Usually I don't like all of the songs the band has to offer, but Paramore and He Is We are the only exceptions. I could listen to Face Down by the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus all the time." Brielle couldn't help but notice how the song related to her. She forgot that and took another small breath to continue the list. "Boys Like Girls is a sweet band as well. I don't know what I'd do without music. Some people find it distracting but I can't study without some music blaring in my ears." Brielle smiled almost shyly. She'd never told anyone that. Why all the sudden? And why Nick? She brushed her hair out of her eyes, curious to find out more. Did he feel the same way? Almost like she could trust him with anything. Except her secret. She didn't think she could tell anyone, ever. The aftermath would be unthinkable for her and her father. And what if her mother, somehow, heard? Would Brielle's mother finally rush home to take care of her daughter? Bri was tired of being pushed around, truly, and maybe, maybe if her mother came home everything would be better. There wasn't a day that went by that Bri didn't think about her mother. How she'd never had the mother to help her through her first few 'gifts' from Mother Nature, nor there to help with boy trouble. Brielle was positive that if her mother had been there all those years, she wouldn't be the fake person she was today. Brielle looked away from Nick, overcome by longing. Was it too much to ask for her mother to come home when she didn't even know where she was? Probably. Bri crossed her arms over her chest between her legs, trying to pick herself back up before Nick noticed. Putting on a strong smile and guarding her eyes, Brielle glanced back over at Nick as she waited eagerly for his reply. Anything to make the thoughts go away, if only for a moment.

{No problemo x3
And any idea why my posts seem so bunchy? It's erking me but I don' know how to fix it :p}

[lorreli.]

Julianna scrunched up her nose in mock anger as he swated her hand away. She tried to hand the money to the cashier, but he was too quick. She looked up at him with a small pout on her face. "I don't think that simply bumping into someone would cause you to have to buy my coffee." she said, sticking out her tounge childishly. Julianna didn't like it when people paid for her - it made her feel helpless. But, she guessed that Zeke was just being a gentleman and, even if he hadn't ran into her, he would've bought it anyway. He just seemed like that kind of guy that would insist on paying. But sadly, she was that kind of girl as well. "Just so you know," she began, but paused. Should she say what followed? It wasn't like her, and was it even possible? Well, if she had already started saying something, she might as well finish. "Next time I'm buying." she said, trying to be nonchalant about it. There would be a next time, right? Julianna had been wondering this for awhile - would there be a next time? Usually, people didn't just spend an afternoon together and then just go their seperate ways, never to speak again? But what if Zeke just wanted one afternoon? Someone to simply take up his time for one afternoon while he couldn't think of what to do on a snow day? He didn't seem like that kind of guy, though. So, she had a feeling that there would indeed be a next time. And maybe even a time after next. Maybe there would be countless times - who knew? But this right now was the first time. And she felt as if she needed to make it so that there would be a next time. "I'm going to go with the booth that smells like coffee, because it's the one that smells most like coffee." Juli loved the smell of coffee, and was so used to it by now, being in the cafe all the time. It reminded her of all the times she sat in the same corner booth every time she came and sat and simply drew or wrote. "Well, you may think I'm not geeky now, but you've only been with me for about a half hour. Just wait, you'll change your answer." she said with a small chuckle. At school, she was no 'fake Barbie doll', she fell under the 'art geeks who have no life outside their art and school' group, as well as 'the people who don't play a real sport' group. Juli didn't play sports because she had absolutly no hand-eye coordination, so she found it impossible to play any sport that required a ball. She also had no stamina, so she wasn't much of a runner or swimmer either. She was a dancer, and she ice skated, but people didn't consider those real sports.

Juli looked longingly at the coffee in her hands, wanting nothing more then to take a nice long sip. But, she could feel that is was piping hot. Usually, using her...gift...she could cool it down in a matter of seconds by channeling the ice through her hands. But, now that she was with another person, it would look odd if she was suddenly able to take long sips of her coffee without burning herself. And, she would have no logical explanation for Zeke if she was able to already drink, and she was a terribly horrific liar. So, she would just have to do it the old fashioned way and wait until it cooled. She softly let out a small breath of air to wash over the surface of the steaming cup. She heard Zeke next to her gasp, and she turned around to look at him. She giggled when she realized that he had burned his tounge already on his coffee. When he blushed, she just continued to grin. Watching clumsy people made her laugh, since she was clumsy herself. When she saw people trip up or down stairs, over their own two feet, or simply over a flat surface (as she had done many times before) she was simply hysterical. She was able to laugh at other clumsy people, but she just didn't enjoy laughing at herself as much. She slid into her usual booth and set the coffee down in front of her, giving it another gentle blow before testing it with her finger.

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"Well, that could be a possibility. It seems as if more women like to drink tea and more men like to drink coffee. There are exceptions though - my mom always has a cup of black coffee in the morning, but she usually prefers tea. And my stepdad..." Nick paused, realizing that he had just slipped out the fact that his parents were divorced. Usually, Nick was extremely wary of telling people that his parents were divorced. Even though that there were plenty of kids, not just in the area, but all around the world that had divorced parents. But, not as many of them were in his situation. Nick had been seperated from his little sister, Olivia, when they were both very young. And his dad was, of course, never in contact. He let them move out without a word, and he never contacted them again. It's like he didn't care. There were no calls on Nick's birthday, no invitation to his wedding, he had declined the invitation to his mother's wedding. The last time Nick had ever heard his voice or even seen him was when they left California. It's hard to be a boy and live without your real dad for awhile. Even though he had grown to think of his stepdad as a father, it just wasn't the same, barely even knowing the man who had the same eye color as you, or the same nose shape. He knew there were people in worse situations but...somehow, he found his to be pretty dang bad. "My stepdad will drink tea every once and a while, but he's big into coffee." Nick finally said after ending his long train of thought. It had been a long time since he'd thought of his dad. "Ah, I see. I'm just a grade above." he said. "I feel like the grades are barriers, since many people only have friends in their class, or only date people in their class." It was only true. Most people didn't venture outside their own class for friends and relationships. "Snow days are always nice, just time off school. It seems like we've been getting them almost three times a week lately. Audrey's thrilled, of course." he recalled the snow man discussion that morning, and sincerely hoped that she wouldn't expect him to build one with her tomorrow, since it was Saturday. Nick just wasn't a snow type of person, really. He preffered the dog days of summer when he could just spend all day at the beach and walk around town in shorts and a t-shirt, forgetting about all his troubles. But, alas, it was winter. And there was school, finals, grades, and colleges to worry about now.

"Well, it's just hard for me to find a book that really catches my attention. Most of the time I get very bored and abandonn the book. There are only a few exceptions." Nick said with a shrug. He was very, very picky when it came to books. If it didn't capture his interest in the first few pages, it wasn't likely that he was going to read it. When she picked back up on music, he felt relieved that he wasn't hearing a long lecture on how Justin Biebar was just the most amazing singer out there. "Paramore's a pretty cool band, and so is BoyslikeGirls. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, ah, they are really good. I used to listen to them all the time when I was 15." He grinned, and then continued on. "Most of the stuff I listen to is things like Green Day, Linkin Park, Cage the Elephant, The White Stripes, Three Days Grace..." Nick just grinned as he ran through the long list. He was definatly an Alternative Rock music junkie. Of course, he had sincerely hoped Audrey would follow in his footsteps. But, sadly, she had turned to pop and mainstream, something he couldn't stand most times. "You listen to really awesome music." he told her sincerely. Because it was true. Most girls listened to Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. But, maybe Bri wasn't like most girls.

( hmm...I was wondering why my post seemed so spaced out like that. Yours look better bunched up...are my words bigger or something?

and sorry it took so long to reply - I had my post all set and then I pressed a wrong key and it went and deleted itself T.T )

[anonymouse]

Amused, Zeke gave a small laugh. Julianna reminded him of a small cartoon that could never get their way. Of course, he didn't think of her as a cartoon but she had such a furious look on her face, if only for a moment. But as soon as it appeared, it was gone. Her small tongue made an appearance though, causing Zeke to fall into laughter all over again. He could only hope that Julianna would take it lightly. It was such a downer when someone overreacted when he didn't even mean any harm.
"Maybe, but I still paid. I don't think a couple of dollars is that big of a deal," Zeke mockingly rolled his eyes with a sigh. Luckily the previous tension had dispersed for Zeke was in no mood - when was someone not? - to struggle for something to say while she didn't say a word. Awkwardness was always hard to overcome, but strangely enough, this time with Julianna had only been a few minutes. Usually it too longer, so what made Julianna different? "We'll see..." He taunted even if he was secretly pleased. Another time? Was that what she wanted? If so, he could be persuaded into getting another cup of joe with her. She had yet to reveal what kind of person she really was, but that was no matter. In a few moments hopefully they would both be able to just... relax. It was a snow day, not to be ruined with homework or stress. So far his snow day was being used well, with the library, the cafe, and a girl that was proving able to roll with his 'care free' attitude. He enjoyed a good laugh so someone that couldn't laugh at themselves or little joke. Even if it wasn't funny, at times you couldn't stop laughing if you were with the right person. And Zeke had a hunch that Julianna was indeed the right person. She had been able to easily turn his little kind gesture into something entirely different. "That makes plenty of sense. I agree." Sarcasm was heavy on his words as he slid across from the dark haired girl. His mouth was warm from the coffee he had hurriedly sipped. Trying to plan ahead, Ezekiel took the top off of his coffee and used a small stirring straw he stirred the dark liquid, to hopefully cool it off. It was almost annoying that he couldn't drink his coffee because of something so small as the temp. But then again, he could always use the practice at patience.

When Zeke heard a small, chime-like laugh, he glanced over at Julianna. There was a good chance it had come from her. She looked as if she had been laughing, with that smile and the dancing of light in her eyes...
"What? Are you laughing at me? Well. That's a perfectly terrible way to start a conversation." He knew it had been unwise of him to sip his drink so soon but the lure of it had been too strong. Zeke pouted, acting like the child everyone could be at times. He wasn't greatly offended but he had to keep the mood buoyent, correct? The cafe was quiet with handfuls of people here and there, talking in low whispers or simply doing the homework they needed to catch up on. Sometimes the quietness of places could be comforting, but what if you wanted to talk above a whisper? It was one of those moments as Zeke held his hands around the coffee cup, trying to keep warm without much effort. His mind wandering to what Julianna's past might have been like, Zeke stared out the window absentmindedly, a playful smile touching his lips. He was also wondering where the day would take him. Would Julianna stay for the rest of the day, or leave as soon as the cups were emptied?


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Brielle tilted her head to one side, her hair falling slightly into her eyes. Eyes that were aglow with interest. Curiosity. She never got to ask question after question and she was secretly hoping Nick would let her. But, she knew it was a false hope. No one quite exactly, enjoyed revealing everything about them. Of course, Bri didn't want to know everything though what she did want to know was probably deeper than most were willing to go. Dropping her gaze, Bri wondered what had happened to Nick's real father. Did he die? Or did he leave like Bri's mother?
"When I was seven my mother left. We haven't heard from her since." The words were out before she could stop them. Pain. Sorrow. Those things weren't usually left out in the open for someone to judge her by. As far as everyone was concerned, Brielle didn't feel a drop of this world's negativity. She was... perfect. On the outside. "She never liked small towns. The thought that she could know everyone's name in the town was revolting to her. I always remember her saying 'What if?' I'm sure she chased after that 'What if?' ever since. I can't say whether it was another family or a job. I don't know if I'll ever find out..." Brielle's voice wasn't bitter. Nor angry. She didn't blame her mother. There was always the curiosity of what else could be out there. If anything, Bri's voice was thoughtful. But a bit sad, as who wouldn't be if they never had their mother there to help them? It had been hard. Bri wouldn't lie to herself. At least, not that way. But she had turned out alright, hadn't she? Sort of... Brielle mused to herself, wondering what was 'alright' and where was the line drawn? Had she crossed over from 'good' to 'bad'? And would her mom being near have helped? Bri fingered the bracelet she wore at all times: A simple silver band. But on the inside was a small note from her mother. It read "I'll always love you" with a small etched heart. She had never told her father that the sweet gift had arrived on her sixteenth birthday. It was better if he didn't know. Bri's eyes avoided Nick's, a habit of hers when she didn't want to face whatever was coming next. She felt so helpless. Why had she said that? Now Nick could hold something over her. She still had a single secret, but what good was that when one had slipped out? "I agree." Bri kept with the rest of the conversation, trying to understand what Nick could reply with. Maybe they could go on without dealing with the fact they had both felt terrible loss. "She can be a handful, hm? I enjoy the snow but how long until the snow days will catch up with us?" Bri didn't plan on spending her summer inside of a school room. That would be a waste of the delicious summer days. Yes she did love snow days, but not if they interfered with her days on the beach.

"I rarely abandon books. It's almost like I would make them feel bad if I did that, and I don't want any sad books on my hands." She smiled, hoping to lighten the mood. Recieving sympathy wasn't something Brielle was good at. For example, a couple years ago Brielle had broken her wrist. Her 'friends' had crowded around her - something she hated with a passion, feeling trapped - and cooed over her as if she was a baby. They all insisted to carry her books that "Would be too heavy for your wrist." Bri had been perfectly fine with managing by herself. Almost all her life Brielle had been independent and she wasn't going to stop that now. "I've heard of most of those. I'd say you have pretty cool taste yourself. Well, for a boy." The playful tease came easily to her as she tried to forget about all that was hindering her at the moment. Snow days were meant to be enjoyed and she planned on doing just that. Things weren't going how she had imagined it, but it wasn't exactly a bad change. Brielle glanced towards the bathrooms. Audrey had been in there quite some time... Perhaps I should go and check on her. After all, it is still her day with her older brother. The bracelet spun around Bri's wrist, her heart race quickening as she waited - without breathing - for Nick's voice. He would say something, most likely something along the lines of 'I'm so sorry', but that wasn't what she was waiting for. What she wanted to hear wasn't about herself, but Nick's own life.

{ *late* I sorry, love~ I stink at posting on time x3 }

[lorreli.]

Julianna smirked slightly. "A couple of dollars can make a big difference sometimes." she tried to say wisely. "But, that's ok. Because I do get to pay next time. You will not stop me." she laughed softly at herself. Juli may seem on the outside weak and persudeable, easily going along with what ever anyone else told her to do. But, she could actually be defiant and determind when she wished to be. So, they would have to see who would win in the very end. "We will see." Julianna was slightly surprised with herself - usually, she only let her cocky, sarchastic side show when she was with her closest friends. So, she found it odd that she was already showing that side of her with Zeke. Maybe it meant something. Maybe he just caught her in an open mood. But, whatever the reason, she didn't mind it. She could only be quiet, disclosed and pathetic for so long. Sometimes it just felt good to be silly and sarchastic with people, as long as they got her sarchasm. She didn't like people who didn't understand her sarchastic comments. But she was pretty sure Zeke could handle it - so far, he had been pretty sarchastic himself. She latched the bag off her shoulder and draped it in the empty space next to her. She would've liked to take off her coat as well, but she was still quite cold. No matter how warm the tiny cafe was, she was still freezing. She did take of her white and black hat, which she immediatly regreted. Sometimes, Juli could get really bad hat hair, Her hand quickly flew to her untidy hair and began to smooth and comb through it so that it would lie nice and straight. She realized that she was having a little trouble adjusting to having someone with her on her trip to the cafe. Usually, she wasn't worried about taking off her hat and having to fix her hair. But, now she was with someone...she felt greatly embarrsesed. And, just like she had caught his coffee blunder, she could bet that he had seen her hair before she quickly fixed it. THere was probably still pieces sticking up in the back that she couldn't see that he would laugh at as well. So, she quickly distracted him by starting up talking once more.

"Am I not allowed to laugh at you?" she asked as she giggled again, covering her hand with her mouth to hide a wide grin. "And, I did tell you that I was not a good conversationalist to start with. This only proves that theory." she pursed her lips to hold back another soft outburst of giggles. Once Julianna started laughing, it usually took her a long time to stop since she rarely laughed at all. She could tell that some people were watching them, especially her. Many people here had come to know her very well by name, since she was definatly a regular here. And many of them had never even heard her voice before. She was simply the girl in the corner who drew in a notebook for hours on end. And now, she was here, actually talking and laughing. Not to mention with a boy. She felt slightly embarresed by that - she guessed that next time she came here, she would get some questions.

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Nick was slightly shocked and surprised - usually, people didn't reveal too much about their past in the first few minutes of meeting someone, especially if their past was dark and depressing. But, he could tell by something in her eyes that she didn't reveal this secret often. Few people probably knew. She looked almost relieved, as if she was getting something off her chest that she had been holding in for a very long time. But, he was also shocked about the fact that he could relate to her so well. The fact that his father had left him..."I know how you feel..." Nick said quietly, his voice softly crackling in a low, whispery tone. He looked up at her, eyebrow raised. Should he continue? Well, after all, she had trusted him enough to tell him about her past. It would seem almost rude if he didn't open up to her as well. "My parents...they got divorced when I was eight." He confessed. "I never knew why...but I've got a good idea." He bit his lip, maybe to restrain himself from saying anything more, but he continued on. "My dad was at a bad point in his life...ah...he was cheating on my mom with one of his secrataries and...well, he could be somewhat abusive with my mom sometimes when she questioned his loyalty." Nick averted his eyes from her then, looking out the window. He had never really told anyone that. Not even his mother. Of couse, she still didn't know that he had figured it out for himself. He wasn't a child that didn't notice things - he heard her cry at night and saw the bruises that covered her arms. And, they never seemed to go away. When they would yellow and start to fade away, new ones would show up. And he was sure they weren't just on her arms. Which is why he routinely called his younger sister Olivia just to make sure she was doing alright. According to her, their father had sobered up and had never once abused her in his life, but you could never be too careful. Speaking of Olivia..."And, actually, Audrey isn't my only sister. I have a sister Olivia, too. She was born a few years before my parents divorced. My dad got custody of her though...so I only get to see her sometimes during the summer. They live out in California." he said finally, his eyes flicking back to hers. It felt odd to finally say that out loud. All of it. He had never said any of it to anyone. Not even himself. He hadn't even written it. Did he just make a mistake by telling her? Someone who he just met about twenty minutes ago? He had a feeling that she was thinking the same thing at that very moment. So, maybe it was a good thing he met Brielle today. He had been waiting for someone who he could relate to in that way for ages and ages. It felt good to know that he wasn't the only one out there with a broken home.

"But what if the book isn't good? Would you still read it?" he asked, the corners of his mouth curving upward now, trying to lighten the mood. "I mean, what if the book was just terrible? Would you really sit throught he whole thing?" he asked now with a chuckle. He could just imagine watching her reading such a terrible book, wincing as she did so. "Well, you know, boys can like good music too." he grinned. "Truthfully, most of the time, boys like the good music. Pretty much all the girls these days have that highly contagious 'Bieber fever'." he said, quoting sarchastically with his fingers as he said Bieber fever. Speaking of Bieber...he was curious to what Audrey was amusing herself with in the bathroom. He could guess she was simply standing around playing with her new stuffie while having conversations with people who were washing their hands. Sounded like something the curious little girl would do. But, for right now, he was glad for her absence. He didn't want her to come out, at least not yet.

( oh no worries, it's all good <3 )