in my mind

“ Not that new. But yeah, for sure. I’ve had a scout around. Got acquainted with a few. ”

Emma was on her way home from cheer practise, her rose coloured Michael Kors backpack hanging loosely around one shoulder as she typed away a text message to one of her girl friends who was severely upset about gaining a few pounds just before the big game on Friday. She was completely focused on her phone, rolling her eyes with a small smile as she saw the whale GIF her friend sent with the caption ‘that’s me rn’. Strolling around the corner, she looked up with big eyes when the stranger addressed her. “Oh,” she expressed and eyed the vending machine. “This one has been here since I can remember, so probably,” she agreed before letting her eyes wander to look at the stranger. She didn’t recall ever seeing him in Clarendon Hills before. And she’d remember a face like that. “Let me see,” she said and held her finger up as if to say ‘one moment’. She fished out her purse, and much like expected, she didn’t have any change. However, Emma was feeling generous, “Here, take this and simply give me the rest, it’s no problem,” she said and handed him the five dollar bill.

Caleb only realised on the second take who he’d just asked for change, and his second take lasted long enough that it would have been awkward if she hadn’t already been rummaging around her backpack, eyes cast down. She was the girl from his sister’s school, the popular cheer captain, and Caleb didn’t have trouble imagining why. She was gracefully beautiful and Caleb found himself watching her delicate movements silently as she was looking through her purse. At her generous offer, he immediately shook his head and placed his hand over hers holding out the five dollar note, gently refusing. “ Nah, can’t let you do that. Thanks, though. Much appreciated. ” He stood for a moment before he decided he might as well make a non committal attempt. “ Probably best I go break my twenty myself in a counter shop, ” he said easily, holding up his twenty dollar bill again. “Should be enough for two coffees? Or, cokes. As thanks for the kind offer. ”