I am an islander.

“…too diseased?” Jesse took the spoon, leaning forward. “What does that mean, exactly?”

“Oh, you know, like, I’m not going to give you syphilis or whatever.” Peter replied carefully, waving his hand in a casual dismissal.

“My mother knew that I was going to be a star someday, and made sure that I always ate like one.”

“Oh... But... stars eat sugar??? I don’t... Okay then... Changing the subject... I’m Peter Lyons.”

“There is never enough chocolate in the world. So, if you’d pass me a spoon, I’d be ever grateful.”

“I’m glad you agree. Of course, here you go. I promise I’m not too diseased by the way.”

“Okay.  I think I might know who it is.  I’ve never met her, but i really hope it’s not her.”

“Wait... what is that supposed to mean? Sorry, I’m confused.”

“You’re welcome,” Carys smiled innocently at him, as she slipped her shirt back up, “I’m Carys Ramirez.  It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you Carys, at least.... I think it’s nice. That’s not the usual introduction for sure. I’m Peter Lyons.”

“Because it’s never been a part of my diet and so trying to eat it now is disgusting. And no, I don’t like candy.”

“Who hurt you? How do you not like candy?”

“Nope, not allergic to chocolate. I’m actually obsessed over it, if I’m being honest.”

“Thank god, I was starting to think that all of the city was allergic or something. There’s no such thing as too much chocolate in my opinion.”

“I mean it could be someone relate….was this a girl?  About twenty?”

“Yes, yes it was. I’m assuming around twenty? I’m really bad with telling people’s ages though so... maybe?”

“Seriously?” Carys asked as she slipped out of the straps of her tank top and flashed him with a smirk, “Can’t say that now can you?”

Peter couldn’t help but take a step back in shock. “I wish I could still say that... Wow... Okay... Thanks.”

“Depends. What kind is it?”

“Chocolate swirl. Wait, don’t tell me you’re allergic to chocolate too...”

“You can be allergic to anything. So I can live without the extra sugar.”

“Either way, that sucks fam. What? You’re no fun. It’s sugar, sweet, sweet sugar. How could you say no to it? Well... I know for this but like, do you not like candy?”

“Oh. Well I mean, that makes perfect sense. At least it’s calcium…?”

“Yeah, let’s just say that... We can pretend that I’m caring about my body and health while I eat this. Want some?”

“Wait….really?  It’s actually a pretty rare allergy.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought but then BAM, I meet two people in one day who are allergic. So...” Peter shrugged as if to say I don’t even know.

“He was decent and nice and had didn’t even look at my boobs once.  And I dated a gay guy before and even he looked at these gifts to the world.”

“Oh.. well then...” Peter replied, trying not to look down at the woman’s chest. “I can’t say that I looked at them or... yeah?”

“Why exactly are you eating a pint of ice cream at-” Jesse trailed off and checked his watch. “9:30 in the morning? I’m not judging just… curious.” 

He smirked.

“Listen, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.” Peter replied with a shrug. “Would you believe that it was because I have no more food left in my apartment?”

“Um…no thanks.  I’m actually allergic to chocolate.”

“Is everyone in this city allergic to chocolate? Seriously, you’re the second person I’ve met who’s allergic.”

“I’d only take that if I had a death wish.  I’m allergic to chocolate.”

“Oh... Well then... never mind.... How are you... I didn’t even know that was possible. Damn.”