JUST A BEAT.

“Happy Hanukkah indeed, Miss Parrish.”

“Would you like any latkes? I’m afraid we’ve made far too many for my family. There’s only three of us.”

“I know you wouldn’t, you’re a wonderful girl. Oh, a costume. That would be incredible. I would probably wear it around the house for days once it’s done. I’ll have to pick out a design first, I’m sure you have an eye for that.”

“It’s also a lie. I think it’s pre-lit, but I could get some red and green ones to go with the pink. I didn’t think about the Santas maybe a wreath too? I should get candy canes too. Just fill up the cabinets. I’m sure Eli would be so happy.”

“Most likely, everyone loves pine trees and Christmas. Unless... he’s not the Grinch is he?” She feigned a wide eyed expression. “Maybe you should send Cindy Lou Hoo over to save him. Oh yeah, you just have to. It’s about time for advent calendars as well!” 

“I love Christmas more than I probably should. I tried to get a tree, but my friend said he’s allergic to pine. Jokes on him though. I ordered one of those fake ones with the pink tinsel needles because he’s a scrooge.”

“Allergic to pine? That’s a travesty! That truly sounds beautiful. I hope you’ve got some lights ready to decorate, maybe even one of those Santa’s for the door. If you’re celebrating you have to do it right!” 

“Okay, it’s been Thanksgiving and Black Friday. I’m allowed to hum jingle bells all I want.”

“I’m not going to stop you. Christmas is the cherished holiday in my house. My ma had the tree up the day after Halloween.”

“It sounds like you were calling me old. I might have to tag along one day to see what you kids are up to. Aww, thanks Sky, that’s sweet of you.”

“Yes, I insist very much.” She quickly scanned the area for drink choices. “Coffee, smoothie, midday beers, what do you want?”

“Uh, I’m actually eighteen so probably not beers.” For some reason the admission made her feel strange, or childish. “I’m always a fan of milkshakes?”

‘‘I think that is actually a good idea, so hello to you to  I’m Oliver. Skylar, that’s not a name your that hear often but I actually recently had a new patient name Skyler. I probably shouldn’t have said that you might know him and there’s this thing called doctor patient confidentiality. I’m a psychologist and unfortunately there is still a stigma on having mental health problems. It’s like people are still afraid of anyone who’s not ‘‘normal’’. And what’s ‘‘normal’’, honestly give me one of my patients over these stuck up ass jerks any day.  It’s just  that sadly enough I often see patients getting rejected by there families. And I just can’t stand that, in my opinion they are the crazy ones.’’ Oliver took a deep breath and realized he was probably only bothering this girl. ‘‘I’m sorry,  you probably came here to eat or drink something in peace. And not to listen to some crazy guy rambling on about things you probably don’t  even care about.’’ 

It was a lot of information flying at her at once. A little overwhelming for a girl who didn’t make friends outside of live action role playing and table top games. That was all about playing a part. This was about being real. When she finally listened to what was being said, she smiled because it was a feeling she could understand very clearly. “Don’t worry, uh, Oliver. I actually understand quite a lot.” Was it too forward to go into the details of her disorder with a psychiatrist? It was an idle thought but she thought it best to continue the conversation. “I’ve been in therapy for years. It’s... useful. Really. I did come in here to eat though. I work a few shops over.” 

“No, come on. I might as well take a break. Besides, you’re cute.”

“If you insist, I suppose I can’t say no.” She tried to ignore the compliment and the pink rising up in her cheeks.

“Exactly. However–there’s also the Aurora Borealis too.” She grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of her head. “Yeah, it’s a good thing. I have to admit, my fascination with aliens is what got me into astronomy in the first place.” 

“That’s the northern lights in Norway, isn’t it? It’s always such a pretty sight.” She laughed, unable to stop herself. “That’s a good thing though! If people weren’t nerdy about their passions we wouldn’t have the scientific advancements that we do.”

“Alright, okay, quit giving me that look, you’re making me feel bad. Come on, I’ll buy you something to drink, to make up for it.”

“Look? Oh, no. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to. You don’t have to do that, I got in your way and in the way of your jog.

‘‘Oh hey there, of course I don’t mind and I would be a pretty terrible person if I made you stand up. I like to think that I’m at least a little more decent then that. And I don’t know if you noticed but I just spent my afternoon talking to old people. Well you probably think that I’m an old person right?  I mean I am an old person in comparison to you , but I’m not great grandfather old’’ Oliver realized he was rambling.  ‘‘I’m sorry, I just wanted to say after spending my afternoon with the elderly it’s refreshing  to see a young face.’’  Oliver sighed, he wasn’t the best at talking, listing though that was his strength and the reason why he became a psychologist.

“Oh, well. No? My parents are both older than you. I think. Unless you’re aging super well,” she rushed to spare him from his rambling. Not that she was any better, especially in social situations. Most of her friends came from larping and roleplaying. “Pro tip though, talking like that may make it seem like you’re twenty years older than you are. Although, you didn’t call me a hippie or a mod, so you’re not stuck in the past generations.” Apparently when she started, she couldn’t stop. Her cheeks turned a shade darker once she realised what she was doing. “How about we start with, hello. I’m Skylar.” 

“Unfortunately, that’s the closest we could ever get unless we strip Earth’s atmosphere a little.” Tati chuckled and paused for a moment, remembering a thought. “We could, actually. see it in some cases, like the neon lights or fluorescent lights, even though they’re trapped in tubes, it’s a safer start.”

“Probably not the safest option. I hear that we need that to breathe and stuff.” She blinked slowly, trying to figure out the science but found herself lost. “I think, that’s a good thing? I mean, mostly I think of aliens and think no thanks to space.”

Oliver took a sip from his coffee and tried to understand why he was here, drinking coffee with elderly people. But then he remembered it was because his dad asked him to. When his father was still alive they always met on Sundays, they took a walk or went out for coffee. And his father wanted other people to have that too. But sitting at a cafe with a group of old women wasn’t exactly how Oliver wanted to spent his Sunday. Luckily they were just leaving but to be honest that wasn’t much better, because now he was alone.

The cafe seemed to be over flowing with people at lunch time. Her lunch break from the veterinary clinic wasn’t super long so she couldn’t be her regular nervous self. There was no room to sit by herself so she would have to share a table. The mass of oldies evacuating the place was worrying and she quickly slipped into the closest seat, not noticing that it was already occupied. It was either nerves or anxiety that made her stay once she had noticed him. Clearing her throat, she spoke up. “Is it... I’m sorry, is it okay if I sit here? It’s so busy and I only have a little while for lunch.”