She Who Always Stayed

“Want to go to the movies tonight?”

“I’d rather not,” Mary paused. “not with you like this.”

Jack let out a dry laugh. “That’s a rude way to decline someone.”

He pushed himself off the bench and moved towards the vending machine, hoping that a little distance would end the awkward encounter. But it didn’t.

Jack heard footsteps behind him.

“Why are you following me Mary!” Jack snapped.

“Because you are irritated.” Mary skipped ahead, placing herself in front of him. “And that is usually a bad sign.” She replied with a casual shrug

There was something almost teasing in the way she arched her eyebrows, as though his temper amused her.

“I’ve never met someone who keeps chasing after a person who rebuffs them every chance they get.”

His words came out harsher than Jack intended. The vending machine rattled and a chilled aluminum can clattered onto the tray below. Jack expertly avoided Mary, snatched the can, and strode his way back towards the bench.

Mary waited, then turned towards the vending machine. A moment later, another can dropped into the machine’s chute. She picked it up and quietly followed.

Jack barely noticed her approach. His eyes remained fixed ahead as if trying to find something that was never there. He closed his eyes and raised his face towards the sky. A heartbeat passed before he exhaled, slowly opening his eyes only to find Mary leaning into his space, her curious face hovering just above his.

Mary straightened herself as soon as their eyes met.

“Quite a weary sigh”. Jack caught a hint of amusement in her remark. He cracked open his drink, ignoring the witty remark and took a long swallow.

The bitterness hit him instantly.

He jerked the can away from his mouth and stared at the label in disbelief.

“That’s black coffee,” Mary said.

Without another word, she held out the can that she bought towards Jack and placed it firmly in his hands. Jack looked down. Ice Latte –his favorite.

She turned to leave.

“Go home Jack.” she said softly. “We will talk tomorrow, when you are you once more.”

After a few steps she paused and looked back at the boy sitting alone.

“I will be waiting. Like I always do.”

Jack watched her disappear into the night, the untouched latte cold against his palm while the bitter taste of black coffee still lingered on his tongue.