If someone asked me that question I’d run out of here so fast.
So instead, I watch her silently panicking as she waits for her order.
The girl behind the waiting counter sends us a smile. “Your orders will take a while. I’m sorry. We’re a bit busy today.”
“It’s fine,” the woman says softly. “I’m in no hurry.”
I give the girl a nod as I tightly hold onto my book.
“A table is empty over there.” The girl gestures and both of us look at it at the same time. “Please wait. It’ll only take us ten minutes.”
The woman turns her head and I’m met with a pair of blue eyes that look oddly familiar. Warmth and kindness shine through them and as they gaze at me I can’t help but relax under the weight of them—which is something new as I tend to avoid people.
“Come on,” she says with a smile and then walks to the table and sit down.
I take a seat opposite her and place my book in my lap, making sure that the cover is facing downwards.
My stomach rolls in discomfort, anticipating the silence that’ll flow between us but she speaks up.
“It’s lunch break at school, right?” she asks with interest.
I nod.
“Bellmare High?”
I nod again.
“My son goes there.” She gets excited. “You must know him. Heath Travon.”
The world stops moving on its axis and the noise in the cafe drops down to pin drop silence.
I can barely control the tremors dancing on the tips of my fingers.
Oh my God.
This is Heath’s mother.
And she is right in front of me.
What should I do?
She has no idea that her son and I are dating.
I’m a stranger to her.
Also, she is beautiful. Like really beautiful.
Seconds go by as I slowly take her in. Bright blue eyes, sharp nose and thin lips. A few wary strands of her dark brown hair, the same shade as Heath, frame her face, the rest upheld in a soft bun that showcases her diamond earrings. She also a diamond flower pendant that sits on her bony collarbone. The soft hue of pink dress suits her white complexion and makes her look young.
You should see her, she’s thin and weak. Heath’s words echo in my ears.
My attention drifts to her hollow cheeks, the bright flush on her face and the dark circles underneath her eyes.
Even, as a complete stranger, I can tell that she looks exhausted. As if she is carrying a burden and the weight is too heavy for her.
Upon staring long at her I realize. Her eyes hold the same grief as Heath, but where he also has anger, hers only have sadness.
When I don’t say a word, she frowns.
