Who Are You?
Thick and Thin
.:.:.
Almost another week had passed bringing Elise to Wednesday. Today was her “Friday” since she had the next two days off and she couldn’t wait to spend those days sleeping or relaxing. Only one more hour at work before she was free. Lunch time was now over leaving a bored Elise to obsessively watch the clock. Her head perked up when she saw the front doors open and close. Her heart fluttered a bit when she saw Matt wave his way past the hostess and approach her with a smile. A small smirk played on her lips when she took in his appearance. She still couldn’t get over how much older his new cut made him look.
Matt ran his hand through his short, spikey hair. His hardcore style was always softened by his deeply set dimples. It’s like dressing a giant teddy bear in rocker clothing.
“Hey, cute thing. How’s it going today?” Matt leaned against the wall of the server’s station where Elise was, herself, leaning against the counter.
“Just waiting for this clock to hurry up. I’m ready to go.” Elise chuckled while looking at the time again.
3:03
“You’re almost there. So, I kind of have a favor to ask,” he rubbed the back of his neck as Elise gave him a look that said, “go on.” “Would I be able to use your truck tomorrow? My car isn’t running that great right now and I have to run an errand early tomorrow morning.”
Elise thought for a second, “Of course. Where do you have to go?”
“I’m actually not sure yet, I still have to look up directions but it’s not too far away. I’d actually like some company if you’d feel up to coming along?” Matt’s voice was hopeful as he studied Elise’s face.
“Sounds way more fun than eating Cheetos and sleeping.” She thought.
“Sure, I have tomorrow off. I need some excitement in my life.” Elise giggled as Matt’s face lit up.
Matt told her what time he’d over in the morning and to dress comfortably for warm weather. Elise was excited to ride along, even if it was at 5:00 in the morning. Her stomach had dropped upon hearing the time but she didn’t want to back out now. Matt left Elise to her work but not without a surprise bear hug first. She could feel herself blushing even after he had walked away.
“You’re smitten, aren’t you?” Dan spoke from behind his niece causing her to jump.
“You butthead. And I don’t know what you’re talking about…” Elise tried to hide her forming smile.
She failed.
“I think he’s a good one. Don’t screw it up, woman.” Dan laughed only to get punched in the shoulder.
“Uncle Dan, I love you.” Elise laughed with him.
Dan’s laughter faded to just a smile, “I have a shipment coming in soon and I have to check off the order. Do you mind taking care of some business here?”
“Sure, what is it?”
“I have someone coming in to take some money to the bank. Mind hanging around in the office until he shows up? I’ll have someone cover you on the floor.” Dan seemed a bit uneasy just as the back doors’ buzzer began going off.
Elise was slightly confused since Dan or his head bartender always made the restaurant’s deposit. Still, she was always ready to help out whenever he needed. She did owe him for the job, after all.
.:.:.
It was quickly approaching 3:30 just as Elise was walking into her home. She had been so preoccupied with trying to figure out what Matt had to do in the morning that time flew by. Of course, it helped that she was able to leave just twenty or so minutes after her uncle’s mysterious man quickly came and went. Elise was still puzzled at her uncle’s way of doing things but she shrugged it off. It let her get home faster. Speaking of home, everything was quiet causing Elise to half frown. She had hoped Leana would be home to distract the from the current thoughts that were beginning to nag her. Perhaps Matt had to help someone move? Maybe his dad needed something picked up for his shop out of town? Curiosity was slowly killing the cat so Elise opted for a quick rinse off shower then sitting down for a movie.
Elise’s idea of watching a movie involved doing anything but focusing on the television screen. She checked her emails, paid bills, and read random articles that appeared around the web. As soon she she’d avert her attention back to the screen, sleep was inevitable. Not two minutes after her phone was set aside, Elise began to drift off.
What seemed to be only a few seconds pass by had actually been an hour. The sound of a door softly closing caused Elise to stir in the chair. Her senses became more alive as she began to slowly awaken. Her eyes fluttered open only to widen in surprise at a pair of honey brown irises stared back at her from an incredibly close distance.
“You’re awaaake!” Leana grinned, still a few inches from Elise’s horrified face.
“Why? Why does everyone love startling me?” Elise pouted as a yawn interrupted the moment.
“It’s too fun to pass up. It’s just so easy!” Lee giggled as she walked into kitchen.
The redhead shook her head with a smile and stretched upon standing from the chair. She followed in the steps of the humming woman and leaned against the wall. Another yawn escaped her. Leana turned away from the stove just after dumping the block of dried ramen noodles into a pot of water.
“Want some?” Lee offered. Elise nodded excitedly, her stomach yearned for a bowl of cheap chicken flavored ramen.
Leana opened and dropped more noodles into the water, “Sounds like someone needs to get a good night’s rest for tomorrow.”
“For tomorrow?” Elise’s tone was filled with suspicion. Her roommates head shot up from looking down at the stove as she then stared at the wall.
“You know, uhm,” Lee began nervously stirring the pot, no pun intended, “I figured since you’ve been working a lot lately you’d want to be well rested for your day off.”
Elise raised her eyebrow unsure of what to make of that. Was it a cover up? If so, what for? Leana’s words bounced around in her head before Elise decided she wasn’t up to anything. A thick layer of silence between them filled the kitchen. The only sounds being from the boiling water and wooden spoon scrapping the metal pot. Elise was sure Lee was going to stir a hole through the bottom.
Unsure if she was selling it, Leana couldn’t help but add on. “I hate being tired on my days off. It makes me want to sit around all day and not want to do anything. Like, if you had plans, who wants to feel like blah?”
You were doing so well, Lee.
Elise uncrossed her arms and walked further into the kitchen “Plans, huh? Are you saying I should have plans tomorrow?”
“Well, no! Nobody said you should have plans! It’s just nice to have the option open…” The tiny brunette began shifting on her heels.
“Yeah, you’re right. Speaking of plans, what was Matt up to today?” Elise smirked while grabbing two waters from the fridge.
Elise couldn’t see but could imagine the look on her friend’s face as she snorted and shrugged her shoulders. She had a feeling there was more to tomorrow than “just an errand.”
“I’ve no idea what all he was doing today. Who knows with him?” Lee shrugged a single shoulder.
Elise walked to the stove and set a water down for Leana, “Now that I think about it, Matt looks pretty good with his hair cut like that. You did a great job.” Elise smiled.
“Thanks! He looks so much older, huh?” She smiled.
“A-Ha! So, you saw him today!”
“Wait, what? I- Yeah, I did, but I don’t know what else he was doing today! He mentioned something about going to see you but that’s it!” Leana’s face contorted to the most defeated puppy dog look.
"Going to see me? Was that really just it? I guess it makes sense. Maybe Lee didn’t know Matt meant only coming to see me at work to borrow my truck. That seems more likely." Elise thought as her face fell from excitement to a warm smile directed at her friend.
“That smells good already,” the redhead smiled wider as Leana finally looked at her, “I’ll get some bowls and forks ready.”
The two made their way back to the living room as Leana swapped the bowl from her hand with the remote. Both women scanned through the guide and made faces at the selections. Despite having thousands of channels to choose from, there was nothing on worth watching. Round two of searching again and the two finally settled on making fun of certain spoiled women on Say Yes to the Dress.
“Over a thousand dollars for a veil? Are you serious?” Elise nearly choked on the broth of her dinner.
“Seriously. Who the hell cares? It’s a stupid piece of fabric!” Leana’s body language was too much for Elise as both women began laughing. The episode went on as the girls gossiped about the dresses and the bride’s family and friends. It was nearing the end when a clip of the actual wedding was shown.
“Joking aside, that is a really pretty venue. The decorations and flowers are amazing.” Lee was in awe.
“I can’t argue there. Do you and Jimmy plan on having a fairytale wedding?” Elise set the bowl on the coffee table as she sat back on the couch. Lee couldn’t help but smile shyly at the question.
“I’ve never thought too much about it. A wedding never seemed like it would change much between us. Spending thousands on one silly night seems ridiculous. Whether we have one or not, we already hold a special place in each other’s hearts no matter what happens. A piece of paper can’t instill or cement the love we share; that happens with time and memories. I love him; always will.” Lee was blushing despite her attempt to hide her face from Elise.
That speech was enough to tug at Elise’s heart causing her eyes to cloud over with tears. “You’re such a romantic, I might just puke from my eyes.” Elise laughed while the both dabbed at the corner of their eyes.
Leana smirked towards her friend, “How about you? I can see your wedding being nothing but bling and roses everywhere!”
Elise scrunched her nose and chuckled, “I think I’ll pass on both those. I’m not a raccoon that loves shiny things and roses are so cliché.”
“So, what flowers would you have then?” Leana eyed her from the side.
“I know it’s not traditional but sunflowers are my favorite. They’re so big and happy looking!” Elise turned her attention to the show just in time for a kiss. A small smile ghosted her lips as she thought of Matt.
Leana grabbed the remote and turned to something new, “Sunflowers, huh? That’s a pretty choice.”
Flowers won't last through thick and thin.
Almost another week had passed bringing Elise to Wednesday. Today was her “Friday” since she had the next two days off and she couldn’t wait to spend those days sleeping or relaxing. Only one more hour at work before she was free. Lunch time was now over leaving a bored Elise to obsessively watch the clock. Her head perked up when she saw the front doors open and close. Her heart fluttered a bit when she saw Matt wave his way past the hostess and approach her with a smile. A small smirk played on her lips when she took in his appearance. She still couldn’t get over how much older his new cut made him look.
Matt ran his hand through his short, spikey hair. His hardcore style was always softened by his deeply set dimples. It’s like dressing a giant teddy bear in rocker clothing.
“Hey, cute thing. How’s it going today?” Matt leaned against the wall of the server’s station where Elise was, herself, leaning against the counter.
“Just waiting for this clock to hurry up. I’m ready to go.” Elise chuckled while looking at the time again.
3:03
“You’re almost there. So, I kind of have a favor to ask,” he rubbed the back of his neck as Elise gave him a look that said, “go on.” “Would I be able to use your truck tomorrow? My car isn’t running that great right now and I have to run an errand early tomorrow morning.”
Elise thought for a second, “Of course. Where do you have to go?”
“I’m actually not sure yet, I still have to look up directions but it’s not too far away. I’d actually like some company if you’d feel up to coming along?” Matt’s voice was hopeful as he studied Elise’s face.
“Sounds way more fun than eating Cheetos and sleeping.” She thought.
“Sure, I have tomorrow off. I need some excitement in my life.” Elise giggled as Matt’s face lit up.
Matt told her what time he’d over in the morning and to dress comfortably for warm weather. Elise was excited to ride along, even if it was at 5:00 in the morning. Her stomach had dropped upon hearing the time but she didn’t want to back out now. Matt left Elise to her work but not without a surprise bear hug first. She could feel herself blushing even after he had walked away.
“You’re smitten, aren’t you?” Dan spoke from behind his niece causing her to jump.
“You butthead. And I don’t know what you’re talking about…” Elise tried to hide her forming smile.
She failed.
“I think he’s a good one. Don’t screw it up, woman.” Dan laughed only to get punched in the shoulder.
“Uncle Dan, I love you.” Elise laughed with him.
Dan’s laughter faded to just a smile, “I have a shipment coming in soon and I have to check off the order. Do you mind taking care of some business here?”
“Sure, what is it?”
“I have someone coming in to take some money to the bank. Mind hanging around in the office until he shows up? I’ll have someone cover you on the floor.” Dan seemed a bit uneasy just as the back doors’ buzzer began going off.
Elise was slightly confused since Dan or his head bartender always made the restaurant’s deposit. Still, she was always ready to help out whenever he needed. She did owe him for the job, after all.
.:.:.
It was quickly approaching 3:30 just as Elise was walking into her home. She had been so preoccupied with trying to figure out what Matt had to do in the morning that time flew by. Of course, it helped that she was able to leave just twenty or so minutes after her uncle’s mysterious man quickly came and went. Elise was still puzzled at her uncle’s way of doing things but she shrugged it off. It let her get home faster. Speaking of home, everything was quiet causing Elise to half frown. She had hoped Leana would be home to distract the from the current thoughts that were beginning to nag her. Perhaps Matt had to help someone move? Maybe his dad needed something picked up for his shop out of town? Curiosity was slowly killing the cat so Elise opted for a quick rinse off shower then sitting down for a movie.
Elise’s idea of watching a movie involved doing anything but focusing on the television screen. She checked her emails, paid bills, and read random articles that appeared around the web. As soon she she’d avert her attention back to the screen, sleep was inevitable. Not two minutes after her phone was set aside, Elise began to drift off.
What seemed to be only a few seconds pass by had actually been an hour. The sound of a door softly closing caused Elise to stir in the chair. Her senses became more alive as she began to slowly awaken. Her eyes fluttered open only to widen in surprise at a pair of honey brown irises stared back at her from an incredibly close distance.
“You’re awaaake!” Leana grinned, still a few inches from Elise’s horrified face.
“Why? Why does everyone love startling me?” Elise pouted as a yawn interrupted the moment.
“It’s too fun to pass up. It’s just so easy!” Lee giggled as she walked into kitchen.
The redhead shook her head with a smile and stretched upon standing from the chair. She followed in the steps of the humming woman and leaned against the wall. Another yawn escaped her. Leana turned away from the stove just after dumping the block of dried ramen noodles into a pot of water.
“Want some?” Lee offered. Elise nodded excitedly, her stomach yearned for a bowl of cheap chicken flavored ramen.
Leana opened and dropped more noodles into the water, “Sounds like someone needs to get a good night’s rest for tomorrow.”
“For tomorrow?” Elise’s tone was filled with suspicion. Her roommates head shot up from looking down at the stove as she then stared at the wall.
“You know, uhm,” Lee began nervously stirring the pot, no pun intended, “I figured since you’ve been working a lot lately you’d want to be well rested for your day off.”
Elise raised her eyebrow unsure of what to make of that. Was it a cover up? If so, what for? Leana’s words bounced around in her head before Elise decided she wasn’t up to anything. A thick layer of silence between them filled the kitchen. The only sounds being from the boiling water and wooden spoon scrapping the metal pot. Elise was sure Lee was going to stir a hole through the bottom.
Unsure if she was selling it, Leana couldn’t help but add on. “I hate being tired on my days off. It makes me want to sit around all day and not want to do anything. Like, if you had plans, who wants to feel like blah?”
You were doing so well, Lee.
Elise uncrossed her arms and walked further into the kitchen “Plans, huh? Are you saying I should have plans tomorrow?”
“Well, no! Nobody said you should have plans! It’s just nice to have the option open…” The tiny brunette began shifting on her heels.
“Yeah, you’re right. Speaking of plans, what was Matt up to today?” Elise smirked while grabbing two waters from the fridge.
Elise couldn’t see but could imagine the look on her friend’s face as she snorted and shrugged her shoulders. She had a feeling there was more to tomorrow than “just an errand.”
“I’ve no idea what all he was doing today. Who knows with him?” Lee shrugged a single shoulder.
Elise walked to the stove and set a water down for Leana, “Now that I think about it, Matt looks pretty good with his hair cut like that. You did a great job.” Elise smiled.
“Thanks! He looks so much older, huh?” She smiled.
“A-Ha! So, you saw him today!”
“Wait, what? I- Yeah, I did, but I don’t know what else he was doing today! He mentioned something about going to see you but that’s it!” Leana’s face contorted to the most defeated puppy dog look.
"Going to see me? Was that really just it? I guess it makes sense. Maybe Lee didn’t know Matt meant only coming to see me at work to borrow my truck. That seems more likely." Elise thought as her face fell from excitement to a warm smile directed at her friend.
“That smells good already,” the redhead smiled wider as Leana finally looked at her, “I’ll get some bowls and forks ready.”
The two made their way back to the living room as Leana swapped the bowl from her hand with the remote. Both women scanned through the guide and made faces at the selections. Despite having thousands of channels to choose from, there was nothing on worth watching. Round two of searching again and the two finally settled on making fun of certain spoiled women on Say Yes to the Dress.
“Over a thousand dollars for a veil? Are you serious?” Elise nearly choked on the broth of her dinner.
“Seriously. Who the hell cares? It’s a stupid piece of fabric!” Leana’s body language was too much for Elise as both women began laughing. The episode went on as the girls gossiped about the dresses and the bride’s family and friends. It was nearing the end when a clip of the actual wedding was shown.
“Joking aside, that is a really pretty venue. The decorations and flowers are amazing.” Lee was in awe.
“I can’t argue there. Do you and Jimmy plan on having a fairytale wedding?” Elise set the bowl on the coffee table as she sat back on the couch. Lee couldn’t help but smile shyly at the question.
“I’ve never thought too much about it. A wedding never seemed like it would change much between us. Spending thousands on one silly night seems ridiculous. Whether we have one or not, we already hold a special place in each other’s hearts no matter what happens. A piece of paper can’t instill or cement the love we share; that happens with time and memories. I love him; always will.” Lee was blushing despite her attempt to hide her face from Elise.
That speech was enough to tug at Elise’s heart causing her eyes to cloud over with tears. “You’re such a romantic, I might just puke from my eyes.” Elise laughed while the both dabbed at the corner of their eyes.
Leana smirked towards her friend, “How about you? I can see your wedding being nothing but bling and roses everywhere!”
Elise scrunched her nose and chuckled, “I think I’ll pass on both those. I’m not a raccoon that loves shiny things and roses are so cliché.”
“So, what flowers would you have then?” Leana eyed her from the side.
“I know it’s not traditional but sunflowers are my favorite. They’re so big and happy looking!” Elise turned her attention to the show just in time for a kiss. A small smile ghosted her lips as she thought of Matt.
Leana grabbed the remote and turned to something new, “Sunflowers, huh? That’s a pretty choice.”
Flowers won't last through thick and thin.
Notes
I'm back! Comments and critiques are always appreciated. Thank you to all that continue to read this. (: Back I go to working on the next chapter!
Well damn! ;) glad you’re back!
6/2/19