Roxasstuck: Short Stories

He went through the mundane of life, just like everyone did. He went to class, then to work, and then spent his time at home, reading books or watching reality television. Today, however, he decided to go to the local coffee shop on his way. He didn’t get much, just a french vanilla latte with a cookie. After sitting down, he began to take a drink before the back of his chair was pushed, causing him to spill the sip he was about to take.

He sighed before grabbing a paper towel off of the table and wiping off his shirt. Just as he began to dab the coffee, he heard the apologies begin. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry… I just didn’t even ---.” A male’s voice began. “Oliver?” He finished.

Oliver looked up from his shirt and looked to the other male that had been apologizing. It took him a moment to realize his old friend from high school. “Ryder?”

“It’s been so long!” Ryder stood there for a moment, his brown eyes meeting the other male’s green ones with a smile. His eyes seemed to realize something before looking down at his watch and his expression turned to that of worry. “I’m running really late... “ he said under his breath. He grabbed a close piece of paper and scribbled something down before giving it to Oliver. “My number. Let’s catch up!”

Oliver took the piece of paper and gave Ryder a nod. “Sure. I’ll message you when I can.”

There were no more words exchanged between the two before they went about their day. Oliver almost forgot about the encounter until he took the piece of paper out of his pocket once more.

He went through class and slaved away at his retail job without any thought of what had happened that morning. He proceeded home, tiredly walking through the door and emptied his pockets on the table beside it. As he pulled out his wallet, the piece of paper given to him earlier fluttered to the floor.

He picked it up and looked at it, grabbing his phone and typing the number in. He thought for a moment before closing the phone app. “He’s probably busy.” He told himself, remembering the encounter. He turned on the TV and tried to zone out.

Every few moments he would check his phone again, the number typed out, ready to be called. Just as he was about to press the call button, he heard the rattling of his room-mates keys outside of the door. He closed the app and waited for her to come inside.

“Today was the worst” She complained. “There were so many things to do, and not enough time to do them. It was just like I couldn’t do anything I needed to.”

As she went to put her purse on the side table, Oliver turned his attention back to the TV, becoming engrossed in the reality-type trash that played. He always called it trash, but enjoyed it either way. “Who’s Ryder?” She called from the door frame. Oliver panicked for a moment.

“Just an old friend.” He said, the lie not exactly subtle. “He bumped into me at the coffee shop this morning.”

“Just a friend… huh?” She said, her demeanor changing. “Have you called this boy yet?” She said, playing along, even though she knew Oliver was withholding something about it.

“No. I was going to but…” He began, trailing off. He knew that he couldn’t keep anything from her.

“...he’s my ex from highschool...” He began.

“Oh!” She exclaimed, everything clicking into place. “The one that you let get away?” She asked.

He nodded, frowning. “He looks so much older now.” He said. “I could barely even say anything. Let alone call him. What do I say?” He continued, bitterly. “I’m sorry I broke up with you in front of the entire grade all because of a stupid argument that was started because someone tried to get in between us?”

He thought back, a tear beginning to roll down his cheek. The male had changed a lot. His jawline sharpened. His body seemed to fill out perfectly. His hair laid perfectly on his head.

“Did he seem upset to see you?” She probed.

“No…” He shook his head. “He was happy, but had to go too quickly.”

He thought about days like this. Where they would meet in public one day, get back together, and live their lives together, like they always had planned. He shook his head again, trying to get the thoughts to go away.

“Call him.” His roommate said, moving over to give him a small hug. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to talk with you.”

It was another few hours before he finally did so. He worked up the courage to pick up the phone and pressed the call button. It rang 3 times before it was picked up. “Ryder.” His voice said from the other side of the phone.

“Hey…” Oliver said, smiling at the voice. He got lost for a very short time before panicking. “This is Oliver.” He finished, his voice quick and nervous.

“Oliver! Thank you for calling!” Ryder said. A thud came through the phone, as if something was being set down.

“If you’re busy, I can call back.” Oliver said, his heart beginning to drop. “Don’t worry about it! It can wait.” Ryder dismissed. “How have you been?”

They spoke for hours, catching up about the many things they had missed in each other’s lives. Their current professions, current majors, avoiding the topic of the past.

“Hey, how about we meet for donuts or something… Get a plain glazed one just like you like?” Ryder suggested.

Oliver’s smile hadn’t gone away since the start of that call but, somehow, it got larger when he heard that Ryder wanted to meet up. “Of course!” He said, “The place we used to go to all the time.” He finished.

They finalized the plans for the next day and ended the call, promising to see each other the next day.

Oliver sighed and flopped into his bed. He could hardly think about anything else, nor could he wait about the day ahead of him.

He barely got any sleep. He planned his outfit, what he’d say, and sorted out all of the thoughts about how that day could go.

He was at the donut shop 15 minutes early. He ordered a few donuts and sat down, looking at his phone. It wasn’t soon after that Ryder walked through the door.

Oliver got up to greet him. After greetings were exchanged, the two hugged each other tightly. When they pulled back, they sat down and looked at each other.

They began to speak at the same time.

Ryder: “Look, I know this soun---”

Oliver: “I’m so so--”

They stopped and stared at each other. “Oh, you go ahead.” They said simultaneously. They stopped again and both burst into laughter.

“I’ll go first.” Oliver said once they had both calmed down. “I’m sorry… about what happened.” He started. “It was the worst mistake I’ve ever made. I’ve missed you so much and hated that it ended that way.”

“I was about to say something similar.” Ryder responded. “I’ve missed you too. I wanted to tell you that I forgave you and that I want you back.” He said, making the end of his sentence quiet.

Oliver thought for a moment. “I’d like that.” He said, finally. A wide grin spreading his face.

Ryder returned the grin and grabbed Oliver’s hand from the table.

They stayed there a while. Just watching each other. Eventually, they began to talk more, planning their first date since high school.

Both of them entered and expected to leave as individuals. They both, however, got exactly what they wanted and left, together again.