The Men
We ended up at a cafe. I enjoy spending time with the girl... I mean the women, with Mackenna. She is a little complicated... very stubborn I might say, but she's different than the others, special. She has better tastes that most of the women I've met, and she's also interested in arts and writing. She is also a good listener. It is hard finding a good listener, especially when women only care about themselves.
''You talk like a poet... I mean, yeah, I know you like reading, but really, you are like… Shakespeare of this century!'' she said. I smiled.
''I actually used to go to the University of Phoenix, in the literature and languages department, I wanted to become an English teacher. So, I thought that would do, generally if I would like to change my career.'' she looked at me from head to toe.
''How old are you?'' she asked
''Why would that be a matter?'' I think that if I told her, she would be disappointed... I don't even know why I am feeling that way. It's the truth after all. ''Twenty-four now. Twenty-five at the end of the year.''
''Why didn't you tell me?''
''Why didn't you ask me?'' I am confused, why does age matter? I can't understand the female genes, that's the conclusion I ended up with. We are getting along together pretty well. I think we can consider ourselves friends now?
''I am sorry, I just thought you were much younger than that...'' she said, she has an honest voice. I know she tells me how she really feels.
''What university are you going to?'' I don't want to ask her age, because again, friendship doesn't have age. Or at least that's how I feel on the matter.
''Umm... it is kind a complicated... I am eighteen, but I am not thinking on going to any university… at least not yet. I've finished high school last year, but I still hope I will find the best fit till I enter my 19's. If it doesn't go well, I have a place I am working on so…'' oh, okay so she is eighteen, nice age.
Then silence.
The Woman
The mortal silence was broken for a few seconds by the waiter. But then it was back as he left with our order. We got coffee. It doesn't even matter it is past noon. Truth to be told I don't drink coffee, because I don't need it. With or without it I would have the same amount of energy.
Ernest killed the silence:
''Where are you working?'' I take a sip of my coffee.
''From home. I draw, create, write... things like that... usually write, but that's more for fun... And I also work part-time at a library.''
''Do you make money from that. For the work you do at home, I mean?''
''Sometimes yes, mostly from paintings and I am sometimes tutoring... genuinely my aunt is helping me with money though...''
''Can you draw me?''
''No!''
''May I ask you, why?'' he had a kittenish face.
''I only draw handsome men.'' we both burned out laughing. Of course, I was kidding... only if he knew how attractive he was in my eyes...
''I will take my leave now, but I have to say, I had a really great time. Call me if you get bored, yeah? And I'll be waiting for a personal portrait, alright?'' he got out of the cafe, waved a last goodbye then went away.
The Man
I took a taxi to my friend's restaurant. He told me he'll bring his girlfriend with him. I am dying to meet her. They have been dating for 6 month and I have never met her. But, of course, I somehow convinced him about today.
I know that I should have changed, but I've honestly got no time.
I am staying in front of the restaurant. It's 8pm, they must be inside already.
I enter and see them at a 6 persons' table. Sebastian saw me first and called out for me.
"Ernest, brother, long time no see!" he gave me a brotherly hug. I hugged back.
"You? My brother? Better say my father, Bass." He laughed it off.
"Minerva, this is my friend, Ernest"
"Aww what a beautiful name. It is a pleasure finally meeting you, Ernest." I smiled and slightly bowed in front of her.
Sebastian told me she is only one year younger than him, which will do 39 years. But she looks like she is in her 20's.
With white, wavy, long hair, even though I doubt it is naturally this color. She has Amber eyes, that look like the autumn nature. And with her thin outer lips, I feel like I saw her somewhere.
"So…" Sebastian continues, as I sit at the table, "I was thinking we will ask the chef to surprise us, what do you think?"
"Yes sure."
"I would like that, sure!"
"Then I'll be right back!" Seb went to the kitchen, leaving me and Minerva alone.
"I am sorry for this ridiculous question, but do I know you? You just look so familiar, there's no way I could forget the look of yours, ma'am."
She giggles. And I am so frustrated, I can't read her. And it's not because of my capacities, but because… she seems so normal.
"How old are you, Ernest?"
"I am twenty-four." This question brings me to reality. I am not able to read women.
"Well, I don't recall meeting you. But maybe you've met-…"
"Our dinner will be ready in thirty minutes." Sebastian interrupted us.
For the rest of the night, we talked and me and Minerva got to know each other better. At 10, both Seb and Mira (that's Minerva for short) were drunk and went to Sebastian's place. I headed home. Today was a good day eventually.