I walk into the little cafe with a big sigh. It's been one of those days; let me tell you. I had a rough night last night so I woke up, already cranky. And my boss made nothing better for me during the day. Let's just leave it at that.

I find a little table in the corner of the place, just trying not to draw attention to myself. The scent of steaming meals both comforts and pains me. The most I can afford to get at a place like this is probably a beverage of some sort; maybe an appetizer. Sweet sounds of music feel the air but quickly come to a stop. The music doesn't surprise me and I barely take note of the young person making her way off the stage. This place has guest musicians every now and then. People just trying to pay their way like the rest of us.

I glance at the performer, her back turned to me as she makes her way off the stage. As she turns the corner, I do a double take. Where have I seen her before...?

"Welcome Sir! Can I get you anything?" 

I'm startled out of my own little world by a man with a thick mustache, smiling down at me with a wide grin. 

"I... Uh..." I stutter. "I'll just have some water for now; thank you."

The man nods, the grin not leaving his face in the least and saunters away. I turn my head back around to try to get a second look at the girl. My eyes land on her again at last! She sets her guitar against a table and squats down to open her case. I let out a small gasp of realization. It's that... freaky musician... Guitar... Person! The very way she moves has me on edge; like she could take me down any second. 

"Your water, Sir!"

A wooden cup filled to the brim with ice cold water is set in front of me. Wow. Even the water in this place is better quality then what I can provide for my family...

I try to push the stress away and thank the man. He nods. "Anything else for you?" he asks.

"That'll be all," I sigh, mashed potatoes suddenly sounding really appealing.

I catch a strange look of curiousity in the man's eyes. He shrugs, nods and walks over to another table.

I take a sip of the cool water. The refreshing liquid washes down my throat. Water has never tasted so good. 

I look back in the direction of the girl, but don't see her by the table. Curious and frankly, slightly frantic, I whip my head around every which way just in time to catch her slinking out the front entrance. I stand up suddenly and rush towards her. I really want to meet her... Don't ask why.

I get some weird looks as I sprint to the entrance, but at this point, I don't care.

"Wait!" I call once I'm out the door.

The girl, only a few feet away from me now, turns suddenly and looks at me with wide eyes. They're not frightend eyes though. Again, she looks like she could take me down and not be afraid to do it. 

Once the initial surprise leaves her eyes she gives me a curious smile.

"Hello. And to what do I owe this pleasant surprise?" she says with a sarcastic curtsy.

I lick my lips and feel my cheeks go red. I'm trying to decide if she's flirting with me or mocking me. Or both. Or neither.

"Ummm... Have we met?" I stutter stupidly.

"Not that I recall," she giggles, swinging her guitar. The intimidating look as left her, I note.

I laugh and scratch the back of my neck awkwardly, realizing, I had no idea what I had even planned on saying. I do one of those awkward fake laughs and say, "Well... Wish I could've heard you play but I.. walked in just when you were done."

She looks like she has no idea how to answer that so I go on.

"I'd love to be able to play guitar. Or do anything musical," I chuckle.

She laughs that cute laugh again.

"Well maybe I'll play again her some day," she says, in a really mysterious tone.

I eye her curiously. Then I just shrug.

"Welp," I clap my hands and look everywhere but at her. Then I exclaim, "Oh! Forgive me. Allow me to introduce myself. My name's Cameron." 

I stretch out my hand and she grabs it. I try not to act surprised at how strong her grip is. She smiles. "Pleased to make your acquaintance," she says. 

I smile at her fancy word and reply, trying to sound funny but failing miserably. "Whom do I have the pleasure of acquaint.... acquainting...? Is that a word?" 

She throws back her head and her laughter seems to fill the earth itself. "I believe it is, yes," she chuckles. I laugh and scratch my neck again. 

"So... You are..?" I prompt. 

She licks her lips. "Just call me Tim," she replies, rather nervously. Then, without another word she turns around, her dress swirling to catch up with her body and makes a move to start walking again.

Confused by her sudden strange behaviour, I call, "WAIT!"

She stops but doesn't turn around.

"Will I see you around... Tim?" I ask shyly.

She turns to face me straight on again. "Perhaps. But don't count on it."

Then she turns her back one more time, and races into the forest beyond.

I watch her retreating figure with wide eyes and a dropped jaw.

Well. I have more questions now then when I started.