Bless Me With Your Love

Why weren’t there any napkins on this table? Aren’t there supposed to be napkins at a table in a café? Here I was, tears silently streaming down my face, and there were no napkins. Just my fucking luck.

I couldn’t help but feel like all of the eyes in this little café were staring at me, judging me, confused at my crying. All I needed was for someone to approach me about it. Which of course, is exactly what happened. Only me, right?

“Uh, are you okay? I couldn’t help but notice you as I ordered my coffee.” I glanced up and into the face of a guy who seemed to be around my age. He had long dark dreadlocks, extremely sharp features, and two nose rings. He was kinda cute.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I answered, quickly trying to wipe my eyes. Isn’t “I’m fine” one of the most told lies? The guy saw right through it. And he sat down across the table at me. Great.

“Here, you look like you could use some.” He said as he handed me some tissues. Oh thank God, this guy might be my savior. I took them gratefully and wiped my eyes, nodding and half-smiling.

“Thank you so much, uh – ”

“Samuel. Its no problem really. But uh, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s wrong?”

I almost snorted. But it would be incredibly rude. Its not like this guy knows my story or what I had been through.

“I’m not sure you would find it very interesting. It would probably just be a waste of your time. I’m sure you have better things to do.” I said. There’s no reason for me to bore and depress this stranger with my troubles.

“No. I want to hear it. And I’m not leaving until you spill your heart out.” He said simply, and crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back in his chair. My eyes went wide. What was this guy’s angle? Why’d he care about a random person?

“Um, okay. But it’s a pretty long story. You sure you’re up to it?” I asked. He only nodded in return. I took a deep breath.

“I just arrived in California. I’m originally from Boston, been there my whole life. I didn’t have the easiest nor most conventional childhood and it became too much to bear just about a month ago. So I made up my mind to leave. I didn’t tell anyone, just left in the middle of the night. I didn’t stop driving until I ended up here. Now I’m all alone on a coast that I don’t know, in a city that I don’t know, with no home nor job, and only around $300 to my name.”

There was silence after my little speech. I knew it was a bad idea to release all of this onto a perfect stranger. I watched Samuel’s face, and although I didn’t know him, it looked like he was thinking hard.

“Where are you staying right now?” He asked.

“Just some crappy motel.” I said. He was silent for a few more moments.

“Come stay with me.”

I widened my eyes and looked at him like he was insane. Stay with him? What? How do I know he’s not some serial rapist? And why would he want to take in a stray like me?

“Just for a little bit, until you get back on your feet.” He backpedaled, after seeing my expression.

“Why would you do that? You don’t even know me.” I said, still completely taken aback.

“Because I was in your shoes a little over a year ago. I know what its like. And I wish there was someone who would’ve helped me out.” He said simply.
Well…what other option do I have? Blow all my money on that damn motel? I doubt it could be worse from what I came from.

“Okay. Thanks.”