Daydreaming

Standing there at the counter, with my brother, laughing. You see me walk in and stop, smiling stupidly because you remember me, though I don't know how you'd forget since it was only three years ago when everything passed. My short infatuation for you, my friendship with your (now ex-) girlfriend ending over a misunderstanding, you accidentally telling me you liked me too then recanting since my name is close to the girl you're fucking now. My brother sees me and says he'll be back, leaving us alone together in a room full of people.

"What are you up to?" is obviously the first question, awkwardly spilled out.

I could be nice, but I'm not. To be fair, I don't get this opportunity a lot so I just shrug. Letting you pry a little never hurt anyone. My mind is racing with all the mean things I want to say to you. That I'm going to graduate from college soon. That I have money now (well had but you don't get to know that). That I just went to Europe, that I have been published, that I have accomplished things on my bucket list while you stand behind a counter serving ice-cream. But, I have to wait to unleash on you.

"I'm sorry about what happened," you say, sounding sincere.

All of the inflated, gloaty things I have to say fly out the window. You'd be happy for me if I spew my accomplishments. We'd become friends if I say any of that. I shrug again.

"Don't worry. I realized that I was settling."

I don't wait for your reaction. My brother busts out of the back door, loudly yelling goodbye to people, and we both get in my mom's car and go home.