Not Likely

8.

Asher's POV

"Table for two please," I told the waitress as I stepped into the small homey restaurant.

There was a small bar on the other side of the room with a couple sipping hot tea, talking to the bar tender. Right in the front was a small stage, and on it someone lightly strung a guitar.

Noami stood right by my side, with a slight  frown on her face. She didn't want to be here but I didn't care.

We followed the waitress as she took us to a secluded corner in the small restaurant. Noami slowly took in her surroundings as I gauged her reaction.

"So how'd you find this place," she asked. "Since we just started college, and this place is pretty small and out of sight."

"Well, I've actually lived in NYC all my life. My mom used to take me here all the time when I was younger."

Oh is all she said.

Awkwardness filled the air as we sat there waiting for the waitress to come and take our order.

Maybe this was a bad idea.

I heard the sound of the waitress' heels hitting the ground and I looked up.

"So what you like to order this fine afternoon," she exclaimed cheerfully and smiled.

I didn't even have to look at the menu. "I'll have the chicken parmesan please."

She wrote that down in her notepad and looked at Noami. "And you?"

"Umm I'll have a...umm" she mumbled as she scrabbled through the menu.

"She have the chicken parmesan too." I told the waitress.

The waitress looked at Noami as if asking her if that was okay. Noami nodded and handed the waitress her menu and I did the same.

When the waitress walked away, I tried to ease the awkwardness off of our first...would you even call this a date? No this isn't a date. I tried to ease the awkwardness off of our first...lunch together.

Soo, what made you come to New York City?"

"I had always just wanted to get away from the small town life. You know what I mean," she looked at me and I nodded quickly. "I was tired of the same old boring routine. I was tired of seeing the same old boring people and doing the same old boring things. I needed change if my life, and when I told my mom and all but kicked me out the house encouraging me to go."

"Wow," was all I could muster at that point of time. I didn't really know about the "small town life", as she described it.

"You know that actually funny," I said. "I'd always hated the city life. Too busy and too loud. There's never just a moment of calmness. You know what they say, the city never sleeps." She nodded and took a sip of her drink.

"You know, I've only ever seen the stars once in my life. That was when I went on vacation in the bahamas. The city lights are just to bright. I've always wanted to see the stars, and you can't really do that in the big apple."

"Really?" Noami said in awe. "I'd always loved looking at the stars in my backyard. I'd get blankets and snacks and my mom and dad and I would just..." she trailed off looking down at her lap.

I took a deep breath and asked a question that could very well have her bust out in tears or ready to get up and leave.

"Soo," I said quietly. "What ever happened to your dad. You never finished what you were saying in class."

"Oh, yeah? Well I wonder why she snapped at me."

Yup, bad question.

"Look I'm sorry about-"

I was cut off by the waitress sitting the plates in front of us.

"Thank you," Noami and I said in unison.

The waitress smiled and said, "Your welcome. Enjoy your meals."

Sliently, Noami picked up her fork and knife and began to eat. Satisfaction rolled off of her as she took the first bite,  but she she stayed silent. I picked up my fork and began to eat as well.

After about five minutes of excruciating awkard silence, she finally said something.

"My father was a victim of police brutality." Her breath caught in her throat. I stayed silent and let her her continue.

"He got pulled over one day, I was ten and home, waiting for him to come home from work." A small tear trickled onto her cheek. "His tailight was out. A cop pulled him over and asked him for his license and registration. When he reached into the glove compartment, the officer thought he was reaching for a gun. He shot my dad." The tears were coming more quickly now.

"He died later that night in he hospital. I didn't even get a chance to tell him how much I loved him" Noami finished this bloodshot eyes.

Well shit. I felt like a the world's biggest ass right now.

"Look," I started, "I can't even tell you how sorr-"

"Don't apologize," she cut me off. "Just don't do it again. You don't know what goes on in people's lives and you shouldn't have jumped to conclusions like that."

"I know I just-" I tried to say.

"Let's just stop talking about it okay," Noami cut me off again. "Talk about something lighter."

"Okay", My fingers lighted tapped the tabletop as I racked my brain for something to ask her.

"So what's your favorite song." I remembered that she had said she had a passion for music.

Noami's eyes lit up. "Ooh, I don't know," she wiped her eyes once more and contiuned.

"My music taste is literally all over the place. One minute I'm listening to heavy rap and trap music, the next I'm listening to rock and alternative." She smiled. "I'm always discovering new songs, so my favorite is always changing. But as of right now I'd have to say Wake up, by Eden."

I smiled at her and nodded, I have to check it out someday. She smiled back at me. I'd never really realized how beautiful her smile was. She had strangely perfect teeth, she'd must have worn braces once in her life...

Noami cleared her throat and I went bright red. I'd only just realized that I was so very awkardly staring at her mouth. Noami chuckled light and picked up her fork.

I heard the front door open, but paid no attention to it. I picked up my fork and began eating my food so I wouldn't  be staring at the quiet girl with the perfect girl in front of me.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?" a familiar voice screeched from behind me. I didn't even have to turn around to know who it was.
________________________

Hey guys! Thank you for all the votes and comments I've been receiving lately. I greatly appreciate it. Sorry for all the typos, if you see one can you tell me please, and I'll fix it.

Hey, I start highschool on Friday (I know, how is a freshman in high school writing about a freshman in college, lol) so does anyone have any advice? I neeeed it, I'm so nervous, haha.

On another note, don't forget to vote and comment!! Thank you for reading!