Heidi's Mark

Old Friend

I don't usually go to Grinder for my coffee stop. It's not close to work or home, but I just happened to be on this side of town today and desperately craving something cold & caffeinated. It's just my luck that they have iced coffee (I honestly wasn't sure). Beneath it's tough, all-black look, with espresso stained wood & dark mood lighting is a rather comfortable coffee shop. It fits the neighborhood perfectly, nestled next to a hole in the wall music venue (where I will hopefully be playing next month), a record store, and a vintage shop. There are a few divey restaurants on the block, too. They look perfect for some late night, post-show eats.

I've lived in Nashville long enough to not be surprised when I run into an old friend, no matter what side of town I'm on, but I never expected to see Mark. I haven't seen him since 3rd grade. And for him to recognize me seems nearly insane, too! But then again, he was there when I got the unfortunate scar on my shoulder. I hate talking about it, although I have given up trying to cover it up, but most everyone I know avoids mentioning it at all costs. So, my spine started tingling as I tried to will my spaghetti strap dress to grow sleeves when I heard a voice from behind me.

"That's an interesting scar you have there on your shoulder," he said smoothly.

My hand instantly went to cover it as I snapped my head around to see who had the audacity to mention the hideous blotch forever etched onto my skin. And then I heard him laughing.

"You still hate that thing, after all these years?" he said with a chuckle.

"Do I know you?"

"I can't imagine anyone else having such a distinct scar in that exact location on her body, so you must be Heidi. It's me, Mark! Brent's old friend from when we lived outside of Boston!"

"Mark," I said as I let my brain wander back to a simpler time, a freer time. My life has taken me all over the place, but as my mind rewound to my time in Massachusetts, his face (and the buzz cut which he, thankfully, no longer sported) all came rushing back!

"Mark!" I exclaimed in my moment of remembrance.

I never imagined running in to him again, but he was a welcome interruption to my day. My mind was flooded with fond memories of playing with my brother Brent, Mark & his brother Jeff in the woods behind our houses. Now, here he was, all grown up & looking rather handsome, right in front of me...