Chapter 2
As they walked to find a stall to buy some hot chocolate, there was only an awkward silence. At least to Dani, it felt awkward. Jamie didn't seem to be bothered by it. She looked like the type of person who had it all under control, who didn't care about what others thought, and like the type of person everyone looked up to and admired for their confidence. “Oof” Dani thought to herself. “Not even an hour and I am already reading people”.
- So… how long have you been away from home?
Dani felt relieved. No more awkward silence , she thought.
- It’s been almost two years. I always come back by this time of the year, though.
- So what is a french girl doing in Canada for almost two years?
- I study here, actually.
- Oh! I should have figured, is not that you're here for vacation haha. What do you study?
Dani felt a little intimidated. Jamie was asking question after question. She didn’t mind though, she was just confused as to why a complete stranger was trying so hard to get to know her.
- I am studying to become a vet. I love sea animals, so I’m specializing in that. And you? Are you from here?
Dani decided to take matters into her own hands and lead the conversation from now on. Needless to say, she would fail at it.
- Nope! Not from here. Just making a connection. What a bummer right? I wonder how long it will be until the storm clears out. Has this happened to you before? A snow storm before a big flight?
She is good, Dani thought. And just like that, in the blink of an eye, Jamie was in charge of the conversation again. Jamie hadn't even bothered to say where she was from. Dani found her a little elusive, and she figured she had to be more specific and persistent with her questions next time she asks. That is, if there is a next time. She didn't stand a chance but to answer.
- Not really. This is at least the third time this happens to me. First time in Vancouver though.
And just before she could ask or say anything else, Jamie clapped and grabbed Dani's arm in excitement, “Look! they are giving away free bear claws! Let's go get one”. Jamie just dragged Dani with her, not minding the luggage or any other personal item Dani was carrying with herself.
- I assume no more hot chocolate then? Dani asked.
- Hahaha, are you crazy? If you have bread, you must dunk it into something, no? Or what? You’re gonna tell me they don't do that in France?
- I- Dani stuttered. And before she could say anything else, Jamie said “Look, there’s a coffee shop just a few steps ahead. Let’s go!”
How did she find herself in this situation? Dani couldn't stop thinking about how persuasive Jamie could be. She went from waiting on her own almost eating her froyo, to being on a pursuit of hot chocolate with a stranger. Though she admitted to herself, Jamie started to not feel like a stranger anymore.
“Hello, welcome, what can I get for you?” Dani’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the barista from the coffee stall.
- Uh… just a hot chocolate please.
- Could you add whipped cream to it please? Jamie said, excited.
- We only serve medium sizes after 2pm, is that okay? The barista said.
- Yeah, it is fine. Dani said. Who even came up with that silly rule?, she thought.
- That will be 8 dollars. The cashier told Dani without even looking at her. Monotonous jobs. That's what they do to people in the long run. It’s like they turn into robots of some sort , Dani thought to herself.
- Sure, let me just… And there it goes again. Another episode of clumsy Dani. She dropped her wallet and not only did all her cash fall to the ground, but so did her passport, her boarding pass (which was practically useless by now) and some family photographs she always carried with herself.
“I’ve got it”. Jamie said, rolling her eyes but with a friendly smile on her face that showed all her teeth. "You really thought I would make you pay for an overpriced hot chocolate in the airport?"
- Well, I quite ruined your coat, so I guess it’s only fair?
- Hahaha! I’ve got it , she said. Thank you, keep the change!, Jamie said as she turned around to help Dani pick up her things
- That hot chocolate was supposed to be on me. That was our deal. And again, I’m very sorry about your coat. We should really get to the bathroom and try to get the stains off .
- It’s okaaaaaaay, stop worrying about it. And just between us, I’ve never fully liked this coat, but having froyo on it gives it a cooler vibe .
They both laughed.
- 28A? My seat was 28B! It seems like we were destined to be together after all! Jamie said, looking down as she said that. Maybe she thought it was too much of a bold thing to say. She even found herself blushing.
Dani didn't say anything. She just laughed and nodded. Was she flirting? She couldn't tell. She wasn't really an expert in those things. She was more into yearning. And she was also the hopeless romantic prototype.
- Here, I figure this is the last one , Jamie said as she handed Dani a photograph.
- Thank you. Dani said, staring at the picture, with nostalgia and sad eyes.
- Is that your family?
-Yeah, I just really miss them a lot. Plus this is the last picture we all took together as a family. My brother… he… well he’s not here anymore. Dani caught a tear with her left thumb as it was rolling down her cheek.
And for the first time in a while, Jamie didn't ask any follow up questions. She just stood there. Wondering if it was okay to hug a girl she had just met, but whom she figured could really use a hug.