Althea's face hardened almost unconsciously as she read the message. Why? she wrote, letters sharp with emotion she didn't know how to communicate.
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Because somehow we keep running into each other. And I like having as many friends as I can. She types back and showed her, a very slight flush of pink on her cheeks.
It was a perfectly innocent motivation, but Althea was still uneasy. I don't, she paused, unsure of how to say what she wanted. We're strangers. I don't know you yet
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Trinity frowned, *Which is why I want to get to know you, but, okay.” She showed her the message before closing her Notes app and putting her phone away.
I still want to talk with you, I promise. Althea bit her lip, reaching out to grab one of Trinity's hands. I'm just nervous. I need to know you before I give out my #.
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Trinity nodded and glanced away, wishing she still had her phone to communicate that she hoped to get her number so they could communicate easier, but she held the thought instead. Her heart beat a little faster when Althea took her hand. She hoped her sweating wouldn’t put her off too much…
Althea stifled a sigh of relief, letting go of Trinity's hand now that she knew the girl wouldn't walk away and never come back. Want to get coffee sometime? So we can get to know one another?
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Trinity nodded and smiled, I would like that, she accepted, I don’t have any plans for the rest of the day. She straightened her shoulders again to hopefully seem more dignified. Dignified like Althea.
Althea gave her a small crooked smile, glancing at the notebook pensively before she responded. After you're done here, I'd love to go to a cafe and have a chat. If that's alright with you.
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Trinity grinned hugely at the suggestion. She nodded excitedly, yes! she wrote back. This would be the perfect opportunity to give her the book too.
Althea's smile widened at Trinity's enthusiasm. I'll stay in the store with you then. You were looking for a book, right?
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Yeah, I’m looking for a book one of my online friends recommended. I didn’t find it anywhere else so I’m looking here. she gestured to the used book aisle they were in.
What's it called? Althea asked. She'd been wandering this store for years and knew almost every title in the store from seeing them every day. I might know something about it.
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Sea Change by Sylvia Earle, she wrote back, tilting her head with curiosity, would she have heard about it, possibly?
The title was familiar, but only vaguely. Still, Althea knew where it was in the store. It came in a couple of weeks ago, she wrote, grabbing Trinity's hand to lead her over to the shelf it was sitting on.
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Trinity followed, stumbling a little as she was partially dragged across the store. She didn’t mind, of course, because she both made a new friend and was about to get a new book about her favorite subject ever. This was a double win.
Althea crouched down, pulling the book from the shelf it was hidden on and handing it to Trinity. This is what you're looking for. It's $7. Anything else you were looking for?
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She took the book in her hands and examined the cover. She nodded to resemble a yes, this is it. She smiled a thank you back up to her.
Althea grinned slightly at Trinity's happiness. I'm glad I could help. You ready to check out and go on our she hesitated, not quite sure what her outing with Trinity should be called. Was it a date? A meetup? A chat session? coffee date. That sounded right.
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Trinity nodded once she read the message. She couldn’t contain her happy grin, especially as she turned to walk towards the checkout counter. Her blonde hair bounced in time with her excited steps.
Althea's grin only grew as she followed Trinity to the counter, slightly flushed with excitement. She grabbed the book she'd found so interesting earlier on the way over, deciding to buy it.
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Trinity set the book down on the counter.
The cashier said something to her, when when she tapped her ear, he shut his mouth and awkwardly nodded, unsure what to do in this situation. Was he supposed to write down the total? Or…
Althea stepped up so she was beside Trinity, tapping her on the shoulder and signing the number seven to- hopefully- communicate that it was $7.
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Trinity nodded, giving the man the money after digging it out of her pocket. She offered a friendly smile to the man after he finalized the transaction, put the book in the bag and gave it to her.
Althea bought her book once Trinity finished at the counter, unable to stop a content smile from crossing her face. Off to the coffee shop?
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Trinity nodded, holding her book close to her chest, Ready! she used her other hand to write, I’ll take my own car
Althea let out a huff. I walked here, she wrote, lips twisted in dissatisfaction. I don't have a car for you to follow.
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Trinity leaned against the wall while she waited for Althea to finish writing. When she did, she craned her neck to read the note and write back You can ride with me. she offered upon reading Althea’s dilemma, I have a spacious car.
Althea pursed her lips at the thought but decided to suck it up. Trinity had been nothing but kind, there was really nothing to worry about. She gave a sedate nod. That will work.
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Trinity smiled, putting her pen away to head towards the doors. She pushed them open, but stepped out of the way halfway out the threshold to let Althea through as she held the door.
