Chatty Charles

Thank you for taking the time to read my summer fiction series story. Fiction is completely out of my comfort zone but a much-needed change of pace. If you have not yet read parts one and two of my summer fiction series please do so:

Small Hand and Foot Prints; Big City Girl

Mom Knows Best

My goodness time is flying Phoebe thought as she stood in line waiting for her coffee. The big city had introduced her to so many wonderful things and “fancy” coffee drinks were one of those things that were at the top of her list.

The first year of design school was almost coming to an end. So many good things had happened over the last year. A move, traveling, an awesome paid internship. Phoebe felt like she was “winning” at life.

Her roommates had become like a second family to her. There was never a dull moment when they were all together. Phoebe and her roommates made sure to keep one another entertained and to support one another.

Phoebe was daydreaming staring out of the coffee shop window. “Phoebe, order ready for Phoebe.” She had no idea how many times her name had been called. She was startled and a bit embarrassed as she made her way to the counter to grab her cup of caramel and vanilla-flavored goodness.

Phoebe smiled every step of the way as she headed to the Mauve office. She always felt so sophisticated walking into the trendy office space.

Phoebe walked in saying her daily hellos as she headed to her desk. As she was getting ready to pick up her work phone to check voicemail she heard the buzz of her cell phone.

She grabbed her cell and it was her roomies' group chat:

Lou: “Hey guys we need a night out ASAP.”

Anna: “Yes we do.”

Tabitha: “You guys I have so much school work to do.”

Phoebe: “I am ready.”

They all went back and forth for a few minutes and then it was back to the grind.

Phoebe was busy checking e-mails, making calls, uploading to the Mauve social media accounts, and getting all the things done. Before she knew it the time to end the workday had come.

Phoebe headed out of the office and to the subway station. As she sat down in her seat she let out a big sigh.

“Long day?” she heard a voice beside her say.

“Not, just kind of tired,” she replied.

Phoebe had not looked up to see who she was talking to. She pulled out her phone and started scrolling.

Phoebe was in her scrolling zone, smiling a bit, shaking her head as she scans her Instagram and Twitter feeds.

“Something must be funny.'' She heard that voice beside her again.

Phoebe looked up and took a look at the face sitting next to her. The guy sitting next to her had a million-dollar smile.

“Um yeah, some funny stuff.” She replied.

“You have a big smile so I figured.” He replied.

Phoebe did not know how to respond. Maybe this guy was one of those big-city murderers' mom had warned her about…

Why was he so chatty? Most of the time people on the subway just minded their business.

Phoebe decided to put her phone in her bag and pay attention to her surroundings. She kept thinking she was being paranoid. Maybe she needed to get off at a different stop...

The subway came to a stop and Phoebe was hoping Chatty Charles would be getting off the train. No luck he was still here.

She kept looking around and was starting to get nervous. Her stop was coming up in 10 minutes. What if he was still on the train? Should she stay on or get off. Ugh is all Phoebe could think.

“Brevard street stop coming up in 3 minutes.” Was what she heard come across the speakers.

Chatty Charles started to fiddle around in his backpack. Phoebe heard the train slowing and all of a sudden she heard.

“Have a great evening.”

Before she could reply Chatty Charles was headed towards the exit.

“Whew.” Phoebe thought. She was relieved that Chatty Charles was gone.

Phoebe looked down into her bag to grab her phone and she saw a small brown box right on the very top of all her stuff.

Where did this come from, she thought…

Phoebe grabbed the box and shook it. It was very light.

Phoebe looked around and wasn't sure if she should open the box or not.

Phoebe got to her apartment, and she was so glad to see Lou, Ana, and Tabitha.

She told them all about the guy who sat next to her and showed them the box.

“Open it”! They all screamed.

Phoebe did not know why opening this box made her feel some type of way.

They all were doing an anxious giggle as Phoebe shook the box.

Phoebe took her time tearing the brown paper on the box and was trying not to rip it.

She opened the top and looked inside and she saw the most beautiful emerald earrings she had ever laid her eyes on. Heck, she had never seen emerald earrings before.

The box had a little card on the bottom that said: “For you E, Love B.”

“Chatty Charles…” Phoebe heard herself say.

All of her roommates replied “Chatty Charles?”

Phoebe was not sure what to do but she knew a gift this special must be returned...

Feel free to share this story on your social media. I would appreciate it. Feel free to tweet me your thoughts to @mzhoov. Also if you feel inclined tips are always welcomed. Thank you again for reading my summer fiction series.