The girl with large rimmed specs

a chanced encounter

She donned a large rimmed specs, her hair tied to a bun on top, and was in casual flip flops. I was in a foreign place, taking a breather in the air conditioned 7 eleven, away from the sweltering heat.

She was deciding which Vitamin water to buy, looking left and right for some inspiration. Visibly, a girl who takes care of her body. After some deliberation, she picked one bottle up, while I simply grabbed a random drink.

“Hi there, alrite, is there anything else you wanna get?” the store assistant asked her, as he placed the purchased items in the plastic bag.
“Oh, erm, can you get me a PallMall menthol?” My eyes widened. The store assistant noticed my reaction. “Ok,” he turned to the shelf behind him and took one packet out. “Oh no, not this, it’s that dark blue one”, she bent forward and pointed. “Ahh, this’s a menthol light,” he smiled, as he took the right packet and put it into the plastic bag. “That will be twenty dollars, can you show me your IC just in case?” “Sure,” she said, and fished out her handbag to retrieve her IC. Then I noticed her hand movements became hurried. It became obvious she has forgotten to bring out her IC. “Erm…” she said sheepishly, “I think I’ve forgot to bring it out…”

“Huh… well I can’t sell you the cigarettes then,” he said apologetically, and reached into the bag to remove it. “Hang on,” I replied, “I’ll buy it, here’s my IC as proof.” I offered my IC, and smiled quickly at her, who was bewildered. “No worries.” I whispered.

“Well ok, I guess I’ll go with that,” the store assistant said, and collected the cash.

“Erm, thank you?” she said, as we exited the shop. “It’s ok,” I smiled, and handed over the packet. It was the moment she took hold of it when I tightened my grip. “Er, hello?” she looked at me, confused.

“Tell me something,” I said, “why?”
“Why what?”
“Why do you smoke?”
Now she looked angry.
“Why must I tell you?”
“Because I helped you.”
“I don’t need your help!”
“Too late.”
She sighed, frustrated. “Ok, I’m tired, I need a break. That’s all. Is that ok?” She reached out her hand with a pout on her face.
“Sure,” I replied, and proceeded to unwrap the sealed plastic wrapper.
“Wait… What are you doing!” She yelled. “Your unconvincing answer just deserves me to unwrap this for you,” I replied.

“Ok ok, I will tell, it’s my ex alright? I picked it up from him. Happy?” She said sternly. “Tell me more,” I said, as I handed over the packet to her. She was much relieved as she got hold of it.

“You’re an idiot,” she retorted, took out one stick, and lit it. She took a long heave, before puffing it out.

“But I’ll tell.” She said slowly.