The next time Bram saw Simon was the next week. They were at the same coffee shop. It wasn't the one Abby worked at, and they were in a different part of the city. Bram was working on his laptop when Simon entered.
"Simon," Bram called. Simon snapped his head around, giving Bram a faint smile. Simon ordered his drink before walking over to Bram. "How have you been? I hope your wounds are healing nicely."
"Hey, Bram," Simon said. "Yeah, they're healing fine. My friend, Leah, is a nurse, so she's been a great help. I have a job interview today. It's in the business above this one. It's in the field I went to college before Shawn forced me to drop out."
There was a moment of silence. He seemed to get very uncomfortable, so Bram figured he'd change the subject. "What was your major?" Bram asked. "Do you plan on finishing your degree?"
"I might go back to school," Simon said. "I'd probably do it once I have my own place. I was getting a degree in political science at Cornell University. I had to drop out in my second year."
Simon's phone vibrated. Simon took it out of his pocket. He rolled his eyes. "It's an unknown number," Simon groaned. "Shawn has been getting his friends to call me all week. They're trying to convince me to go back. Sorry, I didn't mean to rant to you."
"It's okay," Bram said. "Do you want to have a seat?"
"Thanks, but I really should get going," Simon said. "It's great to see you again."
"Nice to see you too," Bram said. Simon then left the coffee shop. Bram smiled softly. He was smitten by Simon the first time he saw him but ignored the thoughts. After what happened the previous week, he was just glad he was out. He hoped that maybe they could become friends.
Bram stopped the coffee and closed his computer. He put it in his backpack before slipping it onto his back. He threw away the cup before leaving. He started to walk towards his job.
Someone grabbed Bram's bag. He fell onto the ground, smacking his head on the pavement. Soon everything went dark.