Johnathon 'Johnny' Peter Aindow, was a very handsome, 19 year old lad - born and raised in Stamford. Johnny, like the other lads, was a brunette. He was a rugged kind of handsome, sharp jaw with a hint of youth around the cheeks. Unlike the other lads, Johnny had long hair - not rapunzel long - Think a young Noel Ghallagher. But Johnny was far better looking than Noel. Tanned skin, golden brown iris' and a well-looked after smile. Johnny was an easy going lad, far from deprived and was every parents wet dream; good grades, top in his class in college, well mannered, worked and was handsome. Johnny was also a cheeky but bright boy, ever since he could speak. He had a good sense of humor and always knew the right thing to say, apart from when he was four and developed a God-awful stutter. Even the most simplest of words would be a challenge, which damaged his self-confidence a great amount through primary; up until his first year of High School where his mum took him to a speech therapist. Standing at 5ft11, he was a bit on the lanky-side but had just that right amount of muscle that made him appear filled-out,
Unlike most men his age, Johnny was a proud mummy's boy. He loved his mum, more than his rat of a dad who left him and his mum when she was pregnant with Johnny's younger sister Nina for his mum's friend when Johnny had not long turned thirteen. Johnny loved and would defend his little family more than most people ever would with their own. He currently juggled two jobs in a coffee shop and a cafe in which he worked as a barista, bus-boy and a waiter all whilst taking a part-time pyschology course at college. He didn't mind balancing so much as it kept him occupied and out of the house, as Johnny could be a right pest when he got bored. Now as it were written, Johnny was far from deprived as his mum owned both a quite successful flower shop and a cafe (That cafe being the one Johnny worked in, if you hadn't guessed) but Johnny liked the idea of carrying his own and having his own money - instead of bumming off his mum; like most of his friends.
His mother, Janet, a raved-haired, slender beauty, was very proud of her bright and caring son. But there was a lot more to Johnny than she were aware of - both in a good and bad manner. Now, Johnny may have been very respectful to his mum, sister and older women, but with girls and lads his age was a different story. Johnny wasn't a complete arsehole, but could never keep a girlfriend or boyfriend longer than two weeks - he just didn't see the point. No matter how nice the girl may have been or how beautiful, or how good in bed the guy was, Johnny would never stay. The word 'love' wasn't in his vocabulary. He just didn't need the hassle or the stress, he was young and had years to settle down - so why bother with it now. Whilst he was out and doing what he liked, his friends would often be at home; being bollocked by their girlfriends or stuck in because she didn't feel like going out and the next day Johnny's friends would apologise whilst looking tired and plain-old fed up. Some even had kids, which terrified him. In a way he felt sorry for his friends, but they got themselves into to it so the sympathy soon disappeared.
Oh and if you hadn't guessed, Johnny was very, very much bi-sexual.
Johnny woke the following morning due to the sounds of his 7 am alarm, hungover, worn out and – strangely – in his own bed. How he got home he didn't have a clue, and was dreading to find out. Johnny's room didn't match his personality, his room was hidden away in the loft of his house. It was like a den, the bed was a double and had two small steps leading up to it as it were higher up than the rest of the things within his room. His walls weren't exactly walls, but more like wood – a light oak. He had no carpet, all wooden floors – a single white rug placed upon the floor. The ceiling of the room was of a triangular shape, making you dip your head slightly as you climbed onto the bed. He didn't have a wardrobe, but drawers instead where his clothes were all tucked neatly away. His whole room was neat, bright, open and smelt of vanilla. He had one large, double glazed window that laid on a slant due to to the structor of the room, it laid right on top of the bed and was perfect when it rained or when it was a clear night – but horrific in sunny weather. Next to the large window, was a tiny half-moon shaped window that sat at the head of the bedroom that gave you a clear view of the street below. On one side of the bed sat a little table where eight books were slotted neatly away, a powder blue and white lamp sat and his alarm clock.
Johnny liked his room, he liked often watching the rain – because that's all it ever did in Stamford. Johnny sighed and rolled over, switching off his alarm before taking a moment. He wasn't that hungover this morning, just felt a bit car-sick and tired. No headache, he luckily never got those. But to be fairly honest, he'd take a headache – even a migraine – over feeling sick. The feeling of having constant motion sickness whenever he moved was an absolute killer, especially considering he had a four hour shift today.
Time to get a redbull and fry up on the go, good job he wasn't due in till ten and the little cafe he worked in and his mum owned was a half an hour walk away. Johnny then groaned as he sat up, "I am never drinkin' again", he croaked before he then climbed out of bed, whacking his head on the ceiling – every. Fucking. Morning.
As he rubbed his – soon to be – bruised scalp, he gave his balls a good scratch and let out a yawn as he sleepily made his way out the loft and down the two lots of stairs.
Johnny noticed how the house was quietly empty as he walked through it, making his way to the kitchen. He then noted the note pinned to the fridge and read out loud, "J, Nina stayed in nan's last night and I've had to go into London early to sort out some business. Have a lovely day at the caf' and I'll be home before you are. Love mum", He then scrunched the note and tossed it in the bin, then poured himself a glass of water and stared out the back window at the frost-covered garden. Johnny snapped himself out of his stare, decided to get himself together and whack on the bacon. Ooh did he love a bit of bacon.
Once breakfast was cooked, Johnny sat at the table and took no hesitation into smoothering his fry up in red sauce. He took a quick swig of coffee and began to ravish his food, as Johnny was chewing on some toast – he noticed how lonely the table looked. Usually, it was occupied by him, Nina and his mum. It was the first morning he'd spent alone in two years. He never spent mornings alone, either it'd be with a friend/s or with family – never alone.
Now, Johnny liked being alone. He liked the space and took pleasure in being alone, but there was something about the warmth of a person that you couldn't replace sometimes. Which is why he finished breakfast quicker than usual, cleared up, scampered upstairs and jumped in the shower. He hoped that this lonely feeling would leave and soon.
Rae burried her face into the warmth of her snood and jumper, protecting her chin, mouth and half of her nose in wool against the nippy December mornings. Rae was grateful that it wasn't raining nor windy and was happy to put up with the fact it was just cold, sunny but cold. After speaking with Finn last night, a sudden spring in her step appeared this morning and she had a sudden urge to jump onto a train to Scotland. She always had these little highs, but they never lasted. So, she just tried to keep her energy to herself and not hug the nearest stranger – that wouldn't be good.
As Rae did two courses, this including Drama; Rae finished two days after the rest of the gang. Rae strode into college, all smiles which contrasted brightly with the tired frowns of the students. She wandered through to the canteen and over to her regular table of a morning, where her drama gang and Finn all sat. Rae took to her regular place next to Finn, and catched up on conversation with everyone, fitting in. Finn also took two courses, this included English Lit. Which meant Finn's last day was today.
There was something different, nothing romantic or deep. Just something little, but noticeable. It were as if Rae's invisible barrier was taken away and she were completely naked and exposed before him. It were as if a whole new her now existed, and instead of hiding from him – she proudly displayed herself to him.
And he couldn't have been more happy.
Two mornings after seeing Brogan for the first time in forever, Johnny felt himself thinking about her randomly throughout the day - very strange. In a sense she was very different just as much as she was the same as any other he had fancied. She was a lot more intelligent and witty than the others, the other girls he had ever slept with were easy - but Brogan was deeper than that and worth more. Yes, she was rather attractive - in the way that was underrated and over-looked - but it were her words and the way her mind worked is what made her different. She wasn't someone Johnny would find himself wanting to sleep with, but to have as a friend - to have and keep in his life.
As small as Stamford was, it was just as big. Johnny felt slightly upset at the thought of possibly never seeing Brogan again, but it wasn't the end of the world and she was still living and breathing - and that was what kept him going. As it were said that Stamford was big as it were small, the chances of running into someone you knew were high if you both lived in the area - hence why it were no surprised Johnny saw Brogan that morning. Fate worked in very strange and very funny ways, he knew and grew accustomed to that very well.
The cafe was small and had the theme of old-fashioned, white and French. It was absolutely beautiful, private but open. It was the kind of place that people called a "Hidden gem" It was lovely. Stylish and not tacky, not too white but that perfect contrast. A place where break-ups, make-ups, gossip, reunions and such were held. Many secrets were hidden within the four walls of the cafe. It was something you could only dream of, or see in a place called Georgetown, Washington.
Johnny was cleaning a table when the familiar ding of the bell rang out throughout the cafe, signalling a customer had entered. Johnny had his back turned but didn't bother turning as Izzy worked on the counter of a Tuesday. "Hi, could I get a pumpkin spice latte please?" Johnny felt as if his heart were about to drop out of his arse as her familiar tone rang through his ears. Out of all the cafes, she chose this one. She chose his cafe. The odds of that were almost impossible, but it happened and she were here.
Johnny took a deep breath, shook his head and wiped down the table. "Johnny," Shit. He shut his eyes before turning and nodding at Izzy, quickly glancing at Brogan; who was fortunately putting her purse back into her bag and didn't notice Johnny; he nervously tossed the dish cloth between his hands. Izzy broke his racing thoughts "Tommy wants y'", He then nodded an ok, collecting the tray of dirty mugs, plates and cutlery before scuttering into the back and out of eye-sight.
Brogan had saw him. She saw him as soon as she walked through the door, but he was probably too busy to chat; so she wasn't really that bothered and brushed it off. As she took place at an empty table in the far left of the cafe, by a window, she sat down and took out a copy of Clockwork Orange - Brogan was never one for light reading.
As the day passed, Brogan never saw Johnny again as he hid in the back - he just didn't know what to say. What was he supposed to say if he actually did speak to her? "Hi, remember me? The guy who practically stalked you for over a year?" Yeah, because that would go down perfectly well... To be honest, Johnny had never had a person who he had fancied before come into his cafe. Never. So, why Brogan? He knew she was different. He knew she was somebody that was going to be around for a while and that if he didn't speak to her soon, she'd pop up randomly. Today was a sign, a sign of something that was yet to be good or bad – he dreaded to find out which.
One pumpkin spice latte and three chapters later, Brogan collected her stuff together, adjusted her burgundy bobble hat beanie; and left - bracing the bitter December winds. Johnny was relieved when he came out to see an empty chair and mug. He cleaned the table and got on with the remainder of his day.
Before he knew it, it was closing time at the cafe and he never saw Brogan for the rest of the day.
But fate wasn't finished, and nor was it happy.