Butterfly Effect

She sat near a window, watching the rain trickle down the glass. Over the din of human voices, she could hear the soft consistent sound of raindrops hammering the earth. She held the cup of Latte between her slim hands and waited patiently for him to arrive. At least she thought she was being patient. It had been months since they'd started meeting for casual coffee's, romantic dinners, regular movies, random walks... It was dating without actually acknowledging it to be dating. It was a relationship without actually being a relationship. She didn't know what it was. She only knew that she was falling for him. She didn't understand why as he wasn't her usual type. He wasn't romantic, he wasn't charming nor was he an easy-going flirt. He was just a guy with too much testosterone and an above average intellect. But she was in the deep end and she had to find out whether she would float or go under.

'Hey! Sorry I kept you waiting...', he rushed to her side and pulled up a chair.
'Hey!' They hugged. 'It's ok, I bought myself a coffee.'
As he went over to the counter to buy himself a coffee, she took a few deep breaths to calm her racing pulse and rehearse what she had to say to him. He looked over his shoulder at her and mimicked her tensed expression which made them both smile. She sat a bit straighter, shrugged her shoulders at him and and indicated to his empty chair.
'Missing you already', she mouthed.

'So, you had something to tell me? We better get it out of the way and wipe those tension lines off your face', he eyes crinkled as he smiled at her from over the rim of his cup.
'I met a man on my trip last month...'
'ok.'
'I...we...I can't do this with you anymore'
'Do what?'
'This...us...meeting'
'Aren't we friends? Why does us being friends have be affected by you meeting a guy. I'm happy for you!'
'But...you and I? Are you sure it's okay?'
'Ok? Why wouldn't it be? It's not like we're dating or anything. We're just friends right?'
'Right.'
They sat in silence. She couldn't bring herself to say anything more. He continued to look at her.
'Good. That's settled.When do I meet him?'
'Umm...I don't think it'll be a good idea. I'm meeting his parents tomorrow. It might be okay for you but I can't continue doing this. I'm sorry.'
She picked up her bags, dropped a light farewell kiss on his cheek and walked out of the cafe.

At dinner.
'My parents are going to love you babe. Just be yourself'
Nervously sipping on her champagne, she played with the strap of her shoe under the table. He leaned over, took her hand in his and kissed the palm.
'Oh here's dad!'
She turned around and stared into the eyes of just another guy with too much testosterone and an above average intellect.