sixwordstories | (no subject)

Excuse me? [Selene tucks her cell phone away after ending her call.] Might I bother you for the business section?

[ He's engrossed in some small article in one of the middle sections, so it takes a handful of seconds before his eyes lift away from the page, attention properly shifting in the same direction. ]

The business section?

[ There is no measure of ill will in his parroting, Ichabod merely wants to reassure both of them that he heard correctly. A moment later he carefully extracts the right portion, folds it in half before offering. ]

Of course. Here you are.

Yes, please. [She said back in polite confirmation. As he handed it to her she smiled.] Thank you. Would you mind? [Selene pointed to the empty space beside him.]

You're welcome. [ He glances between the lady and the bench briefly, then slides over a few more inches to give her more room. ] It is not currently occupied, thus I have no objections.

[The way he spoke made the hint of a smile bloom into a full smirk. People just didn't speak like that any more. Strange yet intriguing. Taking a seat she tucks her bag between them.] The paper is becoming scares these days. I quite like having it to hold in my hands.

Is it? I have seen so many different ones. Most of the larger cities play host to easily half a dozen different titles.

[ He folds up the remaining sections of the paper and sets it across a thigh. ]

There are a great deal more on the internet, I will admit.

There are papers, people just don't take the time to sit down with the paper and a cup of coffee anymore. Not when you can read the Times on your IPad while rushing to the office.

[Her eyes are on the paper scanning over stock prices.]

We are just missing the cup of coffee, yes?

That is a shame. Taking the time to truly absorb all that has happened in the world, considering how quickly news is reported, should be a daily occurrence. A ritual, if you were.

[ He taps the paper against his leg. ]

Did you misplace one?

What have you absorbed from the paper today, good sir?

[She folds the section he borrowed her and glances in his direction.]

If I say yes, I have in fact misplaced my coffee, would you help me find it? Or should I ask you to proper tea?

That there are many people convinced that everyone else is only out for themselves. And, perhaps, there are just as many who hold an opposing viewpoint. Only they do their acts of kindness on a smaller stage. Without the desire for publicity.

[ He seems faintly confused. ]

Tell me where you recollect last laying eyes on the beverage, and I shall endeavor to locate its current whereabouts.

We are disconnected from each other in a way that makes it simple to think others selfish or never see the silent kindness happening in the shadows.

[She can't help but to laugh. Soft and muffled by the hand she presses over her lips.]

Starbucks. Come I will show you.

Communication has become impersonal, I grant you that. And there is so much going on, it is no wonder people pay scant attention to the little things happening around them.

Starbucks. Is that not the establishment where they write your name on each order?

The little things are quite important.

That is the place, makes it much easier to find your drink with your name on it.

Indeed. They make the big things far more bearable.

[ He nods once, as if in quiet affirmation, and rises to his feet. The paper is tucked under an arm. ]

It should not be a difficult task to locate your beverage then, madam.

[Standing up she folds the section of the paper she has and hands it back to him.]

I hope I am not being rude by asking where you are from but I am intrigued by your manner of speaking.

Oxford, England. [ He accepts the borrowed section and rearranges his paper to slide the portion back in, then tucks it away again. ]

But I have lived here for some years.

Are you a performer? [The clothes were interesting for sure. Not what you might find in the department stores.] Theater, perhaps?

A performer? I am not sure of what you are referring to.

[ Ichabod permits his confusion to show. ]

My apologies, I mean no offense. Your jacket...it is...uncommon these days.

True. However, these clothes are more to my taste than today's fashions. Nor are they particularly indecent.

I am prepared risk public censure in order to feel comfortable.

[She smiled then and blushed a little.] I quite like it, truth be told.

You do? [ He lifts an eyebrow. ] I've been led to believe that my method of dress is found lacking.

I do. It...suits you. Very sharp. [She turned to him and offered her hand.] I am Selene.

Oh. [ The look on his face suggests that 'sharp' was not part of any critique he's recently heard. Nevertheless, he slowly extends his own hand to shake hers. And perform a small bow when the other courtesies are done. ]

I am Ichabod.

Now that is one hell of a name. Where does it come from?